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Felten M, Distler U, von Wiegen N, Łącki M, Behl C, Tenzer S, Stöcker W, Körschgen H. Substrate profiling of the metalloproteinase ovastacin uncovers specific enzyme-substrate interactions and discloses fertilization-relevant substrates. FEBS J 2024; 291:114-131. [PMID: 37690456 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16954] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The metalloproteinase ovastacin is released by the mammalian egg upon fertilization and cleaves a distinct peptide bond in zona pellucida protein 2 (ZP2), a component of the enveloping extracellular matrix. This limited proteolysis causes zona pellucida hardening, abolishes sperm binding, and thereby regulates fertility. Accordingly, this process is tightly controlled by the plasma protein fetuin-B, an endogenous competitive inhibitor. At present, little is known about how the cleavage characteristics of ovastacin differ from closely related proteases. Physiological implications of ovastacin beyond ZP2 cleavage are still obscure. In this study, we employed N-terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates (N-TAILS) contained in the secretome of mouse embryonic fibroblasts to elucidate the substrate specificity and the precise cleavage site specificity. Furthermore, we were able to unravel the physicochemical properties governing ovastacin-substrate interactions as well as the individual characteristics that distinguish ovastacin from similar proteases, such as meprins and tolloid. Eventually, we identified several substrates whose cleavage could affect mammalian fertilization. Consequently, these substrates indicate newly identified functions of ovastacin in mammalian fertilization beyond zona pellucida hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Felten
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Ute Distler
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Nele von Wiegen
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Mateusz Łącki
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Behl
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
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Azarkh D, Cao Y, Floehr J, Schnakenberg U. Viscoelastic Properties of Zona Pellucida of Oocytes Characterized by Transient Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040442. [PMID: 37185516 PMCID: PMC10136587 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The success rate in vitro fertilization is significantly linked to the quality of the oocytes. The oocyte's membrane is encapsulated by a shell of gelatinous extracellular matrix, called zona pellucida, which undergoes dynamic changes throughout the reproduction cycle. During the window of highest fertility, the zona pellucida exhibits a softening phase, while it remains rigid during oocyte maturation and again after fertilization. These variations in mechanical properties facilitate or inhibit sperm penetration. Since successful fertilization considerably depends on the state of the zona pellucida, monitoring of the hardening process of the zona pellucida is vital. In this study, we scrutinized two distinct genetic mouse models, namely, fetuin-B wild-type and fetuin-B/ovastacin double deficient with normal and super-soft zona pellucida, respectively. We evaluated the hardening with the help of a microfluidic aspiration-assisted electrical impedance spectroscopy system. An oocyte was trapped by a microhole connected to a microfluidic channel by applying suction pressure. Transient electrical impedance spectra were taken by microelectrodes surrounding the microhole. The time-depending recovery of zona pellucida deflections to equilibrium was used to calculate the Young's modulus and, for the first time, absolute viscosity values. The values were obtained by fitting the curves with an equivalent mechanical circuit consisting of a network of dashpots and springs. The observer-independent electrical readout in combination with a fitting algorithm for the calculation of the viscoelastic properties demonstrates a step toward a more user-friendly and easy-to-use tool for the characterizing and better understanding of the rheological properties of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyil Azarkh
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Yuan Cao
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Floehr
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Biointerface Laboratory, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Uwe Schnakenberg
- Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstraße 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Chekol Abebe E, Tilahun Muche Z, Behaile T/Mariam A, Mengie Ayele T, Mekonnen Agidew M, Teshome Azezew M, Zewde EA, Asmamaw Dejenie T. Role of Fetuin-A in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis and Its Potential Clinical Applications. CLINICAL, COSMETIC AND INVESTIGATIONAL DERMATOLOGY 2022; 15:595-607. [PMID: 35422648 PMCID: PMC9005232 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s356801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fetuin-A is a plasma glycoprotein exhibiting multifaceted physiological and pathological functions. It has been determined to be involved in various essential biological functions, such as regulation of calcium metabolism, osteogenesis, and insulin signaling pathway. It also plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of several disorders, including psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder caused by a constellation of environmental, immunogenic, and genetic factors. It has been shown that dysregulation of cytokines mediated immune response is responsible for the development of psoriasis. Several recent publications suggest that dysregulation of fetuin-A correlates with psoriasis disease activities, revealing its putative role in the development of psoriasis. Furthermore, clinical application of fetuin-A as a diagnostic marker, prognostic predictor, and therapeutic target for different clinical conditions is in progress, and some are showing promising outcomes. This review primarily focuses on the current understanding of the role of fetuin-A in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its potential clinical applications, with a brief highlight of psoriasis epidemiology and burden. The information was gathered systematically from various journals via electronic searches using various search engines: PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, and Cochrane Library from inception to 2022. The studies involved were restricted to English language. Conversely, articles written in other languages, studies done on fetuin B, or studies conducted on other dermatological diseases were excluded from the review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endeshaw Chekol Abebe
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Tilahun Muche
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Awgichew Behaile T/Mariam
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Teklie Mengie Ayele
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Melaku Mekonnen Agidew
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Teshome Azezew
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Edgeit Abebe Zewde
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Souza TTS, van Tilburg MF, Bezerra MJB, Rola LD, Pereira LMC, Duarte JMB, Chaves MS, Melo LM, Moura AAAN, Freitas VJF. Global proteomic analysis of the follicular fluid from brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira; Fisher, 1814). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01563-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Zhang R, Cheng F, Cheng W, Wang X, Zhang B, Tian M, Li K, Liu D. The Relationships among Plasma Fetuin-B, Thyroid Autoimmunity, and Fertilization Rate In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. Int J Endocrinol 2022; 2022:9961253. [PMID: 35340679 PMCID: PMC8942698 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9961253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study is to investigate the relationships between fetuin-B, thyroid autoimmunity (TAI), and pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Design, Patients, and Measurements. In this prospective study, 180 women who were preparing for pregnancy with IVF-ET were included. There were 120 women with TAI positive and 60 negative controls matched with age and BMI. RESULTS The 180 women had mean ± SD age of 31.4 ± 4.0 years, with a mean ± SD BMI of 21.0 ± 1.6 kg/m2. There was a significant difference in the level of fetuin-B in women with TAI positive compared with TAI negative group (65.2 ± 18.5 vs. 76.4 ± 25.1, P=0.001). Fetuin-B had a negative relationship with thyroid antibodies even after adjusting for other variables (OR (95%CI) = 0.98 (0.96-0.99), P=0.002). Compared with women with TAI negative, those with TAI positive had a significantly higher risk of low fertilization (20.0% vs. 6.7%; P=0.035). And we found no difference in terms of pregnancy, abortion, implantation, and live birth rate between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that both fetuin-B and TAI were the independent factors to lead the low fertilization of IVF-ET (OR (95%CI) = 0.96 (0.94-0.99) and 4.084 (1.39-15.30), P=0.004 and 0.019, respectively). CONCLUSION Fetuin-B was significantly associated with TAI and low fertilization rate in women undergoing IVF-ET. Decreased fetuin-B in women with TAI may be the underlying reason for the lower IVF-ET success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feifei Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Binghan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Chongqing People's Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingyuan Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Yurtcu N, Oral S, Celik S, Calıskan ST, Alagoz M, Dahan MH. Predıctıve value of pregnancy of follıcular fluıd fetuın-A and -B levels ın infertıle women after intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:178-187. [PMID: 34708901 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to investigate the value of follicular fluid fetuins-A and -B to predict successful IVF and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women with poor, normal, and high ovarian reserve. METHODS The follicular fluid of 96 infertile women who underwent intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure was analyzed. Fetuins-A and -B levels were examined and compared in those who could achieve pregnancy and those who could not. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyzes were used to determine cut-off and statistically significant associations for fetuins-A and -B. RESULTS Follicular fluid fetuin-A levels were higher in cases with weak ovarian reserve (OR) (p < 0.05) and higher in patients who did not achieve clinical pregnancy (p < 0.05). Conversely, the follicular fluid fetuin-B levels were lower in cases with poor OR (p < 0.05) and were lower in patients who did not achieve a clinical pregnancy (p < 0.05). A follicular fluid fetuin-A concentration ≤ 19.12 ng/mL had a sensitivity and specificity of 94.74% and 93.1%, respectively, at predicting clinical pregnancy. While the follicular fluid fetuin-B concentration >24.7 ng/mL had sensitivity and specificity of 71.1% and 51.7%, respectively, for clinical pregnancy prediction. CONCLUSION Overall, high levels of follicular fluid fetuin-A may be independently associated with unsuccessful IVF irrespective of OR grouping. A low level of follicular fetuin-B was also associated with failed IVF. The sensitivity and specificity were found to be higher for fetuin-A in predicting clinical pregnancy. Therefore, the follicular fluid fetuin-A may be more predictive for successful IVF and clinical pregnancy outcomes than follicular fluid fetuin-B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazan Yurtcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Serkan Oral
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Halic University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sebahattin Celik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Balikesir State Hospital, Balikesir, Turkey
| | | | - Murat Alagoz
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Park Hospital, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Michael H Dahan
- McGill University Reproductive Center, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Nagl V, Grenier B, Pinton P, Ruczizka U, Dippel M, Bünger M, Oswald IP, Soler L. Exposure to Zearalenone Leads to Metabolic Disruption and Changes in Circulating Adipokines Concentrations in Pigs. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13110790. [PMID: 34822574 PMCID: PMC8618343 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin classified as an endocrine disruptor. Many endocrine disruptors are also metabolic disruptors able to modulate energy balance and inflammatory processes in a process often involving a family of protein hormones known as adipokines. The aim of our study was to elucidate the role of ZEN as metabolic disruptor in pigs by investigating the changes in energy balance and adipokines levels in response to different treatment diets. To this end, weaned piglets (n = 10/group) were exposed to either basal feed or feed contaminated with 680 and 1620 µg/kg ZEN for 28 days. Serum samples collected at days 7 and 21 were subjected to biochemistry analysis, followed by determination of adipokine levels using a combined approach of protein array and ELISA. Results indicate that ZEN has an impact on lipid and glucose metabolism that was different depending on the dose and time of exposure. In agreement with these changes, ZEN altered circulating adipokines concentrations, inducing significant changes in adiponectin, resistin, and fetuin B. Our results suggest that ZEN may function as a natural metabolism-disrupting chemical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Nagl
- BIOMIN Research Center, BIOMIN Holding GmbH, Technopark 1, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (V.N.); (B.G.)
| | - Bertrand Grenier
- BIOMIN Research Center, BIOMIN Holding GmbH, Technopark 1, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (V.N.); (B.G.)
| | - Philippe Pinton
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, University of Toulouse, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (P.P.); (I.P.O.)
| | - Ursula Ruczizka
- University Clinic for Swine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (U.R.); (M.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Maximiliane Dippel
- University Clinic for Swine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (U.R.); (M.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Moritz Bünger
- University Clinic for Swine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (U.R.); (M.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Isabelle P. Oswald
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, University of Toulouse, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (P.P.); (I.P.O.)
| | - Laura Soler
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, University of Toulouse, UPS, 31027 Toulouse, France; (P.P.); (I.P.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-582-066-403
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Maddirevula S, Coskun S, Al-Qahtani M, Aboyousef O, Alhassan S, Aldeery M, Alkuraya FS. ASTL is mutated in female infertility. Hum Genet 2021; 141:49-54. [PMID: 34704130 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Female infertility is a relatively common phenotype with a growing number of single gene causes although these account for only a minority of cases. Here, we report a consanguineous family in which adult females who are homozygous for a truncating variant in ASTL display markedly reduced fertility in a pattern strikingly similar to Astl-/- female mice. ASTL encodes ovastacin, which is known to trigger zona pellucida hardening (ZPH) as part of the cortical reaction upon fertilization. ZPH is required for normal early embryonic development and its absence can be caused by pathogenic variants in other zona pellucida proteins that result in a similar infertility phenotype in humans and mouse. This is the first report of ASTL-related infertility in humans and suggests that the inclusion of ASTL in female infertility gene panels is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sateesh Maddirevula
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Al-Qahtani
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Aboyousef
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alhassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshael Aldeery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Saudi Arabia.
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Zhao W, Ahmed S, Liu J, Ahmed S, Quansah E, Solangi TH, Wu Y, Yangliu Y, Wang H, Zhu J, Cai X. Comparative iTRAQ proteomics identified proteins associated with sperm maturation between yak and cattleyak epididymis. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:255. [PMID: 34311720 PMCID: PMC8314601 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02907-9] [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: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During maturation, spermatozoa acquire motility and fertilizing capacity as they transit through the epididymis. In recent years, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis has been employed in proteomics studies conducted in rat, boar and human. However, there has not been a complete information regarding the proteins associated with sperm maturation in the epididymis. In this study, we employed iTRAQ proteomics to investigate proteins associated with sperm maturation between yak and cattleyak epididymis. Results After a successful sampling and protein extraction, the iTRAQ coupled with LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis were performed. We identified 288 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between yak and cattleyak epididymis; 151 were up-regulated while 137 were down-regulated in cattleyak relative to yak. Gene Ontology analysis identified that down-regulated DAPs in cattleyak were mostly enriched in the acetylation of protein component, along with negative and positive regulatory activities. iTRAQ proteomics data showed that the top up-regulated DAPs were mainly enriched in cell communication, cell adhesion, cytoskeleton organization, stress response, post-translational modifications and metabolic functions while the down-regulated DAPs were predominantly associated with sperm maturation, long-term sperm storage, sperm forward motility, sperm-oocyte fusion and regulatory functions. Conclusion These results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying male cattleyak sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Siraj Ahmed
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Junxia Liu
- Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group Co., ltd, Qingdao, 266400, Shandong, China
| | - Saeed Ahmed
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Eugene Quansah
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Tajmal Hussain Solangi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Yitao Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueling Yangliu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiangjiang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Southwest Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China. .,Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization (Southwest Minzu University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China. .,Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Kuske M, Floehr J, Yiallouros I, Michna T, Jahnen-Dechent W, Tenzer S, Stöcker W, Körschgen H. Limited proteolysis by acrosin affects sperm-binding and mechanical resilience of the mouse zona pellucida. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6199430. [PMID: 33779727 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab022] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The encounter of oocyte and sperm is the key event initiating embryonic development in mammals. Crucial functions of this existential interaction are determined by proteolytic enzymes, such as acrosin, carried in the sperm head acrosome, and ovastacin, stored in the oocyte cortical granules. Ovastacin is released upon fertilisation to cleave the zona pellucida, a glycoprotein matrix surrounding the oocyte. This limited proteolysis hardens the oocyte envelope, and thereby provides a definitive block against polyspermy and protects the developing embryo. On the other hand, acrosin, the renowned and most abundant acrosomal protease, has been thought to enable sperm to penetrate the oocyte envelope. Depending on the species, proteolytic cleavage of the zona pellucida by acrosin is either essential or conducive for fertilisation. However, the specific target cleavage sites and the resulting physiological consequences of this proteolysis remained obscure. Here, we treated native mouse zonae pellucidae with active acrosin and identified two cleavage sites in zona pellucida protein 1 (ZP1), five in ZP2 and one in ZP3 by mass spectrometry. Several of these sites are highly conserved in mammals. Remarkably, limited proteolysis by acrosin leads to zona pellucida remodelling rather than degradation. Thus, acrosin affects both sperm binding and mechanical resilience of the zona pellucida, as assessed by microscopy and nanoindentation measurements, respectively. Furthermore, we ascertained potential regulatory effects of acrosin, via activation of latent pro-ovastacin and inactivation of fetuin-B, a tight binding inhibitor of ovastacin. These results offer novel insights into the complex proteolytic network modifying the extracellular matrix of the mouse oocyte, which might apply also to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kuske
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, German
| | - Julia Floehr
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty, Aachen, German
| | - Irene Yiallouros
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, German
| | - Thomas Michna
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Willi Jahnen-Dechent
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty, Aachen, German
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, German
| | - Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, German
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11
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Fahrenkamp E, Algarra B, Jovine L. Mammalian egg coat modifications and the block to polyspermy. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:326-340. [PMID: 32003503 PMCID: PMC7155028 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization by more than one sperm causes polyploidy, a condition that is generally lethal to the embryo in the majority of animal species. To prevent this occurrence, eggs have developed a series of mechanisms that block polyspermy at the level of the plasma membrane or their extracellular coat. In this review, we first introduce the mammalian egg coat, the zona pellucida (ZP), and summarize what is currently known about its composition, structure, and biological functions. We then describe how this specialized extracellular matrix is modified by the contents of cortical granules (CG), secretory organelles that are exocytosed by the egg after gamete fusion. This process releases proteases, glycosidases, lectins and zinc onto the ZP, resulting in a series of changes in the properties of the egg coat that are collectively referred to as hardening. By drawing parallels with comparable modifications of the vitelline envelope of nonmammalian eggs, we discuss how CG‐dependent modifications of the ZP are thought to contribute to the block to polyspermy. Moreover, we argue for the importance of obtaining more information on the architecture of the ZP, as well as systematically investigating the many facets of ZP hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Trebichalská Z, Holubcová Z. Perfect date-the review of current research into molecular bases of mammalian fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:243-256. [PMID: 31909446 PMCID: PMC7056734 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01679-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a multistep process during which two terminally differentiated haploid cells, an egg and a sperm, combine to produce a totipotent diploid zygote. In the early 1950s, it became possible to fertilize mammalian eggs in vitro and study the sequence of cellular and molecular events leading to embryo development. Despite all the achievements of assisted reproduction in the last four decades, remarkably little is known about the molecular aspects of human conception. Current fertility research in animal models is casting more light on the complexity of the process all our lives start with. This review article provides an update on the investigation of mammalian fertilization and highlights the practical implications of scientific discoveries in the context of human reproduction and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Trebichalská
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Holubcová
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, Czech Republic. .,Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic.
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13
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Guevara T, Körschgen H, Cuppari A, Schmitz C, Kuske M, Yiallouros I, Floehr J, Jahnen-Dechent W, Stöcker W, Gomis-Rüth FX. The C-terminal region of human plasma fetuin-B is dispensable for the raised-elephant-trunk mechanism of inhibition of astacin metallopeptidases. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14683. [PMID: 31604990 PMCID: PMC6789097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fetuin-B plays a key physiological role in human fertility through its inhibitory action on ovastacin, a member of the astacin family of metallopeptidases. The inhibitor consists of tandem cystatin-like domains (CY1 and CY2), which are connected by a linker containing a "CPDCP-trunk" and followed by a C-terminal region (CTR) void of regular secondary structure. Here, we solved the crystal structure of the complex of the inhibitor with archetypal astacin from crayfish, which is a useful model of human ovastacin. Two hairpins from CY2, the linker, and the tip of the "legumain-binding loop" of CY1 inhibit crayfish astacin following the "raised-elephant-trunk mechanism" recently reported for mouse fetuin-B. This inhibition is exerted by blocking active-site cleft sub-sites upstream and downstream of the catalytic zinc ion, but not those flanking the scissile bond. However, contrary to the mouse complex, which was obtained with fetuin-B nicked at a single site but otherwise intact, most of the CTR was proteolytically removed during crystallization of the human complex. Moreover, the two complexes present in the crystallographic asymmetric unit diverged in the relative arrangement of CY1 and CY2, while the two complexes found for the mouse complex crystal structure were equivalent. Biochemical studies in vitro confirmed the differential cleavage susceptibility of human and mouse fetuin-B in front of crayfish astacin and revealed that the cleaved human inhibitor blocks crayfish astacin and human meprin α and β only slightly less potently than the intact variant. Therefore, the CTR of animal fetuin-B orthologs may have a function in maintaining a particular relative orientation of CY1 and CY2 that nonetheless is dispensable for peptidase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibisay Guevara
- Proteolysis Lab, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, CSIC, Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, c/ Baldiri Reixac, 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anna Cuppari
- Proteolysis Lab, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, CSIC, Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, c/ Baldiri Reixac, 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carlo Schmitz
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Kuske
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Irene Yiallouros
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julia Floehr
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Willi Jahnen-Dechent
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - F Xavier Gomis-Rüth
- Proteolysis Lab, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, CSIC, Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, c/ Baldiri Reixac, 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Serum and follicular fluid fetuin-B levels are correlated with fertilization rates in conventional IVF cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1101-1107. [PMID: 31073723 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between serum/follicular fluid fetuin-B levels and fertilization outcomes in conventional IVF cycles. METHODS A prospective cohort study of conventional IVF treatments including 78 cycles with low fertilization rates (two pronuclei [2PN] rate < 30%; LF group) and 104 cycles performed during the same period with 2PN rate > 70% (high fertilization group, HF). To calculate the required sample size, a two-sample t test power analysis was applied to data from our pilot study, using PASS 11.0 software. Fetuin-B was measured using a commercial sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Serum fetuin-B and follicular fluid fetuin-B were positively correlated (r = 0.703, P < 0.001). Compared to the HF group, the LF group had significantly lower levels of fetuin-B, both in serum (5.81 ± 1.53 vs. 7.19 ± 1.42, P < 0.001) and follicular fluid (5.06 ± 1.29 vs. 6.16 ± 1.52, P < 0.001). The serum fetuin-B level from cycles with polypronuclear (PPN) zygotes was significantly lower when compared to cycles without PPN zygotes (6.82 ± 1.65 vs. 6.10 ± 1.43, P = 0.006). However, serum fetuin-B level was not correlated with preimplantation embryo development or clinical pregnancy. CONCLUSION Serum fetuin-B level is correlated with fertilization rate in conventional IVF and it may be used as a predictive marker of fertilization in IVF treatment.
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Cuppari A, Körschgen H, Fahrenkamp D, Schmitz C, Guevara T, Karmilin K, Kuske M, Olf M, Dietzel E, Yiallouros I, de Sanctis D, Goulas T, Weiskirchen R, Jahnen-Dechent W, Floehr J, Stoecker W, Jovine L, Gomis-Rüth FX. Structure of mammalian plasma fetuin-B and its mechanism of selective metallopeptidase inhibition. IUCRJ 2019; 6:317-330. [PMID: 30867929 PMCID: PMC6400186 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252519001568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian fetuin-A and fetuin-B are abundant serum proteins with pleiotropic functions. Fetuin-B is a highly selective and potent inhibitor of metallo-peptidases (MPs) of the astacin family, which includes ovastacin in mammals. By inhibiting ovastacin, fetuin-B is essential for female fertility. The crystal structure of fetuin-B was determined unbound and in complex with archetypal astacin, and it was found that the inhibitor has tandem cystatin-type modules (CY1 and CY2). They are connected by an exposed linker with a rigid, disulfide-linked 'CPDCP-trunk', and are followed by a C-terminal region (CTR) with little regular secondary structure. The CPDCP-trunk and a hairpin of CY2 form a bipartite wedge, which slots into the active-site cleft of the MP. These elements occupy the nonprimed and primed sides of the cleft, respectively, but spare the specificity pocket so that the inhibitor is not cleaved. The aspartate in the trunk blocks the catalytic zinc of astacin, while the CY2 hairpin binds through a QWVXGP motif. The CY1 module assists in structural integrity and the CTR is not involved in inhibition, as verified by in vitro studies using a cohort of mutants and variants. Overall, the inhibition conforms to a novel 'raised-elephant-trunk' mechanism for MPs, which is reminiscent of single-domain cystatins that target cysteine peptidases. Over 200 sequences from vertebrates have been annotated as fetuin-B, underpinning its ubiquity and physiological relevance; accordingly, sequences with conserved CPDCP- and QWVXGP-derived motifs have been found from mammals to cartilaginous fishes. Thus, the raised-elephant-trunk mechanism is likely to be generally valid for the inhibition of astacins by orthologs of fetuin-B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cuppari
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, CSIC, Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, c/o Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Dirk Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Carlo Schmitz
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Tibisay Guevara
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, CSIC, Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, c/o Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Konstantin Karmilin
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Kuske
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Olf
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Eileen Dietzel
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Irene Yiallouros
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniele de Sanctis
- ESRF – The European Synchrotron, 71 Rue Jules Horowitz, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Theodoros Goulas
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, CSIC, Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, c/o Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Willi Jahnen-Dechent
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Floehr
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty, Pauwelsstrasse 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Walter Stoecker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Johann-Joachim-Becher-Weg 7, D-55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - F. Xavier Gomis-Rüth
- Proteolysis Laboratory, Department of Structural Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, CSIC, Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, c/o Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Körschgen H, Kuske M, Karmilin K, Yiallouros I, Balbach M, Floehr J, Wachten D, Jahnen-Dechent W, Stöcker W. Intracellular activation of ovastacin mediates pre-fertilization hardening of the zona pellucida. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:607-616. [PMID: 28911209 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How and where is pro-ovastacin activated and how does active ovastacin regulate zona pellucida hardening (ZPH) and successful fertilization? STUDY FINDING Ovastacin is partially active before exocytosis and pre-hardens the zona pellucida (ZP) before fertilization. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The metalloproteinase ovastacin is stored in cortical granules, it cleaves zona pellucida protein 2 (ZP2) upon fertilization and thereby destroys the ZP sperm ligand and triggers ZPH. Female mice deficient in the extracellular circulating ovastacin-inhibitor fetuin-B are infertile due to pre-mature ZPH. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS We isolated oocytes from wild-type and ovastacin-deficient (Astlnull) FVB mice before and after fertilization (in vitro and in vivo) and quantified ovastacin activity and cleavage of ZP2 by immunoblot. We assessed ZPH by measuring ZP digestion time using α-chymotrypsin and by determining ZP2 cleavage. We determined cellular distribution of ovastacin by immunofluorescence using domain-specific ovastacin antibodies. Experiments were performed at least in triplicate with a minimum of 20 oocytes. Data were pre-analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test. In case of normal distribution, significance was determined via two-sided Student's t-test, whereas in case of non-normal distribution via Mann-Whitney U-test. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Metaphase II (MII) oocytes contained both inactive pro-ovastacin and activated ovastacin. Immunoblot and ZP digestion assays revealed a partial cleavage of ZP2 even before fertilization in wild-type mice. Partial cleavage coincided with germinal-vesicle breakdown and MII, despite the presence of fetuin-B protein, an endogenous ovastacin inhibitor, in the follicular and oviductal fluid. Upon exocytosis, part of the C-terminal domain of ovastacin remained attached to the plasmalemma, while the N-terminal active ovastacin domain was secreted. This finding may resolve previously conflicting data showing that ovastacin acts both as an oolemmal receptor termed SAS1B (sperm acrosomal SLLP1 binding protein; SLLP, sperm lysozyme like protein) and a secreted protease mediating ZP2 cleavage. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION For this study, only oocytes isolated from wild-type and ovastacin-deficient FVB mice were investigated. Some experiments involved oocyte activation by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 to trigger ZPH. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides a detailed spatial and temporal view of pre-mature cleavage of ZP2 by ovastacin, which is known to adversely affect IVF rate in mice and humans. LARGE SCALE DATA None. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Center of Natural Sciences and Medicine and by a start-up grant of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz to W.S., and by a grant from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and by the START program of the Medical Faculty of RWTH Aachen University to J.F. and W.J.D. There are no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Kuske
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Konstantin Karmilin
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Irene Yiallouros
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Melanie Balbach
- Max-Planck Research Group Molecular Physiology, Center of Advanced European Studies And Research (CAESAR), 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Floehr
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Max-Planck Research Group Molecular Physiology, Center of Advanced European Studies And Research (CAESAR), 53175 Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Willi Jahnen-Dechent
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
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Dietzel E, Floehr J, Van de Leur E, Weiskirchen R, Jahnen-Dechent W. Recombinant fetuin-B protein maintains high fertilization rate in cumulus cell-free mouse oocytes. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 23:25-33. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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