1
|
Batra V, Dagar K, Diwakar MP, Kumaresan A, Kumar R, Datta TK. The proteomic landscape of sperm surface deciphers its maturational and functional aspects in buffalo. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1413817. [PMID: 39005499 PMCID: PMC11239549 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1413817] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Buffalo is a dominant dairy animal in many agriculture-based economies. However, the poor reproductive efficiency (low conception rate) of the buffalo bulls constrains the realization of its full production potential. This in turn leads to economic and welfare issues, especially for the marginal farmers in such economies. The mammalian sperm surface proteins have been implicated in the regulation of survival and function of the spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Nonetheless, the lack of specific studies on buffalo sperm surface makes it difficult for researchers to explore and investigate the role of these proteins in the regulation of mechanisms associated with sperm protection, survival, and function. This study aimed to generate a buffalo sperm surface-specific proteomic fingerprint (LC-MS/MS) and to predict the functional roles of the identified proteins. The three treatments used to remove sperm surface protein viz. Elevated salt, phosphoinositide phospholipase C (PI-PLC) and in vitro capacitation led to the identification of N = 1,695 proteins (≥1 high-quality peptide-spectrum matches (PSMs), p < 0.05, and FDR<0.01). Almost half of these proteins (N = 873) were found to be involved in crucial processes relevant in the context of male fertility, e.g., spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and protection in the FRT, and gamete interaction or fertilization, amongst others. The extensive sperm-surface proteomic repertoire discovered in this study is unparalleled vis-à-vis the depth of identification of reproduction-specific cell-surface proteins and can provide a potential framework for further studies on the functional aspects of buffalo spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Batra
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Animal Genomics Lab, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Komal Dagar
- Animal Genomics Lab, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Maharana Pratap Diwakar
- Cell Science and Molecular Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lv C, Larbi A, Li C, Liang J, Wu G, Shao Q, Quan Q. Decoding the influence of semen collection processes on goat sperm quality from a perspective of seminal plasma proteomics. J Proteomics 2024; 298:105141. [PMID: 38408605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105141] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the impact of semen collection methods on goat semen quality and seminal plasma (SP) proteomes. Semen was collected by artificial vagina (AV) or electro-ejaculator (EE) and semen parameters were evaluated. Tandem mass tag coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to screen SP differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) between EE and AV. PRM was used to confirm the reliability of the data. In contrast to EE, a lower volume, higher progressive motility and concentration were observed in AV. No differences were found in total motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and ROS production between EE and AV. In total, 1692 proteins were identified in SP, including 210 DAPs. Among them, 120 and 90 proteins were down-regulated and up-regulated in AV compared to EE, respectively. The GO annotation showed that DAPs are mainly localized in the membrane, involved in deference responses to bacterium, RNA processing, and related to oxidoreductase activity. KEGG demonstrated tight associations of DAPs with specific amino acids, carbon metabolism, citrate cycle, and propanoate metabolism. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the effects of semen collection on goat semen quality and explores the potential action mechanism based on the modification of SP proteomes. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: The quality of fresh semen directly influences the results of artificial insemination and semen cryopreservation in livestock. This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the impact of semen collection methods including electroejaculation and artificial vagina on sperm quality and seminal plasma proteomes in goat. The results of this study demonstrated that semen collection methods directly impacted the quality of goat semen. Then, the proteomic strategy was used to explore the potential action mechanism of semen collection methods on sperm. Some differentially abundant proteins that potentially influence semen quality were identified. Furthermore, this study suggests the possibility of utilizing specific proteins as predictive markers for goat semen quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunrong Lv
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Allai Larbi
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture Management, Higher School of Technology Sidi Bennour, Chouaib Doukkali University El Jadida, Morocco
| | - Chunyan Li
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jiangchong Liang
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Guoquan Wu
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Qingyong Shao
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Quobo Quan
- Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Jindian, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China; Yunnan Provincial Genebank of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources, Panlong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fu J, Zong X, Jin M, Min J, Wang F, Wang Y. Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:300. [PMID: 37574471 PMCID: PMC10423725 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Solanki S, Kumar V, Kashyap P, Kumar R, De S, Datta TK. Beta-defensins as marker for male fertility: a comprehensive review†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:52-71. [PMID: 36322147 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine male fertility in animals has a direct impact on the productivity of dairy herds. The epididymal sperm maturations involve extensive sperm surface modifications to gain the fertilizing ability, especially by absorptions of the plethora of biomolecules, including glycoprotein beta-defensins (BDs), enzymes, organic ions, protein, and phospholipids. Defensins are broad-range nonspecific antimicrobial peptides that exhibit strong relations with innate and adaptive immunity, but their roles in male fertility are relatively recently identified. In the course of evolution, BD genes give rise to different clusters with specific functions, especially reproductive functions, by undergoing duplications and nonsynonymous mutations. BD polymorphisms have been reported with milk compositions, disease resistance, and antimicrobial activities. However, in recent decades, the link of BD polymorphisms with fertility has emerged as an appealing improvement of reproductive performance such as sperm motility, membrane integrity, cervical mucus penetration, evading of uterus immunosurveillance, oviduct cell attachment, and egg recognition. The reproductive-specific glycosylated BD class-A BDs (CA-BDs) have shown age- and sex-specific expressions in male reproductive organs, signifying their physiological pleiotropism, especially in the sperm maturation and sperm transport in the female reproductive tract. By considering adult male reproductive organ-specific BD expressions, importance in sperm functionalities, and bioinformatic analysis, we have selected two bovine BBD126 and BBD129 genes as novel potential biomarkers of bovine male fertility. Despite the importance of BDs, however, genomic characterization of most BD genes across most livestock and nonmodel organisms remains predictive/incomplete. The current review discusses our understanding of BD pleiotropic functions, polymorphism, and genomic structural attributes concerning the fertilizability of the male gamete in dairy animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Solanki
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- NMR lab-II, National Institute of immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Poonam Kashyap
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Sachinandan De
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India.,ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yanagimachi R. Mysteries and unsolved problems of mammalian fertilization and related topics. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:644-675. [PMID: 35292804 PMCID: PMC9040664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a fascinating process that leads to the formation of a new individual. Eggs and sperm are complex cells that must meet at the appropriate time and position within the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. I have been studying various aspects of mammalian fertilization over 60 years. In this review, I discuss many different aspects of mammalian fertilization, some of my laboratory's contribution to the field, and discuss enigmas and mysteries that remain to be solved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Batra V, Bhushan V, Ali SA, Sarwalia P, Pal A, Karanwal S, Solanki S, Kumaresan A, Kumar R, Datta TK. Buffalo sperm surface proteome profiling reveals an intricate relationship between innate immunity and reproduction. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:480. [PMID: 34174811 PMCID: PMC8235841 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07640-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low conception rate (CR) despite insemination with morphologically normal spermatozoa is a common reproductive restraint that limits buffalo productivity. This accounts for a significant loss to the farmers and the dairy industry, especially in agriculture-based economies. The immune-related proteins on the sperm surface are known to regulate fertility by assisting the spermatozoa in their survival and performance in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Regardless of their importance, very few studies have specifically catalogued the buffalo sperm surface proteome. The study was designed to determine the identity of sperm surface proteins and to ascertain if the epididymal expressed beta-defensins (BDs), implicated in male fertility, are translated and applied onto buffalo sperm surface along with other immune-related proteins. Results The raw mass spectra data searched against an in-house generated proteome database from UniProt using Comet search engine identified more than 300 proteins on the ejaculated buffalo sperm surface which were bound either by non-covalent (ionic) interactions or by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. The singular enrichment analysis (SEA) revealed that most of these proteins were extracellular with varied binding activities and were involved in either immune or reproductive processes. Flow cytometry using six FITC-labelled lectins confirmed the prediction of glycosylation of these proteins. Several beta-defensins (BDs), the anti-microbial peptides including the BuBD-129 and 126 were also identified amongst other buffalo sperm surface proteins. The presence of these proteins was subsequently confirmed by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments. Conclusions The surface of the buffalo spermatozoa is heavily glycosylated because of the epididymal secreted (glyco) proteins like BDs and the GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs). The glycosylation pattern of buffalo sperm-surface, however, could be perturbed in the presence of elevated salt concentration or incubation with PI-PLC. The identification of numerous BDs on the sperm surface strengthens our hypothesis that the buffalo BDs (BuBDs) assist the spermatozoa either in their survival or in performance in the FRT. Our results suggest that BuBD-129 is a sperm-surface BD that could have a role in buffalo sperm function. Further studies elucidating its exact physiological function are required to better understand its role in the regulation of male fertility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07640-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vanya Bhushan
- Proteomics and Molecular Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Syed Azmal Ali
- Proteomics and Molecular Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Parul Sarwalia
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Ankit Pal
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Seema Karanwal
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Subhash Solanki
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Lab, SRS of National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aram R, Chan PTK, Cyr DG. Beta-defensin126 is correlated with sperm motility in fertile and infertile men†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:92-101. [PMID: 31504198 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial function of the epididymis is providing a surface glycocalyx that is important for sperm maturation and capacitation. Defensins are antimicrobial peptides expressed in the epididymis. In the macaque epididymis, defensin beta 126 (DEFB126) is important for sperm motility, however, it is not known whether this is the case in humans. The objectives were to determine: (1) if DEFB126 on human ejaculated sperm was correlated with sperm motility in fertile and infertile men, (2) that recombinant DEFB126 could induce immature sperm motility in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that the proportion of DEFB126-positive sperm was significantly higher in motile sperm. Furthermore, the proportion of DEFB126-labeled sperm was positively correlated with sperm motility and normal morphology. Additional studies indicated that the proportion of DEFB126-positive spermatozoa in fertile volunteers was significantly higher than in volunteers with varicocele, and in infertile volunteers with semen deficiencies. To determine the role of DEFB126 on sperm motility, the DEFB126 gene was cloned and used to generate recombinant DEFB126 in H9C2 cells (rat embryonic heart myoblast cells). Deletion mutations were created into two regions of the protein, which have been linked to male infertility. Immotile testicular spermatozoa were incubated with cells expressing the different forms of DEFB126. Full-length DEFB126 significantly increased motility of co-cultured spermatozoa. However, no increase in sperm motility was observed with the mutated forms of DEFB126. In conclusion, these results support the notion that DEFB126 is important in human sperm maturation and the potential use of DEFB126 for in vitro sperm maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Aram
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter T K Chan
- Department of Urology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fair S, Meade KG, Reynaud K, Druart X, de Graaf SP. The biological mechanisms regulating sperm selection by the ovine cervix. Reproduction 2020; 158:R1-R13. [PMID: 30921769 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In species where semen is deposited in the vagina, the cervix has the unique function of facilitating progress of spermatozoa towards the site of fertilisation while also preventing the ascending influx of pathogens from the vagina. For the majority of species, advances in assisted reproduction techniques facilitate the bypassing of the cervix and therefore its effect on the transit of processed spermatozoa has been largely overlooked. The exception is in sheep, as it is currently not possible to traverse the ovine cervix with an inseminating catheter due to its complex anatomy, and semen must be deposited at the external cervical os. This results in unacceptably low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed or liquid stored (>24 h) semen is inseminated. The objective of this review is to discuss the biological mechanisms which regulate cervical sperm selection. We assess the effects of endogenous and exogenous hormones on cervical mucus composition and discuss how increased mucus production and flow during oestrus stimulates sperm rheotaxis along the crypts and folds of the cervix. Emerging results shedding light on the sperm-cervical mucus interaction as well as the dialogue between spermatozoa and the innate immune system are outlined. Finally, ewe breed differences in cervical function and the impact of semen processing on the success of fertilisation, as well as the most fruitful avenues of further investigation in this area are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - K G Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co Meath, Ireland
| | - K Reynaud
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - X Druart
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rickard JP, de Graaf SP. Sperm surface changes and their consequences for sperm transit through the female reproductive tract. Theriogenology 2020; 150:96-105. [PMID: 32067798 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are faced with considerable challenges during their passage through the female reproductive tract. Following deposition, they must deal with several physical and biochemical barriers as well as an aggressive immune defence system before they reach the site of fertilisation. While many factors are at play, the surface characteristics of spermatozoa are central to communication with the female and successful transit. The surface proteome of spermatozoa has been extensively studied and shown to vary considerably between species that deposit semen in the vagina (ram and bull) and uterus (boar and stallion), likely due to major differences in accessory sex gland anatomy. Comparing the surface characteristics of spermatozoa from these domestic species and how individual components may equip spermatozoa to interact with different features of the female tract could help understand how spermatozoa navigate from vagina or uterus to oviduct ampulla. Furthermore, we can begin to explain why use of high quality preserved spermatozoa in artificial insemination programs may still result in reduced fertility due to altered interaction with the female. In this review, we describe the sperm surface characteristics of the ram, bull, boar and stallion and compare changes as a result of mixture with seminal plasma and/or in vitro processing. The role of these seminal components in facilitating sperm survival and transit within the female reproductive tract is summarised, drawing attention to potential implications for applied reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Batra V, Maheshwarappa A, Dagar K, Kumar S, Soni A, Kumaresan A, Kumar R, Datta TK. Unusual interplay of contrasting selective pressures on β-defensin genes implicated in male fertility of the Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:214. [PMID: 31771505 PMCID: PMC6878701 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The buffalo, despite its superior milk-producing ability, suffers from reproductive limitations that constrain its lifetime productivity. Male sub-fertility, manifested as low conception rates (CRs), is a major concern in buffaloes. The epididymal sperm surface-binding proteins which participate in the sperm surface remodelling (SSR) events affect the survival and performance of the spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract (FRT). A mutation in an epididymal secreted protein, beta-defensin 126 (DEFB-126/BD-126), a class-A beta-defensin (CA-BD), resulted in decreased CRs in human cohorts across the globe. To better understand the role of CA-BDs in buffalo reproduction, this study aimed to identify the BD genes for characterization of the selection pressure(s) acting on them, and to identify the most abundant CA-BD transcript in the buffalo male reproductive tract (MRT) for predicting its reproductive functional significance. RESULTS Despite the low protein sequence homology with their orthologs, the CA-BDs have maintained the molecular framework and the structural core vital to their biological functions. Their coding-sequences in ruminants revealed evidence of pervasive purifying and episodic diversifying selection pressures. The buffalo CA-BD genes were expressed in the major reproductive and non-reproductive tissues exhibiting spatial variations. The Buffalo BD-129 (BuBD-129) was the most abundant and the longest CA-BD in the distal-MRT segments and was predicted to be heavily O-glycosylated. CONCLUSIONS The maintenance of the structural core, despite the sequence divergence, indicated the conservation of the molecular functions of the CA-BDs. The expression of the buffalo CA-BDs in both the distal-MRT segments and non-reproductive tissues indicate the retention the primordial microbicidal activity, which was also predicted by in silico sequence analyses. However, the observed spatial variations in their expression across the MRT hint at their region-specific roles. Their comparison across mammalian species revealed a pattern in which the various CA-BDs appeared to follow dissimilar evolutionary paths. This pattern appears to maintain only the highly efficacious CA-BD alleles and diversify their functional repertoire in the ruminants. Our preliminary results and analyses indicated that BuBD-129 could be the functional ortholog of the primate DEFB-126. Further studies are warranted to assess its molecular functions to elucidate its role in immunity, reproduction and fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | | | - Komal Dagar
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | - Apoorva Soni
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | - A Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Lab, SRS of NDRI, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | - T K Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
RANJAN R, SINGH SP, GURURAJ K, JINDAL SK, CHAUHAN MS. Status of beta defensin-1 in Indian goat breeds. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v89i10.95001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study was carried out to know the status of Beta Defensin-1 in goat semen before and after cryopreservation with beta defensin-1 supplemented semen diluent and in blood of different breeds of goat (Barbari, Jamunapari and Jakhrana). Goat semen (N-10) from each breed was collected by artificial vagina method. Immediately after collection, the volume, colour, consistency, and mass motility of ejaculate were assessed and were extended with Tris-Egg yolk-Fructose diluent having 10% (v/v) egg yolk and glycerol 6% (v/v). Samples were divided for estimation of beta defensin–1 and rest parts were cryopreserved with semen diluent having beta defensin-1 @ 10 ng/mL. Blood samples (N-30) were also collected from the same animal after semen collection. The samples were stored at –20°C until assayed. Plasma membrane of sperm was broken by freeze thaw followed by ultracentrifugation (20,000 × g for 5 min) at room temperature before ELISA test. The samples were diluted with Phosphate buffer (1:2) before analysis. The samples were analyzed using goat specific beta defensin–1 commercial kit (EO6D0419) as per the manufacturer’s instruction. The result showed that with supplementation of beta defensin-1 in goat semen, diluent maintains the concentration of beta defensin-1 even after cryopreservation. There was significant decrease (P<0.05) in beta defensin-1 concentration in sample which had no supplement in semen diluent after cryopreservation. The supplementation of beta defensin-1 in goat semen diluent improved the post-thaw immune modulatory properties of semen.
Collapse
|
12
|
Rickard JP, Pool KR, Druart X, de Graaf SP. The fate of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract: A comparative review. Theriogenology 2019; 137:104-112. [PMID: 31230704 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The journey that spermatozoa take following deposition in the female tract is a long and perilous one. The barriers they face within the female tract differ depending on whether they are deposited in the vagina or uterus, like spermatozoa of the ram or boar respectively. Comparative studies on the transit of spermatozoa through the ewe and sow tracts serves to highlight similarities, or differences, in the way their sperm-surface properties enable them to overcome these barriers, progress through the tract and fertilise the oocyte. The female environment contributes towards this successful transit by providing a vehicle for sperm transport, aiding the removal of dead spermatozoa and other pathogens and applying strict selection pressures to ensure only those cells with the highest quality reach the site of fertilisation. Understanding the criteria behind these natural barriers helps an understanding of the limitations to fertility associated with preserved spermatozoa, and how in vitro manipulation can alter this complex interaction between spermatozoa and the female environment. Similar mechanisms or surface coat interactions exist in both species, but each has evolved to be used for physiologically disparate functions. Here we briefly describe the sperm surface characteristics of both fresh and frozen-thawed boar and ram spermatozoa and compare how these properties equip them to survive the physical, biochemical and immune interactions within the female reproductive tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - K R Pool
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - X Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Francais du Cheval et de L'Equitation, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The role of DEFB126 variation in male infertility and medically assisted reproduction technique outcome. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:649-657. [PMID: 31474436 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Human DEFB126 is an important component of the glycocalyx of human spermatozoa. Beta-defensins play a primary role in male infertility due to their involvement in maturation and capacitation of spermatozoa. A 2-nt deletion of DEFB126 affects sperm function and so this study investigated the possible association between DEFB126 variants and its protein expression on medically assisted reproduction (MAR) technique outcome in Iranian infertile males. DESIGN The presence of a 2-nt deletion of DEFB126, and its protein expression in spermatozoa, were investigated by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing and immunocytochemistry, respectively. MAR technique outcome according to clinical pregnancy rates was assessed in 277 Iranian males with unexplained infertility, including 139 patients who underwent intrauterine insemination (IUI) and 103 patients who underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as 35 infertile males who declined to use any MAR treatment. As the control group, 100 fertile males with a normal spermiogram were enrolled. RESULTS The 2-nt deletion of DEFB126 was significantly higher in infertile patients than controls (P ≤ 0.05). The presence of this deletion resulted in significantly lower clinical pregnancy rates following IUI (P ≤ 0.05); however, there were no differences in IVF/ICSI outcomes according to genotype. The protein expression in del/del males was also remarkably lower than that of the other genotypes. CONCLUSIONS This sequence variation of DEFB126 may impair male reproductive function and can be related to male infertility. Interestingly, males with the del/del genotype have a normal spermiogram; however, their spermatozoa are evidently functionally impaired, which can affect IUI treatment outcome, but not treatment by IVF/ICSI.
Collapse
|
14
|
RANJAN R, SINGH SP, GURURAJ K, JINDAL SK, CHAUHAN MS. Effect of beta defensin-1 on post-thaw quality of cryopreserved Barbari buck semen. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v88i10.84085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
15
|
Ribeiro CM, Silva EJR, Hinton BT, Avellar MCW. β-defensins and the epididymis: contrasting influences of prenatal, postnatal, and adult scenarios. Asian J Androl 2016; 18:323-8. [PMID: 26763543 PMCID: PMC4770510 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.168791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are components of host defense, with antimicrobial and pleiotropic immuno-modulatory properties. Research over the last 15 years has demonstrated abundant expression of a variety of β-defensins in the postnatal epididymis of different species. A gradient of region- and cell-specific expression of these proteins is observed in the epithelium of the postnatal epididymis. Their secretion into the luminal fluid and binding to spermatozoa as they travel along the epididymis has suggested their involvement in reproduction-specific tasks. Therefore, continuous attention has been given to various β-defensins for their role in sperm function and fertility. Although β-defensins are largely dependent on androgens, the underlying mechanisms regulating their expression and function in the epididymis are not well understood. Recent investigation has pointed out to a new and interesting scenario where β-defensins emerge with a different expression pattern in the Wolffian duct, the embryonic precursor of the epididymis, as opposed to the adult epididymis, thereby redefining the concept concerning the multifunctional roles of β-defensins in the developing epididymis. In this review, we summarize some current views of β-defensins in the epididymis highlighting our most recent data and speculations on their role in the developing epididymis during the prenatal-to-postnatal transition, bringing attention to the many unanswered questions in this research area that may contribute to a better understanding of epididymal biology and male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Narciandi F, Fernandez-Fuertes B, Khairulzaman I, Jahns H, King D, Finlay EK, Mok KH, Fair S, Lonergan P, Farrelly CO, Meade KG. Sperm-Coating Beta-Defensin 126 Is a Dissociation-Resistant Dimer Produced by Epididymal Epithelium in the Bovine Reproductive Tract. Biol Reprod 2016; 95:121. [PMID: 27707712 PMCID: PMC5333941 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.138719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-defensins are innate immune molecules, often described as antimicrobial peptides because of their bactericidal activity and are now known to have diverse additional functions, including cell signaling, chemoattraction, immunoregulation, and reproduction. In humans and primates, beta-defensin 126 has been shown to regulate the ability of sperm to swim through cervical mucus and to protect sperm from attack by the female immune system during transit toward the oviduct. Bovine beta-defensin 126 (BBD126) is the ortholog of human defensin 126, and computational analysis here revealed significant conservation between BBD126 and other mammalian orthologs at the N-terminus, although extensive sequence differences were detected at the C-terminus, implying possible species-specific roles for this beta-defensin in reproduction. We had previously demonstrated preferential expression of this and related beta-defensin genes in the bovine male reproductive tract, but no studies of bovine beta-defensin proteins have been performed to date. Here, we analyzed BBD126 protein using a monoclonal antibody (a-BBD126) generated against a 14 amino acid peptide sequence from the secreted fragment of BBD126. The specificity of a-BBD126 was validated by testing against the native form of the peptide recovered from bovine caudal epididymal fluid and recombinant BBD126 generated using a prokaryotic expression system. Western blot analysis of the native and recombinant forms showed that BBD126 exists as a dimer that was highly resistant to standard methods of dissociation. Immunohistochemical staining using a-BBD126 demonstrated BBD126 protein expression by epithelial cells of the caudal epididymis and vas deferens from both mature and immature bulls. BBD126 could also be seen (by confocal microscopy) to coat caudal sperm, with staining concentrated on the tail of the sperm cells. This study is the first to demonstrate beta-defensin 126 protein expression in the bovine reproductive tract and on bull sperm. Its dissociation-resistant dimeric structure is likely to have important functional implications for the role of BBD126 in bovine reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hanne Jahns
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre King
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Emma K Finlay
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Ken H Mok
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cliona O' Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland .,Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kieran G Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fernandez-Fuertes B, Narciandi F, O'Farrelly C, Kelly AK, Fair S, Meade KG, Lonergan P. Cauda Epididymis-Specific Beta-Defensin 126 Promotes Sperm Motility but Not Fertilizing Ability in Cattle. Biol Reprod 2016; 95:122. [PMID: 27707713 PMCID: PMC5333942 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.138792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine beta-defensin 126 (BBD126) exhibits preferential expression for the cauda epididymis of males, where it is absorbed onto the tail and postacrosomal region of the sperm. The aim of this study was to examine the role of BBD126 in bull sperm function. Fresh and frozen-thawed semen were incubated in the presence of different capacitating agents as well as with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. These treatments, which have been successful in releasing beta-defensin 126 from macaque sperm, proved to be ineffective in bull sperm. This finding suggests that the protein behaves in a different manner in the bovine. The lack of success in removing BBD126 led us to use corpus epididymis sperm, a model in which the protein is not present, to study its functional role. Corpus sperm were incubated with cauda epididymal fluid (CEF) in the absence or presence of BBD126 antibody or with recombinant BBD126 (rBBD126). Confocal microscopy revealed that rBBD126 binds to corpus sperm with the same pattern observed for BBD126 in cauda sperm, whereas an aberrant binding pattern is observed when sperm are subject to CEF incubation. Addition of CEF increased motility as well as the number of corpus sperm migrating through cervical mucus from estrus cows. However, it decreased the ability of sperm to fertilize in vitro matured oocytes. The presence of the antibody failed to abrogate these effects. Furthermore, when rBBD126 was added in the absence of other factors and proteins from the CEF, an increase in motility was also observed and no negative effects in fertility were seen. These results suggest that BBD126 plays a key role in the acquisition of sperm motility in the epididymis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alan K Kelly
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran G Meade
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Narmadha G, Yenugu S. In Silico and Biochemical Characterization of Lysozyme-Like Proteins in the Rat. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161909. [PMID: 27611690 PMCID: PMC5017655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation in the male reproductive tract is dictated by a variety of proteins secreted in the testis and epididymis. Though the proteome of these tissues is known, the functional role of many of these proteins remains uncharacterized. In this study, we characterize the rat Lysozyme-like (Lyzl) genes and proteins. Methods In silico tools were used to predict the primary, secondary and tertiary structures. Reverse transcription PCR, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were used to determine the expression pattern. Lysozyme like enzyme activity was assessed by standard assays. Results Six rat Lyzl genes namely Lyzl1, Lyzl3, Lyzl4, Lyzl5, Lyzl6 and Lyzl7 were found to be highly conserved among the vertebrates with higher homology to mouse counterparts than with human counterparts. All the LYZL proteins contained the characteristic 4 disulfide bridges similar to c-type lysozyme. Only LYZL 1 and 6, conserved the active site amino acids of the lysozyme. Molecular modeling studies indicated that LYZL proteins exhibit strikingly similar three-dimensional structures among themselves. The secondary structure analysis of the recombinant LYZL proteins indicated the presence of α-helix, β-sheet and random coil with α-helix being the majority. Docking studies indicated the peptidoglycan binding nature of LYZL proteins. All the rat Lyzl mRNA transcripts (Lyzl1, Lyzl3, Lyzl4, Lyzl5, Lyzl6 and Lyzl7) are predominantly expressed in testes though some of them are expressed in tissues other than reproductive tract. Their expression was androgen independent. The rat LYZL proteins are localized in the germinal epithelium and on the spermatozoa. Recombinant LYZL1 and 6 possessed muramidase, isopeptidase and antibacterial activities. The mechanism of antibacterial action of LYZL1 and LYZL6 involved bacterial membrane damage and leakage of cellular contents. Only LYZL1 and 6 possess peptidoglycan binding ability, whereas LYZL3, LYZL4 and LYZL5 possess hyaluronan binding ability suggesting a possible functional divergence of these proteins. LYZL3, LYZL4 and LYZL7 possessed free radical scavenging property, suggesting that they may act as antioxidants. Conclusion The divergent properties of LYZL proteins indicate that they may have a role in sperm function, innate immunity and other physiological process as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ganapathy Narmadha
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad—500 046, India
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad—500 046, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Björkgren I, Alvarez L, Blank N, Balbach M, Turunen H, Laajala TD, Toivanen J, Krutskikh A, Wahlberg N, Huhtaniemi I, Poutanen M, Wachten D, Sipilä P. Targeted inactivation of the mouse epididymal beta-defensin 41 alters sperm flagellar beat pattern and zona pellucida binding. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 427:143-54. [PMID: 26987518 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
During epididymal maturation, sperm acquire the ability to swim progressively by interacting with proteins secreted by the epididymal epithelium. Beta-defensin proteins, expressed in the epididymis, continue to regulate sperm motility during capacitation and hyperactivation in the female reproductive tract. We characterized the mouse beta-defensin 41 (DEFB41), by generating a mouse model with iCre recombinase inserted into the first exon of the gene. The homozygous Defb41(iCre/iCre) knock-in mice lacked Defb41 expression and displayed iCre recombinase activity in the principal cells of the proximal epididymis. Heterozygous Defb41(iCre/+) mice can be used to generate epididymis specific conditional knock-out mouse models. Homozygous Defb41(iCre/iCre) sperm displayed a defect in sperm motility with the flagella primarily bending in the pro-hook conformation while capacitated wild-type sperm more often displayed the anti-hook conformation. This led to a reduced straight line motility of Defb41(iCre/iCre) sperm and weaker binding to the oocyte. Thus, DEFB41 is required for proper sperm maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Björkgren
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku Doctoral Programme of Biomedical Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - Luis Alvarez
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nelli Blank
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Minerva Research Group Molecular Physiology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Melanie Balbach
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Minerva Research Group Molecular Physiology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Heikki Turunen
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku Doctoral Programme of Biomedical Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - Teemu Daniel Laajala
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Toivanen
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anton Krutskikh
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Minerva Research Group Molecular Physiology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tanphaichitr N, Srakaew N, Alonzi R, Kiattiburut W, Kongmanas K, Zhi R, Li W, Baker M, Wang G, Hickling D. Potential Use of Antimicrobial Peptides as Vaginal Spermicides/Microbicides. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:E13. [PMID: 26978373 PMCID: PMC4812377 DOI: 10.3390/ph9010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The concurrent increases in global population and sexually transmitted infection (STI) demand a search for agents with dual spermicidal and microbicidal properties for topical vaginal application. Previous attempts to develop the surfactant spermicide, nonoxynol-9 (N-9), into a vaginal microbicide were unsuccessful largely due to its inefficiency to kill microbes. Furthermore, N-9 causes damage to the vaginal epithelium, thus accelerating microbes to enter the women's body. For this reason, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), naturally secreted by all forms of life as part of innate immunity, deserve evaluation for their potential spermicidal effects. To date, twelve spermicidal AMPs have been described including LL-37, magainin 2 and nisin A. Human cathelicidin LL-37 is the most promising spermicidal AMP to be further developed for vaginal use for the following reasons. First, it is a human AMP naturally produced in the vagina after intercourse. Second, LL-37 exerts microbicidal effects to numerous microbes including those that cause STI. Third, its cytotoxicity is selective to sperm and not to the female reproductive tract. Furthermore, the spermicidal effects of LL-37 have been demonstrated in vivo in mice. Therefore, the availability of LL-37 as a vaginal spermicide/microbicide will empower women for self-protection against unwanted pregnancies and STI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, ON, Canada.
| | - Nopparat Srakaew
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
| | - Rhea Alonzi
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, ON, Canada.
| | - Wongsakorn Kiattiburut
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
| | - Kessiri Kongmanas
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research Unit, Office of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | - Ruina Zhi
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, and School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weihua Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, and School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Mark Baker
- Reproductive Proteomics, Department of Science and Information technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan Drive, Newcastle, NSW 2308 Australia.
| | - Guanshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
| | - Duane Hickling
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, ON, Canada.
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lectin binding of human sperm associates with DEFB126 mutation and serves as a potential biomarker for subfertility. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20249. [PMID: 26832966 PMCID: PMC4735291 DOI: 10.1038/srep20249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coating on the sperm surface, glycocalyx, plays a key role in sperm motility, maturation and fertilization. A comprehensive profile of sperm surface glycans will greatly facilitate both basic researches and clinical studies. Because of the capability of recognizing different glycan moieties, lectins are widely used in glycobiology. However, lacking high-throughput technology, limited lectins have been reported for analyzing the glycan of human sperm. In this study, we employed a lectin microarray for profiling the surface glycans of human sperm, on which 54 out of 91 lectins showed positive binding. Based on this technique, we compared lectin binding profiling of sperm with homozygous DEFB126 mutation (del/del) with that of wild type (wt/wt). DEFB126 was reported to contribute to the sialylation on sperm surface and its homozygous mutation was related to male subfertility. Six lectins (Jacalin/AIA, GHA, ACL, MPL, VVL and ABA) were found to develop lower binding affinity to sperm with del/del. Further validation showed that these lectins, especially ABA and MPL, can be potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of subfertility due to the mutation of DEFB126. Our research provides insight into the detection of some unexplained male subfertility, and the lectin microarray is generally applicable for infertility/subfertility sperm biomarker discovery.
Collapse
|
22
|
Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Comparative proteomic analysis of Taurine, Indicine, and crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) bull spermatozoa for identification of proteins related to sperm malfunctions and subfertility in crossbred bulls. Theriogenology 2015; 84:624-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
24
|
Suarez SS. Mammalian sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:185-194. [PMID: 26183721 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2244-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian female reproductive tract interacts with sperm in various ways in order to facilitate sperm migration to the egg while impeding migrations of pathogens into the tract, to keep sperm alive during the time between mating and ovulation, and to select the fittest sperm for fertilization. The two main types of interactions are physical and molecular. Physical interactions include the swimming responses of sperm to the microarchitecture of walls, to fluid flows, and to fluid viscoelasticity. When sperm encounter walls, they have a strong tendency to remain swimming along them. Sperm will also orient their swimming into gentle fluid flows. The female tract seems to use these tendencies of sperm to guide them to the site of fertilization. When sperm hyperactivate, they are better able to penetrate highly viscoelastic media, such as the cumulus matrix surrounding eggs. Molecular interactions include communications of sperm surface molecules with receptors on the epithelial lining of the tract. There is evidence that specific sperm surface molecules are required to enable sperm to pass through the uterotubal junction into the oviduct. When sperm reach the oviduct, most bind to the oviductal epithelium. This interaction holds sperm in a storage reservoir until ovulation and serves to maintain the fertilization competence of stored sperm. When sperm are released from the reservoir, they detach from and re-attach to the epithelium repeatedly while ascending to the site of fertilization. We are only beginning to understand the communications that may pass between sperm and epithelium during these interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan S Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Johnson GP, Lloyd AT, O'Farrelly C, Meade KG, Fair S. Comparative genomic identification and expression profiling of a novel ?-defensin gene cluster in the equine reproductive tract. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD14345. [PMID: 25924226 DOI: 10.1071/rd14345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
?-defensins are small cationic proteins with potent immunoregulatory and antimicrobial activity. The number of genes encoding these peptides varies significantly between and within species but they have not been extensively characterised in the horse. Here, we describe a systematic search of the Equus caballus genome that identified a cluster of novel ?-defensin genes on Chromosome 22, which is homologous to a cluster on bovine Chromosome 13. Close genomic matches were found for orthologs of 13 of the bovine genes, which were named equine ?-defensins (eBD) 115, eBD116, eBD117, eBD119, eBD120, eBD122a, eBD123, eBD124, eBD125, eBD126, eBD127, eBD129 and eBD132. As expression of the homologous cluster in cattle was limited to the reproductive tract, tissue sections were obtained from the testis, caput, corpus and cauda epididymis and the vas deferens of three stallions and from the ovary, oviduct, uterine horn, uterus, cervix and vagina of three mares. Using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction approach, each of the novel ?-defensin genes showed distinct region-specific patterns of expression. Preferential expression in the caput epididymis of these novel defensins in the stallion and in the oviduct in the mare suggests a possible role in immunoprotection of the equine reproductive tract or in fertility.
Collapse
|
26
|
Ribeiro CM, Queiróz DBC, Patrão MTCC, Denadai-Souza A, Romano RM, Silva EJR, Avellar MCW. Dynamic changes in the spatio-temporal expression of the β-defensin SPAG11C in the developing rat epididymis and its regulation by androgens. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 404:141-50. [PMID: 25657045 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we characterized the spatio-temporal expression, cellular distribution and regulation by androgens of the β-defensin SPAG11C, the rat ortholog of the human SPAG11B isoform C, in the developing epididymis by using RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We observed that Spag11c mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in rat fetuses, but preferentially detected in male reproductive tissues at adulthood. SPAG11C (mRNA and protein) was prenatally mainly detected in the mesenchyme of the Wolffian duct, switching gradually after birth to a predominant localization in the epididymis epithelium during postnatal development. In the adult epididymis, smooth muscle and interstitial cells were also identified as sources of SPAG11C. Furthermore, SPAG11C was differentially immunolocalized on spermatozoa surface during their transit from testis throughout caput and cauda epididymis. Developmental and surgical castration studies suggested that androgens contribute to the epididymal cell type- and region-specific modulation of SPAG11C mRNA levels and immunolocalization. Together our findings provide novel insights into the potential role of β-defensins in the epididymis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M Ribeiro
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Daniel B C Queiróz
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Marília T C C Patrão
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Denadai-Souza
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Renata M Romano
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Duan S, Shi C, Chen G, Zheng JF, Wu B, Diao H, Ji L, Gu Y, Xin A, Wu Y, Zhou W, Miao M, Xu L, Li Z, Yuan Y, Wang P, Shi H. Another functional frame-shift polymorphism of DEFB126 (rs11467497) associated with male infertility. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:1077-84. [PMID: 25721098 PMCID: PMC4420609 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DEFB126 rs140685149 mutation was shown to cause sperm dysfunction and subfertility. Indel rs11467497 is another 4-nucleotide frame-shift mutation (151bp upstream of rs140685149) that leads to the premature termination of translation and the expression of peptide truncated at the carboxyl terminus. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive association study to check the contribution of rs140685149 and rs11467497 to male infertility. Our results confirmed the previous findings that there was no association between rs140685149 and sperm motility. In contrast, we found a significant association of another indel rs11467497 with male infertility. Moreover, rs11467497 was shown to be associated with higher number of round cells in the infertile males with low sperm motility. Surprisingly, the two mutations commonly existed in the sperm donors (n = 672), suggesting a potential application of the two indels in the screening for eligible sperm donors. Western blotting assays showed the sperms with rs140685149 2-nt deletion tended to have unstable DEFB126 protein in contrast of no DEFB126 protein expressed in the sperms with rs11467497 4-nt deletion, suggesting a more severe consequence caused by rs11467497 mutation. In conclusion, our study presented a significant contribution of another functional frame-shift polymorphism of DEFB126 (rs11467497) to male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Duan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gregory M, Cyr DG. The blood-epididymis barrier and inflammation. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 4:e979619. [PMID: 26413391 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.979619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) is a critical structure for male fertility. It enables the development of a specific luminal environment that allows spermatozoa to acquire both the ability to swim and fertilize an ovum. The presence of tight junctions and specific cellular transporters can regulate the composition of the epididymal lumen to favor proper sperm maturation. The BEB is also at the interface between the immune system and sperm. Not only does the BEB protect maturing spermatozoa from the immune system, it is also influenced by cytokines released during inflammation, which can result in the loss of barrier function. Such a loss is associated with an immune response, decreased sperm functions, and appears to be a contributing factor to post-testicular male infertility. Alterations in the BEB may be responsible for the formation of inflammatory conditions such as sperm granulomas. The present review summarizes current knowledge on the morphological, physiological and pathological components associated with the BEB, the role of immune function on the regulation of the BEB, and how disturbance of these factors can result in inflammatory lesions of the epididymis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Gregory
- INRS-Institut Armand Frappier; University of Quebec ; Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- INRS-Institut Armand Frappier; University of Quebec ; Laval, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Madhubabu G, Yenugu S. Allethrin induced toxicity in the male reproductive tract of rats contributes to disruption in the transcription of genes involved in germ cell production. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2014; 29:1330-1345. [PMID: 23595975 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Pyrethroids are known to be neurotoxic. However, their toxic effects including that of allethrin on the male reproductive tract are not elucidated. Adult male rats were treated orally with 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight allethrin every day for 60 days. Lipid peroxidation was increased (p < 0.001) in the caput, cauda, and testes. Nitric oxide production was increased (p < 0.001) in the caput, but unaltered in the cauda and testes. The activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase were decreased in the caput and cauda where as a decrease was observed in the testis obtained from allethrin treated rats. In the epididymides and testes, damage to tubular architecture, congestion, degeneration of epithelial cell lining, intestinal edema, and presence of dead or degenerating spermatids were observed in a dose dependent manner. The expression profile of genes involved in spermatogenesis (Tgf-beta1), sperm maturation (Spag11e), and sperm function (Defb22) were reduced (p < 0.001) in allethrin rats. The expression of p53 gene was decreased and increased phosphorylation of MAPK (p42/p44) expression was observed the male reproductive tract tissues of allethrin treated rats. Although earlier studies have reported the effects of allethrin inhalation because of the use of mosquito coils and vaporizers, our results for the first time prove that oral exposure to allethrin could affect fertility and may contribute to deregulation of cell cycle in the male reproductive tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Golla Madhubabu
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Narciandi F, Lloyd A, Meade KG, O'Farrelly C. A novel subclass of bovine β-defensins links reproduction and immunology. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:769-77. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are effector molecules of the innate immune system, found in many diverse species. Their presence in invertebrates as well as vertebrates suggests highly conserved functional roles. Most β-defensins are believed to act as antimicrobial agents at epithelial surfaces, although additional functions have also been described, including immune regulatory activity, wound repair and a role in coat-colour determination. High expression of β-defensins have been found in testis and epididymidal epithelium as well as in the seminal fluid of humans, macaque, rat, mouse and cow. Human and macaque β-defensins have recently been shown to affect sperm motility while a mutation in β-defensin 126 is associated with reduced fertility in men. Genetic variation in bovine defensin genes may explain the increased incidence of low fertility in cattle. Here, we present a summary of the known functions of β-defensins as well as their emerging role in reproduction and their potential to improve fertility in cattle.
Collapse
|
31
|
Meade KG, Cormican P, Narciandi F, Lloyd A, O'Farrelly C. Bovine β-defensin gene family: opportunities to improve animal health? Physiol Genomics 2014; 46:17-28. [DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00085.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent analysis of the bovine genome revealed an expanded suite of β-defensin genes that encode what are referred to as antimicrobial or host defense peptides (HDPs). Whereas primate genomes also encode α- and θ-defensins, the bovine genome contains only the β-defensin subfamily of HDPs. β-Defensins perform diverse functions that are critical to protection against pathogens but also in regulation of the immune response and reproduction. As the most comprehensively studied subclass of HDPs, β-defensins possess the widest taxonomic distribution, found in invertebrates as well as plants, indicating an ancient point of origin. Cross-species comparison of the genomic arrangement of β-defensin gene repertoire revealed them to vary in number among species presumably due to differences in pathogenic selective pressures but also genetic drift. β-Defensin genes exist in a single cluster in birds, but four gene clusters exist in dog, rat, mouse, and cow. In humans and chimpanzees, one of these clusters is split in two as a result of a primate-specific pericentric inversion producing five gene clusters. A cluster of β-defensin genes on bovine chromosome 13 has been recently characterized, and full genome sequencing has identified extensive gene copy number variation on chromosome 27. As a result, cattle have the most diverse repertoire of β-defensin genes so far identified, where four clusters contain at least 57 genes. This expansion of β-defensin HDPs may hold significant potential for combating infectious diseases and provides opportunities to harness their immunological and reproductive functions in commercial cattle populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. G. Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - P. Cormican
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - F. Narciandi
- Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; and
| | - A. Lloyd
- Department of Science & Health, Carlow Institute of Technology, Co. Carlow, Ireland
| | - C. O'Farrelly
- Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; and
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Genome-level identification, gene expression, and comparative analysis of porcine ß-defensin genes. BMC Genet 2012; 13:98. [PMID: 23150902 PMCID: PMC3499285 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-13-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beta-defensins (β-defensins) are innate immune peptides with evolutionary conservation across a wide range of species and has been suggested to play important roles in innate immune reactions against pathogens. However, the complete β-defensin repertoire in the pig has not been fully addressed. RESULT A BLAST analysis was performed against the available pig genomic sequence in the NCBI database to identify β-defensin-related sequences using previously reported β-defensin sequences of pigs, humans, and cattle. The porcine β-defensin gene clusters were mapped to chromosomes 7, 14, 15 and 17. The gene expression analysis of 17 newly annotated porcine β-defensin genes across 15 tissues using semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed differences in their tissue distribution, with the kidney and testis having the largest pBD expression repertoire. We also analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the mature peptide region of pBD genes from 35 pigs of 7 breeds. We found 8 cSNPs in 7 pBDs. CONCLUSION We identified 29 porcine β-defensin (pBD) gene-like sequences, including 17 unreported pBDs in the porcine genome. Comparative analysis of β-defensin genes in the pig genome with those in human and cattle genomes showed structural conservation of β-defensin syntenic regions among these species.
Collapse
|
33
|
Li X, Zhan X, Liu S, Hu S, Zhu C, Hall SH, French FS, Liu Q, Zhang Y. Cloning and primary characterizations of rLcn9, a new member of epididymal lipocalins in rat. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2012; 44:876-85. [PMID: 23017836 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gms072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipocalins are a structurally conserved and diversely functional family of proteins that are of potential importance in epididymis functions. The rat Lcn9 gene was cloned by in silico methods and genome walking based on homology to the rhesus monkey epididymal ESC513 and its polyclonal antisera were prepared. The rat Lcn9 gene is located on chromosome 3p13 spanning 7 exons, contains 2.3 kb and encodes 179 amino acids with a 17-amino acid signal peptide. Northern blot, western blot, and immunohistochemical staining analysis revealed that rat Lcn9 was a novel epididymis-specific gene, expressed selectively in the proximal caput region, influenced by luminal fluid testicular factors. Moreover, Lcn9 protein was modified by N-glycosylation and bound on the postacrosomal domain of caput sperm. In conclusion, the rat Lcn9 exhibited tissue-, region-, and temporal-specific expression patterns and its expression was regulated by luminal testicular factors. Its potential roles in sperm maturation are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqi Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
During maturation, the surface of mammalian spermatozoa undergoes dramatic changes leading to the acquisition of properties vital for survival and performance in the female reproductive tract. A prominent change is the addition to the sperm surface of an atypical β-defensin polypeptide. In primates, the β-defensin DEFB126 becomes adsorbed to the entire sperm surface as spermatozoa move through the epididymal duct. DEFB126 has a conserved β-defensin core and a unique long glycosylated peptide tail. The carbohydrates of this domain contribute substantially to the sperm glycocalyx. DEFB126 is critical for efficient transport of sperm in the female reproductive tract, preventing their recognition by the female immune system, and might facilitate the delivery of capacitated sperm to the site of fertilization. A newly discovered dinucleotide deletion in the human DEFB126 gene is unusually common in diverse populations and results in a null allele. Predictably, men who are homozygous for the deletion produce sperm with an altered glycocalyx and impaired function, and have reduced fertility. Insights into the biology of DEFB126 are contributing to a better understanding of reproductive fitness in humans, as well as the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for male infertility.
Collapse
|
35
|
Leonard BC, Affolter VK, Bevins CL. Antimicrobial peptides: agents of border protection for companion animals. Vet Dermatol 2012; 23:177-e36. [PMID: 22409270 PMCID: PMC3467306 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2012.01037.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, there have been significant inroads into understanding the roles of antimicrobial peptides in homeostatic functions and their involvement in disease pathogenesis. In addition to direct antimicrobial activity, these peptides participate in many cellular functions, including chemotaxis, wound healing and even determination of canine coat colour. Various biological and genetic approaches have helped to elucidate the role of antimicrobial peptides with respect to innate immunity and host defense. Associations of antimicrobial peptides with various skin diseases, including psoriasis, rosacea and atopic dermatitis, have been documented in humans. In the longer term, therapeutic modulation of antimicrobial peptide expression may provide effective new treatments for disease. This review highlights current knowledge about antimicrobial peptides of the skin and circulating leukocytes, with particular focus on relevance to physiology and disease in companion animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Leonard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tollner TL, Venners SA, Hollox EJ, Yudin AI, Liu X, Tang G, Xing H, Kays RJ, Lau T, Overstreet JW, Xu X, Bevins CL, Cherr GN. A common mutation in the defensin DEFB126 causes impaired sperm function and subfertility. Sci Transl Med 2012; 3:92ra65. [PMID: 21775668 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A glycosylated polypeptide, β-defensin 126 (DEFB126), derived from the epididymis and adsorbed onto the sperm surface, has been implicated in immunoprotection and efficient movement of sperm in mucosal fluids of the female reproductive tract. Here, we report a sequence variant in DEFB126 that has a two-nucleotide deletion in the open reading frame, which generates an abnormal mRNA. The allele frequency of this variant sequence was high in both a European (0.47) and a Chinese (0.45) population cohort. Binding of the Agaricus bisporus lectin to the sperm surface glycocalyx was significantly lower in men with the homozygous variant (del/del) genotype than in those with either a del/wt or a wt/wt genotype, suggesting an altered sperm glycocalyx with fewer O-linked oligosaccharides in del/del men. Moreover, sperm from del/del carriers exhibited an 84% reduction in the rate of penetration of a hyaluronic acid gel, a surrogate for cervical mucus, compared to the other genotypes. This reduction in sperm performance in hyaluronic acid gels was not a result of decreased progressive motility (average curvilinear velocity) or morphological deficits. Nevertheless, DEFB126 genotype and lectin binding were correlated with sperm performance in the penetration assays. In a prospective cohort study of newly married couples who were trying to conceive by natural means, couples were less likely to become pregnant and took longer to achieve a live birth if the male partner was homozygous for the variant sequence. This common sequence variation in DEFB126, and its apparent effect of impaired reproductive function, will allow a better understanding, clinical evaluation, and possibly treatment of human infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore L Tollner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95817, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
An estimated 10 to 15% of couples suffer from infertility, and many treatment decisions rely on trial and error. In this issue of Science Translational Medicine, Tollner and colleagues provide strong evidence from a human genetics study that a common variant in the beta defensin 126 gene, the "del" variant, can reduce male fertility substantially. In addition, they show a plausible mechanism for reduced fertility: Sperm from del/del homozygotes lack an important component of their glycoprotein coat and have difficulty penetrating a surrogate for cervical mucus. If replicated in future studies, these findings promise to guide choices about the timing and type of assisted reproduction interventions-and further hint at the possibility of treating sperm from del/del homozygotes to promote fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve Rozen
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore, 8 College Road, 169857 Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Teijeiro JM, Marini PE. S100A7 is present in human sperm and a homologous pig sperm protein interacts with sperm-binding glycoprotein (SBG). Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:772-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01264.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J. M. Teijeiro
- Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET) y Área Biología; UNR; Rosario; Argentina
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhao Y, Diao H, Ni Z, Hu S, Yu H, Zhang Y. The epididymis-specific antimicrobial peptide β-defensin 15 is required for sperm motility and male fertility in the rat (Rattus norvegicus). Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:697-708. [PMID: 20694738 PMCID: PMC11114747 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0478-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2010] [Revised: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa acquire forward motility and fertilizing capacity during their transit through the epididymis. The maturation process involves modifications of the sperm surface by different proteins that are secreted by a series of specialized regions in the epididymal epithelium. Here we show that the rat epididymis-specific β-defensin 15 (Defb15) exhibits an androgen-dependent expression pattern, and it can bind to the acrosomal region of caput sperm. Coculture of caput spermatozoa with Defb15 antibody in vitro resulted in a significant decline in sperm motility. Moreover, the total and progressive motility of the spermatozoa dramatically decreased in rats when Defb15 was downregulated by lentivirus-mediated RNAi in vivo. Remarkably, knock down of Defb15 led to a reduction in fertility and embryonic development failure. In addition, the recombinant Defb15 showed antimicrobial activity in a dose-dependent fashion. These results suggest that Defb15 plays a dual role in both sperm maturation and pathogen defense in rat epididymis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
- The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Diao
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Zimei Ni
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Shuanggang Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
- The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Heguo Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Yonglian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, 200031 Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Biswas B, Yenugu S. Antimicrobial responses in the male reproductive tract of lipopolysaccharide challenged rats. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 65:557-68. [PMID: 21199063 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00937.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Innate immune machinery including the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) confers the first line of defense mechanisms to counter pathogenic microorganisms that enter the body. The male reproductive tract is vulnerable to infection and the role of TLRs and the antimicrobial responses that operate to counter infections in this organ system are poorly understood. METHOD OF STUDY Caput and cauda epididymides, testes and seminal vesicles were collected at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 24 h from rats injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of LPS. Plasma testosterone was measured using ELISA. Expression pattern of defensins and Spag11 isoforms were analysed using RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical analyses was performed to determine SPAG11E protein expression following LPS treatment. RESULTS We provide the first line of evidence that the male reproductive tract induces the expression of Sperm Associated Antigen 11 (Spag11) mRNA variants and defensins when challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with a concomitant increase in protein expression. However, there was an inverse relationship between induction of antimicrobial gene expression and plasma testosterone. An increase in the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines was observed parallel to the induction of Spag11 variants and majority of defensin expression in the male reproductive tract. CONCLUSION The increase in Spag11 and defensin mRNA in response to LPS administration demonstrates their importance in protecting the male reproductive tract during infection. Results of this study help to understand male reproductive tract innate immune defense mechanisms and to design novel peptide antibiotics to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barnali Biswas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Jin JY, Zhou L, Wang Y, Li Z, Zhao JG, Zhang QY, Gui JF. Antibacterial and antiviral roles of a fish β-defensin expressed both in pituitary and testis. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12883. [PMID: 21188147 PMCID: PMC3004800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins are a group of cationic peptides that exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In this study, we cloned and characterized a β-defensin from pituitary cDNA library of a protogynous hermaphroditic orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Interestingly, the β-defensin was shown to be dominantly expressed in pituitary and testis by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, and its transcript level is significantly upregulated in reproduction organs from intersexual gonad to testis during the natural and artificial sex reversal. Promoter sequence and the responsible activity region analyses revealed the pituitary-specific POU1F1a transcription binding site and testis-specific SRY responsible site, and demonstrated that the pituitary-specific POU1F1a transcription binding site that locates between −180 and −208 bp is the major responsible region of grouper β-defensin promoter activity. Immunofluorescence localization observed its pituicyte expression in pituitary and spermatogonic cell expression in testis. Moreover, both in vitro antibacterial activity assay of the recombinant β-defensin and in vivo embryo microinjection of the β-defensin mRNA were shown to be effective in killing Gram-negative bacteria. And, its antiviral role was also demonstrated in EPC cells transfected with the β-defensin construct. Additionally, the antibacterial activity was sensitive to concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+. The above intriguing findings strongly suggest that the fish β-defensin might play significant roles in both innate immunity defense and reproduction endocrine regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Wuhan Center for Developmental Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Wuhan Center for Developmental Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Wuhan Center for Developmental Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Wuhan Center for Developmental Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiu-Gang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Wuhan Center for Developmental Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi-Ya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Wuhan Center for Developmental Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Wuhan Center for Developmental Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Cao D, Li Y, Yang R, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Diao H, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Lu J. Lipopolysaccharide-induced epididymitis disrupts epididymal beta-defensin expression and inhibits sperm motility in rats. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:1064-70. [PMID: 20826730 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.082180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Although more than 40 beta-defensins have been identified in rat epididymis, little is known about their regulation or their relation to male infertility caused by inflammation. Using a rat model of epididymitis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we examined expression of SPAG11E (also known as Bin1b), a caput epididymis-specific beta-defensin in rat. Unlike the expression of other beta-defensins in various epithelial cells with upregulated expression after LPS stimulation, expression of SPAG11E was significantly decreased by LPS at the mRNA and protein levels. LPS treatment also significantly decreased both sperm binding to SPAG11E and sperm motility, and supplementation of the spermatozoa with recombinant SPAG11E in vitro remarkably increased both SPAG11E binding and motility of sperm. To clarify whether decreased expression is a common pattern of epididymal beta-defensins after LPS stimulation, we examined the expression of another 12 epididymal beta-defensins expressed in the caput epididymis. For nine of these beta-defensins, expression was decreased, but for the other three, expression remained unaffected. These findings demonstrate that LPS-induced epididymitis can decrease the expression of epididymal beta-defensins and that disruption of SPAG11E expression is involved in the impairment of sperm motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Cao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhang J, Ding X, Bian Z, Xia Y, Lu C, Wang S, Song L, Wang X. The effect of anti-eppin antibodies on ionophore A23187-induced calcium influx and acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2009; 25:29-36. [PMID: 19801569 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Before a spermatozoon can fertilize an oocyte it must undergo a cascade of biochemical and physiological changes that facilitate its binding and penetration into the oocyte. Epididymal protease inhibitor (eppin) has been found to play a critical role in male fertility through an immunological approach. METHODS In this study, we used an anti-eppin antibody to clarify the effect of eppin on human sperm functions during fertilization. Immunofluorescence studies were performed on ejaculated human spermatozoa in uncapacitated, capacitated and ionophore-treated states. Human spermatozoa were incubated in the presence or absence of anti-eppin antibody under capacitating conditions and with A23187. The effects of the antibody were evaluated on sperm motility, protein phosphotyrosine content and free intracellular calcium. RESULTS Immunofluorescence results demonstrated that eppin is located on the acrosome and tail. After the acrosome reaction eppin is found on the equatorial segment and tail. We found that blocking eppin with antibodies significantly inhibited the human sperm acrosome reaction induced by A23187 in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, fluo-3 analysis demonstrated that the A23187-induced elevation of sperm intracellular calcium concentration was markedly reduced after incubation with anti-eppin antibody. However, the tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins did not change. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that eppin can modulate intracellular calcium concentrations and subsequently affect the calcium ionophore A23187-induced acrosome reaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tollner TL, Vandevoort CA, Yudin AI, Treece CA, Overstreet JW, Cherr GN. Release of DEFB126 from macaque sperm and completion of capacitation are triggered by conditions that simulate periovulatory oviductal fluid. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:431-43. [PMID: 18937315 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Capacitation of macaque sperm in vitro has been achieved efficiently only with the addition of both cyclic nucleotides and methylxanthines. The use of these exogenous sperm activators clouds an understanding of the normal mechanisms underlying capacitation and may slow early embryo development following in vitro fertilization (IVF). We demonstrate that culture medium which simulates periovulatory oviductal fluid with respect to bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)) and glucose concentration induces capacitation in a high percentage of macaque sperm as determined by the ability of sperm to undergo both the release of coating protein DEFB126 and the zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction (AR). Few sperm were able to undergo the AR following 6 hr incubation in medium containing either 35 mM HCO(3)(-) (approximately 7.2 pH) or 90 mM HCO(3)(-) (approximately pH 7.8) with 5 mM glucose. When glucose concentration was lowered to 0.5 mM to match levels reported for women at midcycle, the AR rate increased significantly in sperm incubated in both levels of HCO(3)(-), indicating that glucose interferes with sperm responsiveness to increasing HCO(3)(-) concentration observed in the primate oviduct during ovulation. Even greater synchronization of capacitation could be achieved with nonphysiologic extremes of alkalinity or energy substrate deprivation. In the latter case, sperm achieved high rates of IVF. A shift in pH from 7.2 to 7.8 in a HEPES-buffered medium was sufficient to remove DEFB126 from the surface of most sperm after only 3 hr. The loss of DEFB126 from sperm under periovulaory fluid conditions has implications for the timing of release of sperm from the oviductal reservoir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore L Tollner
- Center for Health and the Environment, Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California 94923, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Radhakrishnan Y, Hamil KG, Tan JA, Grossman G, Petrusz P, Hall SH, French FS. Novel partners of SPAG11B isoform D in the human male reproductive tract. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:647-56. [PMID: 19535787 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm-associated antigen 11 (SPAG11) is closely related to beta-defensins in structure, expression, and function. Like the beta-defensins, SPAG11 proteins are predominantly expressed in the male reproductive tract, where their best-known major roles are in innate host defense and reproduction. Although several hypotheses have emerged to describe the evolution of beta-defensin and SPAG11 multifunctionality, few describe these multiple functions in terms of defensin interactions with specific proteins. To gain insight into the protein interaction potentials of SPAG11 and the signaling pathways that SPAG11 may influence, we used a yeast two-hybrid screening of a human testis-epididymis library. The results reveal human SPAG11B isoform D (SPAG11B/D) interactions with tryptase alpha/beta 1 (TPSAB1), tetraspanin 7 (TSPAN7), and attractin (ATRN). These interactions were confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione S-transferase affinity matrix binding. SPAG11B/D and the three interacting proteins are expressed in the proximal epididymis, and all function in immunity and fertility pathways. We analyzed the functional consequences of SPAG11B/D interaction with TPSAB1 and showed that SPAG11B/D is both a substrate and a potent inhibitor of TPSAB1 activity. Furthermore, we show that (like SPAG11B/D) TSPAN7 and ATRN are associated with spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yashwanth Radhakrishnan
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Laboratories for Reproductive Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Shimizu M, Watanabe Y, Isobe N, Yoshimura Y. Expression of Avian β-Defensin 3, an Antimicrobial Peptide, by Sperm in the Male Reproductive Organs and Oviduct in Chickens: An Immunohistochemical Study. Poult Sci 2008; 87:2653-9. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2008-00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
47
|
Li X, Liu Q, Liu S, Zhang J, Zhang Y. New member of the guanosine triphosphatase activating protein family in the human epididymis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7270.2008.00468.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
48
|
Yudin AI, Tollner TL, Treece CA, Kays R, Cherr GN, Overstreet JW, Bevins CL. Beta-defensin 22 is a major component of the mouse sperm glycocalyx. Reproduction 2008; 136:753-65. [PMID: 18787081 DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Surface components of sperm isolated from the cauda epididymides were stabilized by whole sperm fixation for immunization of rabbits. The resulting immunoglobulins (Igs) recognized a single protein of 130 kDa (non-reduced) or 54-57 kDa (reduced) on western blots of cauda sperm. Igs recognized the same 54-57 kDa protein band on whole tissue blots of the corpus and cauda epididymidis and vas deferens. No immunoreactive bands were detected on blots of the prostate, seminal vesicles, testes, caput epididymis, or any of various non-reproductive tissues. Removal of sperm from the vas deferens prior to blotting eliminated the detection of the sperm antigen. Antibodies raised to synthetic peptides, identical in amino acid sequence to two unique spans of DEFB22, recognized the same 130/54-57 kDa antigen on western blots of both caudal sperm and the purified antigen isolated with the anti-sperm Ig. From indirect immunofluorescence, both the anti-sperm and anti-peptide Igs appeared to localize to the entire sperm surface, a pattern confirmed at the ultrastructural level. Real-time PCR identified the corpus epididymides as the major site of expression of DEFB22, with negligible expression in the testes, caput epididymides, and vas deferens. Immunostaining of epididymal sections showed DEFB22 being released into the lumen at the distal caput/proximal corpus, with sperm becoming intensely coated with DEFB22 as they reached the distal corpus. Most uterine sperm recovered from mice 4 h following copulation exhibited DEFB22 coating the entire sperm surface. By contrast, some sperm recovered from the oviduct and cumulus extracellular matrix showed loss of DEFB22 from the sperm head.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley I Yudin
- Center for Health and the Environment, School of Medicine Environmental Toxicology and Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Tollner TL, Yudin AI, Treece CA, Overstreet JW, Cherr GN. Macaque sperm coating protein DEFB126 facilitates sperm penetration of cervical mucus. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:2523-34. [PMID: 18658160 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm coating protein beta-defensin 126 (DEFB126) is adsorbed onto the entire surface of macaque sperm in the caudal epididymis and is retained on viable sperm collected from the cervix and the uterine lumen of mated female macaques. We investigated the role of sperm coating protein DEFB126 in cervical mucus penetration (CMP). METHODS Cervical mucus (CM) was collected from peri-ovulatory female macaques and loaded into CMP chambers. Sperm were introduced to CMP chambers following treatment with either polyclonal antibodies raised to DEFB126 or seminal plasma proteins (SPPs), 1 mM caffeine+1 mM dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) (induces release of DEFB126 from sperm surface), neuraminidase (NMase) or poly-L-lysine (PLP). Following removal of DEFB126 or SPPs from the sperm surface, sperm were treated with concentrated DEFB126 or concentrated SPPs prior to being introduced to CMP chambers. The numbers of sperm that penetrated and traversed CM were scored over 6 min. RESULTS Treatment of sperm with anti-DEFB126 antibodies, 1 mM caffeine+1 mM dbcAMP, NMase, and PLP resulted in similar and significant levels of inhibition of sperm CMP, whereas addition of anti-SPPs antibodies had no effect. In experiments where DEFB126 and SPPs were removed, CMP capability of sperm was restored by addition of DEFB126 back to the sperm surface, whereas treatment of sperm with concentrated SPPs slightly inhibited sperm penetration. CONCLUSIONS DEFB126 and its high negative charge appears to be critical for the movement of sperm through CM in the macaque, while SPPs adhered to the sperm surface offer no advantage in CMP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore L Tollner
- Center for Health and the Environment, Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis 94923, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Lin YQ, Li JY, Wang HY, Liu J, Zhang CL, Wang WT, Liu J, Li N, Jin SH. Cloning and identification of a novel sperm binding protein, HEL-75, with antibacterial activity and expressed in the human epididymis. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:2086-94. [PMID: 18343807 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HEL-75 protein is a beta-defensin that was identified by analyzing a human epididymis cDNA library. Studying its function may not only elucidate the mechanisms of host defense, but may also provide new alternatives for novel therapeutic drugs for reproductive tract infections. METHODS The HEL-75 gene was amplified by PCR, and its structure and function were predicted and analyzed with bioinformatics tools. Polyclonal serum was raised against recombinant HEL (rHEL)-75 protein. The gene expression pattern was analyzed with RT-PCR and immunofluorescent staining. Finally, the antimicrobial activity and function during fertilization of HEL-75 were analyzed using a colony-forming unit assay and IVF, respectively. RESULTS The human HEL-75 gene is located on chromosome 20p13 and encodes a 95 amino acid protein with a predicted N-terminal signal peptide of 22 amino acids. The protein has six conserved cysteine residues, characteristic of members of the beta-defensin superfamily, as well as several potential post-translational modification sites. At the transcriptional level, HEL-75 was expressed in the epididymis and lung, but only in the epididymis at the translational level. Immunofluorescent staining showed that HEL-75 protein bound spermatozoa in the epididymis. RHEL-75 protein could kill Escherichia coli in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. However, no effect was observed on sperm motility nor fertilization when spermatozoa were blocked with anti-rHEL-75 polyclonal serum. CONCLUSION HEL-75 is a new beta-defensin expressed in the epididymis and on sperm; it may play an important role in host defense.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Q Lin
- Shandong Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Yantai Yu-huang-ding Hospital, No. 20, Yu-huang-ding Dong Road, 264000 Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|