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Miya V, Kumar C, Breed AA, Idicula-Thomas S, Pathak BR. Mammalian cysteine-rich secretory proteins interact with plasma membrane Ca 2+ exporter PMCA4b. Andrology 2024; 12:1096-1110. [PMID: 37882330 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are predominantly expressed in the male reproductive tract. Knockout mice lacking two or more CRISPs show defects in sperm transport, sperm-egg interaction and Ca2+ homeostasis. CRISPs play redundant and specific roles via their binding partners. To understand this, a comprehensive analysis of CRISP interactome needs to be undertaken. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyse CRISP4 binding partners on the plasma membrane of rat caudal spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS Total proteins from rat caudal spermatozoa were subjected to immunoprecipitation using anti-CRISP4 antibody followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry analysis. Plasma membrane localised proteins were shortlisted, and a key target was validated by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localisation. Co-transfection followed by co-immunoprecipitation was carried out for studying the interaction of full-length as well as deletion mutants of CRISPs with human plasma membrane calcium ATPase, isoform b (hPMCA4b). Calcium assays were performed using Fura-2-AM. The cholesterol binding ability of different CRISPs was evaluated in silico. RESULTS The membrane-specific interactome of rat CRISP4 (rCRISP4) from caudal spermatozoa revealed PMCA4b as a novel binding partner, and their interaction was validated in rat spermatozoa. Human CRISP1 (hCRISP1) and hCRISP3 also interacted with PMCA4b via the N-terminal domain. Interestingly, hCRISP1 and rCRISP4 delayed PMCA4b-mediated calcium extrusion but hCRISP3 did not. In silico analysis demonstrated that hCRISP1 and rCRISP4 have higher binding affinity towards cholesterol than hCRISP3. The secretion profile of different CRISPs also showed that the ratio of secreted to cell-associated proteins was highest for hCRISP3. CONCLUSION Our study identifies PMCA4b as a target of multiple mammalian CRISPs and unravels a new role of CRISPs in regulating calcium homeostasis. Differences in the interaction of different CRISPs with cholesterol may regulate their enrichment in the lipid rafts and redistribution in the membrane post-capacitation, thereby affecting their interaction with PMCA4b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaidehi Miya
- Division of Cellular and Structural Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Chandan Kumar
- Biomedical Informatics Centre, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Ananya A Breed
- Division of Cellular and Structural Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Susan Idicula-Thomas
- Biomedical Informatics Centre, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Bhakti R Pathak
- Division of Cellular and Structural Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, India
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Wittayarat M, Kiatsomboon S, Kupthammasan N, Tipkantha W, Yimprasert S, Thongphakdee A, Panyaboriban S. Detection of Protein Biomarkers Relevant to Sperm Characteristics and Fertility in Semen in Three Wild Felidae: The Flat-Headed Cat ( Prionailurus planiceps), Fishing Cat ( Prionailurus viverrinus), and Asiatic Golden Cat ( Catopuma temminckii). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1027. [PMID: 38612267 PMCID: PMC11011130 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective wild cat conservation programs with assisted reproductive technologies are being developed in different parts of the world. The flat-headed cat, fishing cat, and Asiatic golden cat are three species among nine wild Felidae in Thailand that are in need of urgent conservation efforts. Here, we assessed routine sperm characteristics and we report the detection of protein biomarkers related to the fertilization process, IZUMO1 and the CRISP family, and apoptotic markers, active or cleaved caspase-3, in semen samples collected from these wild cats. IZUMO1 was located in the equatorial segment of the sperm head, which is the region involved in gamete interaction. The highest levels of IZUMO1 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma of the flat-headed cat, as determined by immunoblotting. CRISP2, a sperm-egg fusion assisting protein, and CRISP3 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma, and the highest levels were observed in the fishing cat. Positive correlations between certain semen parameters and IZUMO1, CRISP2, and CRISP3 expression were also demonstrated. Cleaved caspase-3 was found in all sperm samples in all three species and was associated with an increase in DNA fragmentation and a decrease in certain semen characteristics such as motility, viability, and intact acrosomes. Our results suggest that the analysis of IZUMO1, the CRISP family, and cleaved caspase-3, along with the routine sperm characteristics, may allow for better success in breeding management in wild Felidae, particularly in the flat-headed cat and the fishing cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manita Wittayarat
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (M.W.); (N.K.)
| | - Supalak Kiatsomboon
- Animal Conservation and Research Institute, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand; (S.K.); (W.T.)
| | - Navapol Kupthammasan
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (M.W.); (N.K.)
| | - Wanlaya Tipkantha
- Animal Conservation and Research Institute, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand; (S.K.); (W.T.)
| | - Surasak Yimprasert
- Songkhla Zoo, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Songkhla 90000, Thailand;
| | - Ampika Thongphakdee
- Animal Conservation and Research Institute, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand; (S.K.); (W.T.)
| | - Saritvich Panyaboriban
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (M.W.); (N.K.)
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Lai X, Liu R, Li M, Fan Y, Li H, Han G, Guo R, Ma H, Su H, Xing W. Participation of WD repeat-containing protein 54 (WDR54) in rat sperm-oocyte fusion through interaction with both IZUMO1 and JUNO. Theriogenology 2024; 214:286-297. [PMID: 37951137 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.031] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a complex process that depends on the fusion of the cell membrane of sperm with that of oocyte, and it involves sperm-oocyte recognition, binding, and fusion, which are mediated by multiple proteins. Among those proteins, IZUMO1 and its receptor JUNO have been identified as essential factors for sperm-oocyte recognition and fusion. However, the interaction between IZUMO1 and JUNO alone does not lead to cell membrane fusion, suggesting the involvement of additional proteins in sperm-oocyte membrane fusion. In this study, we have discovered that a protein called WDR54, which consists of WD-repeat modules, is located on the cell membrane of sperm, as well as on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm of the oocyte. We have found that WDR54 is involved in sperm-oocyte fertilization. When sperm and oocyte were treated with anti-WDR54 ascites, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate significantly decreased. Furthermore, our research has shown that WDR54 interacts with both IZUMO1 and JUNO, and it colocalizes with IZUMO1 on the surface of the sperm head and with JUNO on the oocyte surface. Through structural analysis of the putative complexes of WDR54-IZUMO1 and WDR54-JUNO, we infer that these three proteins could form a complex of JUNO-WDR54-IZUMO1-JUNO (referred to as the "JWIJ complex") on the oocyte surface. Our findings suggest that WDR54 is an important factor involved in sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion. This discovery provides new insight into the mechanisms of mammalian sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Lai
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Ruizhuo Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Mengyu Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Yaochun Fan
- Inner Mongolia Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Hongxia Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Guotao Han
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Ruijie Guo
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Hairui Ma
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Huimin Su
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China.
| | - Wanjin Xing
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China.
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Siervo GEMDL, Mariani NAP, Silva AAS, Punhagui-Umbelino APF, Costa IRD, Andrade ADD, Silva EJR, Fernandes GSA. Low dose of cyclosporine A disrupts sperm parameters and testosterone levels reversibly in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 460:116374. [PMID: 36634874 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of autoimmune diseases has increased worldwide, including in men of reproductive age. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressive drug commonly used for long periods in the prophylaxis and treatment of autoimmune dysfunction and transplant rejection. Owing to CsA toxicity, most clinical settings use lower CsA doses. Therefore, we evaluated whether a low dose (10 mg/kg) of CsA affects sperm parameters (daily sperm production, motility, morphology, mitochondrial activity, and acrosomal integrity), plasma testosterone levels, and fertility after short-term (10 days) and long-term (50 days) treatments in mice. Short-term CsA treatment partially affected sperm parameters and fertility, as shown by the reduction in sperm hyperactivation and gestational rate 10 days after the interruption of short-term CsA treatment. Long-term CsA treatment impairs sperm count, hyperactivated motility, and acrosomal integrity. This treatment regimen further decreased plasma testosterone concentrations but did not affect reproductive outcomes in mating trials. These outcomes were reversed 50 days after the interruption of long-term CsA treatment. We conclude that a low CsA dose differentially impairs sperm parameters and testicular steroidogenesis in a time-dependent and mostly reversible manner but does not affect male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan Andrew S Silva
- Department of Biophysics & Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ivana Regina da Costa
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Dorth de Andrade
- Department of Biophysics & Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics & Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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The stallion sperm acrosome: Considerations from a research and clinical perspective. Theriogenology 2023; 196:121-149. [PMID: 36413868 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.012] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the fertilization process, the interaction between the sperm and the oocyte is mediated by a process known as acrosomal exocytosis (AE). Although the role of the sperm acrosome on fertilization has been studied extensively over the last 70 years, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern acrosomal function, particularly in species other than mice or humans. Even though subfertility due to acrosomal dysfunction is less common in large animals than in humans, the evaluation of sperm acrosomal function should be considered not only as a complementary but a routine test when individuals are selected for breeding potential. This certainly holds true for stallions, which might display lower levels of fertility in the face of "acceptable" sperm quality parameters determined by conventional sperm assays. Nowadays, the use of high throughput technologies such as flow cytometry or mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis is commonplace in the research arena. Such techniques can also be implemented in clinical scenarios of males with "idiopathic" subfertility. The current review focuses on the sperm acrosome, with particular emphasis on the stallion. We aim to describe the physiological events that lead to the acrosome formation within the testis, the role of very specific acrosomal proteins during AE, the methods to study the occurrence of AE under in vitro conditions, and the potential use of molecular biology techniques to discover new markers of acrosomal function and subfertility associated with acrosomal dysfunction in stallions.
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Karanwal S, Pal A, Chera JS, Batra V, Kumaresan A, Datta TK, Kumar R. Identification of protein candidates in spermatozoa of water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) bulls helps in predicting their fertility status. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1119220. [PMID: 36891514 PMCID: PMC9986327 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1119220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an indispensable part of the Indian dairy sector and in several instances, the farmers incur economic losses due to failed pregnancy after artificial insemination (AI). One of the key factors for the failure of conception is the use of semen from the bulls of low fertilizing potential and hence, it becomes important to predict the fertility status before performing AI. In this study, the global proteomic profile of high fertile (HF) and low fertile (LF) buffalo bull spermatozoa was established using a high-throughput LC-MS/MS technique. A total of 1,385 proteins (≥1 high-quality PSM/s, ≥1 unique peptides, p < 0.05, FDR < 0.01) were identified out of which, 1,002 were common between both the HF and LF groups while 288 and 95 proteins were unique to HF and LF groups respectively. We observed 211 and 342 proteins were significantly high (log Fc ≥ 2) and low abundant (log Fc ≤ 0.5) in HF spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Gene ontology analysis revealed that the fertility associated high abundant proteins in HF were involved in spermatogenesis, sperm motility, acrosome integrity, zona pellucida binding and other associated sperm functions. Besides this, the low abundant proteins in HF were involved in glycolysis, fatty acid degradation and inflammation. Furthermore, fertility related differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) on sperm viz., AKAP3, Sp17, and DLD were validated through Western blotting and immunocytochemistry which was in coherence with the LC-MS/MS data. The DAPs identified in this study may be used as potential protein candidates for predicting fertility in buffaloes. Our findings provide an opportunity in mitigating the economic losses that farmers incur due to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Karanwal
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Ankit Pal
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Jatinder Singh Chera
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenelogy Laboratory, SRS of National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha K Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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7
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Omolaoye TS, Hachim MY, du Plessis SS. Using publicly available transcriptomic data to identify mechanistic and diagnostic biomarkers in azoospermia and overall male infertility. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2584. [PMID: 35173218 PMCID: PMC8850557 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06476-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia, which is the absence of spermatozoa in an ejaculate occurring due to defects in sperm production, or the obstruction of the reproductive tract, affects about 1% of all men and is prevalent in up to 10–15% of infertile males. Conventional semen analysis remains the gold standard for diagnosing and treating male infertility; however, advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics now highlight the insufficiency thereof. Hence, the need to widen the scope of investigating the aetiology of male infertility stands pertinent. The current study aimed to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that might serve as potential biomarkers for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and overall male infertility. DEGs across different datasets of transcriptomic profiling of testis from human patients with different causes of infertility/ impaired spermatogenesis and/or azoospermia were explored using the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Following the search using the GEOquery, 30 datasets were available, with 5 meeting the inclusion criteria. The DEGs for datasets were identified using limma R packages through the GEO2R tool. The annotated genes of the probes in each dataset were intersected with DEGs from all other datasets. Enriched Ontology Clustering for the identified genes was performed using Metascape to explore the possible connection or interaction between the genes. Twenty-five DEGs were shared between most of the datasets, which might indicate their role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. Of the 25 DEGs, eight genes (THEG, SPATA20, ROPN1L, GSTF1, TSSK1B, CABS1, ADAD1, RIMBP3) are either involved in the overall spermatogenic processes or at specific phases of spermatogenesis. We hypothesize that alteration in the expression of these genes leads to impaired spermatogenesis and, ultimately, male infertility. Thus, these genes can be used as potential biomarkers for the early detection of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temidayo S Omolaoye
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - Mahmood Yaseen Hachim
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE.
| | - Stefan S du Plessis
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE.,Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Sansegundo E, Tourmente M, Roldan ERS. Energy Metabolism and Hyperactivation of Spermatozoa from Three Mouse Species under Capacitating Conditions. Cells 2022; 11:220. [PMID: 35053337 PMCID: PMC8773617 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm differ widely in sperm morphology, and several explanations have been presented to account for this diversity. Less is known about variation in sperm physiology and cellular processes that can give sperm cells an advantage when competing to fertilize oocytes. Capacitation of spermatozoa, a process essential for mammalian fertilization, correlates with changes in motility that result in a characteristic swimming pattern known as hyperactivation. Previous studies revealed that sperm motility and velocity depend on the amount of ATP available and, therefore, changes in sperm movement occurring during capacitation and hyperactivation may involve changes in sperm bioenergetics. Here, we examine differences in ATP levels of sperm from three mouse species (genus Mus), differing in sperm competition levels, incubated under non-capacitating and capacitating conditions, to analyse relationships between energetics, capacitation, and swimming patterns. We found that, in general terms, the amount of sperm ATP decreased more rapidly under capacitating conditions. This descent was related to the development of a hyperactivated pattern of movement in two species (M. musculus and M. spicilegus) but not in the other (M. spretus), suggesting that, in the latter, temporal dynamics and energetic demands of capacitation and hyperactivation may be decoupled or that the hyperactivation pattern differs. The decrease in ATP levels during capacitation was steeper in species with higher levels of sperm competition than in those with lower levels. Our results suggest that, during capacitation, sperm consume more ATP than under non-capacitating conditions. This higher ATP consumption may be linked to higher velocity and lateral head displacement, which are associated with hyperactivated motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Sansegundo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Maximiliano Tourmente
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científica y Técnicas (CONICET), Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
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Gonzalez SN, Sulzyk V, Weigel Muñoz M, Cuasnicu PS. Cysteine-Rich Secretory Proteins (CRISP) are Key Players in Mammalian Fertilization and Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:800351. [PMID: 34970552 PMCID: PMC8712725 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.800351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a complex process involving a series of successive sperm-egg interaction steps mediated by different molecules and mechanisms. Studies carried out during the past 30 years, using a group of proteins named CRISP (Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins), have significantly contributed to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian gamete interaction. The CRISP family is composed of four members (i.e., CRISP1-4) in mammals, mainly expressed in the male tract, present in spermatozoa and exhibiting Ca2+ channel regulatory abilities. Biochemical, molecular and genetic approaches show that each CRISP protein participates in more than one stage of gamete interaction (i.e., cumulus penetration, sperm-ZP binding, ZP penetration, gamete fusion) by either ligand-receptor interactions or the regulation of several capacitation-associated events (i.e., protein tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome reaction, hyperactivation, etc.) likely through their ability to regulate different sperm ion channels. Moreover, deletion of different numbers and combination of Crisp genes leading to the generation of single, double, triple and quadruple knockout mice showed that CRISP proteins are essential for male fertility and are involved not only in gamete interaction but also in previous and subsequent steps such as sperm transport within the female tract and early embryo development. Collectively, these observations reveal that CRISP have evolved to perform redundant as well as specialized functions and are organized in functional modules within the family that work through independent pathways and contribute distinctly to fertility success. Redundancy and compensation mechanisms within protein families are particularly important for spermatozoa which are transcriptionally and translationally inactive cells carrying numerous protein families, emphasizing the importance of generating multiple knockout models to unmask the true functional relevance of family proteins. Considering the high sequence and functional homology between rodent and human CRISP proteins, these observations will contribute to a better understanding and diagnosis of human infertility as well as the development of new contraceptive options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Patricia S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Giaccagli MM, Gómez-Elías MD, Herzfeld JD, Marín-Briggiler CI, Cuasnicú PS, Cohen DJ, Da Ros VG. Capacitation-Induced Mitochondrial Activity Is Required for Sperm Fertilizing Ability in Mice by Modulating Hyperactivation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:767161. [PMID: 34765607 PMCID: PMC8576324 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.767161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To become fully competent to fertilize an egg, mammalian sperm undergo a series of functional changes within the female tract, known as capacitation, that require an adequate supply and management of energy. However, the contribution of each ATP generating pathway to sustain the capacitation-associated changes remains unclear. Based on this, we investigated the role of mitochondrial activity in the acquisition of sperm fertilizing ability during capacitation in mice. For this purpose, the dynamics of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was studied by flow cytometry with the probe tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE). We observed a time-dependent increase in MMP only in capacitated sperm as well as a specific staining with the probe in the flagellar region where mitochondria are confined. The MMP rise was prevented when sperm were exposed to the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine (CCCP) or the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 during capacitation, indicating that MMP increase is dependent on capacitation and H89-sensitive events. Results showed that whereas nearly all motile sperm were TMRE positive, immotile cells were mostly TMRE negative, supporting an association between high MMP and sperm motility. Furthermore, CCCP treatment during capacitation did not affect PKA substrate and tyrosine phosphorylations but produced a decrease in hyperactivation measured by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA), similar to that observed after H89 exposure. In addition, CCCP inhibited the in vitro sperm fertilizing ability without affecting cumulus penetration and gamete fusion, indicating that the hyperactivation supported by mitochondrial function is needed mainly for zona pellucida penetration. Finally, complementary in vivo fertilization experiments further demonstrated the fundamental role of mitochondrial activity for sperm function. Altogether, our results show the physiological relevance of mitochondrial functionality for sperm fertilization competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Milagros Giaccagli
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías Daniel Gómez-Elías
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jael Dafne Herzfeld
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara Isabel Marín-Briggiler
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular de la Reproducción, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Sara Cuasnicú
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Débora Juana Cohen
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Gabriela Da Ros
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Gaikwad AS, Nandagiri A, Potter DL, Nosrati R, O'Connor AE, Jadhav S, Soria J, Prabhakar R, O'Bryan MK. CRISPs Function to Boost Sperm Power Output and Motility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:693258. [PMID: 34422816 PMCID: PMC8374954 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.693258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization requires sperm to travel long distances through the complex environment of the female reproductive tract. Despite the strong association between poor motility and infertility, the kinetics of sperm tail movement and the role individual proteins play in this process is poorly understood. Here, we use a high spatiotemporal sperm imaging system and an analysis protocol to define the role of CRISPs in the mechanobiology of sperm function. Each of CRISP1, CRISP2, and CRISP4 is required to optimize sperm flagellum waveform. Each plays an autonomous role in defining beat frequency, flexibility, and power dissipation. We thus posit that the expansion of the CRISP family from one member in basal vertebrates, to three in most mammals, and four in numerous rodents, represents an example of neofunctionalization wherein proteins with a common core function, boosting power output, have evolved to optimize different aspects of sperm tail performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash S Gaikwad
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashwin Nandagiri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India.,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - David L Potter
- Monash Micro Imaging - Advanced Optical Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Reza Nosrati
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sameer Jadhav
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Julio Soria
- Laboratory for Turbulence Research in Aerospace & Combustion (LTRAC), Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ranganathan Prabhakar
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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12
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CRISP2, CATSPER1 and PATE1 Expression in Human Asthenozoospermic Semen. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081956. [PMID: 34440724 PMCID: PMC8391270 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of human asthenozoospermia is multifactorial. The need to unveil molecular mechanisms underlying this state of infertility is, thus, impelling. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in microRNA (miRNA) inhibition by a sponge activity to protect mRNA targets. All together they form the competitive endogenous RNA network (ceRNET). Recently, we have identified differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic patients, associated with high-quality (A-spermatozoa) and low-quality (B-spermatozoa) sperm. Here, we carried out a differential analysis of CRISP2, CATSPER1 and PATE1 mRNA expression in good quality (A-spermatozoa) and low quality (B-spermatozoa) sperm fractions collected from both normozoospermic volunteers and asthenozoospermic patients. These sperm fractions are usually separated on the basis of morphology and motility parameters by a density gradient centrifugation. B-spermatozoa showed low levels of mRNAs. Thus, we identified the possible ceRNET responsible for regulating their expression by focusing on circTRIM2, circEPS15 and circRERE. With the idea that motility perturbations could be rooted in quantitative changes of transcripts in sperm, we evaluated circRNA and mRNA modulation in A-spermatozoa and B-spermatozoa after an oral amino acid supplementation known to improve sperm motility. The profiles of CRISP2, CATSPER1 and PATE1 proteins in the same fractions of sperm well matched with the transcript levels. Our data may strengthen the role of circRNAs in asthenozoospermia and shed light on the molecular pathways linked to sperm motility regulation.
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13
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Zhang M, Bromfield EG, Veenendaal T, Klumperman J, Helms JB, Gadella BM. Characterization of different oligomeric forms of CRISP2 in the perinuclear theca versus the fibrous tail structures of boar spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1160-1170. [PMID: 34309660 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm carry a variety of highly condensed insoluble protein structures such as the perinuclear theca, the fibrous sheath and the outer dense fibers, which are essential to sperm function. We studied the role of cysteine rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2); a known inducer of non-pathological protein amyloids, in pig sperm with a variety of techniques. CRISP2, which is synthesized during spermatogenesis, was localized by confocal immunofluorescent imaging in the tail and in the post-acrosomal region of the sperm head. High resolution localization by immunogold labeling electron microscopy (EM) of ultrathin cryosections revealed that CRISP2 was present in the perinuclear theca and neck region of the sperm head, as well as in the outer dense fibers and the fibrous sheath of the sperm tail. Interestingly, we found that under native, non-reducing conditions CRISP2 formed oligomers both in the tail and the head but with different molecular weights and different biochemical properties. The tail oligomers were insensitive to reducing conditions but nearly complete dissociated into monomers under 8 M urea treatment, while the head 250 kDa CRISP2 positive oligomer completely dissociated into CRISP2 monomers under reducing conditions. The head specific dissociation of CRISP2 oligomer is likely a result of the reduction of various sulfhydryl groups in the cysteine rich domain of this protein. The sperm head CRISP2 shared typical solubilization characteristics with other perinuclear theca proteins as was shown with sequential detergent and salt treatments. Thus, CRISP2 is likely to participate in the formation of functional protein complexes in both the sperm tail and sperm head, but with differing oligomeric organization and biochemical properties. Future studies will be devoted to the understand the role of CRISP2 in sperm protein complexes formation and how this contributes to the fertilization processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zhang
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - E G Bromfield
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - T Veenendaal
- Section Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - J Klumperman
- Section Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - J B Helms
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - B M Gadella
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.,Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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14
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Curci L, Carvajal G, Sulzyk V, Gonzalez SN, Cuasnicú PS. Pharmacological Inactivation of CatSper Blocks Sperm Fertilizing Ability Independently of the Capacitation Status of the Cells: Implications for Non-hormonal Contraception. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:686461. [PMID: 34295893 PMCID: PMC8290173 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.686461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cation channel of sperm (CatSper), the main sperm-specific Ca2+ channel, plays a key role in mammalian fertilization, and it is essential for male fertility, becoming an attractive target for contraception. Based on this, in the present work, we investigated the effects of CatSper inactivation on in vitro and in vivo sperm fertilizing ability and the mechanisms underlying such effects. Exposure of cauda epididymal mouse sperm to different concentrations (1-20 μM) of the potent CatSper inhibitor HC-056456 (HC) during in vitro capacitation showed no effects on sperm viability but significantly affected Ca2+ entry into the cells, progressive motility, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, induced acrosome reaction, and hyperactivation, as well as the sperm's ability to in vitro fertilize cumulus oocyte complexes and zona-free eggs. Whereas the presence of HC during gamete coincubation did not affect in vitro fertilization, exposure of either non-capacitating or already capacitated sperm to HC prior to gamete coincubation severely reduced fertilization, indicating that sperm function is affected by HC when the cells are incubated with the drug before sperm-egg interaction. Of note, insemination of HC-treated sperm into the uterus significantly or completely reduced the percentage of oviductal fertilized eggs showing, for the first time, the effects of a CatSper inhibitor on in vivo fertilization. These observations, together with the finding that HC affects sperm fertilizing ability independently of the sperm capacitation status, provide further insights on how CatSper regulates sperm function and represent a solid proof of concept for developing a male/female non-hormonal contraceptive based on the pharmacological blockage of CatSper activity.
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15
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CRISP protein expression in semen of the endangered Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus). Theriogenology 2021; 172:106-115. [PMID: 34153566 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Malayan tapir is a large endangered herbivore native to South-east Asia with fewer than 2500 animals remaining in the wild. Although a small number of animals (183 animals held by 60 institutions) are managed in zoos and breeding centres, there is limited information on the fundamental reproductive biology of this species. The purpose of this present study was to evaluate the associations of reproductive protein biomarkers (CRISP2 and CRISP3) in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa with reproductive characteristics in male Malayan tapirs. Ejaculates were collected from zoo-housed animals by electroejaculation and assessed for sperm motility and quality traits. Seminal plasma and sperm pellets were analysed for CRISP protein expression by immunoblotting. The reproductive tract of a single animal was also analysed for CRISP2 and CRISP3 protein expression and localization by immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that both CRISP2 and CRISP3 are expressed in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa derived from Malayan tapirs. CRISP expression was positively correlated with semen quality, especially ejaculate volume, number of motile sperm, and acrosomal integrity. In addition, CRISP2 and CRISP3 protein expression were slightly high in males that had recently sired an offspring. The results suggest that CRISP proteins may serve as biomarkers for ejaculate quality and fertility in male Malayan tapirs. These findings may have significant implications for planning future breeding and re-introduction efforts for this species.
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16
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Prakash MA, Kumaresan A, Ebenezer Samuel King JP, Nag P, Sharma A, Sinha MK, Kamaraj E, Datta TK. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Spermatozoa From High- and Low-Fertile Crossbred Bulls: Implications for Fertility Prediction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:647717. [PMID: 34041237 PMCID: PMC8141864 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.647717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crossbred bulls produced by crossing Bos taurus and Bos indicus suffer with high incidence of infertility/subfertility problems; however, the etiology remains poorly understood. The uncertain predictability and the inability of semen evaluation techniques to maintain constant correlation with fertility demand for alternate methods for bull fertility prediction. Therefore, in this study, the global differential gene expression between high- and low-fertile crossbred bull sperm was assessed using a high-throughput RNA sequencing technique with the aim to identify transcripts associated with crossbred bull fertility. Crossbred bull sperm contained transcripts for 13,563 genes, in which 2,093 were unique to high-fertile and 5,454 were unique to low-fertile bulls. After normalization of data, a total of 776 transcripts were detected, in which 84 and 168 transcripts were unique to high-fertile and low-fertile bulls, respectively. A total of 176 transcripts were upregulated (fold change > 1) and 209 were downregulated (<1) in low-fertile bulls. Gene ontology analysis identified that the sperm transcripts involved in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway and biological process such as multicellular organism development, spermatogenesis, and in utero embryonic development were downregulated in low-fertile crossbred bull sperm. Sperm transcripts upregulated and unique to low-fertile bulls were majorly involved in translation (biological process) and ribosomal pathway. With the use of RT-qPCR, selected sperm transcripts (n = 12) were validated in crossbred bulls (n = 12) with different fertility ratings and found that the transcriptional abundance of ZNF706, CRISP2, TNP2, and TNP1 genes was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in low-fertile bulls than high-fertile bulls and was positively (p < 0.05) correlated with conception rate. It is inferred that impaired oxidative phosphorylation could be the predominant reason for low fertility in crossbred bulls and that transcriptional abundance of ZNF706, CRISP2, TNP2, and TNP1 genes could serve as potential biomarkers for fertility in crossbred bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mani Arul Prakash
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - John Peter Ebenezer Samuel King
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Elango Kamaraj
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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17
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Gao F, Wang P, Wang K, Fan Y, Chen Y, Chen Y, Ye C, Feng M, Li L, Zhang S, Wei H. Investigation Into the Relationship Between Sperm Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 2 (CRISP2) and Sperm Fertilizing Ability and Fertility of Boars. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:653413. [PMID: 33996980 PMCID: PMC8119884 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.653413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The proteins in the seminal plasma and on the sperm surface play important roles in sperm function and numerous reproductive processes. The cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are enriched biasedly in the male reproductive tract of mammals, and CRISP2 is the sole member of CRISPs produced during spermatogenesis; whereas the role of CRISP2 in fertilization and its association with fertility of boars are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the sperm CRISP2 and boar fertility, and explore its impact sperm fertilizing ability. The levels of CRISP2 protein in sperm were quantified by ELISA; correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the association between CRISP2 protein levels and boar reproductive parameters. Meanwhile, the expression of CRISP2 in boar reproductive organs and sperm, and the effects of CRISP2 on in vitro fertilization (IVF) were examined. The results showed that boars with high sperm levels of CRISP2 had high fertility. The protein levels of CRISP2 in sperm were positively correlated with the litter size (r = 0.412, p = 0.026), the number of live-born piglets (r = 0.421, p = 0.023) and the qualified piglets per litter (r = 0.381, p = 0.042). CRISP2 is specifically expressed in the testis and sperm of adult boars, and its location on sperm changed mainly from the post-acrosomal region to the apical segment of acrosome during capacitation. The cleavage rate was significantly decreased by adding the anti-CRISP2 antibody to the IVF medium, which indicates CRISP2 plays a critical role in fertilization. In conclusion, CRISP2 protein is specifically expressed in the adult testis and sperm and is associated with sperm fertilizing ability and boar fertility. Further mechanistic studies are warranted, in order to fully decipher the role of CRISP2 in the boar reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglei Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, College of Guangdong Agriculture Industry Business Polytechnic, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yushan Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuming Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Ye
- Technology Department, Guangdong Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
| | - Meiying Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,College of Life Sciences, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing, China
| | - Li Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouquan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hengxi Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Gaikwad AS, Hu J, Chapple DG, O'Bryan MK. The functions of CAP superfamily proteins in mammalian fertility and disease. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:689-723. [PMID: 32378701 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Members of the cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPS), antigen 5 (Ag5) and pathogenesis-related 1 (Pr-1) (CAP) superfamily of proteins are found across the bacterial, fungal, plant and animal kingdoms. Although many CAP superfamily proteins remain poorly characterized, over the past decade evidence has accumulated, which provides insights into the functional roles of these proteins in various processes, including fertilization, immune defence and subversion, pathogen virulence, venom toxicology and cancer biology. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this article is to summarize the current state of knowledge on CAP superfamily proteins in mammalian fertility, organismal homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. SEARCH METHODS The scientific literature search was undertaken via PubMed database on all articles published prior to November 2019. Search terms were based on following keywords: 'CAP superfamily', 'CRISP', 'Cysteine-rich secretory proteins', 'Antigen 5', 'Pathogenesis-related 1', 'male fertility', 'CAP and CTL domain containing', 'CRISPLD1', 'CRISPLD2', 'bacterial SCP', 'ion channel regulator', 'CatSper', 'PI15', 'PI16', 'CLEC', 'PRY proteins', 'ASP proteins', 'spermatogenesis', 'epididymal maturation', 'capacitation' and 'snake CRISP'. In addition to that, reference lists of primary and review article were reviewed for additional relevant publications. OUTCOMES In this review, we discuss the breadth of knowledge on CAP superfamily proteins with regards to their protein structure, biological functions and emerging significance in reproduction, health and disease. We discuss the evolution of CAP superfamily proteins from their otherwise unembellished prokaryotic predecessors into the multi-domain and neofunctionalized members found in eukaryotic organisms today. At least in part because of the rapid evolution of these proteins, many inconsistencies in nomenclature exist within the literature. As such, and in part through the use of a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of the vertebrate CRISP subfamily, we have attempted to clarify this confusion, thus allowing for a comparison of orthologous protein function between species. This framework also allows the prediction of functional relevance between species based on sequence and structural conservation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review generates a picture of critical roles for CAP proteins in ion channel regulation, sterol and lipid binding and protease inhibition, and as ligands involved in the induction of multiple cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash S Gaikwad
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Jinghua Hu
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - David G Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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19
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Gahlay GK, Rajput N. The enigmatic sperm proteins in mammalian fertilization: an overview†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1171-1185. [PMID: 32761117 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization involves a physical interaction between a sperm and an egg followed by molecular interactions amongst their various cell surface molecules. These interactions are initially mediated on the egg's outermost matrix, zona pellucida (ZP), and then its plasma membrane. To better understand this process, it is pertinent to find the corresponding molecules on sperm that interact with ZP or the egg's plasma membrane. Although currently, we have some knowledge about the binding partners for egg's plasma membrane on sperm, yet the ones involved in an interaction with ZP have remained remarkably elusive. This review provides comprehensive knowledge about the various sperm proteins participating in mammalian fertilization and discusses the possible reasons for not being able to identify the strong sperm surface candidate (s) for ZP adhesion. It also hypothesizes the existence of a multi-protein complex(s), members of which participate in oviduct transport, cumulus penetration, zona adhesion, and adhesion/fusion with the egg's plasma membrane; with some protein(s) having multiple roles during this process. Identification of these proteins is crucial as it improves our understanding of the process and allows us to successfully treat infertility, develop contraceptives, and improve artificial reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Kaur Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
| | - Neha Rajput
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
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20
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Curci L, Brukman NG, Weigel Muñoz M, Rojo D, Carvajal G, Sulzyk V, Gonzalez SN, Rubinstein M, Da Ros VG, Cuasnicú PS. Functional redundancy and compensation: Deletion of multiple murine Crisp genes reveals their essential role for male fertility. FASEB J 2020; 34:15718-15733. [PMID: 33037689 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001406r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian Cysteine-RIch Secretory Protein (CRISP) family includes four members present in sperm and reported to regulate Ca2+ channels and fertilization. Based on our previous observations using single knockouts models and suggesting the existence of functional compensation among CRISP proteins, we investigated their relevance for male fertility by generating multiple Crisp gene mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Whereas targeting of Crisp1 and Crisp3 yielded subfertile males with early embryo developmental defects, the same deletion in zygotes from fertile Crisp2-/- .Crisp4-/- mice led to the generation of both triple and quadruple knockout mice exhibiting a complete or severe disruption of male fertility due to a combination of sperm transport, fertilization, and embryo developmental defects linked to intracellular Ca2+ dysregulation. These observations reveal that CRISP proteins are essential for male fertility and organize in functional modules that contribute distinctly to fertility success, bringing insights into the mechanisms underlying functional redundancy/compensation in protein families and emphasizing the importance of generating multiple and not just single knockout which might be masking the true functional relevance of family genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N G Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D Rojo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - V Sulzyk
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S N Gonzalez
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Rubinstein
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - V G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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21
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Arévalo L, Brukman NG, Cuasnicú PS, Roldan ERS. Evolutionary analysis of genes coding for Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins (CRISPs) in mammals. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:67. [PMID: 32513118 PMCID: PMC7278046 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01632-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins (CRISP) are expressed in the reproductive tract of mammalian males and are involved in fertilization and related processes. Due to their important role in sperm performance and sperm-egg interaction, these genes are likely to be exposed to strong selective pressures, including postcopulatory sexual selection and/or male-female coevolution. We here perform a comparative evolutionary analysis of Crisp genes in mammals. Currently, the nomenclature of CRISP genes is confusing, as a consequence of discrepancies between assignments of orthologs, particularly due to numbering of CRISP genes. This may generate problems when performing comparative evolutionary analyses of mammalian clades and species. To avoid such problems, we first carried out a study of possible orthologous relationships and putative origins of the known CRISP gene sequences. Furthermore, and with the aim to facilitate analyses, we here propose a different nomenclature for CRISP genes (EVAC1-4, "EVolutionarily-analyzed CRISP") to be used in an evolutionary context. RESULTS We found differing selective pressures among Crisp genes. CRISP1/4 (EVAC1) and CRISP2 (EVAC2) orthologs are found across eutherian mammals and seem to be conserved in general, but show signs of positive selection in primate CRISP1/4 (EVAC1). Rodent Crisp1 (Evac3a) seems to evolve under a comparatively more relaxed constraint with positive selection on codon sites. Finally, murine Crisp3 (Evac4), which appears to be specific to the genus Mus, shows signs of possible positive selection. We further provide evidence for sexual selection on the sequence of one of these genes (Crisp1/4) that, unlike others, is thought to be exclusively expressed in male reproductive tissues. CONCLUSIONS We found differing selective pressures among CRISP genes and sexual selection as a contributing factor in CRISP1/4 gene sequence evolution. Our evolutionary analysis of this unique set of genes contributes to a better understanding of Crisp function in particular and the influence of sexual selection on reproductive mechanisms in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Arévalo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, 53127 Germany
| | - Nicolás G. Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S. Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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22
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Heidary Z, Saliminejad K, Zaki-Dizaji M, Khorram Khorshid HR. Genetic aspects of idiopathic asthenozoospermia as a cause of male infertility. HUM FERTIL 2020; 23:83-92. [PMID: 30198353 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2018.1504325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a worldwide problem affecting about 15% of couples trying to conceive. Asthenozoospermia (AZS) is one of the major causes of male infertility, diagnosed by reduced sperm motility, and has no effective therapeutic treatment. To date, a few genes have been found to be associated with AZS in humans and mice, but in most of cases its molecular aetiology remains unknown. Genetic causes of AZS may include chromosomal abnormalities, specific mutations of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. However recently, epigenetic factors, altered microRNAs expression signature, and proteomics have shed light on the pathophysiological basis of AZS. This review article summarises the reported genetic causes of AZS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Heidary
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Centre, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kioomars Saliminejad
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Centre, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Zaki-Dizaji
- Department of Medical Genetics School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Khorram Khorshid
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Centre, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Genetics Research Centre University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Association between high-fat diet feeding and male fertility in high reproductive performance mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18546. [PMID: 31811184 PMCID: PMC6898043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54799-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing worldwide prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), especially in younger populations, is a risk factor for fertility disorders. However, a direct correlation of MetS with male infertility still remains unclear. In this work, we evaluated whether MetS has a negative impact on fertility of hybrid male mice with high reproductive performance. To induce a MetS-like condition, (C57BL/6xBALB/c) F1 male mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 30% fat) for 19 weeks, while controls received a normal-fat diet (NFD, 6% fat). HFD-fed animals exhibited increased body weight, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. In vivo fertilisation assays performed along the treatment period showed no differences in fertilisation nor in vitro embryo development rates between groups. While testicular weight and morphology were similar in both groups, HFD-fed mice presented lighter epididymides and higher amounts of gonadal fat. Moreover, sperm count was lower in HFD-fed mice, despite normal sperm viability, morphology, motility or acrosome reaction. Finally, no differences were observed in in vitro fertilisation rates between groups. In summary, although HFD feeding altered some reproductive parameters, it did not impair male fertility in high performance breeders suggesting the possibility that a fertility impairment could be the result of the cumulative combination of environmental and/or genetic factors.
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24
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Gholami D, Salman Yazdi R, Jami MS, Ghasemi S, Sadighi Gilani MA, Sadeghinia S, Teimori H. The expression of Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 2 (CRISP2) and miR-582-5p in seminal plasma fluid and spermatozoa of infertile men. Gene 2019; 730:144261. [PMID: 31778754 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.144261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 2 (CRISP2) plays an important role in the morphology and motion of male ejaculated spermatozoa. The association of its expression with some miRNAs is also well known. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of CRISP2 and mir-582 in the seminal plasma fluid and spermatozoa of three groups of infertile men and the possible association of their expressions. In this experimental study, the expression of CRISP2 in seminal plasma fluid and spermatozoa of 17 men with asthenozoospermia, 15 men with teratozoospermia, 17 men with teratoasthenozoospermia, and 18 infertile individuals with normozoospermia were measured using western blotting. Then by using bioinformatics studies, miR-582-5p was nominated as a CRISP2-associated miRNA, and its expression was evaluated by means of Real-Time PCR. Comparison of expression of CRISP2 and miRNA-582 in the studied groups was analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. The expression of CRISP2 showed a significant reduction in the spermatozoa and seminal plasma fluid of all three groups, (p < 0.05). MiR-582-5p expression significantly increased in teratozoospermia patients (<0.05), and significantly decreased in teratoasthenozoospermia patients (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, changes in the expression of miR-582-5p in teratoasthenozoospermia individuals was associated with a decrease in the expression of CRISP2, which could represent the potential role of miR-582-5p in regulation of CRISP2 expression in teratoasthenozoospermia individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delnya Gholami
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Reza Salman Yazdi
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Saeid Jami
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran; Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sorayya Ghasemi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Ali Sadighi Gilani
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Sadeghinia
- College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences School of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Hossien Teimori
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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25
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Liu S, Fang L, Zhou Y, Santos DJA, Xiang R, Daetwyler HD, Chamberlain AJ, Cole JB, Li CJ, Yu Y, Ma L, Zhang S, Liu GE. Analyses of inter-individual variations of sperm DNA methylation and their potential implications in cattle. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:888. [PMID: 31752687 PMCID: PMC6873545 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6228-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation has been shown to be involved in many biological processes, including X chromosome inactivation in females, paternal genomic imprinting, and others. Results Based on the correlation patterns of methylation levels of neighboring CpG sites among 28 sperm whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data (486 × coverage), we obtained 31,272 methylation haplotype blocks (MHBs). Among them, we defined conserved methylated regions (CMRs), variably methylated regions (VMRs) and highly variably methylated regions (HVMRs) among individuals, and showed that HVMRs might play roles in transcriptional regulation and function in complex traits variation and adaptive evolution by integrating evidence from traditional and molecular quantitative trait loci (QTL), and selection signatures. Using a weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), we also detected a co-regulated module of HVMRs that was significantly associated with reproduction traits, and enriched for glycosyltransferase genes, which play critical roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization. Additionally, we identified 46 VMRs significantly associated with reproduction traits, nine of which were regulated by cis-SNPs, implying the possible intrinsic relationships among genomic variations, DNA methylation, and phenotypes. These significant VMRs were co-localized (± 10 kb) with genes related to sperm motility and reproduction, including ZFP36L1, CRISP2 and HGF. We provided further evidence that rs109326022 within a predominant QTL on BTA18 might influence the reproduction traits through regulating the methylation level of nearby genes JOSD2 and ASPDH in sperm. Conclusion In summary, our results demonstrated associations of sperm DNA methylation with reproduction traits, highlighting the potential of epigenomic information in genomic improvement programs for cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.,USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Lingzhao Fang
- USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.,Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.,Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit at the Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Yang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Ministry of China, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Daniel J A Santos
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Ruidong Xiang
- Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Hans D Daetwyler
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Amanda J Chamberlain
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - John B Cole
- USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Cong-Jun Li
- USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Ying Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Shengli Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - George E Liu
- USDA-ARS, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
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26
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Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Carvajal G, Maldera JA, Curci L, Torres P, Lombardo D, Pignataro OP, Da Ros VG, Cuasnicú PS. Influence of the genetic background on the reproductive phenotype of mice lacking Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 1 (CRISP1). Biol Reprod 2019; 99:373-383. [PMID: 29481619 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal sperm protein CRISP1 has the ability to both regulate murine CatSper, a key sperm calcium channel, and interact with egg-binding sites during fertilization. In spite of its relevance for sperm function, Crisp1-/-mice are fertile. Considering that phenotypes can be influenced by the genetic background, in the present work mice from the original mixed Crisp1-/- colony (129/SvEv*C57BL/6) were backcrossed onto the C57BL/6 strain for subsequent analysis of their reproductive phenotype. Whereas fertility and fertilization rates of C57BL/6 Crisp1-/- males did not differ from those reported for mice from the mixed background, several sperm functional parameters were clearly affected by the genetic background. Crisp1-/- sperm from the homogeneous background exhibited defects in both the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and motility not observed in the mixed background, and normal rather than reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Additional studies revealed a significant decrease in sperm hyperactivation as well as in cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) substrate phosphorylation levels in sperm from both colonies. The finding that exposure of mutant sperm to a cAMP analog and phosphodiesterase inhibitor overcame the sperm functional defects observed in each colony indicated that a common cAMP-PKA signaling defect led to different phenotypes depending on the genetic background. Altogether, our observations indicate that the phenotype of CRISP1 null males is modulated by the genetic context and reveal new roles for the protein in both the functional events and signaling pathways associated to capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta A Maldera
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ludmila Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Torres
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Lombardo
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Omar P Pignataro
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Okabe M. Sperm-egg interaction and fertilization: past, present, and future. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:134-146. [PMID: 29462236 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifty years have passed since the findings of capacitation and acrosome reaction. These discoveries and the extensive effort of researchers led to the success of in vitro fertilization, which has become a top choice for patients at infertility clinics today. The effort to understand the mechanism of fertilization is ongoing, but the small number of eggs and similarly small quantity of spermatozoa continue to hinder biochemical experiments. The emergence of transgenic animals and gene disruption techniques has had a significant effect on fertilization research. Factors considered important in the early years were shown not to be essential and were replaced by newly found proteins. However, there is much about sperm-egg interaction which remains to be learned before we can outline the mechanism of fertilization. In fact, our understanding of sperm-egg interaction is entering a new stage. Progress in transgenic spermatozoa helped us to observe the behavior of spermatozoa in vivo and/or at the moment of sperm-egg fusion. These advancements are discussed together with the paradigm-shifting research in related fields to help us picture the direction which fertilization research may take in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Okabe
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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28
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Weigel Muñoz M, Carvajal G, Curci L, Gonzalez SN, Cuasnicu PS. Relevance of CRISP proteins for epididymal physiology, fertilization, and fertility. Andrology 2019; 7:610-617. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - G. Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - L. Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - S. N. Gonzalez
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - P. S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
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29
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Lim S, Kierzek M, O'Connor AE, Brenker C, Merriner DJ, Okuda H, Volpert M, Gaikwad A, Bianco D, Potter D, Prabhakar R, Strünker T, O'Bryan MK. CRISP2 Is a Regulator of Multiple Aspects of Sperm Function and Male Fertility. Endocrinology 2019; 160:915-924. [PMID: 30759213 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-01076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are a group of proteins that show a pronounced expression biased to the male reproductive tract. Although sperm encounter CRISPs at virtually all phases of sperm development and maturation, CRISP2 is the sole CRISP produced during spermatogenesis, wherein it is incorporated into the developing sperm head and tail. In this study we tested the necessity for CRISP2 in male fertility using Crisp2 loss-of-function mouse models. In doing so, we revealed a role for CRISP2 in establishing the ability of sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction and in establishing a normal flagellum waveform. Crisp2-deficient sperm possess a stiff midpiece and are thus unable to manifest the rapid form of progressive motility seen in wild type sperm. As a consequence, Crisp2-deficient males are subfertile. Furthermore, a yeast two-hybrid screen and immunoprecipitation studies reveal that CRISP2 can bind to the CATSPER1 subunit of the Catsper ion channel, which is necessary for normal sperm motility. Collectively, these data define CRISP2 as a determinant of male fertility and explain previous clinical associations between human CRISP2 expression and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuly Lim
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelina Kierzek
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - D Jo Merriner
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hidenobu Okuda
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marianna Volpert
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Avinash Gaikwad
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah Bianco
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Potter
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ranganathan Prabhakar
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timo Strünker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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30
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Hu J, Merriner DJ, O'Connor AE, Houston BJ, Furic L, Hedger MP, O'Bryan MK. Epididymal cysteine-rich secretory proteins are required for epididymal sperm maturation and optimal sperm function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:111-122. [PMID: 29361143 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the role of epididymal cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) in male fertility? SUMMARY ANSWER While epididymal CRISPs are not absolutely required for male fertility, they are required for optimal sperm function. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY CRISPs are members of the CRISP, Antigen 5 and Pathogenesis related protein 1 (CAP) superfamily and are characterized by the presence of an N-terminal CAP domain and a C-terminal CRISP domain. CRISPs are highly enriched in the male reproductive tract of mammals, including in the epididymis. Within humans there is one epididymal CRISP, CRISP1, whereas in mice there are two, CRISP1 and CRISP4. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In order to define the role of CRISPs within the epididymis, Crisp1 and Crisp4 knockout mouse lines were produced then interbred to produce Crisp1 and 4 double knockout (DKO) mice, wherein the expression of all epididymal CRISPs was ablated. Individual and DKO models were then assessed, relative to their own strain-specific wild type littermates for fertility, and sperm output and functional competence at young (10-12 weeks of age) and older ages (22-24 weeks). Crisp1 and 4 DKO and control mice were also compared for their ability to bind to the zona pellucida and achieve fertilization. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Knockout mouse production was achieved using modified embryonic stem cells and standard methods. The knockout of individual genes was confirmed at a mRNA (quantitative PCR) and protein (immunochemistry) level. Fertility was assessed using breeding experiments and a histological assessment of testes and epididymal tissue. Sperm functional competence was assessed using a computer assisted sperm analyser, induction of the acrosome reaction using progesterone followed by staining for acrosome contents, using immunochemical and western blotting to assess the ability of sperm to manifest tyrosine phosphorylation under capacitating conditions and using sperm-zona pellucida binding assays and IVF methods. A minimum of three biological replicates were used per assay and per genotype. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE While epididymal CRISPs are not absolutely required for male fertility, their production results in enhanced sperm function and, depending on context, CRISP1 and CRISP4 act redundantly or autonomously. Specifically, CRISP1 is the most important CRISP in the establishment of normally motile sperm, whereas CRISP4 acts to enhance capacitation-associated tyrosine phosphorylation, and CRISP1 and CRISP4 act together to establish normal acrosome function. Both are required to achieve optimal sperm-egg interaction. The presence of immune infiltrates into the epididymis of older, but not younger, DKO animals also suggests epididymal CRISPs function to produce an immune privileged environment for maturing sperm within the epididymis. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Caution should be displayed in the translation of mouse-derived data into the human wherein the histology of the epididymis is someone what different. The mice used in the study were housed in a specific pathogen-free environment and were thus not exposed to the full range of environmental challenges experienced by wild mice or humans. As such, the role of CRISPs in the maintenance of an immune privileged environment, for example, may be understated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The combined deletion of Crisp1 and Crisp4 in mice is equivalent to the removal of all CRISP expression in humans. As such, these data suggest that mammalian CRISPs, including that in humans, function to enhance sperm function and thus male fertility. These data also suggest that in the presence of an environmental challenge, CRISPs help to maintain an immune privileged environment and thus, protect against immune-mediated male infertility. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Victorian Cancer Agency and a scholarship from the Chinese Scholarship Council. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Hu
- The Development and Stem Cells Program of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- The Development and Stem Cells Program of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- The Development and Stem Cells Program of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Brendan J Houston
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Luc Furic
- Prostate Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Cancer Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The Development and Stem Cells Program of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Schiza C, Korbakis D, Jarvi K, Diamandis EP, Drabovich AP. Identification of TEX101-associated Proteins Through Proteomic Measurement of Human Spermatozoa Homozygous for the Missense Variant rs35033974. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:338-351. [PMID: 30429210 PMCID: PMC6356071 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.001170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
TEX101 is a germ-cell-specific protein and a validated biomarker of male infertility. Mouse TEX101 was found essential for male fertility and was suggested to function as a cell surface chaperone involved in maturation of proteins required for sperm migration and sperm-oocyte interaction. However, the precise functional role of human TEX101 is not known and cannot be studied in vitro due to the lack of human germ cell lines. Here, we genotyped 386 men for a common missense variant rs35033974 of TEX101 and identified 52 heterozygous and 4 homozygous men. We then discovered by targeted proteomics that the variant allele rs35033974 was associated with the near-complete degradation (>97%) of the corresponding G99V TEX101 form and suggested that spermatozoa of homozygous men could serve as a knockdown model to study TEX101 function in humans. Differential proteomic profiling with label-free quantification measured 8,046 proteins in spermatozoa of eight men and identified eight cell-surface and nine secreted testis-specific proteins significantly down-regulated in four patients homozygous for rs35033974. Substantially reduced levels of testis-specific cell-surface proteins potentially involved in sperm migration and sperm-oocyte interaction (including LY6K and ADAM29) were confirmed by targeted proteomics and Western blotting assays. Because recent population-scale genomic data revealed homozygous fathers with biological children, rs35033974 is not a monogenic factor of male infertility in humans. However, median TEX101 levels in seminal plasma were found fivefold lower (p = 0.0005) in heterozygous than in wild-type men of European ancestry. We conclude that spermatozoa of rs35033974 homozygous men have substantially reduced levels of TEX101 and could be used as a model to elucidate the precise TEX101 function, which will advance biology of human reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schiza
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada;; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
| | - Dimitrios Korbakis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada;; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute,; Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eleftherios P Diamandis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada;; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute,; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada;; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine,; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
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Majkowski M, Laszkiewicz A, Sniezewski L, Grzmil P, Pawlicka B, Tomczyk I, Michniewicz M, Kapusniak V, Janik S, Chodaczek G, Cebrat M. Lack of NWC protein (c11orf74 homolog) in murine spermatogenesis results in reduced sperm competitiveness and impaired ability to fertilize egg cells in vitro. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208649. [PMID: 30521625 PMCID: PMC6283527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
NWC is an uncharacterised protein containing three strongly conserved domains not found in any other known protein. Previously, we reported that the NWC protein is detected in cells in the germinal layer in murine testes (strain: C57BL/6), and its knockout results in no obvious phenotype. We determined the NWC expression pattern during spermatogenesis, and found this protein in spermatocytes and round spermatids, but not in epididymal sperm. Although NWC knockout males are fertile, we further characterised their reproductive potential employing non-standard mating that better simulates the natural conditions by including sperm competition. Such an approach revealed that the sperm of knockout males fail to successfully compete with control sperm. After analysing selected characteristics of the male reproductive system, we found that NWC knockout sperm had a reduced ability to fertilize cumulus-intact eggs during IVF. This is the first report describing a subtle phenotype of NWC knockout mice that could be detected under non-standard mating conditions. Our results indicate that NWC plays an important role in spermatogenesis and its deficiency results in the production of functionally impaired sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Majkowski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Laszkiewicz
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Sniezewski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Grzmil
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bernadetta Pawlicka
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Igor Tomczyk
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Martyna Michniewicz
- Vivarium, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Violetta Kapusniak
- Chair of Biostructure and Physiology, Department of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Janik
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Chodaczek
- Laboratory of Confocal Microscopy, PORT Polish Centre for Technology Development, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Cebrat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Carvajal G, Brukman NG, Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Guazzone VA, Ikawa M, Haruhiko M, Lustig L, Breton S, Cuasnicu PS. Impaired male fertility and abnormal epididymal epithelium differentiation in mice lacking CRISP1 and CRISP4. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17531. [PMID: 30510210 PMCID: PMC6277452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins 1 and 4 (CRISP1 and CRISP4) associate with sperm during maturation and play different roles in fertilization. However, males lacking each of these molecules individually are fertile, suggesting compensatory mechanisms between these homologous proteins. Based on this, in the present work, we generated double CRISP1/CRISP4 knockout (DKO) mice and examined their reproductive phenotype. Our data showed that the simultaneous lack of the two epididymal proteins results in clear fertility defects. Interestingly, whereas most of the animals exhibited specific sperm fertilizing ability defects supportive of the role of CRISP proteins in fertilization, one third of the males showed an unexpected epididymo-orchitis phenotype with altered levels of inflammatory molecules and non-viable sperm in the epididymis. Further analysis showed that DKO mice exhibited an immature epididymal epithelium and abnormal luminal pH, supporting these defects as likely responsible for the different phenotypes observed. These observations reveal that CRISP proteins are relevant for epididymal epithelium differentiation and male fertility, contributing to a better understanding of the fine-tuning mechanisms underlying sperm maturation and immunotolerance in the epididymis with clear implications for human epididymal physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Gastón Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Miyata Haruhiko
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina.
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Saucedo L, Sobarzo C, Brukman NG, Guidobaldi HA, Lustig L, Giojalas LC, Buffone MG, Vazquez-Levin MH, Marín-Briggiler C. Involvement of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors in the regulation of mouse sperm physiology. Reproduction 2018; 156:163-172. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors (FGFRs) have been described in several tissues, where they regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, motility and apoptosis. Although FGF2/FGFRs expression in the male reproductive tract has been reported, there is scarce evidence on their presence in the female reproductive tract and their involvement in the modulation of sperm function. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the expression of FGF2 in the female reproductive tract and to assess the role of the FGF2/FGFRs system in the regulation of sperm physiology using the murine model. FGF2 was detected in uterus and oviduct protein extracts, and it was immunolocalized in epithelial cells of the uterus,isthmusandampulla, as well as in thecumulus oophorus-oocyte complex. The receptors FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4 were immunodetected in the flagellum and acrosomal region of sperm recovered from thecaudaepididymis. Analysis of testis sections showed the expression of FGFRs in germ cells at different stages of the spermatogenesis, suggesting the testicular origin of the sperm FGFRs. Sperm incubation with recombinant FGF2 (rFGF2) led to increased sperm motility and velocity and to enhanced intracellular Ca2+levels and acrosomal loss compared to the control. In conclusion, this study shows that FGF2 is expressed in tissues of the female reproductive tract. Also, the fact that functional FGFRs are present in mouse sperm and that rFGF2 affects sperm motility and acrosomal exocytosis, suggests the involvement of this system in thein vivoregulation of sperm function.
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Impaired sperm maturation in conditional Lcn6 knockout mice†. Biol Reprod 2017; 98:28-41. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Rokade S, Kishore U, Madan T. Surfactant protein D regulates murine testicular immune milieu and sperm functions. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 77. [PMID: 28054406 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Surfactant protein D (SP-D), a pattern recognition protein that regulates inflammation and immune homoeostasis, is expressed by testicular germ cells under the influence of testosterone. This study investigates the role of SP-D in testicular immune privilege and sperm functions. METHOD OF STUDY Testicular levels of cytokines and immunoregulatory molecules were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged SP-D gene knockout mice (SP-D-/- ). Further, sperm functions were assessed by computer-assisted sperm analyser (CASA) and in vitro capacitation. The effect of a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rhSP-D) on LPS-induced testicular inflammation and sperm motility was assessed in wild-type (WT) mice. RESULT Endogenous absence of SP-D led to significantly increased testicular levels of immunosuppressive molecules, viz. serpina3, TGF-β1 and IL-10, and reduced levels of immune cell activation markers, CD86, IL-2 and ITGAX. These compensatory mechanisms resulted in markedly blunted levels of TNF-α, IL-12p40, MIP-1α, G-CSF and IL-6 in response to LPS challenge. Notably, exogenous supplementation of rhSP-D salvaged the WT mice from LPS-induced pro-inflammatory immune response and impairment of sperm motility by upregulating the levels of TGF-β1 and IL-10. CONCLUSION The study highlights the involvement of SP-D in maintenance of testicular immune privilege and its indirect contribution to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushama Rokade
- Department of Innate Immunity, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Taruna Madan
- Department of Innate Immunity, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (NIRRH), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Parel, Mumbai, India
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Abstract
Male infertility has become a very serious problem in the human reproduction system, but the molecular mechanism of infertility remains largely unknown.
Fertilization is the phenomenon in which a sperm and oocyte find each other, interact, and fuse. Sperm-oocyte fusion-related factors on the sperm side play
crucial roles in male infertility. For example, IZUMO1 is well-known as a sperm protein essential for fusion of a sperm and oocyte, but its dysfunction or
mutation can result in male infertility. Recent studies showed a novel sperm protein named Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), which takes part
in the sperm-oocyte fusion process. The complexity and expected redundancy of the factors involved makes the process intricate, with a still poorly understood
mechanism, which is difficult to comprehend in full detail. This review summarizes the known molecules involved in the process of sperm-oocyte fusion, mainly
focusing on the relevant factors on the sperm side, whose dysregulation may potentially be associated with male infertility. New insights may come from these
molecules in this review, can facilitate the development of new treatments of male infertility, and may have a diagnostic value in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Mou
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Acrosome Reaction as a Preparation for Gamete Fusion. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:159-72. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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