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Kitaoka M, Yamashita YM. Running the gauntlet: challenges to genome integrity in spermiogenesis. Nucleus 2024; 15:2339220. [PMID: 38594652 PMCID: PMC11005813 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2024.2339220] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Species' continuity depends on gametogenesis to produce the only cell types that can transmit genetic information across generations. Spermiogenesis, which encompasses post-meiotic, haploid stages of male gametogenesis, is a process that leads to the formation of sperm cells well-known for their motility. Spermiogenesis faces three major challenges. First, after two rounds of meiotic divisions, the genome lacks repair templates (no sister chromatids, no homologous chromosomes), making it incredibly vulnerable to any genomic insults over an extended time (typically days-weeks). Second, the sperm genome becomes transcriptionally silent, making it difficult to respond to new perturbations as spermiogenesis progresses. Third, the histone-to-protamine transition, which is essential to package the sperm genome, counterintuitively involves DNA break formation. How spermiogenesis handles these challenges remains poorly understood. In this review, we discuss each challenge and their intersection with the biology of protamines. Finally, we discuss the implication of protamines in the process of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Kitaoka
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yukiko M. Yamashita
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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2
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Schon SB, Moritz L, Rabbani M, Meguid J, Juliano BR, Ruotolo BT, Aston K, Hammoud SS. Proteomic analysis of human sperm reveals changes in protamine 1 phosphorylation in men with infertility. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:121-129. [PMID: 38065301 PMCID: PMC11116066 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a comprehensive assessment of protamine (P) isoforms and modifications in human sperm with the aim of identifying how P modifications and isoforms are altered in men with reduced sperm motility and low sperm count. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENTS A total of 18 men with prior reported pregnancy and normozoospermia (normal sperm), 14 men from couples with infertility and asthenozoospermia (reduced sperm motility), and 24 men from couples with infertility and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (low sperm count and motility and abnormal sperm morphology). INTERVENTION(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Proteomic assessment using both top-down and bottom-up liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. RESULTS A total of 13 posttranslational modifications were identified on P1 and P2 using bottom-up MS, including both phosphorylation and methylation. Top-down MS revealed an unmodified and phosphorylated isoform of P1 and the 3 major isoforms of P2, HP2, HP3, and HP4. Protamine 1 phosphorylation was overall higher in men with male factor infertility compared with those with normal semen analysis (40.5% vs. 32.6). There was no difference in P posttranslational modifications or isoforms of P2 in men with normal vs. abnormal fertility. CONCLUSION Human protamines bear a number of posttranslational modifications, with alterations in P1 phosphorylation noted in the setting of male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha B Schon
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Lindsay Moritz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mashiat Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Julia Meguid
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brock R Juliano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brandon T Ruotolo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kenneth Aston
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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3
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Kaur R, Meier CJ, McGraw EA, Hillyer JF, Bordenstein SR. The mechanism of cytoplasmic incompatibility is conserved in Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes deployed for arbovirus control. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002573. [PMID: 38547237 PMCID: PMC11014437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The rising interest and success in deploying inherited microorganisms and cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) for vector control strategies necessitate an explanation of the CI mechanism. Wolbachia-induced CI manifests in the form of embryonic lethality when sperm from Wolbachia-bearing testes fertilize eggs from uninfected females. Embryos from infected females however survive to sustain the maternally inherited symbiont. Previously in Drosophila melanogaster flies, we demonstrated that CI modifies chromatin integrity in developing sperm to bestow the embryonic lethality. Here, we validate these findings using wMel-transinfected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes released to control vector-borne diseases. Once again, the prophage WO CI proteins, CifA and CifB, target male gametic nuclei to modify chromatin integrity via an aberrant histone-to-protamine transition. Cifs are not detected in the embryo, and thus elicit CI via the nucleoprotein modifications established pre-fertilization. The rescue protein CifA in oogenesis localizes to stem cell, nurse cell, and oocyte nuclei, as well as embryonic DNA during embryogenesis. Discovery of the nuclear targeting Cifs and altered histone-to-protamine transition in both Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and D. melanogaster flies affirm the Host Modification Model of CI is conserved across these host species. The study also newly uncovers the cell biology of Cif proteins in the ovaries, CifA localization in the embryos, and an impaired histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis of any mosquito species. Overall, these sperm modification findings may enable future optimization of CI efficacy in vectors or pests that are refractory to Wolbachia transinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupinder Kaur
- Pennsylvania State University, Departments of Biology and Entomology, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Pennsylvania State University, One Health Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Cole J. Meier
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. McGraw
- Pennsylvania State University, Departments of Biology and Entomology, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Pennsylvania State University, One Health Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Pennsylvania State University, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Julian F. Hillyer
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Seth R. Bordenstein
- Pennsylvania State University, Departments of Biology and Entomology, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Pennsylvania State University, One Health Microbiome Center, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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4
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Costes V, Sellem E, Marthey S, Hoze C, Bonnet A, Schibler L, Kiefer H, Jaffrezic F. Multi-omics data integration for the identification of biomarkers for bull fertility. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298623. [PMID: 38394258 PMCID: PMC10890740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bull fertility is an important economic trait, and the use of subfertile semen for artificial insemination decreases the global efficiency of the breeding sector. Although the analysis of semen functional parameters can help to identify infertile bulls, no tools are currently available to enable precise predictions and prevent the commercialization of subfertile semen. Because male fertility is a multifactorial phenotype that is dependent on genetic, epigenetic, physiological and environmental factors, we hypothesized that an integrative analysis might help to refine our knowledge and understanding of bull fertility. We combined -omics data (genotypes, sperm DNA methylation at CpGs and sperm small non-coding RNAs) and semen parameters measured on a large cohort of 98 Montbéliarde bulls with contrasting fertility levels. Multiple Factor Analysis was conducted to study the links between the datasets and fertility. Four methodologies were then considered to identify the features linked to bull fertility variation: Logistic Lasso, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting and Neural Networks. Finally, the features selected by these methods were annotated in terms of genes, to conduct functional enrichment analyses. The less relevant features in -omics data were filtered out, and MFA was run on the remaining 12,006 features, including the 11 semen parameters and a balanced proportion of each type of-omics data. The results showed that unlike the semen parameters studied the-omics datasets were related to fertility. Biomarkers related to bull fertility were selected using the four methodologies mentioned above. The most contributory CpGs, SNPs and miRNAs targeted genes were all found to be involved in development. Interestingly, fragments derived from ribosomal RNAs were overrepresented among the selected features, suggesting roles in male fertility. These markers could be used in the future to identify subfertile bulls in order to increase the global efficiency of the breeding sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Costes
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
- R&D Department, ELIANCE, 149 rue de Bercy, Paris, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eli Sellem
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
- R&D Department, ELIANCE, 149 rue de Bercy, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Marthey
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- INRAE, MaIAGE, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Chris Hoze
- R&D Department, ELIANCE, 149 rue de Bercy, Paris, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Aurélie Bonnet
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
- R&D Department, ELIANCE, 149 rue de Bercy, Paris, France
| | | | - Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Florence Jaffrezic
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Fonoudi H, Jouni M, Cejas RB, Magdy T, Blancard M, Ge N, Shah DA, Lyra-Leite DM, Neupane A, Gharib M, Jiang Z, Sapkota Y, Burridge PW. Functional Validation of Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity-Related Genes. JACC CardioOncol 2024; 6:38-50. [PMID: 38510289 PMCID: PMC10950437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Genome-wide association studies and candidate gene association studies have identified more than 180 genetic variants statistically associated with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC). However, the lack of functional validation has hindered the clinical translation of these findings. Objectives The aim of this study was to functionally validate all genes associated with AIC using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Methods Through a systemic literature search, 80 genes containing variants significantly associated with AIC were identified. Additionally, 3 more genes with potential roles in AIC (GSTM1, CBR1, and ERBB2) were included. Of these, 38 genes exhibited expression in human fetal heart, adult heart, and hiPSC-CMs. Using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9-based genome editing, each of these 38 genes was systematically knocked out in control hiPSC-CMs, and the resulting doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) phenotype was assessed using hiPSC-CMs. Subsequently, functional assays were conducted for each gene knockout on the basis of hypothesized mechanistic implications in DIC. Results Knockout of 26 genes increased the susceptibility of hiPSC-CMs to DIC. Notable genes included efflux transporters (ABCC10, ABCC2, ABCB4, ABCC5, and ABCC9), well-established DIC-associated genes (CBR1, CBR3, and RAC2), and genome-wide association study-discovered genes (RARG and CELF4). Conversely, knockout of ATP2B1, HNMT, POR, CYBA, WDR4, and COL1A2 had no significant effect on the in vitro DIC phenotype of hiPSC-CMs. Furthermore, knockout of the uptake transporters (SLC28A3, SLC22A17, and SLC28A1) demonstrated a protective effect against DIC. Conclusions The present findings establish a comprehensive platform for the functional validation of DIC-associated genes, providing insights for future studies in DIC variant associations and potential mechanistic targets for the development of cardioprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hananeh Fonoudi
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mariam Jouni
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Romina B. Cejas
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tarek Magdy
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Malorie Blancard
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ning Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Disheet A. Shah
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Davi M. Lyra-Leite
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Achal Neupane
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mennat Gharib
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhengxin Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yadav Sapkota
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paul W. Burridge
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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6
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Ferrero G, Festa R, Follia L, Lettieri G, Tarallo S, Notari T, Giarra A, Marinaro C, Pardini B, Marano A, Piaggeschi G, Di Battista C, Trifuoggi M, Piscopo M, Montano L, Naccarati A. Small noncoding RNAs and sperm nuclear basic proteins reflect the environmental impact on germ cells. Mol Med 2024; 30:12. [PMID: 38243211 PMCID: PMC10799426 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00776-6] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular techniques can complement conventional spermiogram analyses to provide new information on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa and to identify early alterations due to environmental pollution. METHODS Here, we present a multilevel molecular profiling by small RNA sequencing and sperm nuclear basic protein analysis of male germ cells from 33 healthy young subjects residing in low and high-polluted areas. RESULTS Although sperm motility and sperm concentration were comparable between samples from the two sites, those from the high-pollution area had a higher concentration of immature/immune cells, a lower protamine/histone ratio, a reduced ability of sperm nuclear basic proteins to protect DNA from oxidative damage, and an altered copper/zinc ratio in sperm. Sperm levels of 32 microRNAs involved in intraflagellar transport, oxidative stress response, and spermatogenesis were different between the two areas. In parallel, a decrease of Piwi-interacting RNA levels was observed in samples from the high-polluted area. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into pollution-driven epigenetic alterations in sperm not detectable by spermiogram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Ferrero
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, University of Turin, Corso Svizzera, 185, 10149, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosaria Festa
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Follia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Tarallo
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check-Up PolyDiagnostic and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Pardini
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggeschi
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Di Battista
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-FoodFertility Project), S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital, 84020, Oliveto Citra, Salerno, Italy.
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessio Naccarati
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
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Dhillon VS, Shahid M, Deo P, Fenech M. Reduced SIRT1 and SIRT3 and Lower Antioxidant Capacity of Seminal Plasma Is Associated with Shorter Sperm Telomere Length in Oligospermic Men. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:718. [PMID: 38255792 PMCID: PMC10815409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020718] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and has a profound impact not only on their families, but also on communities. Telomere attrition has been associated with infertility, DNA damage and fragmentation. Oxidative stress has been shown to affect sperm DNA integrity and telomere length. Sirtuins such as SIRT1 and SIRT3 are involved in aging and oxidative stress response. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of SIRT1 and SIRT3 in regulating oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and their association with oligospermia. Therefore, we assessed the protein levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase activity (CAT) in the seminal plasma of 272 patients with oligospermia and 251 fertile men. We also measured sperm telomere length (STL) and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) using a standard real-time quantitative PCR assay. Sperm chromatin and protamine deficiency were also measured as per standard methods. Our results for oligospermic patients demonstrate significant reductions in semen parameters, shorter STL and LTL, lower levels of SOD, TAC, CAT, SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels, and also significant protamine deficiency and higher levels of MDA and DNA fragmentation. We conclude that a shorter TL in sperms and leukocytes is associated with increased oxidative stress that also accounts for high levels of DNA fragmentation in sperms. Our results support the hypothesis that various sperm parameters in the state of oligospermia are associated with or caused by reduced levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varinderpal S. Dhillon
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Mohammad Shahid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Permal Deo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Michael Fenech
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (P.D.); (M.F.)
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8
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Levine MT. A case of mistaken epigenetic identity. Science 2023; 382:643-644. [PMID: 37943909 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The specialized packaging of sperm DNA preserves genome stability in the fruit fly zygote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia T Levine
- Department of Biology, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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9
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Razmi K, Mousavi SE, Patil JG. Paternal source of germ plasm determinants in the viviparous teleost, Gambusia holbrooki; dads do matter. Dev Biol 2023; 502:14-19. [PMID: 37385406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The identity of germ cells, the progenitors of life, is thought to be acquired by two modes; either by maternal signals (preformed) or induced de novo from pluripotent cells (epigenesis) in the developing embryos. However, paternal roles seem enshrouded or completely overlooked in this fundamental biological process. Hence, we investigated the presence of germplasm transcripts in the sperm of Gambusia holbrooki, a live-bearing fish, demonstrating their presence and suggesting paternal contributions. Interestingly, not all germplasm markers were present (nanos1 and tdrd6) in the sperm, but some were conspicuous (dazl, dnd-α, piwi II, and vasa), indicating that the latter is required for establishing germ cell identity in the progeny, with a possible parent-specific role. Furthermore, there were also spatial differences in the distribution of these determinants, suggesting additional roles in sperm physiology and/or fertility. Our results support the hypothesis that dads also play a vital role in establishing the germ cell identity, especially in G. holbrooki, which shares elements of both preformation and induction modes of germline determination. This, coupled with its life history traits, makes G. holbrooki an excellent system for dissecting evolutionary relationships between the two germline determination modes, their underpinning mechanisms and ultimately the perpetuity of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komeil Razmi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, 7053, Australia
| | - Seyed Ehsan Mousavi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, 7053, Australia
| | - Jawahar G Patil
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Taroona, TAS, 7053, Australia.
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10
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Wang X, Li W, Feng X, Li J, Liu GE, Fang L, Yu Y. Harnessing male germline epigenomics for the genetic improvement in cattle. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:76. [PMID: 37277852 PMCID: PMC10242889 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm is essential for successful artificial insemination in dairy cattle, and its quality can be influenced by both epigenetic modification and epigenetic inheritance. The bovine germline differentiation is characterized by epigenetic reprogramming, while intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can influence the offspring's development through the transmission of epigenetic features to the offspring via the germline. Therefore, the selection of bulls with superior sperm quality for the production and fertility traits requires a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanism and more accurate identifications of epigenetic biomarkers. We have comprehensively reviewed the current progress in the studies of bovine sperm epigenome in terms of both resources and biological discovery in order to provide perspectives on how to harness this valuable information for genetic improvement in the cattle breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Konge Larsen ApS, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Wenlong Li
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xia Feng
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianbing Li
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - George E Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Lingzhao Fang
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.
| | - Ying Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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11
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Miyazaki MA, Guilharducci RL, Intasqui P, Bertolla RP. Mapping the human sperm proteome - novel insights into reproductive research. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:19-45. [PMID: 37140161 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2210764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells with unique morphology. In addition, spermatozoa lose a considerable amount of cytoplasm during spermiogenesis, when they also compact their DNA, resulting in a transcriptionally quiescent cell. Throughout the male reproductive tract, sperm will acquire proteins that enable them to interact with the female reproductive tract. After ejaculation, proteins undergo post-translational modifications for sperm to capacitate, hyperactivate and fertilize the oocyte. Many proteins have been identified as predictors of male infertility, and also investigated in diseases that compromise reproductive potential. AREAS COVERED In this review we proposed to summarize the recent findings about the sperm proteome and how they affect sperm structure, function, and fertility. A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases within the past 5 years until August 2022. EXPERT OPINION Sperm function depends on protein abundance, conformation, and PTMs; understanding the sperm proteome may help to identify pathways essential to fertility, even making it possible to unravel the mechanisms involved in idiopathic infertility. In addition, proteomics evaluation offers knowledge regarding alterations that compromise the male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Alexia Miyazaki
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Lozano Guilharducci
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Intasqui
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Park JI, Bell GW, Yamashita YM. Derepression of Y-linked multicopy protamine-like genes interferes with sperm nuclear compaction in D. melanogaster. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220576120. [PMID: 37036962 PMCID: PMC10120018 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220576120] [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: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Across species, sperm maturation involves the dramatic reconfiguration of chromatin into highly compact nuclei that enhance hydrodynamic ability and ensure paternal genomic integrity. This process is mediated by the replacement of histones by sperm nuclear basic proteins, also referred to as protamines. In humans, a carefully balanced dosage between two known protamine genes is required for optimal fertility. However, it remains unknown how their proper balance is regulated and how defects in balance may lead to compromised fertility. Here, we show that a nucleolar protein, modulo, a homolog of nucleolin, mediates the histone-to-protamine transition during Drosophila spermatogenesis. We find that modulo mutants display nuclear compaction defects during late spermatogenesis due to decreased expression of autosomal protamine genes (including Mst77F) and derepression of Y-linked multicopy Mst77F homologs (Mst77Y), leading to the mutant's known sterility. Overexpression of Mst77Y in a wild-type background is sufficient to cause nuclear compaction defects, similar to modulo mutant, indicating that Mst77Y is a dominant-negative variant interfering with the process of histone-to-protamine transition. Interestingly, ectopic overexpression of Mst77Y caused decompaction of X-bearing spermatids nuclei more frequently than Y-bearing spermatid nuclei, although this did not greatly affect the sex ratio of offspring. We further show that modulo regulates these protamine genes at the step of transcript polyadenylation. We conclude that the regulation of protamines mediated by modulo, ensuring the expression of functional ones while repressing dominant-negative ones, is critical for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun I. Park
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI48109
| | - George W. Bell
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA02142
| | - Yukiko M. Yamashita
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA02142
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02142
- HHMI, Cambridge, MA02142
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13
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Robinson BR, Netherton JK, Ogle RA, Baker MA. Testicular heat stress, a historical perspective and two postulates for why male germ cells are heat sensitive. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:603-622. [PMID: 36412227 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we compare the different experimental regimes used to induce testicular heat stress and summarise their impact on sperm production and male fertility. Irrespective of the protocol used, scrotal heat stress causes loss of sperm production. This is first seen 1-2 weeks post heat stress, peaking 4-5 weeks thereafter. The higher the temperature, or the longer the duration of heat, the more pronounced germ cell loss becomes, within extreme cases this leads to azoospermia. The second, and often underappreciated impact of testicular hyperthermia is the production of poor-quality spermatozoa. Typically, those cells that survive hyperthermia develop into morphologically abnormal and poorly motile spermatozoa. While both apoptotic and non-apoptotic pathways are known to contribute to hyperthermic germ cell loss, the mechanisms leading to formation of poor-quality sperm remain unclear. Mechanistically, it is unlikely that testicular hyperthermia affects messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance, as a comparison of four different mammalian studies shows no consistent single gene changes. Using available evidence, we propose two novel models to explain how testicular hyperthermia impairs sperm formation. Our first model suggests aberrant alternative splicing, while the second model proposes a loss of RNA repression. Importantly, neither model requires consistent changes in RNA species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin R Robinson
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jacob K Netherton
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Rachel A Ogle
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Mark A Baker
- Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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14
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de la Iglesia A, Jodar M, Oliva R, Castillo J. Insights into the sperm chromatin and implications for male infertility from a protein perspective. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1588. [PMID: 36181449 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Male germ cells undergo an extreme but fascinating process of chromatin remodeling that begins in the testis during the last phase of spermatogenesis and continues through epididymal sperm maturation. Most of the histones are replaced by small proteins named protamines, whose high basicity leads to a tight genomic compaction. This process is epigenetically regulated at many levels, not only by posttranslational modifications, but also by readers, writers, and erasers, in a context of a highly coordinated postmeiotic gene expression program. Protamines are key proteins for acquiring this highly specialized chromatin conformation, needed for sperm functionality. Interestingly, and contrary to what could be inferred from its very specific DNA-packaging function across protamine-containing species, human sperm chromatin contains a wide spectrum of protamine proteoforms, including truncated and posttranslationally modified proteoforms. The generation of protamine knock-out models revealed not only chromatin compaction defects, but also collateral sperm alterations contributing to infertile phenotypes, evidencing the importance of sperm chromatin protamination toward the generation of a new individual. The unique features of sperm chromatin have motivated its study, applying from conventional to the most ground-breaking techniques to disentangle its peculiarities and the cellular mechanisms governing its successful conferment, especially relevant from the protein point of view due to the important epigenetic role of sperm nuclear proteins. Gathering and contextualizing the most striking discoveries will provide a global understanding of the importance and complexity of achieving a proper chromatin compaction and exploring its implications on postfertilization events and beyond. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain.,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Chang CH, Mejia Natividad I, Malik HS. Expansion and loss of sperm nuclear basic protein genes in Drosophila correspond with genetic conflicts between sex chromosomes. eLife 2023; 12:85249. [PMID: 36763410 PMCID: PMC9917458 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Many animal species employ sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) or protamines to package sperm genomes tightly. SNBPs vary across animal lineages and evolve rapidly in mammals. We used a phylogenomic approach to investigate SNBP diversification in Drosophila species. We found that most SNBP genes in Drosophila melanogaster evolve under positive selection except for genes essential for male fertility. Unexpectedly, evolutionarily young SNBP genes are more likely to be critical for fertility than ancient, conserved SNBP genes. For example, CG30056 is dispensable for male fertility despite being one of three SNBP genes universally retained in Drosophila species. We found 19 independent SNBP gene amplification events that occurred preferentially on sex chromosomes. Conversely, the montium group of Drosophila species lost otherwise-conserved SNBP genes, coincident with an X-Y chromosomal fusion. Furthermore, SNBP genes that became linked to sex chromosomes via chromosomal fusions were more likely to degenerate or relocate back to autosomes. We hypothesize that autosomal SNBP genes suppress meiotic drive, whereas sex-chromosomal SNBP expansions lead to meiotic drive. X-Y fusions in the montium group render autosomal SNBPs dispensable by making X-versus-Y meiotic drive obsolete or costly. Thus, genetic conflicts between sex chromosomes may drive SNBP rapid evolution during spermatogenesis in Drosophila species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ho Chang
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Isabel Mejia Natividad
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States
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16
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Thiangthientham P, Kallayanathum W, Anakkul N, Suwimonteerabutr J, Santiviparat S, Techakumphu M, Loi P, Tharasanit T. Effects of freeze-drying on the quality and fertilising ability of goat sperm recovered from different parts of the epididymis. Theriogenology 2023; 195:31-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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17
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She ZY, Xu MF, Jiang SY, Wei YL. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is essential for chromosome alignment and spindle assembly of mouse spermatocytes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119306. [PMID: 35680098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Genome stability depends on chromosome congression and alignment during cell division. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is critical for kinetochore-microtubule attachment and chromosome alignment, which contribute to genome stability in mitosis. However, the functions and mechanisms of CENP-E in the meiotic division of male spermatocytes remain largely unknown. In this study, by combining the use of chemical inhibitors, siRNA-mediated gene knockdown, immunohistochemistry, and high-resolution microscopy, we have found that CENP-E inhibition results in chromosome misalignment and metaphase arrest in dividing spermatocyte during meiosis. Strikingly, we have revealed that CENP-E regulates spindle organization in metaphase I spermatocytes and cultured GC-2 spd cells. CENP-E depletion leads to spindle elongation, chromosome misalignment, and chromosome instability in spermatocytes. Together, these findings indicate that CENP-E mediates the kinetochore recruitment of BubR1, spindle assembly checkpoint and chromosome alignment in dividing spermatocytes, which finally contribute to faithful chromosome segregation and chromosome stability in the male meiotic division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| | - Meng-Fei Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Sun-Ying Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350011, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
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18
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Arévalo L, Esther Merges G, Schneider S, Schorle H. Protamines: lessons learned from mouse models. Reproduction 2022; 164:R57-R74. [PMID: 35900356 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Protamines package and shield the paternal DNA in the sperm nucleus and have been studied in many mouse models over decades. This review recapitulates and updates our knowledge about protamines and reveals a surprising complexity in protamine function and their interactions with other sperm nuclear proteins. Abstract The packaging and safeguarding of paternal DNA in the sperm cell nucleus is a critical feature of proper sperm function. Histones cannot mediate the necessary hypercondensation and shielding of chromatin required for motility and transit through the reproductive tracts. Paternal chromatin is therefore reorganized and ultimately packaged by protamines. In most mammalian species, one protamine is present in mature sperm (PRM1). In rodents and primates among others, however, mature sperm contain a second protamine (PRM2). Unlike PRM1, PRM2 is cleaved at its N-terminal end. Although protamines have been studied for decades due to their role in chromatin hypercondensation and involvement in male infertility, key aspects of their function are still unclear. This review updates and integrates our knowledge of protamines and their function based on lessons learned from mouse models and starts to answer open questions. The combined insights from recent work reveal that indeed both protamines are crucial for the production of functional sperm and indicate that the two protamines perform distinct functions beyond simple DNA compaction. Loss of one allele of PRM1 leads to subfertility whereas heterozygous loss of PRM2 does not. Unprocessed PRM2 seems to play a distinct role related to the eviction of intermediate DNA-bound proteins and the incorporation of both protamines into chromatin. For PRM1, on the other hand, heterozygous loss leads to strongly reduced sperm motility as the main phenotype, indicating that PRM1 might be important for processes ensuring correct motility, apart from DNA compaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Bonn Technology Campus, Core Facility 'Gene-Editing', University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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19
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Arya D, Balasinor N, Singh D. Varicocele associated male infertility: cellular and molecular perspectives of pathophysiology. Andrology 2022; 10:1463-1483. [PMID: 36040837 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocele is a common risk factor associated with reduced male fertility potential. The current understanding of varicocele pathophysiology does not completely explain the clinical manifestation of infertility. The present treatment options such as antioxidant supplementation and varicocelectomy only helps ∼35% of men to achieve spontaneous pregnancy. OBJECTIVE This review aims to summarize the available knowledge on cellular and molecular alterations implicated to varicocele associated male infertility and also highlights the new knowledge generated by 'Omics' technologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases are searched using different combinations of keywords (varicocele, infertile/fertile men with varicocele, cellular changes, molecular mechanisms, proteome, epigenome, transcriptome and metabolome). A total of 229 relevant human and animal studies published till 2021 were included in this review. RESULTS Current understanding advocates oxidative stress (OS) as a major contributory factor to the varicocele associated male infertility. Excessive OS causes alteration in testicular microenvironment and sperm DNA fragmentation which further contributes to infertility. Molecular and omics studies have identified several promising biomarkers such as AAMP, SPINT1, MKI67 (genetic markers), sperm quality and function related protein markers, global sperm DNA methylation level (epigenetic marker), Hspa2, Protamine, Gadd7, Dynlt1 and Beclin1 (mRNA markers), PRDX2, HSPA, APOA2, YKL40 (seminal protein markers), total choline and PHGDH (metabolic markers). DISCUSSION Mature spermatozoa harbours a plethora of molecular information in form of proteome, epigenome and transcriptome; which could provide very important clues regarding pathophysiology of varicocele associated infertility. Recent molecular and omics studies in infertile men with varicocele have identified several promising biomarkers. Upon further validation with larger and well-defined studies, some of these biomarkers could aid in varicocele management. CONCLUSION The present evidences suggest inclusion of OS and sperm DNA fragmentation tests could be useful to the diagnostic workup for men with varicocele. Furthermore, including precise molecular markers may assist in diagnostics and prognostics of varicocele associated male infertility. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepshikha Arya
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Nafisa Balasinor
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Dipty Singh
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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20
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Hong S, Shen X, Luo C, Sun F. Comparative analysis of the testes from wild-type and Alkbh5-knockout mice using single-cell RNA sequencing. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2022; 12:6598802. [PMID: 35652742 PMCID: PMC9339272 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The RNA demethylase ALKBH5 is regarded as the “eraser” in N6-methyladenosine modification. ALKBH5 deficiency causes male infertility in mice; however, the mechanisms that confer disruption of spermatogenesis are not completely clear. In this study, we profiled testis samples from wild-type and Alkbh5-knockout mice using single-cell RNA sequencing. We obtained single-cell RNA sequencing data of 5,596 and 6,816 testis cells from a wild-type and a knockout mouse, respectively. There were differences detected between the transcriptional profiles of the groups at various germ cell developmental stages. This ranged from the development of spermatogonia to sperm cells, in macrophages, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells. We identified the differentially expressed genes related to spermatogenesis in germ cells and somatic cells (Sertoli cells and Leydig cells) and evaluated their functions and associated pathways, such as chromatin-related functional pathways, through gene ontology enrichment analysis. This study provides the first single-cell RNA sequencing profile of the testes of ALKBH5-deficient mice. This highlights that ALKBH5 is an important gene for germ cell development and spermatogenesis and offers new molecular mechanistic insights. These findings could provide the basis for further research into the causes and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Hong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University , Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiaozhong Shen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University , Nantong 226001, China
| | - Chunhai Luo
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University , Nantong 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University , Nantong 226001, China
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21
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Merges GE, Meier J, Schneider S, Kruse A, Fröbius AC, Kirfel G, Steger K, Arévalo L, Schorle H. Loss of Prm1 leads to defective chromatin protamination, impaired PRM2 processing, reduced sperm motility and subfertility in male mice. Development 2022; 149:275502. [PMID: 35608054 PMCID: PMC9270976 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
One of the key events during spermiogenesis is the hypercondensation of chromatin by substitution of the majority of histones by protamines. In humans and mice, protamine 1 (PRM1/Prm1) and protamine 2 (PRM2/Prm2) are expressed in a species-specific ratio. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing, we generated Prm1-deficient mice and demonstrated that Prm1+/- mice were subfertile, whereas Prm1-/- mice were infertile. Prm1-/- and Prm2-/- sperm showed high levels of reactive oxygen species-mediated DNA damage and increased histone retention. In contrast, Prm1+/- sperm displayed only moderate DNA damage. The majority of Prm1+/- sperm were CMA3 positive, indicating protamine-deficient chromatin, although this was not the result of increased histone retention in Prm1+/- sperm. However, sperm from Prm1+/- and Prm1-/- mice contained high levels of incompletely processed PRM2. Furthermore, the PRM1:PRM2 ratio was skewed from 1:2 in wild type to 1:5 in Prm1+/- animals. Our results reveal that PRM1 is required for proper PRM2 processing to produce mature PRM2, which, together with PRM1, is able to hypercondense DNA. Thus, the species-specific PRM1:PRM2 ratio has to be precisely controlled in order to retain full fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Meier
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Kruse
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Christian Fröbius
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Gregor Kirfel
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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22
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Botezatu A, Vladoiu S, Fudulu A, Albulescu A, Plesa A, Muresan A, Stancu C, Iancu IV, Diaconu CC, Velicu A, Popa OM, Badiu C, Dinu-Draganescu D. Advanced molecular approaches in male infertility diagnosis. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:684-704. [PMID: 35594455 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac105] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent years a special attention has been given to a major health concern namely to male infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, taken into account the statistics that highlight that sperm counts have dropped by 50-60% in recent decades. According to the WHO, infertility affects approximately 9% of couples globally, and the male factor is believed to be present in roughly 50% of cases, with exclusive responsibility in 30%. The aim of this manuscript is to present an evidence-based approach for diagnosing male infertility that includes finding new solutions for diagnosis and critical outcomes, retrieving up-to-date studies and existing guidelines. The diverse factors that induce male infertility generated in a vast amount of data that needed to be analysed by a clinician before a decision could be made for each individual. Modern medicine faces numerous obstacles as a result of the massive amount of data generated by the molecular biology discipline. To address complex clinical problems, vast data must be collected, analysed, and used, which can be very challenging. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) methods to create a decision support system can help predict the diagnosis and guide treatment for infertile men, based on analysis of different data as environmental and lifestyle, clinical (sperm count, morphology, hormone testing, karyotype, etc.) and "omics" bigdata. Ultimately, the development of AI algorithms will assist clinicians in formulating diagnosis, making treatment decisions, and predicting outcomes for assisted reproduction techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Botezatu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - S Vladoiu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Fudulu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Albulescu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania.,National Institute for Chemical pharmaceutical Research & Development
| | - A Plesa
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Muresan
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Stancu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - I V Iancu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C C Diaconu
- "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Velicu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - O M Popa
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - C Badiu
- "CI Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania.,"Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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23
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Xiong F, Zhou B, Wu NX, Deng LJ, Xie JY, Li XJ, Chen YJ, Wang YX, Zeng Q, Yang P. The Association of Certain Seminal Phthalate Metabolites on Spermatozoa Apoptosis: An Exploratory Mediation Analysis via Sperm Protamine. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118969. [PMID: 35157934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Earlier studies have suggested that exposure to phthalates (PAEs) may induce spermatozoa apoptosis. Sperm protamine as a molecular biomarker during spermatozoa apoptotic processes may mediate the association between PAE exposure and spermatozoa apoptosis. This study aimed to explore whether sperm protamine mediates the association of PAE exposure with spermatozoa apoptosis. We determined sperm protamine levels, 8 PAE metabolite concentrations in seminal plasma, and 3 spermatozoa apoptosis parameters among 111 men from an infertility clinic. The associations of PAEs as individual chemicals and mixtures with sperm protamine were determined. The mediating roles of protamine in the associations between PAEs and spermatozoa apoptosis parameters were examined by mediation analysis. After adjusting for confounders, we observed positive correlations between seminal plasma concentrations of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and sperm protamine-1 and protamine ratio. Estimates comparing highest vs. lowest quartiles of MEHP concentration were 4.65% (95% CI: 1.47%, 7.82%) for protamine-1 and 25.86% (95% CI: 3.05%, 53.73%) for protamine ratio. The quantile g-computation models showed that the adjusted protamine-1 per quartile increase in PAE mixture was 9.42% (95% CI: 1.00, 20.92) with MEHP being the major contributor. Although the joint association between PAE mixture and protamine ratio was negligible, MEHP was still identified as the main contributor. Furthermore, we found that protamine-2 and protamine ratio levels in the highest quartiles exhibited a decrease of 43.45% (95% CI: 60.54%, -19.75%) and an increase of 122.55% (95% CI: 60.00%, 209.57%) in Annexin V+/PI- spermatozoa relative to the lowest quartiles, respectively. Mediation analysis revealed that protamine ratio significantly mediated 55.6% of the association between MEHP and Annexin V+/PI- spermatozoa elevation (5.13%; 95% CI: 0.04%, 10.52%). Our findings provided evidence that human exposure to PAEs was associated with increased protamine levels which may mediate the process of spermatozoa apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiong
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Nan-Xin Wu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lang-Jing Deng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jin-Ying Xie
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jie Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.
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24
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Kaur R, Leigh BA, Ritchie IT, Bordenstein SR. The Cif proteins from Wolbachia prophage WO modify sperm genome integrity to establish cytoplasmic incompatibility. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001584. [PMID: 35609042 PMCID: PMC9128985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited microorganisms can selfishly manipulate host reproduction to drive through populations. In Drosophila melanogaster, germline expression of the native Wolbachia prophage WO proteins CifA and CifB cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in which embryos from infected males and uninfected females suffer catastrophic mitotic defects and lethality; however, in infected females, CifA expression rescues the embryonic lethality and thus imparts a fitness advantage to the maternally transmitted Wolbachia. Despite widespread relevance to sex determination, evolution, and vector control, the mechanisms underlying when and how CI impairs male reproduction remain unknown and a topic of debate. Here, we use cytochemical, microscopic, and transgenic assays in D. melanogaster to demonstrate that CifA and CifB proteins of wMel localize to nuclear DNA throughout the process of spermatogenesis. Cif proteins cause abnormal histone retention in elongating spermatids and protamine deficiency in mature sperms that travel to the female reproductive tract with Cif proteins. Notably, protamine gene knockouts enhance wild-type CI. In ovaries, CifA localizes to germ cell nuclei and cytoplasm of early-stage egg chambers; however, Cifs are absent in late-stage oocytes and subsequently in fertilized embryos. Finally, CI and rescue are contingent upon a newly annotated CifA bipartite nuclear localization sequence. Together, our results strongly support the Host modification model of CI in which Cifs initially modify the paternal and maternal gametes to bestow CI-defining embryonic lethality and rescue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupinder Kaur
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Microbiome Innovation Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Brittany A. Leigh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Microbiome Innovation Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Isabella T. Ritchie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Microbiome Innovation Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Seth R. Bordenstein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Microbiome Innovation Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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25
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PRM1 Gene Expression and Its Protein Abundance in Frozen-Thawed Spermatozoa as Potential Fertility Markers in Breeding Bulls. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030111. [PMID: 35324839 PMCID: PMC8951773 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional genes and proteins in sperm play an essential role in bulls’ reproductive processes. They are more accurate in determining bull fertility than conventional semen quality tests. Protamine-1 (PRM1) is a gene or protein crucial for packaging and protecting sperm DNA until fertilization affects normal sperm function. This study analyzes the genes and proteins potential from PRM1 as fertility markers for different breeds of bulls utilized in the artificial insemination programs, expected to be an accurate tool in interpreting bull fertility in Indonesia. This study used Limousin, Holstein, and Ongole Grade bulls divided into two groups based on fertility, high-fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF). The semen quality assessment included progressive motility (computer-assisted semen analysis), viability (eosin-nigrosine), and plasma membrane integrity (HOS test). Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) was assessed using the acridine orange staining and the Halomax test. Sperm PRM deficiency was evaluated with the chromomycin A3 method. Moreover, PRM1 gene expression was measured using qRT-PCR, and the PRM1 protein abundance was measured with the enzyme immunoassay method. Semen quality values, relative expression of PRM1 gene, and quantity of PRM1 protein were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HF bulls than in LF bulls. The SDF and PRM deficiency values in LF bulls were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than HF bulls. Additionally, PRM1 at the gene and protein levels correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with fertility. Therefore, PRM1 is a potential candidate for fertility markers in bulls in Indonesia.
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26
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Axelsson J, Lindh CH, Giwercman A. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nicotine, and associations with sperm DNA fragmentation. Andrology 2022; 10:740-748. [PMID: 35234353 PMCID: PMC9310791 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Tobacco smoking has been reported to cause DNA fragmentation and has been suggested to cause mutations in spermatozoa. These effects have been ascribed to the action of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) present in the smoke. Simultaneously, DNA fragmentation has been associated with mutagenesis. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether levels of urinary biomarkers of PAH and nicotine exposure were associated with sperm DNA fragmentation. Methods In the urine of 381 men recruited from two cohorts of young men (17–21 years old) from the general Swedish population, the PAH metabolites 1‐hydroxypyrene and 2‐hydroxyphenanthrene, as well as the nicotine metabolite cotinine, were measured. The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was analysed using the sperm chromatin structure assay. Associations between the DFI, and PAH metabolite levels as continuous variables as well as in quartiles, were studied by general linear models adjusted for abstinence time. A similar analysis was carried out for cotinine levels, according to which the men were categorised as “non‐smoking” (n = 216) and “smoking” (n = 165). Results No association was found between levels of any of the three biomarkers and DFI, either as a continuous variable (p = 0.87–0.99), or when comparing the lowest and the highest quartiles (p = 0.11–0.61). The same was true for comparison of men categorised as non‐smoking or smoking (DFI 11.1% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.31). Discussion We found no evidence of PAH or nicotine exposure to be associated with DFI, which does not exclude that these exposures may have other effects on sperm DNA. Conclusion In these young men, levels of biomarkers of nicotine and PAH exposure were not associated with DFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Axelsson
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, and Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, and Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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27
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Ugur MR, Guerreiro DD, Moura AA, Memili E. Identification of biomarkers for bull fertility using functional genomics. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20220004. [PMID: 35573862 PMCID: PMC9083437 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prediction of bull fertility is critical for the sustainability of both dairy and beef cattle production. Even though bulls produce ample amounts of sperm with normal parameters, some bulls may still suffer from subpar fertility. This causes major economic losses in the cattle industry because using artificial insemination, semen from one single bull can be used to inseminate hundreds of thousands of cows. Although there are several traditional methods to estimate bull fertility, such methods are not sufficient to explain and accurately predict the subfertility of individual bulls. Since fertility is a complex trait influenced by a number of factors including genetics, epigenetics, and environment, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive methodological approach to clarify uncertainty in male subfertility. The present review focuses on molecular and functional signatures of bull sperm associated with fertility. Potential roles of functional genomics (proteome, small noncoding RNAs, lipidome, metabolome) on determining male fertility and its potential as a fertility biomarker are discussed. This review provides a better understanding of the molecular signatures of viable and fertile sperm cells and their potential to be used as fertility biomarkers. This information will help uncover the underlying reasons for idiopathic subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arlindo A. Moura
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Mississippi State University, USA; Prairie View A&M University, USA
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28
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Moritz L, Hammoud SS. The Art of Packaging the Sperm Genome: Molecular and Structural Basis of the Histone-To-Protamine Exchange. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:895502. [PMID: 35813619 PMCID: PMC9258737 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.895502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Male fertility throughout life hinges on the successful production of motile sperm, a developmental process that involves three coordinated transitions: mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. Germ cells undergo both mitosis and meiosis to generate haploid round spermatids, in which histones bound to the male genome are replaced with small nuclear proteins known as protamines. During this transformation, the chromatin undergoes extensive remodeling to become highly compacted in the sperm head. Despite its central role in spermiogenesis and fertility, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the remodeling process, including which remodelers/chaperones are involved, and whether intermediate chromatin proteins function as discrete steps, or unite simultaneously to drive successful exchange. Furthermore, it remains largely unknown whether more nuanced interactions instructed by protamine post-translational modifications affect chromatin dynamics or gene expression in the early embryo. Here, we bring together past and more recent work to explore these topics and suggest future studies that will elevate our understanding of the molecular basis of the histone-to-protamine exchange and the underlying etiology of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Moritz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Lindsay Moritz, ; Saher Sue Hammoud,
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Lindsay Moritz, ; Saher Sue Hammoud,
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29
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Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm bauplan and function and underlying processes of sperm formation and selection. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:7-60. [PMID: 33880962 PMCID: PMC8812575 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated and polarized cell, with two main structures: the head, containing a haploid nucleus and the acrosomal exocytotic granule, and the flagellum, which generates energy and propels the cell; both structures are connected by the neck. The sperm's main aim is to participate in fertilization, thus activating development. Despite this common bauplan and function, there is an enormous diversity in structure and performance of sperm cells. For example, mammalian spermatozoa may exhibit several head patterns and overall sperm lengths ranging from ∼30 to 350 µm. Mechanisms of transport in the female tract, preparation for fertilization, and recognition of and interaction with the oocyte also show considerable variation. There has been much interest in understanding the origin of this diversity, both in evolutionary terms and in relation to mechanisms underlying sperm differentiation in the testis. Here, relationships between sperm bauplan and function are examined at two levels: first, by analyzing the selective forces that drive changes in sperm structure and physiology to understand the adaptive values of this variation and impact on male reproductive success and second, by examining cellular and molecular mechanisms of sperm formation in the testis that may explain how differentiation can give rise to such a wide array of sperm forms and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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30
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Yogo K. Molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm head and tail in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12466. [PMID: 35619659 PMCID: PMC9126569 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spermatozoon has a complex molecular apparatus necessary for fertilization in its head and flagellum. Recently, numerous genes that are needed to construct the molecular apparatus of spermatozoa have been identified through the analysis of genetically modified mice. Methods Based on the literature information, the molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm heads and flagella in mice was summarized. Main findings (Results) The molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking and intraflagellar transport in acrosome and flagellum formation were listed. With the development of cryo‐electron tomography and mass spectrometry techniques, the details of the axonemal structure are becoming clearer. The fine structure and the proteins needed to form the central apparatus, outer and inner dynein arms, nexin‐dynein regulatory complex, and radial spokes were described. The important components of the formation of the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, outer dense fiber, and the annulus were also described. The similarities and differences between sperm flagella and Chlamydomonas flagella/somatic cell cilia were also discussed. Conclusion The molecular mechanism of formation of the sperm head and flagellum has been clarified using the mouse as a model. These studies will help to better understand the diversity of sperm morphology and the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Yogo
- Department of Applied Life Sciences Faculty of Agriculture Shizuoka University Shizuoka Japan
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31
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Nagaki CAP, Hamilton TRDS, Assumpção MEODÁ. What is known so far about bull sperm protamination: a review. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210109. [DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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32
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Karimian M, Parvaresh L, Behjati M. Genetic variations as molecular diagnostic factors for idiopathic male infertility: current knowledge and future perspectives. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:1191-1210. [PMID: 34555965 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1985469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infertility is a major health problem, worldwide, which affects 10-15% of couples. About half a percent of infertility cases are related to male-related factors. Male infertility is a complex disease that is the result of various insults as lifestyle issues, genetics, and epigenetic factors. Idiopathic infertility is responsible for 30% of total cases. The genetic factors responsible for male infertility include chromosomal abnormalities, deletions of chromosome Y, and mutations and genetic variations of key genes. AREAS COVERED In this review article, we aim to narrate performed studies on polymorphisms of essential genes involved in male infertility including folate metabolizing genes, oxidative stress-related genes, inflammation, and cellular pathways related to spermatogenesis. Moreover, possible pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for genetic polymorphisms are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Analysis and assessment of these genetic variations could help in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Karimian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Leila Parvaresh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohaddeseh Behjati
- Cellular, Molecular and Genetics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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33
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Liu J, Li X, Zhou G, Zhang Y, Sang Y, Wang J, Li Y, Ge W, Sun Z, Zhou X. Silica nanoparticles inhibiting the differentiation of round spermatid and chromatin remodeling of haploid period via MIWI in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 284:117446. [PMID: 34058501 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Researches have shown that silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) could reduce both the quantity and quality of sperm. However, the mechanism of toxicity induced by SiNPs in the male reproductive system is still unclear. In this study, male mice were randomly divided into a control group, and SiNPs treated group (20 mg/kg dose; n = 30 per group). Half of the mice per group were sacrificed on 35 days and the remaining on 50 days of the SiNPs exposure. SiNPs were found to decrease sperm count and mobility, increase the sperm abnormality rate, and damage the testes' structure. Furthermore, SiNPs decreased the protein levels of Protamine 1(PRM1) and elevated the histones' levels and suppressed the chromatin condensation of sperm. There was a significant reduction of the ubiquitinated H2A (ubH2A)/H2B (ubH2B) and RING finger protein 8 (RNF8) levels in the spermatid nucleus, while the RNF8 level in the spermatid cytoplasm increased evidently. The protein expression levels of PIWI-like protein 1(MIWI) in the late spermatids significantly increased on day 35 of SiNPs exposure. After 15 days of the withdrawal, the sperm parameters and protamine levels, and histones in the epididymal sperm were unrecovered; however, the changes in testis induced by SiNPs were recovered. Our results suggested that SiNPs could decrease the RNF8 level in the nucleus of spermatid either by upregulating of the expression of MIWI or by inhibiting its degradation. This resulted in the detention of RNF8 in the cytoplasm that maybe inhibited the RNF8-mediated ubiquitination of ubH2A and ubH2B. These events culminated in creating obstacles during the H2A and H2B removal and chromatin condensation, thereby suppressing the differentiation of round spermatids and chromatin remodeling, which compromised the sperm quality and quantity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Xiangyang Li
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Guiqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yujian Sang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ji Wang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yanbo Li
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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34
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Hamilton LE, Lion M, Aguila L, Suzuki J, Acteau G, Protopapas N, Xu W, Sutovsky P, Baker M, Oko R. Core Histones Are Constituents of the Perinuclear Theca of Murid Spermatozoa: An Assessment of Their Synthesis and Assembly during Spermiogenesis and Function after Gametic Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158119. [PMID: 34360885 PMCID: PMC8347300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The perinuclear theca (PT) of the eutherian sperm head is a cytoskeletal-like structure that houses proteins involved in important cellular processes during spermiogenesis and fertilization. Building upon our novel discovery of non-nuclear histones in the bovine PT, we sought to investigate whether this PT localization was a conserved feature of eutherian sperm. Employing cell fractionation, immunodetection, mass spectrometry, qPCR, and intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI), we examined the localization, developmental origin, and functional potential of histones from the murid PT. Immunodetection localized histones to the post-acrosomal sheath (PAS) and the perforatorium (PERF) of the PT but showed an absence in the sperm nucleus. MS/MS analysis of selectively extracted PT histones indicated that predominately core histones (i.e., H3, H3.3, H2B, H2A, H2AX, and H4) populate the murid PT. These core histones appear to be de novo-synthesized in round spermatids and assembled via the manchette during spermatid elongation. Mouse ICSI results suggest that early embryonic development is delayed in the absence of PT-derived core histones. Here, we provide evidence that core histones are de novo-synthesized prior to PT assembly and deposited in PT sub-compartments for subsequent involvement in chromatin remodeling of the male pronucleus post-fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Hamilton
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Morgan Lion
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Luis Aguila
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Fertility, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Université de Montreal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; (L.A.); (J.S.)
| | - João Suzuki
- Center for Research in Reproduction and Fertility, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Université de Montreal, St. Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada; (L.A.); (J.S.)
| | - Genevieve Acteau
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Nicole Protopapas
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Mark Baker
- School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Botterell Hall, 18 Stuart Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (L.E.H.); (M.L.); (G.A.); (N.P.); (W.X.)
- Correspondence:
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Rotondo JC, Lanzillotti C, Mazziotta C, Tognon M, Martini F. Epigenetics of Male Infertility: The Role of DNA Methylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689624. [PMID: 34368137 PMCID: PMC8339558 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a number of studies focused on the role of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and male infertility. We aimed to provide an overview of the knowledge concerning the gene and genome methylation and its regulation during spermatogenesis, specifically in the context of male infertility etiopathogenesis. Overall, the findings support the hypothesis that sperm DNA methylation is associated with sperm alterations and infertility. Several genes have been found to be differentially methylated in relation to impaired spermatogenesis and/or reproductive dysfunction. Particularly, DNA methylation defects of MEST and H19 within imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes have been repeatedly linked with male infertility. A deep knowledge of sperm DNA methylation status in association with reduced reproductive potential could improve the development of novel diagnostic tools for this disease. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms affecting methylation in sperm and their impact on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Mazziotta
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Hamilton TRDS, Simões R, Assumpção MEODÁ. An improved acetic acid-urea polyacrylamide electrophoresis method to evaluate bovine sperm protamines. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1050-1056. [PMID: 33890330 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The acetic acid-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system could separate very similar basic proteins on differences in size and effective charge. This system has been used for many years to analyse histones and their post-translational modifications and widely used in the study of mammal protamines. Two types of protamine have been described, the protamine 1 (P1) and the protamine 2 (P2) family members, which are synthetized by PRM1 and PRM2 genes. The ratio of P1 and P2 is important for predicting fertility in humans and mice. Therefore, the quantification of protamines is a fundamental step in order to establish the ratio between P1 and P2 in these species. In other mammals, studies linking sperm protamination and the protamine ratio with fertility are increasing. So, the use of an effective technique to separate and quantify protamines is important to study sperm P1/P2 ratio. Therefore, this article describes in detail a feasible and useful procedure to isolate bovine sperm protamines, to perform pre-electrophoresis with PEG solution and finally to carry out acid-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in reverse polarity. This technique allows a clear separation and efficient detection of bovine sperm protamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Rose Dos Santos Hamilton
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Simões
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, Brazil
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Label-Free Evaluation of Chromatin Condensation in Human Normal Morphology Sperm Using Raman Spectroscopy. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2527-2539. [PMID: 33877640 PMCID: PMC8346437 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin condensation is one of the main factors essential for sperm function. Evaluation of chromatin condensation by current methods render the assessed sperm unsuitable for assisted reproduction. We examined the Raman spectra of normal morphology sperm to determine whether a non-invasive confocal Raman spectroscopy can detect spectral differences between groups having different levels of chromatin condensation. Semen samples from 85 donors who underwent ICSI were obtained. Chromomycin A3, aniline blue and acridine orange staining were performed to evaluate the protamine deficiency, histone retention and DNA fragmentation respectively. Raman spectra were obtained from 50 normal morphology sperm for each donor. Spectral analysis was performed using home written programs in LabVIEW software and samples were grouped based on chromomycin A3 staining. Raman peaks intensities at 670 cm-1, 731 cm-1, 785 cm-1, 858 cm-1, 1062 cm-1, 1098 cm-1, 1185 cm-1, 1372 cm-1, 1424 cm-1, 1450 cm-1, 1532 cm-1, 1618 cm-1 and 1673 cm-1 were significantly correlated with at least one of the sperm staining methods. The median intensity of the Raman peaks at 670 cm-1, 731 cm-1, 785 cm-1, 1062 cm-1, 1098 cm-1, 1185 cm-1, 1372 cm-1, 1424 cm-1, 1450 cm-1, 1532 cm-1, 1618 cm-1 and 1673 cm-1 show a significant difference between the CMA3≤41 and CMA3>41groups. The Raman spectroscopic measurements represent a promising diagnostic tool that has the ability to label-free detect sperm with chromatin abnormalities, such as improper chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation to a certain degree similar to that of the existing staining techniques at the individual cell level.
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Franklin R, Murn J, Cheloufi S. Cell Fate Decisions in the Wake of Histone H3 Deposition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:654915. [PMID: 33959610 PMCID: PMC8093820 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.654915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An expanding repertoire of histone variants and specialized histone chaperone partners showcases the versatility of nucleosome assembly during different cellular processes. Recent research has suggested an integral role of nucleosome assembly pathways in both maintaining cell identity and influencing cell fate decisions during development and normal homeostasis. Mutations and altered expression profiles of histones and corresponding histone chaperone partners are associated with developmental defects and cancer. Here, we discuss the spatiotemporal deposition mechanisms of the Histone H3 variants and their influence on mammalian cell fate during development. We focus on H3 given its profound effect on nucleosome stability and its recently characterized deposition pathways. We propose that differences in deposition of H3 variants are largely dependent on the phase of the cell cycle and cellular potency but are also affected by cellular stress and changes in cell fate. We also discuss the utility of modern technologies in dissecting the spatiotemporal control of H3 variant deposition, and how this could shed light on the mechanisms of cell identity maintenance and lineage commitment. The current knowledge and future studies will help us better understand how organisms employ nucleosome dynamics in health, disease, and aging. Ultimately, these pathways can be manipulated to induce cell fate change in a therapeutic setting depending on the cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuben Franklin
- Department of Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Jernej Murn
- Department of Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Sihem Cheloufi
- Department of Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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Amjad S, Mushtaq S, Rehman R, Munir A, Zahid N, Siddique PQR. Protamine 1/Protamine 2 mRNA ratio in nonobstructive azoospermic patients. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13936. [PMID: 33427330 DOI: 10.1111/and.13936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered protamine 1 (PRM1)/ protamine 2 (PRM2) mRNA ratio in testicular biopsy samples correlates with sperm quality and its fertilising ability. This study is planned to assess PRM1/ PRM2 mRNA ratio in subgroups of azoospermia to suggest a more reliable and accurate marker for assessing sperm quality in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). A cross-sectional study was done on testicular biopsy samples, taken from 106 azoospermic patients. Samples were histologically classified into subgroups: 36 obstructive azoospermia (OA), and two groups of NOA: 41 round spermatid maturation arrest (SMA) and 29 Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS). OA samples showed histologically normal spermatogenesis and serve as a positive control. mRNA expression of jumonji domain-containing 1A (JMJD1A), PRM1, PRM2 and transition nuclear proteins (TNP1, TNP2) genes was determined, by RT-qPCR. Significantly lower expression of JMJD1A (p < .001), PRM1 (p = .0265) and PRM2 (p = .0032) has been seen in the SCOS group of NOA. We found significant (p < .001) increase in PRM1/PRM2 mRNA ratio in testicular biopsy samples of SCOS group of NOA patients and significant negative correlation of PRM1/PRM2 mRNA ratio with JMJD1A. Hence, PRM1/PRM2 mRNA ratio may represent a more reliable and accurate marker to assess sperm quality in NOA in addition to standard semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Amjad
- Department of Physiology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shamim Mushtaq
- Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rehana Rehman
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Munir
- Department of Andrology, Australian Concept Infertility Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nida Zahid
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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Susceptibility of boar spermatozoa to heat stress using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:97. [PMID: 33415455 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02516-y] [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: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Induction of heat stress as an experimental procedure in animals is commonly used to examine heat-related impacts on sperm quality. This study aimed to develop potential heat stress models that could be used at any time of the year, to advance the study of seasonal infertility in the pig under controlled conditions. Heat stress was induced by either housing boars (n = 6) at 30 °C inside a hot room for 42 days (55-65% humidity; LD 12:12 h; in vivo), or by heating boar semen (n = 7) for 30 min at various temperatures (35.5, 38.8, 40, 42, 46, 50, 54 and 60 °C; in vitro). Sperm motility was then characterized by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA; IVOS version 10: Hamilton Thorne, USA), and DNA integrity was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry. Our in vivo hot room model induced biologically meaningful levels of DNA damage in boar spermatozoa (10.1 ± 1.9 hot room vs. 6.7 ± 1.7% control; P > 0.05), although not statistically significant from controls. Moreover, sperm concentration and motility parameters did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Compared to the 38.8 °C control, our in vitro heat shock model significantly increased sperm DNA damage after incubation at 54 and 60 °C (3.0 ± 1.0, 2.9 ± 1.0, 1.2 ± 0.3, 2.5 ± 0.7, 9.0 ± 3.7, 16.2 ± 7.1, 14.2 ± 5.8 and 41.8 ± 18.6% respectively; P ≤ 0.05). However, these temperatures rendered sperm completely immotile or dead, with most motility parameters declining rapidly to zero above 40 or 42 °C. In conclusion, our results suggest that temperature combined with individual factors may contribute to a boar's overall susceptibility to heat stress. Refinement of these models particularly of the in vitro heat shock model could be further pursued to overcome environmental variability, reduce whole animal experiments and provide a putative diagnostic fertility screening tool to evaluate heat tolerance in the boar.
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Zatecka E, Bohuslavova R, Valaskova E, Margaryan H, Elzeinova F, Kubatova A, Hylmarova S, Peknicova J, Pavlinkova G. The Transgenerational Transmission of the Paternal Type 2 Diabetes-Induced Subfertility Phenotype. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:763863. [PMID: 34803926 PMCID: PMC8602877 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.763863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and associated with many health complications due to the long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs. A consequential complication of diabetes in men is reproductive dysfunction, reduced fertility, and poor reproductive outcomes. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for diabetic environment-induced sperm damage and overall decreased reproductive outcomes are not fully established. We evaluated the effects of type 2 diabetes exposure on the reproductive system and the reproductive outcomes of males and their male offspring, using a mouse model. We demonstrate that paternal exposure to type 2 diabetes mediates intergenerational and transgenerational effects on the reproductive health of the offspring, especially on sperm quality, and on metabolic characteristics. Given the transgenerational impairment of reproductive and metabolic parameters through two generations, these changes likely take the form of inherited epigenetic marks through the germline. Our results emphasize the importance of improving metabolic health not only in women of reproductive age, but also in potential fathers, in order to reduce the negative impacts of diabetes on subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zatecka
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czechia
| | - Romana Bohuslavova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czechia
| | - Eliska Valaskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czechia
| | - Hasmik Margaryan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czechia
| | - Fatima Elzeinova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czechia
| | - Alena Kubatova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czechia
| | - Simona Hylmarova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czechia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Peknicova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czechia
| | - Gabriela Pavlinkova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center of the Academy of Sciences and Charles University in Vestec (BIOCEV), Vestec, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Gabriela Pavlinkova,
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Male Factors: the Role of Sperm in Preimplantation Embryo Quality. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:1788-1811. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00334-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Homma T, Kurahashi T, Ishii N, Shirasawa N, Fujii J. Testis-specific peroxiredoxin 4 variant is not absolutely required for spermatogenesis and fertility in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17934. [PMID: 33087733 PMCID: PMC7577974 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74667-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PRDX4, a member of peroxiredoxin family, is largely concentrated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plays a pivotal role in the redox relay during oxidative protein folding as well as in peroxidase reactions. A testis-specific PRDX4 variant transcript (PRDX4t) lacks the conventional exon 1, which encodes the signal peptide that is required for entry into the ER lumen, but instead carries alternative exon 1, which is transcribed from the upstream promoter in a testis-specific manner and results in the PRDX4t protein being localized in the cytosol. However, the potential roles of PRDX4t in male genital action remain unknown. Using a CRISPR/Cas9 system, we first disrupted the testis-specific promoter/exon 1 and generated mice that were specifically deficient in PRDX4t. The resulting PRDX4t knockout (KO) mice underwent normal spermatogenesis and showed no overt abnormalities in the testis. Mating PRDX4t KO male mice with wild-type (WT) female mice produced normal numbers of offspring, indicating that a PRDX4t deficiency alone had no effect on fertility in the male mice. We then generated mice lacking both PRDX4 and PRDX4t by disrupting exon 2, which is communal to these variants. The resulting double knockout (DKO) mice were again fertile, and mature sperm isolated from the epididymis of DKO mice exhibited a normal fertilizing ability in vitro. In the meantime, the protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which plays an essential role in the disulfide bond formation during spermatogenesis, were significantly increased in the testis and caput epididymis of the DKO mice compared with the WT mice. Based on these results, we conclude that the disruption of the function of PRDX4t in the spermatogenic process appears to be compensated by other factors including GPX4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takujiro Homma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan.
| | - Toshihiro Kurahashi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan.,Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoki Ishii
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shirasawa
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Science and Welfare, Tohoku Bunka Gakuen University, Sendai, 981-8551, Japan
| | - Junichi Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
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Kritaniya D, Yadav S, Swain DK, Reddy AV, Dhariya R, Yadav B, Anand M, Nigam R. Freezing-thawing induces deprotamination, cryocapacitation-associated changes; DNA fragmentation; and reduced progesterone sensitivity in buck spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 223:106628. [PMID: 33128908 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, there was evaluation of cryocapacitation-associated changes, apoptotic-like changes, deprotamination, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and in vitro sperm functional attributes in Barbari bucks after freezing-thawing. The correlation between deprotamination and sperm functional characteristics was established. Using immunoblotting procedures, there was detection of the presence of a single 28-kDa protein band corresponding to protamine-1. The localization in the head region of the spermatozoa was further validated by an immunofluorescence test. Capacitated (B-) and acrosome-reacted (AR-) pattern spermatozoa, spermatozoa with the externalization of phosphatidylserine and a relatively lesser mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and deprotamination and DNA fragmentation was greater (P < 0.05) after freezing-thawing and indicated there were cryocapacitation- and apoptotic-like changes, respectively. Furthermore, the detection of phosphorylation of tyrosine-containing proteins with use of immunoblotting and immunofluorescence procedures confirmed there were cryocapacitation-like changes in the buck spermatozoa after freezing-thawing. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), in vitro thermal resistance response, Vanguard distance, progesterone sensitivity, and in vitro capacitation response were less (P < 0.05) in the spermatozoa after freezing-thawing compared with spermatozoa after initial dilution and equilibration. Deprotamination (chromomycin A3-positive cells, CMA3+) and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL+ve) were positively correlated with B- and AR-pattern spermatozoa, while other values for other variables were negatively correlated. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated there was protamine-1 in buck spermatozoa and after freezing-thawing there was a loss of protamine-1 combined with cryocapacitation-associated changes and apoptotic-like changes in buck spermatozoa. Spermatozoa deprotamination might be attributed to increased DNA fragmentation, resulting in compromised fertilizing capacity of buck spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Kritaniya
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarvajeet Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - A Vidyasagar Reddy
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul Dhariya
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Brijesh Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Anand
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajesh Nigam
- Department of Biochemistry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India; College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Nemati H, Sadeghi M, Nazeri M, Mohammadi M. Evaluation of the association between polymorphisms of PRM1 and PRM2 and the risk of male infertility: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17228. [PMID: 33057064 PMCID: PMC7560625 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have reported the genetic gives rise to male infertility. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between PRM1 (rs737008 and rs2301365) and PRM2 (rs1646022 and rs2070923) polymorphisms and susceptibility to male infertility. The association between PRM1 and PRM2 polymorphisms and the risk of male infertility was evaluated using specific search terms in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus databases without language restriction until January 28, 2020. The association was determined by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) on five genetic models using Review Manager 5.3 software. The funnel plot analysis and sensitivity analysis were done by the Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2.0 software. Out of 261 records retrieved from the databases, 17 studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis, including the four PRM polymorphisms. The pooled results as OR (P-value) showed 0.96 (0.44), 1.04 (0.70), 0.94 (0.51), 0.94 (0.48), and 1.03 (0.72) for PRM1 rs737008 polymorphism and 1.67 (0.0007), 1.73 (0.06), 1.50 (0.007), 1.56 (0.004), and 1.62 (0.33) for PRM1 rs2301365 polymorphism in allele, homozygous, heterozygous, recessive, and dominant models, respectively. Moreover, the pooled results as OR (P-value) showed 1.19 (0.004), 1.15 (0.26), 1.08 (0.70), 1.05 (0.76), and 0.98 (0.82) for PRM2 rs1646022 and 0.88 (0.04), 0.84 (0.10), 1.05 (0.81), 0.90 (0.24), and 0.80 (0.02) for PRM2 rs2070923 in allele, homozygous, heterozygous, recessive, and dominant models, respectively. The results showed PRM1 rs2301365 and PRM2 rs1646022 polymorphisms were associated with an elevated risk of male infertility and PRM2 rs2070923 polymorphism had a protective role in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houshang Nemati
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Masoud Sadeghi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Mehri Nazeri
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohana Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Schneider S, Shakeri F, Trötschel C, Arévalo L, Kruse A, Buness A, Poetsch A, Steger K, Schorle H. Protamine-2 Deficiency Initiates a Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Mediated Destruction Cascade during Epididymal Sperm Maturation in Mice. Cells 2020; 9:E1789. [PMID: 32727081 PMCID: PMC7463811 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamines are the safeguards of the paternal sperm genome. They replace most of the histones during spermiogenesis, resulting in DNA hypercondensation, thereby protecting its genome from environmental noxa. Impaired protamination has been linked to male infertility in mice and humans in many studies. Apart from impaired DNA integrity, protamine-deficient human and murine sperm show multiple secondary effects, including decreased motility and aberrant head morphology. In this study, we use a Protamine-2 (Prm2)-deficient mouse model in combination with label-free quantitative proteomics to decipher the underlying molecular processes of these effects. We show that loss of the sperm's antioxidant capacity, indicated by downregulation of key proteins like Superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1) and Peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5), ultimately initiates an oxidative stress-mediated destruction cascade during epididymal sperm maturation. This is confirmed by an increased level of 8-OHdG in epididymal sperm, a biomarker for oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage. Prm2-deficient testicular sperm are not affected and initiate the proper development of blastocyst stage preimplantation embryos in vitro upon intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) into oocytes. Our results provide new insight into the role of Prm2 and its downstream molecular effects on sperm function and present an important contribution to the investigation of new treatment regimens for infertile men with impaired protamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.); (L.A.)
| | - Farhad Shakeri
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.S.); (A.B.)
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Trötschel
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (C.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.); (L.A.)
| | - Alexander Kruse
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus-Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Andreas Buness
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (F.S.); (A.B.)
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ansgar Poetsch
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (C.T.); (A.P.)
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus-Liebig University Gießen, 35392 Gießen, Germany; (A.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (S.S.); (L.A.)
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Ribas-Maynou J, Yeste M, Salas-Huetos A. The Relationship between Sperm Oxidative Stress Alterations and IVF/ICSI Outcomes: A Systematic Review from Nonhuman Mammals. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9070178. [PMID: 32708086 PMCID: PMC7408105 DOI: 10.3390/biology9070178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Achieving high embryo quality following IVF and ICSI procedures is a key factor in increasing fertility outcomes in human infertile couples. While the male factor is known to underlie infertility in about 50% of cases, studies performed in human infertile couples have not been able to define the precise effect of sperm affectations upon embryo development. This lack of consistency is, in most cases, due to the heterogeneity of the results caused by the multiple male and female factors that mask the concrete effect of a given sperm parameter. These biases can be reduced with the use of animal gametes, being a good approach for basic researchers to design more homogeneous studies analyzing the specific consequences of a certain affectation. Herein, we conducted a systematic review (March 2020) that assessed the relationship between sperm oxidative stress alterations and IVF/ICSI outcomes in nonhumans mammals. The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and using the MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE databases. Thirty articles were included: 11 performed IVF, 17 conducted ICSI, and two carried out both fertilization methods. Most articles were conducted in mouse (43%), cattle (30%) and pig models (10%). After IVF treatments, 80% of studies observed a negative effect of sperm oxidative stress on fertilization rates, and 100% of studies observed a negative effect on blastocyst rates. After ICSI treatments, a positive relationship of sperm oxidative stress with fertilization rates (75% of studies) and with blastocyst rates (83% of studies) was found. In conclusion, the present systematic review shows that sperm oxidative stress is associated with a significant reduction in fertilization rates and in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.R.-M.); (A.S.-H.); Tel.: +34-972-419-514 (J.R.-M.); +1-(385)-210-5534 (A.S.-H.)
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Correspondence: (J.R.-M.); (A.S.-H.); Tel.: +34-972-419-514 (J.R.-M.); +1-(385)-210-5534 (A.S.-H.)
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Torres-Flores U, Hernández-Hernández A. The Interplay Between Replacement and Retention of Histones in the Sperm Genome. Front Genet 2020; 11:780. [PMID: 32765595 PMCID: PMC7378789 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The genome of eukaryotes is highly organized within the cell nucleus, this organization per se elicits gene regulation and favors other mechanisms like cell memory throughout histones and their post-translational modifications. In highly specialized cells, like sperm, the genome is mostly organized by protamines, yet a significant portion of it remains organized by histones. This protamine-histone-DNA organization, known as sperm epigenome, is established during spermiogenesis. Specific histones and their post-translational modifications are retained at specific genomic sites and during embryo development these sites recapitulate their histone profile that harbored in the sperm nucleus. It is known that histones are the conduit of epigenetic memory from cell to cell, hence histones in the sperm epigenome may have a role in transmitting epigenetic memory from the sperm to the embryo. However, the exact function and mechanism of histone retention remains elusive. During spermatogenesis, most of the histones that organize the genome are replaced by protamines and their retention at specific regions may be deeply intertwined with the eviction and replacement mechanism. In this review we will cover some relevant aspects of histone replacement that in turn may help us to contextualize histone retention. In the end, we focus on the architectonical protein CTCF that is, so far, the only factor that has been directly linked to the histone retention process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulises Torres-Flores
- Biología de Células Individuales (BIOCELIN), Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abrahan Hernández-Hernández
- Biología de Células Individuales (BIOCELIN), Laboratorio de Investigación en Patología Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
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Charaka V, Tiwari A, Pandita RK, Hunt CR, Pandita TK. Role of HP1β during spermatogenesis and DNA replication. Chromosoma 2020; 129:215-226. [PMID: 32651609 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-020-00739-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Heterochromatin protein 1β (HP1β), encoded by the Cbx1 gene, has been functionally linked to chromatin condensation, transcriptional regulation, and DNA damage repair. Here we report that testis-specific Cbx1 conditional knockout (Cbx1 cKO) impairs male germ cell development in mice. Depletion of HP1β negatively affected sperm maturation and increased seminiferous tubule degeneration in Cbx1 cKO mice. In addition, the spermatogonia have elevated γ-H2AX foci levels as do Cbx1 deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) as compared to wild-type (WT) control MEFs. The increase in γ-H2AX foci in proliferating Cbx1 cKO cells indicates defective replication-dependent DNA damage repair. Depletion or loss of HP1β from human cells and MEFs increased DNA replication fork stalling and firing of new origins of replication, indicating defective DNA synthesis. Taken together, these results suggest that loss of HP1β in proliferating cells leads to DNA replication defects with associated DNA damage that impact spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Charaka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anjana Tiwari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Raj K Pandita
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Clayton R Hunt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tej K Pandita
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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50
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Bo D, Jiang X, Liu G, Xu F, Hu R, Wassie T, Chong Y, Ahmed S, Liu C, Girmay S. Multipathway synergy promotes testicular transition from growth to spermatogenesis in early-puberty goats. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:372. [PMID: 32450814 PMCID: PMC7249689 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6767-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microscopic process of postnatal testicular development in early-puberty animals is poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, 21 male Yiling goats with average ages of 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days old (each age group comprised three goats) were used to study the changes in organs, tissues and transcriptomes during postnatal testicle development to obtain a broad and deep insight into the dynamic process of testicular transition from growth to spermatogenesis in early-puberty animals. RESULTS The inflection point of testicular weight was at 119 days postpartum (dpp), and the testicular weight increased rapidly from 119 dpp to 150 dpp. Spermatozoa were observed in the testis at 90 dpp by using haematoxylin-eosin staining. We found from the transcriptome analysis of testes that the testicular development of Yiling goat from birth to 180 dpp experienced three stages, namely, growth, transition and spermatogenesis stages. The goats in the testicular growth stage (0-60 dpp) showed a high expression of growth-related genes in neurogenesis, angiogenesis and cell junction, and a low expression of spermatogenesis-related genes. The goats aged 60-120 dpp were in the transitional stage which had a gradually decreased growth-related gene transcription levels and increased spermatogenesis-related gene transcription levels. The goats aged 120-180 dpp were in the spermatogenesis stage. At this stage, highly expressed spermatogenesis-related genes, downregulated testicular growth- and immune-related genes and a shift in the focus of testicular development into spermatogenesis were observed. Additionally, we found several novel hub genes, which may play key roles in spermatogenesis, androgen synthesis and secretion, angiogenesis, cell junction and neurogenesis. Moreover, the results of this study were compared with previous studies on goat or other species, and some gene expression patterns shared in early-puberty mammals were discovered. CONCLUSIONS The postnatal development of the testis undergoes a process of transition from organ growth to spermatogenesis. During this process, spermatogenesis-related genes are upregulated, whereas neurogenesis-, angiogenesis-, cell junction-, muscle- and immune-related genes are downregulated. In conclusion, the multipathway synergy promotes testicular transition from growth to spermatogenesis in early-puberty goats and may be a common rule shared by mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Bo
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Xunping Jiang
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Guiqiong Liu
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Xu
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruixue Hu
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Teketay Wassie
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Chong
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Sohail Ahmed
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenhui Liu
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Shishay Girmay
- Laboratory of Small Ruminant Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
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