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Qi HY, Zhao Z, Wei BH, Li ZF, Tan FQ, Yang WX. ERK/CREB and p38 MAPK/MMP14 Signaling Pathway Influences Spermatogenesis through Regulating the Expression of Junctional Proteins in Eriocheir sinensis Testis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7361. [PMID: 39000467 PMCID: PMC11242087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The hemolymph-testis barrier (HTB) is a reproduction barrier in Crustacea, guaranteeing the safe and smooth process of spermatogenesis, which is similar to the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in mammals. The MAPK signaling pathway plays an essential role in spermatogenesis and maintenance of the BTB. However, only a few studies have focused on the influence of MAPK on crustacean reproduction. In the present study, we knocked down and inhibited MAPK in Eriocheir sinensis. Increased defects in spermatogenesis were observed, concurrently with a damaged HTB. Further research revealed that es-MMP14 functions downstream of ERK and p38 MAPK and degrades junctional proteins (Pinin and ZO-1); es-CREB functions in the ERK cascade as a transcription factor of ZO-1. In addition, when es-MMP14 and es-CREB were deleted, the defects in HTB and spermatogenesis aligned with abnormalities in the MAPK. However, JNK impacts the integrity of the HTB by changing the distribution of intercellular junctions. In summary, the MAPK signaling pathway maintains HTB integrity and spermatogenesis through es-MMP14 and es-CREB, which provides insights into the evolution of gene function during barrier evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Qi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
| | - Zhan Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
| | - Bang-Hong Wei
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China;
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (H.-Y.Q.)
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Gao Y, Zhao G, Song Y, Haire A, Yang A, Zhao X, Wusiman A. Presence of leptin and its receptor in the ram reproductive system and in vitro effect of leptin on sperm quality. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13982. [PMID: 36187750 PMCID: PMC9521348 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a 16 kDa hormone encoded by obese (OB) gene in adipocytes. This molecule not only regulates energy metabolism but also plays a role in the reproduction of mammals. Leptin and its receptor (OBR) have been found in male reproductive systems of human, bovine, equine and pig. The effects of leptin on sperm quality vary widely from different research findings. However, the presence of leptin and its receptor in the ram reproductive system and the in vitro effect of leptin on sperm quality have not reported yet. In the present study, we found that the OB was highly expressed in primary and secondary spermatocytes of the testes, OBR was highly expressed in secondary spermatocytes of the testes. The expressions of OB were in stereocilia of epididymis and in columnar cells of epididymal caput and cauda, the expressions of OBR were in columnar cells of epididymis and in stereocilia of epididymal corpus and cauda. The presence of both OB and OBR in testes, epididymis and sperm were confirmed through RT-PCR, immunolocalization and Western blot analyses. The RT-qPCR results indicated OB and OBR had higher expression levels in epididymal sperm than that of the ejaculated sperm in rams. When sperm were treated with 5 ng/mL leptin, the progressive motility (P < 0.01), straight-line velocity (VSL) (P < 0.05), average path velocity (VAP) (P < 0.05), membrane mitochondrial potential (MMP) (P < 0.01) and viability (P < 0.05) significantly increased, while DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly decreased compared to the control (P < 0.01), and the other semen parameters such as acrosome integrity and acrosome reaction rate had no significant changes between groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this is probably the first report describing localization of leptin and its receptors in the reproductive system of rams and their effects on sperm quality parameters. Our findings suggest that 5 ng/mL leptin treatment enhanced sperm motility, viability and MMP, and decrease DFI and ROS without obvious influence on the acrosome reaction in ram sperm. The potential mechanisms may be related to leptin's ability to reduce the oxidative stress and apoptosis of sperms and improve their mitochondrial function and energy supply, therefore, to maintain the physiological homeostasis of the sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhuozhou Hospital of Hebei Province, Zhuozhou, Hebei, China
| | - Guodong Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yukun Song
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Aerman Haire
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ailing Yang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Abulizi Wusiman
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
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Saucedo L, Rumpel R, Sobarzo C, Schreiner D, Brandes G, Lustig L, Vazquez-Levin MH, Grothe C, Marín-Briggiler C. Deficiency of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) leads to abnormal spermatogenesis and altered sperm physiology. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:9640-9651. [PMID: 30054911 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In previous studies, we described the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and its receptors (FGFRs) in human testis and sperm, which are involved in spermatogenesis and in motility regulation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of FGF-2 in the maintenance of sperm physiology using FGF-2 knockout (KO) mice. Our results showed that in wild-type (WT) animals, FGF-2 is expressed in germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium, in epithelial cells of the epididymis, and in the flagellum and acrosomal region of epididymal sperm. In the FGF-2 KO mice, we found alterations in spermatogenesis kinetics, higher numbers of spermatids per testis, and enhanced daily sperm production compared with the WT males. No difference in the percentage of sperm motility was detected, but a significant increase in sperm concentration and in sperm head abnormalities was observed in FGF-2 KO animals. Sperm from KO mice depicted reduced phosphorylation on tyrosine residues (a phenomenon that was associated with sperm capacitation) and increased acrosomal loss after incubation under capacitating conditions. However, the FGF-2 KO males displayed no apparent fertility defects, since their mating with WT females showed no differences in the time to delivery, litter size, and pup weight in comparison with WT males. Overall, our findings suggest that FGF-2 exerts a role in mammalian spermatogenesis and that the lack of FGF-2 leads to dysregulated sperm production and altered sperm morphology and function. FGF-2-deficient mice constitute a model for the study of the complex mechanisms underlying mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Saucedo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Regina Rumpel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cristian Sobarzo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dietmar Schreiner
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gudrun Brandes
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Clara Marín-Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Sipilä P, Björkgren I. Segment-specific regulation of epididymal gene expression. Reproduction 2016; 152:R91-9. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is necessary for post-testicular sperm maturation. During their epididymal transit, spermatozoa gain ability for progressive movement and fertilization. The epididymis is composed of several segments that have distinct gene expression profiles that enable the establishment of the changing luminal environment required for sperm maturation. The epididymal gene expression is regulated by endocrine, lumicrine, and paracrine factors in a segment-specific manner. Thus, in addition to its importance for male fertility, the epididymis is a valuable model tissue for studying the regulation of gene expression. This review concentrates on recent advances in understanding the androgen, small RNA, and epigenetically mediated regulation of segment-specific gene expression in the epididymis.
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Kidder GM, Cyr DG. Roles of connexins in testis development and spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 50:22-30. [PMID: 26780117 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development and differentiation of cells involved in spermatogenesis requires highly regulated and coordinated interactions between cells. Intercellular communication, particularly via connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions, plays a critical role in the development of germ cells during fetal development and during spermatogenesis in the adult. Loss of Cx43 in the fetus results in a decreased number of germ cells, while the loss of Cx43 in the adult Sertoli cells results in complete inhibition of spermatogenesis. Connexins 26, 32, 33, 36, 45, 46 and 50 have also been localized to specific compartments of the testis in various mammals. Loss of Cx46 is associated with an increase in germ cell apoptosis and loss of the integrity of the blood-testis barrier, while loss of other connexins appears to have more subtle effects within the seminiferous tubule. Outside the seminiferous tubule, the interstitial Leydig cells express connexins 36 and 45 along with Cx43; deletion of the latter connexin did not reveal it to be crucial for steroidogenesis or for the development and differentiation of Leydig cells. In contrast, loss of Cx43 from Sertoli cells results in Leydig cell hyperplasia, suggesting important cross-talk between Sertoli and Leydig cells. In the epididymis connexins 26, 30.3, Cx31.1, 32, and 43 have been identified and differentiation of the epithelium is associated with dramatic changes in their expression. Decreased expression of Cx43 results in decreased sperm motility, a function acquired by spermatozoa during epididymal transit. Clearly, intercellular gap junctional communication within the testis and epididymis represents a critical aspect of male reproductive function and fertility. The implications of this mode of intercellular communication for male fertility remains a poorly understood but important facet of male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada.
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, University of Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec H7V 1B7, Canada
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Dubé E, Dufresne J, Chan PTK, Cyr DG. Epidermal growth factor regulates connexin 43 in the human epididymis: role of gap junctions in azoospermia. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:2285-96. [PMID: 22611165 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gap junctions (GJs) allow for direct communication between adjacent cells. They are composed of connexons consisting of transmembrane proteins, connexins (Cxs). The objectives of this study were to determine if GJ proteins GJA1 (Cx43), GJB1 (Cx32) and GJB2 (Cx26) are present in the epididymis of men with a normal epididymis, to assess whether or not Cx expression and localization are altered in azoospermic patients, and to determine if epidermal growth factor (EGF) regulates GJA1 expression. METHODS Epididymides were obtained from men with localized testis cancer with active spermatogenesis and histologically normal epididymal tubule (group 1), men with non-obstructive azoospermia secondary to Sertoli-cell only syndrome (group 2) and from azoospermic men with normal spermatogenesis and epididymal obstruction (group 3). Epididymides were subdivided into three segments: caput, corpus and cauda. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed to assess GJA1, GJB1, GJB2 and EGF receptor (EGFR) mRNA levels in epididymides from patients from each group (all n=3, except n=1 for caput blockage). A human caput epididymal cell line was then used to determine the role of EGFR signaling on the regulation of human epididymal GJA1. RESULTS Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that GJA1, GJB1, GJB2 and EGFR were expressed along the human epididymis. In the cauda epididymidis of group 2 and 3 men, we observed a significant decrease in GJA1 (P=0.0456 and P=0.0465, respectively) and GJB1 (P=0.0450 and P=0.0497, respectively) mRNA levels when compared with group 1 men. We also observed a decrease in EGFR mRNA levels (P=0.0358) in the cauda epididymidis of group 3 men when compared with group 1. Immunocytochemistry revealed that in the epididymis, GJA1 and EGFR were localized between basal and principal cells and between adjacent principal cells. In group 2 and 3 patients, however, we noted a dramatic increase in cytosolic immunostaining for both GJA1 and EGFR in both principal and basal cells. Using a human caput epididymal cell line derived from fertile men, we demonstrated that changes in GJA1 phosphorylation could be regulated by EGF (P=0.015) and the extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway (P=0.03). Furthermore, while the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway did not alter GJA1 phosphorylation, treatment with PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 significantly (P=0.024) inhibited the EGF-stimulated increase in GJA1 total protein levels at 24 h. Immunolocalization indicated that loss of PI3K/AKT signaling was associated with increased cytosolic localization of Cx43 in this cell line. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data suggest that in azoospermic men decreased expression of EGFR may be responsible for decreasing GJA1 levels and increasing its cytosolic localization via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evemie Dubé
- INRS-Institut Armand Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada H7V 1B7
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7
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Dacheux JL, Belleannée C, Guyonnet B, Labas V, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Ecroyd H, Druart X, Gatti JL, Dacheux F. The contribution of proteomics to understanding epididymal maturation of mammalian spermatozoa. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2012; 58:197-210. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2012.663233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Silva EJR, Queiróz DBC, Honda L, Avellar MCW. Glucocorticoid receptor in the rat epididymis: expression, cellular distribution and regulation by steroid hormones. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 325:64-77. [PMID: 20573576 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2010] [Revised: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids regulate several physiological functions, including reproduction, in mammals. Curiously, little is known about glucocorticoid-induced effects on the epididymis, an androgen-dependent tissue with vital role on sperm maturation. Here, RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical studies were performed to evaluate expression, cellular distribution and hormonal regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) along rat epididymis. The rat orthologue of human GRalpha (mRNA and protein) was detected in caput, corpus and cauda epididymis and immunolocalized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of different epididymal cells (epithelial, smooth muscle and interstitial cells) and nerve fibers. Changes in plasma glucocorticoid and androgen levels differentially regulated GR expression in caput and cauda epididymis by homologous and heterologous mechanisms. In vivo treatment with dexamethasone significantly changed the expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes and induced ligand-dependent GR nuclear translocation in epithelial cells from epididymis, indicating that GR is fully active in this tissue. Heterologous regulation of androgen receptor expression by glucocorticoids was also demonstrated in cauda epididymis. Our results demonstrate that the epididymis is under glucocorticoid regulation, opening new insights into the roles of this hormone in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick J R Silva
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua 03 de maio 100, INFAR, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
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9
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Almog T, Naor Z. The role of Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in sperm functions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 314:239-43. [PMID: 19467295 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2009] [Revised: 05/14/2009] [Accepted: 05/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The generation of mature spermatozoa in the epididymis includes the activation of the MAPK cascade in a complex manner. MAPKs are thought to be involved in the regulation of transcription and ectoplasmic specialization (ES) in the testis. MAPKs also regulate mature spermatozoa flagellar motility, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction. Here we review the current data regarding the functions of MAPKs in spermatogenesis and in mature spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Almog
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
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Bibliography. Current world literature. Growth and development. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2008; 15:79-101. [PMID: 18185067 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3282f4f084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Almog T, Naor Z. Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) as regulators of spermatogenesis and spermatozoa functions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 282:39-44. [PMID: 18177996 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2007.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, culminating in the generation of mature motile spermatozoa, is a complex biological process that is regulated by cytokines and hormones of the male reproductive system. Spermatozoa must first undergo a series of biochemical processes termed capacitation, which is followed by acrosome reaction and egg fertilization. Here we review the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) cascades in spermatogenesis and spermatozoa functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Almog
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
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Turner TT, Johnston DS, Jelinsky SA, Tomsig JL, Finger JN. Segment boundaries of the adult rat epididymis limit interstitial signaling by potential paracrine factors and segments lose differential gene expression after efferent duct ligation. Asian J Androl 2007; 9:565-73. [PMID: 17589796 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2007.00302.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is divided into caput, corpus and cauda regions, organized into intraregional segments separated by connective tissue septa (CTS). In the adult rat and mouse these segments are highly differentiated. Regulation of these segments is by endocrine, lumicrine and paracrine factors, the relative importance of which remains under investigation. Here, the ability of the CTS to limit signaling in the interstitial compartment is reviewed as is the effect of 15 days of unilateral efferent duct ligation (EDL) on ipsilateral segmental transcriptional profiles. Inter-segmental microperifusions of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) increased phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in segments 1 and 2 of the rat epididymis and the effects of all factors were limited by the CTS separating the segments. Microarray analysis of segmental gene expression determined the effect of 15 days of unilateral EDL on the transcriptome-wide gene expression of rat segments 1-4. Over 11,000 genes were expressed in each of the four segments and over 2000 transcripts in segment 1 responded to deprivation of testicular lumicrine factors. Segments 1 and 2 of control tissues were the most transcriptionally different and EDL had its greatest effects there. In the absence of lumicrine factors, all four segments regressed to a transcriptionally undifferentiated state, consistent with the less differentiated histology. Deprivation of lumicrine factors could stimulate an individual gene's expression in some segments yet suppress it in others. Such results reveal a higher complexity of the regulation of rat epididymal segments than that is generally appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry T Turner
- Department of Urology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Jelinsky SA, Turner TT, Bang HJ, Finger JN, Solarz MK, Wilson E, Brown EL, Kopf GS, Johnston DS. The Rat Epididymal Transcriptome: Comparison of Segmental Gene Expression in the Rat and Mouse Epididymides1. Biol Reprod 2007; 76:561-70. [PMID: 17167166 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.057323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional differences along the epididymis are essential for the establishment of the luminal environment required for sperm maturation. In the current study, 19 morphologically distinct segments of the rat epididymis were identified by microdissection. Total RNA was isolated from each segment and subjected to microarray analysis. Segmental analysis of epididymal gene expression identified more than 16,000 expressed qualifiers, whereas profiling of RNA from whole rat epididymis identified approximately 12,000 expressed qualifiers. Screening a panel of normal rat tissues identified both epididymal-selective and epididymal-specific transcripts. In addition, more than 3500 qualifiers were shown to be present and differentially upregulated or downregulated by more than fourfold between any two segments. The present study complements our previous segment-dependent analysis of gene expression in the mouse epididymis and allows for comparative analyses between datasets. A total of 492 genes was shown to be present on both the MOE430 (mouse) and RAE230_2 (rat) microarrays, expressed in the epididymis of both species, and differentially expressed by more than fourfold in between segments in each species. Moreover, in-depth quantitative RT-PCR analysis of 36 members of the beta defensin gene family showed highly conserved patterns of expression along the lengths of the mouse and rat epididymides. These analyses elucidate global gene expression patterns along the length of the rat epididymis and provide a novel evaluation of conserved and nonconserved gene expression patterns in the epididymides of the two species. Furthermore, these data provide a powerful resource for the research community for future studies of biological factors that mediate sperm maturation and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Jelinsky
- Biological Technologies, Molecular Profiling and Biomarker Discovery, Wyeth Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, USA.
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