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Zhang M, Chiozzi RZ, Bromfield EG, Heck AJR, Helms JB, Gadella BM. Characterization of acrosin and acrosin binding protein as novel CRISP2 interacting proteins in boar spermatozoa. Andrology 2023; 11:1460-1471. [PMID: 36815564 PMCID: PMC10947329 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13413] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we reported that cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 is involved in high molecular weight complexes in boar spermatozoa. These cysteine-rich secretory protein 2protein complexes are formed at the last phase of sperm formation in the testis and play a role in sperm shaping and functioning. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 interacting partners. These binding partner interactions were investigated under different conditions, namely, non-capacitating conditions, after the induction of in vitro sperm capacitation and subsequently during an ionophore A23187-induced acrosome reaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The incubated pig sperm samples were subjected to protein extraction. Extracted proteins were subjected to blue native gel electrophoresis and native immunoblots. Immunoreactive gel bands were excised and subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis for protein identification. Protein extracts were also subjected to CRISP2 immunoprecipitation and analyzed by LC-MS for protein identification. The most prominent cystein-rich secretory protein 2 interacting proteins that appeared in both independent LC-MS analyses were studied with a functional in situ proximity interaction assay to validate their property to interact with cystein-rich secretory protein 2 in pig sperm. RESULTS Blue native gel electrophoresis and native immunoblots revealed that cystein-rich secretory protein 2 was present within a ∼150 kDa protein complex under all three conditions. Interrogation of cystein-rich secretory-protein 2-immunoreactive bands from blue native gels as well as cystein-rich secretory protein 2 immunoprecipitated products using mass spectrometry consistently revealed that, beyond cystein-rich secretory protein 2, acrosin and acrosin binding protein were among the most abundant interacting proteins and did interact under all three conditions. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting indicated that cystein-rich secretory protein 2 interacted with pro-acrosin (∼53 kDa) and Aacrosin binding protein under all three conditions and additionally to acrosin (∼35 kDa) after capacitation and the acrosome reaction. The colocalization of these interacting proteins with cystein-rich secretory protein 2 was assessed via in situ proximity ligation assays. The colocalization signal of cystein-rich secretory protein 2 and acrosin in the acrosome seemed dispersed after capacitation but was consistently present in the sperm tail under all conditions. The fluorescent foci of cystein-rich secretory protein 2 and acrsin binding protein colocalization appeared to be redistributed within the sperm head from the anterior acrosome to the post-acrosomal sheath region upon capacitation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These results suggest that CRISP2 may act as a scaffold for protein complex formation and dissociation to ensure the correct positioning of proteins required for the acrosome reaction and zona pellucida penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Zenezini Chiozzi
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and ProteomicsBijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics CentreUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceSchool of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Albert JR Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and ProteomicsBijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics CentreUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - J Bernd Helms
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biomolecular Health SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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2
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Benko F, Urminská D, Ďuračka M, Tvrdá E. Signaling Roleplay between Ion Channels during Mammalian Sperm Capacitation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2519. [PMID: 37760960 PMCID: PMC10525812 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to accomplish their primary goal, mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a series of physiological, biochemical, and functional changes crucial for the acquisition of fertilization ability. Spermatozoa are highly polarized cells, which must swiftly respond to ionic changes on their passage through the female reproductive tract, and which are necessary for male gametes to acquire their functional competence. This review summarizes the current knowledge about specific ion channels and transporters located in the mammalian sperm plasma membrane, which are intricately involved in the initiation of changes within the ionic milieu of the sperm cell, leading to variations in the sperm membrane potential, membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization, changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction and sperm-egg fusion. We also discuss the functionality of selected ion channels in male reproductive health and/or disease since these may become promising targets for clinical management of infertility in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Benko
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Dana Urminská
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
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3
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López-González I, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, Alvarado-Quevedo B, Ocelotl-Oviedo JP, González-Cota AL, Aldana A, Orta G, Darszon A. ATP increases head volume in capacitated human sperm via a purinergic channel. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 671:318-326. [PMID: 37327703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.008] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Scanning ion-conductance microscopy allowed us to document an external Ca2+ dependent ATP driven volume increase (ATPVI) in capacitated human sperm heads. We examined the involvement of purinergic receptors (PRs) P2X2R and P2X4R in ATPVI using their co-agonists progesterone and Ivermectin (Iver), and Cu2+, which co-activates P2X2Rs and inhibits P2X4Rs. Iver enhanced ATPVI and Cu2+ and 5BDBD inhibited it, indicating P2X4Rs contributed to this response. Moreover, Cu2+ and 5BDBD inhibited the ATP-induced acrosome reaction (AR) which was enhanced by Iver. ATP increased the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in >45% of individual sperm, most of which underwent AR monitored using FM4-64. Our findings suggest that human sperm P2X4R activation by ATP increases [Ca2+]i mainly due to Ca2+ influx which leads to a sperm head volume increase, likely involving acrosomal swelling, and resulting in AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- I López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
| | - C Sánchez-Cárdenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - J L De la Vega-Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - B Alvarado-Quevedo
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - J P Ocelotl-Oviedo
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - A L González-Cota
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - A Aldana
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - G Orta
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico
| | - A Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
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4
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Buzzatto MV, Berberián MV, Di Bartolo AL, Masone D, Tomes CN. α-Synuclein is required for sperm exocytosis at a post-fusion stage. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125988. [PMID: 37287458 PMCID: PMC10242118 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm acrosome is a large dense-core granule whose contents are secreted by regulated exocytosis at fertilization through the opening of numerous fusion pores between the acrosomal and plasma membranes. In other cells, the nascent pore generated when the membrane surrounding a secretory vesicle fuses with the plasma membrane may have different fates. In sperm, pore dilation leads to the vesiculation and release of these membranes, together with the granule contents. α-Synuclein is a small cytosolic protein claimed to exhibit different roles in exocytic pathways in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. Here, we scrutinized its function in human sperm. Western blot revealed the presence of α-synuclein and indirect immunofluorescence its localization to the acrosomal domain of human sperm. Despite its small size, the protein was retained following permeabilization of the plasma membrane with streptolysin O. α-Synuclein was required for acrosomal release, as demonstrated by the inability of an inducer to elicit exocytosis when permeabilized human sperm were loaded with inhibitory antibodies to human α-synuclein. The antibodies halted calcium-induced secretion when introduced after the acrosome docked to the cell membrane. Two functional assays, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopies revealed that the stabilization of open fusion pores was responsible for the secretion blockage. Interestingly, synaptobrevin was insensitive to neurotoxin cleavage at this point, an indication of its engagement in cis SNARE complexes. The very existence of such complexes during AE reflects a new paradigm. Recombinant α-synuclein rescued the inhibitory effects of the anti-α-synuclein antibodies and of a chimeric Rab3A-22A protein that also inhibits AE after fusion pore opening. We applied restrained molecular dynamics simulations to compare the energy cost of expanding a nascent fusion pore between two model membranes and found it higher in the absence than in the presence of α-synuclein. Hence, our results suggest that α-synuclein is essential for expanding fusion pores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Vanina Buzzatto
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Berberián
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Instituto de Ciencias Básicas (ICB)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ary Lautaro Di Bartolo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Diego Masone
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia Nora Tomes
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM)-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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5
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Vaquer CC, Suhaiman L, Pavarotti MA, Arias RJ, Pacheco Guiñazú AB, De Blas GA, Belmonte SA. The pair ceramide 1-phosphate/ceramide kinase regulates intracellular calcium and progesterone-induced human sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1148831. [PMID: 37065849 PMCID: PMC10102357 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1148831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Before fertilization, spermatozoa must undergo calcium-regulated acrosome exocytosis in response to physiological stimuli such as progesterone and zona pellucida. Our laboratory has elucidated the signaling cascades accomplished by different sphingolipids during human sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Recently, we established that ceramide increases intracellular calcium by activating various channels and stimulating the acrosome reaction. However, whether ceramide induces exocytosis on its own, activation of the ceramide kinase/ceramide 1-phosphate (CERK/C1P) pathway or both is still an unsolved issue. Here, we demonstrate that C1P addition induces exocytosis in intact, capacitated human sperm. Real-time imaging in single-cell and calcium measurements in sperm population showed that C1P needs extracellular calcium to induce [Ca2+]i increase. The sphingolipid triggered the cation influx through voltage-operated calcium (VOC) and store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. However, it requires calcium efflux from internal stores through inositol 3-phosphate receptors (IP3R) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) to achieve calcium rise and the acrosome reaction. We report the presence of the CERK in human spermatozoa, the enzyme that catalyzes C1P synthesis. Furthermore, CERK exhibited calcium-stimulated enzymatic activity during the acrosome reaction. Exocytosis assays using a CERK inhibitor demonstrated that ceramide induces acrosomal exocytosis, mainly due to C1P synthesis. Strikingly, progesterone required CERK activity to induce intracellular calcium increase and acrosome exocytosis. This is the first report, implicating the bioactive sphingolipid C1P in the physiological progesterone pathway leading to the sperm acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia C. Vaquer
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Laila Suhaiman
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Martín A. Pavarotti
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo J. Arias
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- LaTIT. Área Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Anahí B. Pacheco Guiñazú
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Gerardo A. De Blas
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- LaTIT. Área Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Silvia A. Belmonte
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Silvia A. Belmonte, ,
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6
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Flores-Montero K, Berberián MV, Mayorga LS, Tomes CN, Ruete MC. The molecular chaperone cysteine string protein is required for monomeric SNARE proteins to assemble in trans-complexes during human sperm acrosomal exocytosis†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:229-240. [PMID: 36308432 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac196] [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: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane fusion in sperm cells is crucial for acrosomal exocytosis and must be preserved to ensure fertilizing capacity. Evolutionarily conserved protein machinery regulates acrosomal exocytosis. Molecular chaperones play a vital role in spermatogenesis and post-testicular maturation. Cysteine string protein (CSP) is a member of the Hsp40 co-chaperones, and the participation of molecular chaperones in acrosomal exocytosis is poorly understood. In particular, the role of CSP in acrosomal exocytosis has not been reported so far. Using western blot and indirect immunofluorescence, we show that CSP is present in human sperm, is palmitoylated, and predominantly bound to membranes. Moreover, using functional assays and transmission electron microscopy, we report that blocking the function of CSP avoided the assembly of trans-complexes and inhibited exocytosis. In summary, here, we describe the presence of CSP in human sperm and show that this protein has an essential role in membrane fusion during acrosomal exocytosis mediating the trans-SNARE complex assembly between the outer acrosomal and plasma membranes. In general, understanding CSP's role is critical in identifying new biomarkers and generating new rational-based approaches to treat male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Flores-Montero
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Berberián
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.,Instituto de Ciencias Básicas - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Luis Segundo Mayorga
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia Nora Tomes
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Celeste Ruete
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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7
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Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, Romarowski A, Jabloñski M, Krapf D, Luque GM, Buffone MG. The early molecular events leading to COFILIN phosphorylation during mouse sperm capacitation are essential for acrosomal exocytosis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101988. [PMID: 35487245 PMCID: PMC9142561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton reorganization during sperm capacitation is essential for the occurrence of acrosomal exocytosis (AR) in several mammalian species. Here, we demonstrate that in mouse sperm, within the first minutes of exposure upon capacitating conditions, the activity of RHOA/C and RAC1 is essential for LIMK1 and COFILIN phosphorylation. However, we observed that the signaling pathway involving RAC1 and PAK4 is the main player in controlling actin polymerization in the sperm head necessary for the occurrence of AR. Moreover, we show that the transient phosphorylation of COFILIN is also influenced by the Slingshot family of protein phosphatases (SSH1). The activity of SSH1 is regulated by the dual action of two pathways. On one hand, RHOA/C and RAC1 activity promotes SSH1 phosphorylation (inactivation). On the other hand, the activating dephosphorylation is driven by okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatases. This regulatory mechanism is independent of the commonly observed activating mechanisms involving PP2B and emerges as a new finely tuned modulation that is, so far, exclusively observed in mouse sperm. However, persistent phosphorylation of COFILIN by SSH1 inhibition or okadaic acid did not altered actin polymerization and the AR. Altogether, our results highlight the role of small GTPases in modulating actin dynamics required for AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza J Schiavi-Ehrenhaus
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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8
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Satouh Y, Inoue N. Involvement of cellular protrusions in gamete interactions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 129:93-102. [PMID: 35370088 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gamete fusion is of considerable importance in reproductive events, as it determines the gamete pairs or chromosomes that the next generation will inherit. To preserve species specificity with an appropriate karyotype, the fusion between gametes requires regulatory mechanisms to ensure limited fusion competency. In many organisms, gamete surfaces are not smooth, but present constitutive or transient cellular protrusions suggested to be involved in gamete fusion. However, the molecular mechanisms and the factors essential for the membrane-membrane fusion process and cellular protrusion involvement have remained unclear. Recent advances in the identification and functional analysis of the essential factors for gamete interaction have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying their activity regulation and dynamics. In homogametic fertilization, dynamic regulation of the fusion core machinery on cellular protrusions was precisely uncovered. In heterogametic fertilization, oocyte fusion competency was suggested to correlate with the compartmentalization of the fusion essential factor and protrusion formation. These findings shed light on the significance of cellular protrusions in gamete fusion as a physically and functionally specialized site for cellular fusion. In this review, we consider the developments in gamete interaction research in various species with different fertilization modes, highlighting the commonalities in the relationship between gamete fusion and cellular protrusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
| | - Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan.
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9
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Relevance of Aquaporins for Gamete Function and Cryopreservation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050573. [PMID: 35268142 PMCID: PMC8909058 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The interaction between cells and the extracellular medium is of great importance; changes in medium composition can drive water movement across plasma membranes. Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane channels involved in the transport of water and some solutes across membranes. When sperm enter the female reproductive tract after ejaculation, they encounter a drastic change in extracellular composition, which leads to water flowing across the plasma membrane. This triggers a series of events that are crucial to allowing fertilization to take place, such as regulation of sperm motility. In the context of assisted reproduction techniques (ART), long-term storage of gametes is sometimes required, and, during cryopreservation, these cells undergo drastic changes in extracellular medium composition. As a result, AQPs are crucial in both sperm and oocytes during this process. Cryopreservation is of considerable importance for fertility preservation in livestock, endangered species and for individuals undergoing certain medical treatments that compromise their fertility. Further research to fully elucidate the roles and underlying mechanisms of AQPs in mammalian sperm is therefore warranted. Abstract The interaction between cells and the extracellular medium is of great importance, and drastic changes in extracellular solute concentrations drive water movement across the plasma membrane. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channels that allow the transport of water and small solutes across cell membranes. Different members of this family have been identified in gametes. In sperm, they are relevant to osmoadaptation after entering the female reproductive tract, which is crucial for sperm motility activation and capacitation and, thus, for their fertilizing ability. In addition, they are relevant during the cryopreservation process, since some members of this family are also permeable to glycerol, one of the most frequently used cryoprotective agents in livestock. Regarding oocytes, AQPs are very important in their maturation but also during cryopreservation. Further research to define the exact sets of AQPs that are present in oocytes from different species is needed, since the available literature envisages certain AQPs and their roles but does not provide complete information on the whole set of AQPs. This is of considerable importance because, in sperm, specific AQPs are known to compensate the role of non-functional members.
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10
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Carrasquel Martínez G, Aldana A, Carneiro J, Treviño CL, Darszon A. Acrosomal alkalinization occurs during human sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6535714. [PMID: 35201340 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm capacitation is a prerequisite for successful fertilization. Capacitation involves biochemical and physiological modifications of sperm as they travel through the female reproductive tract. These modifications prepare the sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction (AR), an acrosome vesicle exocytosis that is necessary for gamete fusion. Capacitation requires an increase in both intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and pH (pHi). Mouse sperm capacitation is accompanied by acrosomal alkalinization and artificial elevation of the acrosome pH (pHa) is sufficient to trigger the AR in mouse and human sperm, but it is unknown if pHa increases naturally during human sperm capacitation. We used single-cell imaging and image-based flow cytometry to evaluate pHa during capacitation and its regulation. We found that pHa progressively increases during capacitation. The V-ATPase, which immunolocalized to the acrosome and equatorial segment, is mainly responsible for the acidity of the acrosome. It is likely that the regulation of V-ATPase is at least in part responsible for the progressive increase in pHa during capacitation. Acrosome alkalinization was dependent on extracellular HCO3- and Ca2+. Inhibition of the HCO3--dependent adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A induced significant pHa changes. Overall, alkalinization of the acrosome may be a key step in the path towards the AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Carrasquel Martínez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular. Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, México
| | - Andrés Aldana
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular. Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, México.,Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jorge Carneiro
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC), Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Tecnología Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universida de Nova, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Claudia Lydia Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular. Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular. Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, México
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11
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Dussouchaud A, Jacob J, Secq C, Verbavatz JM, Moras M, Larghero J, Fader CM, Ostuni MA, Lefevre SD. Transmission Electron Microscopy to Follow Ultrastructural Modifications of Erythroblasts Upon ex vivo Human Erythropoiesis. Front Physiol 2022; 12:791691. [PMID: 35222062 PMCID: PMC8864112 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.791691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout mammal erythroid differentiation, erythroblasts undergo enucleation and organelle clearance becoming mature red blood cell. Organelles are cleared by autophagic pathways non-specifically targeting organelles and cytosolic content or by specific mitophagy targeting mitochondria. Mitochondrial functions are essential to coordinate metabolism reprogramming, cell death, and differentiation balance, and also synthesis of heme, the prosthetic group needed in hemoglobin assembly. In mammals, mitochondria subcellular localization and mitochondria interaction with other structures as endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus might be of importance for the removal of the nucleus, that is, the enucleation. Here, we aim to characterize by electron microscopy the changes in ultrastructure of cells over successive stages of human erythroblast differentiation. We focus on mitochondria to gain insights into intracellular localization, ultrastructure, and contact with other organelles. We found that mitochondria are progressively cleared with a significant switch between PolyE and OrthoE stages, acquiring a rounded shape and losing contact sites with both ER (MAM) and nucleus (NAM). We studied intracellular vesicle trafficking and found that endosomes and MVBs, known to be involved in iron traffic and heme synthesis, are increased during BasoE to PolyE transition; autophagic structures such as autophagosomes increase from ProE to OrthoE stages. Finally, consistent with metabolic switch, glycogen accumulation was observed in OrthoE stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Dussouchaud
- Université de Paris and Université des Antilles, INSERM, BIGR, Paris, France
| | - Julieta Jacob
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Charles Secq
- Université de Paris and Université des Antilles, INSERM, BIGR, Paris, France
| | | | - Martina Moras
- Université de Paris and Université des Antilles, INSERM, BIGR, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Larghero
- CNRS, UMR 7592, Institut Jacques Monod, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Claudio M. Fader
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Mariano A. Ostuni
- Université de Paris and Université des Antilles, INSERM, BIGR, Paris, France
| | - Sophie D. Lefevre
- Université de Paris and Université des Antilles, INSERM, BIGR, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Sophie D. Lefevre,
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12
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Leung MR, Ravi RT, Gadella BM, Zeev-Ben-Mordehai T. Membrane Remodeling and Matrix Dispersal Intermediates During Mammalian Acrosomal Exocytosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:765673. [PMID: 34957098 PMCID: PMC8708559 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.765673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To become fertilization-competent, mammalian sperm must undergo a complex series of biochemical and morphological changes in the female reproductive tract. These changes, collectively called capacitation, culminate in the exocytosis of the acrosome, a large vesicle overlying the nucleus. Acrosomal exocytosis is not an all-or-nothing event but rather a regulated process in which vesicle cargo disperses gradually. However, the structural mechanisms underlying this controlled release remain undefined. In addition, unlike other exocytotic events, fusing membranes are shed as vesicles; the cell thus loses the entire anterior two-thirds of its plasma membrane and yet remains intact, while the remaining nonvesiculated plasma membrane becomes fusogenic. Precisely how cell integrity is maintained throughout this drastic vesiculation process is unclear, as is how it ultimately leads to the acquisition of fusion competence. Here, we use cryoelectron tomography to visualize these processes in unfixed, unstained, fully hydrated sperm. We show that paracrystalline structures within the acrosome disassemble during capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis, representing a plausible mechanism for gradual dispersal of the acrosomal matrix. We find that the architecture of the sperm head supports an atypical membrane fission-fusion pathway that maintains cell integrity. Finally, we detail how the acrosome reaction transforms both the micron-scale topography and the nanoscale protein landscape of the sperm surface, thus priming the sperm for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ricardo Leung
- Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,The Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, The University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ravi Teja Ravi
- Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm and Animal Health and Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tzviya Zeev-Ben-Mordehai
- Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,The Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, The University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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13
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Merc V, Frolikova M, Komrskova K. Role of Integrins in Sperm Activation and Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11809. [PMID: 34769240 PMCID: PMC8584121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that represent a large group of cell adhesion receptors involved in cell-cell, cell-extracellular matrix, and cell-pathogen interactions. Integrin receptors are an important part of signalization pathways and have an ability to transmit signals into and out of cells and participate in cell activation. In addition to somatic cells, integrins have also been detected on germ cells and are known to play a crucial role in complex gamete-specific physiological events, resulting in sperm-oocyte fusion. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on integrins in reproduction and deliver novel perspectives and graphical interpretations presenting integrin subunits localization and their dynamic relocation during sperm maturation in comparison to the oocyte. A significant part of this review is devoted to discussing the existing view of the role of integrins during sperm migration through the female reproductive tract; oviductal reservoir formation; sperm maturation processes ensuing capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and their direct and indirect involvement in gamete membrane adhesion and fusion leading to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Merc
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Michaela Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
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14
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Yamatoya K, Kousaka M, Ito C, Nakata K, Hatano M, Araki Y, Toshimori K. Cleavage of SPACA1 regulates assembly of sperm-egg membrane fusion machinery in mature spermatozoa†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:750-757. [PMID: 31836887 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction is a multi-step event essential for physiological fertilization. During the acrosome reaction, gamete fusion-related factor IZUMO1 translocates from the anterior acrosome to the equatorial segment and assembles the gamete fusion machinery. The morphological changes in the acrosome reaction process have been well studied, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms of acrosome reorganization essential for physiological gamete membrane fusion. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of IZUMO1 translocation, the steps of the acrosome reaction during that process must be clarified. In this study, we established a method to detect the early steps of the acrosome reaction and subdivided the process into seven populations through the use of two epitope-defined antibodies, anti-IZUMO1 and anti-SPACA1, a fertilization-inhibiting antibody. We found that part of the SPACA1 C-terminus in the periacrosomal space was cleaved and had begun to disappear when the vesiculation of the anterior acrosome occurred. The IZUMO1 epitope externalized from the acrosomal lumen before acrosomal vesiculation and phosphorylation of IZUMO1 occurred during the translocation to the equatorial segment. IZUMO1 circumvented the area of the equatorial segment where the SPACA1C-terminus was still localized. We therefore propose an IZUMO1 translocation model and involvement of SPACA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Yamatoya
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.,Biomedical Research Center, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Marika Kousaka
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chizuru Ito
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Functional Anatomy, Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazuya Nakata
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan.,Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo, Japan and
| | - Masahiko Hatano
- Biomedical Research Center, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Araki
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Toshimori
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.,Future Medicine Research Center, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
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15
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Balestrini PA, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Luque GM, Baro Graf C, Sierra JM, Hernández-Cruz A, Visconti PE, Krapf D, Darszon A, Buffone MG. Membrane hyperpolarization abolishes calcium oscillations that prevent induced acrosomal exocytosis in human sperm. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21478. [PMID: 33991146 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002333rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is essential to gain fertilizing capacity. During this process, a series of biochemical and physiological modifications occur that allow sperm to undergo acrosomal exocytosis (AE). At the molecular level, hyperpolarization of the sperm membrane potential (Em) takes place during capacitation. This study shows that human sperm incubated under conditions that do not support capacitation (NC) can become ready for an agonist stimulated AE by pharmacologically inducing Em hyperpolarization with Valinomycin or Amiloride. To investigate how Em hyperpolarization promotes human sperm's ability to undergo AE, live single-cell imaging experiments were performed to simultaneously monitor changes in [Ca2+ ]i and the occurrence of AE. Em hyperpolarization turned [Ca2+ ]i dynamics in NC sperm from spontaneously oscillating into a sustained slow [Ca2+ ]i increase. The addition of progesterone (P4) or K+ to Valinomycin-treated sperm promoted that a significant number of cells displayed a transitory rise in [Ca2+ ]i which then underwent AE. Altogether, our results demonstrate that Em hyperpolarization is necessary and sufficient to prepare human sperm for the AE. Furthermore, this Em change decreased Ca2+ oscillations that block the occurrence of AE, providing strong experimental evidence of the molecular mechanism that drives the acquisition of acrosomal responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Sanchez-Cardenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, México
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Baro Graf
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jessica M Sierra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arturo Hernández-Cruz
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, México
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Shan MM, Sun SC. The multiple roles of RAB GTPases in female and male meiosis. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:1013-1029. [PMID: 34227671 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RAB GTPases constitute the largest family of small GTPases and are found in all eukaryotes. RAB GTPases regulate components of the endomembrane system, the nucleus and the plasma membrane, and are involved in intracellular actin/tubulin-dependent vesicle movement, membrane fusion and cell growth in mitosis. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE RAB GTPases play multiple critical roles during both female and male meiosis. This review summarizes the progress made in our understanding of the role of RAB GTPases in female and male meiosis in different species. We also discuss the potential relationship between RAB GTPases and oocyte/sperm quality, which may help in understanding the mechanisms underlying oogenesis and spermatogenesis and potential genetic causes of infertility. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was searched for articles published between 1991 and 2020 using the following terms: 'RAB', 'RAB oocyte', 'RAB sperm' and 'RAB meiosis'. OUTCOMES An analysis of 126 relevant articles indicated that RAB GTPases are present in all eukaryotes, and ten subfamilies (almost 70 members) are expressed in human cells. The roles of 25 RAB proteins and orthologues in female meiosis and 12 in male meiosis have been reported. RAB proteins are essential for the accurate continuity of genetic material, successful fertilization and the normal growth of offspring. Distinct and crucial functions of RAB GTPases in meiosis have been reported. In oocytes, RAB GTPases are involved in spindle organization, kinetochore-microtubule attachment, chromosome alignment, actin filament-mediated spindle migration, cytokinesis, cell cycle and oocyte-embryo transition. RAB GTPases function in mitochondrial processes and Golgi-mediated vesicular transport during female meiosis, and are critical for cortical granule transport during fertilization and oocyte-embryo transition. In sperm, RAB GTPases are vital for cytoskeletal organization and successful cytokinesis, and are associated with Golgi-mediated acrosome formation, membrane trafficking and morphological changes of sperm cells, as well as the exocytosis-related acrosome reaction and zona reaction during fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Abnormal expression of RAB GTPases disrupts intracellular systems, which may induce diverse diseases. The roles of RAB proteins in female and male reproductive systems, thus, need to be considered. The mechanisms underlying the function of RAB GTPases and the binding specificity of their effectors during oogenesis, spermatogenesis and fertilization remain to be studied. This review should contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of oogenesis and spermatogenesis and potential genetic causes of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Meng Shan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shao-Chen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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17
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Kato Y, Kumar S, Lessard C, Bailey JL. ACRBP (Sp32) is involved in priming sperm for the acrosome reaction and the binding of sperm to the zona pellucida in a porcine model. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251973. [PMID: 34086710 PMCID: PMC8177411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In boar sperm, we have previously shown that capacitation is associated with the appearance of the p32 tyrosine phosphoprotein complex. The principal tyrosine phosphoprotein involved in this complex is the acrosin-binding protein (ACRBP), which regulates the autoconversion of proacrosin to intermediate forms of acrosin in both boar and mouse sperm. However, the complete biological role of ACRBP has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tyrosine phophorylation and the presence of the ACRBP in the sperm head are largely necessary to induce capacitation, the acrosome reaction (AR) and sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding, all of which are necessary steps for fertilization. In vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed using matured porcine oocytes and pre-capacitated boar sperm cultured with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies or antibodies against ACRBP. Anti-ACRBP antibodies reduced capacitation and spontaneous AR (P<0.05). Sperm-ZP binding declined in the presence of anti-phosphotyrosine or anti-ACRBP antibodies. The localisation of anti-ACRBP antibodies on the sperm head, reduced the ability of the sperm to undergo the AR in response to solubilized ZP or by inhibiting the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase. These results support our hypothesis that tyrosine phosphorylated proteins and ACRBP are present upon the sperm surface in order to participate in sperm-ZP binding, and that ACRBP upon the surface of the sperm head facilitates capacitation and the AR in the porcine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoku Kato
- Département des sciences animales, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Satheesh Kumar
- Département des sciences animales, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Lessard
- Département des sciences animales, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Janice L Bailey
- Département des sciences animales, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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18
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Suhaiman L, Altamirano KN, Morales A, Belmonte SA. Different Approaches to Record Human Sperm Exocytosis. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2233:139-168. [PMID: 33222133 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1044-2_10] [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] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Acrosome reaction is an exocytic process that enables a sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida and fertilize an egg. The process involves the fenestration and vesiculation of the sperm plasma membrane and outer acrosomal membrane, releasing the acrosomal content. Given the importance of the acrosome secretion in fertilization, many different methods have been developed to detect the acrosome reaction of sperm. In this chapter, we describe detailed practical procedures to assess the acrosomal status of human spermatozoa. To do this, we resorted to light optical and epifluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy. We also itemize the protocol for real-time measurements of the acrosome reaction by confocal microscopy. Further, we discuss the level of complexity, costs, and the reasons why a researcher should choose each technique.This chapter is designed to provide the user with sufficient background to measure acrosomal exocytosis in human sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Suhaiman
- Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas (ICB) CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Karina Noel Altamirano
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos". CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Alfonsina Morales
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos". CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Silvia Alejandra Belmonte
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos". CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.
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19
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Ribeiro JC, Alves MG, Yeste M, Cho YS, Calamita G, Oliveira PF. Aquaporins and (in)fertility: More than just water transport. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:166039. [PMID: 33338597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across biological membranes. They are widely distributed throughout the organism, having a number of key functions, some of them unexpected, both in health and disease. Among the various diseases in which AQPs are involved, infertility has been overlooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) infertility is a global public health problem with one third of the couples suffering from subfertility or even infertility due to male or female factors alone or combined. Thus, there is an urgent need to unveil the molecular mechanisms that control gametes production, maturation and fertilization-related events, to more specifically determine infertility causes. In addition, as more couples seek for fertility treatment through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), it is pivotal to understand how these techniques can be improved. AQPs are heterogeneously expressed throughout the male and female reproductive tracts, highlighting a possible regulatory role for these proteins in conception. In fact, their function, far beyond water transport, highlights potential intervention points to enhance ART. In this review we discuss AQPs distribution and structural organization, functions, and modulation throughout the male and female reproductive tracts and their relevance to the reproductive success. We also highlight the most recent advances and research trends regarding how the different AQPs are involved and regulated in specific mechanisms underlying (in)fertility. Finally, we discuss the involvement of AQPs in ART-related processes and how their handling can lead to improvement of infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Ribeiro
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yoon S Cho
- Centro di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita, Ospedale Santa Maria, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
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20
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Vaquer CC, Suhaiman L, Pavarotti MA, De Blas GA, Belmonte SA. Ceramide induces a multicomponent intracellular calcium increase triggering the acrosome secretion in human sperm. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118704. [PMID: 32194132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Exocytosis of spermatozoon's secretory vesicle, named acrosome reaction (AR), is a regulated event that plays a central role in fertilization. It is coupled to a complex calcium signaling. Ceramide is a multitasking lipid involved in exocytosis. Nevertheless, its effect on secretion is controversial and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Human spermatozoa are useful to dissect the role of ceramide in secretion given that the gamete is not capable to undergo any trafficking mechanisms other than exocytosis. We report for the first time, the presence of sphingolipid metabolism enzymes such as neutral-sphingomyelinase and ceramide synthase in sperm. Ceramidases are also present and active. Both the addition of cell-permeable ceramide and the rise of the endogenous one, increase intracellular calcium acting as potent inducers of exocytosis. Ceramide triggers AR in capacitated spermatozoa and enhances the gamete response to progesterone. The lipid induces physiological ultrastructural changes in the acrosome and triggers an exocytosis-signaling cascade involving protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and VAMP2. Real-time imaging showed an increment of calcium in the cytosol upon ceramide treatment either in the absence or in the presence of extracellular calcium. Pharmacological experiments demonstrate that at early stages the process involves ryanodine receptors, CatSper (calcium channel of sperm), and store-operated calcium channels. We set out the signaling sequence of events that connect ceramide to internal calcium mobilization and external calcium signals during secretion. These results allow the coordination of lipids and proteins in a pathway that accomplishes secretion. Our findings contribute to the understanding of ceramide's role in regulated exocytosis and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Celina Vaquer
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Laila Suhaiman
- Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas (ICB), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Martín Alejandro Pavarotti
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Gerardo Andrés De Blas
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Silvia Alejandra Belmonte
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.
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21
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Ramírez‐Ramírez D, Salgado‐Lucio ML, Roa‐Espitia AL, Fierro R, González‐Márquez H, Cordero‐Martínez J, Hernández‐González EO. Rac1 is necessary for capacitation and acrosome reaction in guinea pig spermatozoa. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:2864-2876. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danelia Ramírez‐Ramírez
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la SaludUniversidad Autónoma Metropolitana‐Iztapalapa Ciudad de México México
| | - Monica L. Salgado‐Lucio
- Departamento de Biología CelularCentro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional México City México
| | - Ana L. Roa‐Espitia
- Departamento de Biología CelularCentro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional México City México
| | - Reyna Fierro
- Departamento de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Autónoma Metropolitana‐Iztapalapa Ciudad de México México
| | - Humberto González‐Márquez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Autónoma Metropolitana‐Iztapalapa Ciudad de México México
| | - Joaquín Cordero‐Martínez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias BiológicasInstituto Politécnico Nacional Ciudad de México México
| | - Enrique O. Hernández‐González
- Departamento de Biología CelularCentro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional México City México
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22
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Mayorga L, Altamirano K, Zanni Ruiz E, Pavarotti M. Human sperm capacitation is necessary for SNARE assembly in neurotoxin-resistant complexes. Andrology 2019; 8:442-449. [PMID: 31509646 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Capacitation is not a well-defined process, required for the acrosome reaction triggered by physiological stimuli. In vitro, capacitation is achieved by sperm incubation in artificial media supplemented with HCO3 - , Ca2+ , and albumin. The role of capacitation in the membrane fusion machinery required for acrosomal exocytosis is not well-known. SNARE proteins are fundamental for intracellular membrane fusion and acrosomal exocytosis. We have previously shown that in capacitated spermatozoa, the fusion machinery is maintained in an inactive state until the acrosome reaction is initiated. In particular, SNARE proteins are assembled in neurotoxin-resistant complexes. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to study the dynamic changes of SNARE complexes during capacitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The light chain of tetanus and botulinum neurotoxin has been widely used to study the configuration of SNARE proteins. For this purpose, we developed a recombinant light chain of tetanus neurotoxin linked to a polyarginine peptide. This membrane-permeant protein was able to cleave cytosolic VAMP2 (a SNARE protein required for acrosome reaction) when present in a monomeric configuration. RESULTS The results show that the VAMP2 is cleaved by the membrane-permeant tetanus neurotoxin in non-capacitated spermatozoa, indicating that, before capacitation, SNAREs are not assembled in stable toxin-resistant complexes. However, 2 h of incubation in a capacitation medium containing albumin was sufficient to render VAMP2 insensitive to the toxin. DISCUSSION We conclude that during capacitation, the SNARE proteins become engaged in stable fully assembled cis-SNARE complexes. This step is likely essential to prevent untimely activation of the membrane fusion machinery. CONCLUSION We propose that capacitation promotes the stabilization of the membrane fusion machinery required for acrosomal exocytosis in preparation for the stimulus-triggered acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mayorga
- Laboratorio de Fusión de Membranas y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza Dr Mario H Burgos, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Lípidos y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza Dr Mario H Burgos, Mendoza, Argentina.,Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - K Altamirano
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Lípidos y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza Dr Mario H Burgos, Mendoza, Argentina.,Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - E Zanni Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Fusión de Membranas y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza Dr Mario H Burgos, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.,Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - M Pavarotti
- Laboratorio de Fusión de Membranas y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia Mendoza Dr Mario H Burgos, Mendoza, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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23
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Khawar MB, Gao H, Li W. Mechanism of Acrosome Biogenesis in Mammals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:195. [PMID: 31620437 PMCID: PMC6759486 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During sexual reproduction, two haploid gametes fuse to form the zygote, and the acrosome is essential to this fusion process (fertilization) in animals. The acrosome is a special kind of organelle with a cap-like structure that covers the anterior portion of the head of the spermatozoon. The acrosome is derived from the Golgi apparatus and contains digestive enzymes. With the progress of our understanding of acrosome biogenesis, a number of models have been proposed to address the origin of the acrosome. The acrosome has been regarded as a lysosome-related organelle, and it has been proposed to have originated from the lysosome or the autolysosome. Our review will provide a brief historical overview and highlight recent findings on acrosome biogenesis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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24
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Mortimer D. The functional anatomy of the human spermatozoon: relating ultrastructure and function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:567-592. [PMID: 30215807 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Internet, magazine articles, and even biomedical journal articles, are full of cartoons of spermatozoa that bear minimal resemblance to real spermatozoa, especially human spermatozoa, and this had led to many misconceptions about what spermatozoa look like and how they are constituted. This review summarizes the historical and current state of knowledge of mammalian sperm ultrastructure, with particular emphasis on and relevance to human spermatozoa, combining information obtained from a variety of electron microscopic (EM) techniques. Available information on the composition and configuration of the various ultrastructural components of the spermatozoon has been related to their mechanistic purpose and roles in the primary aspects of sperm function and fertilization: motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
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25
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Bernecic NC, Gadella BM, Leahy T, de Graaf SP. Novel methods to detect capacitation-related changes in spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2019; 137:56-66. [PMID: 31230703 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Prior to interaction with the oocyte, spermatozoa must undergo capacitation, which involves a series of physio-chemical transformations that occur in the female tract. As capacitation is a pre-requisite for successful fertilisation, it is a topic of great interest for sperm biologists, but the complexity of the numerous biochemical and biophysical processes involved make it difficult to measure. Capacitation is an extremely complex event that encompasses numerous integrated processes that can occur concurrently during this window of time. The identification of techniques to accurately assess and quantify capacitation is therefore crucial to gain a meaningful insight into this fascinating sperm maturation event. Whilst there are extensive reviews in the literature that focus on the functional changes to spermatozoa during capacitation, few have examined the methods required to measure these changes. The aim of this review is to highlight frequently used methods to quantify different stages of capacitation and identify promising novel techniques. Factors that are able to modulate various capacitation processes will also be discussed. The overall outcome is to provide researchers with a toolbox of methods that can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of capacitation in spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C Bernecic
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Tamara Leahy
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, NSW, 2006, Australia
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26
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Parrington J, Arnoult C, Fissore RA. The eggstraordinary story of how life begins. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 86:4-19. [PMID: 30411426 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
More than 15 years have elapsed since the identification of phospholipase C ζ1 (PLCζ) from a genomic search for mouse testis/sperm-specific PLCs. This molecule was proposed to represent the sperm factor responsible for the initiation of calcium (Ca2+ ) oscillations required for egg activation and embryo development in mammals. Supporting evidence for this role emerged from studies documenting its expression in all mammals and other vertebrate species, the physiological Ca2+ rises induced by injection of its messenger RNA into mammalian and nonmammalian eggs, and the lack of expression in infertile males that fail intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In the last year, genetic animal models have added support to its role as the long sought-after sperm factor. In this review, we highlight the findings that demonstrated the role of Ca2+ as the universal signal of egg activation and the experimental buildup that culminated with the identification of PLCζ as the soluble sperm factor. We also discuss the structural-functional properties that make PLCζ especially suited to evoke oscillations in eggs. Lastly, we examine unresolved aspects of the function and regulation of PLCζ and whether or not it is the only sperm factor in mammalian sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, La Tronche, France
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
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27
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Berberian MV, Pocognoni CA, Mayorga LS. A TEM-traceable physiologically functional gold nanoprobe that permeates non-endocytic cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:8075-8086. [PMID: 30568446 PMCID: PMC6276607 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s168149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nanoparticles’ intracellular fate requires proper internalization. Most cells make use of a battery of internalization pathways, but some are practically sealed, as they lack the biochemical machinery for cellular intake. Non-endocytic cells, such as mammals’ spermatozoa, challenge standard drug-delivery strategies. Purpose In this article, we present a gold nanoprobe that permeates the external and internal membranes of human sperm. Methods Our design makes use of a gold nanoparticle functionalized with a membrane-permeable cysteine-rich recombinant protein. The chimeric protein contains two units of physiologically active metallothioneins (MT) that also provide binding motifs to gold and a cell-penetrating-peptide sequence (CPP) that confers cell permeability to the nanoparticle. Results Transmission electron microscopy, indirect immunofluorescence, and functional assays show that the nanoprobe is readily internalized in sperm, without compromising cell integrity, while preserving MT’s physiological activity. Our findings highlight the potential of CPP-functionalized nanogold for investigating the physiology of otherwise impermeable non-endocytic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Victoria Berberian
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina,
| | - Cristian A Pocognoni
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Luis S Mayorga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, .,Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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28
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Ritagliati C, Baro Graf C, Stival C, Krapf D. Regulation mechanisms and implications of sperm membrane hyperpolarization. Mech Dev 2018; 154:33-43. [PMID: 29694849 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are unable to fertilize the egg immediately after ejaculation. In order to gain fertilization competence, they need to undergo a series of biochemical and physiological modifications inside the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. Capacitation correlates with two essential events for fertilization: hyperactivation, an asymmetric and vigorous flagellar motility, and the ability to undergo the acrosome reaction. At a molecular level, capacitation is associated to: phosphorylation cascades, modification of membrane lipids, alkalinization of the intracellular pH, increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential. Hyperpolarization is a crucial event in capacitation since it primes the sperm to undergo the exocytosis of the acrosome content, essential to achieve fertilization of the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ritagliati
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina.
| | - Carolina Baro Graf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina; Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquimicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina.
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29
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Masone D, Uhart M, Bustos DM. Bending Lipid Bilayers: A Closed-Form Collective Variable for Effective Free-Energy Landscapes in Quantitative Biology. J Chem Theory Comput 2018; 14:2240-2245. [PMID: 29506389 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.8b00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Curvature-related processes are of major importance during protein-membrane interactions. The illusive simplicity of membrane reshaping masks a complex molecular process crucial for a wide range of biological functions like fusion, endo- and exocytosis, cell division, cytokinesis, and autophagy. To date, no functional expression of a reaction coordinate capable of biasing molecular dynamics simulations to produce membrane curvature has been reported. This represents a major drawback given that the adequate identification of proper collective variables to enhance sampling is fundamental for restrained dynamics techniques. In this work, we present a closed-form equation of a collective variable that induces bending in lipid bilayers in a controlled manner, allowing for straightforward calculation of free energy landscapes of important curvature-related events, using standard methods such as umbrella sampling and metadynamics. As a direct application of the collective variable, we calculate the bending free energies of a ternary lipid bilayer in the presence and the absence of a Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs domain with an N-terminal amphipathic helix (N-BAR), a well-known peripheral membrane protein that induces curvature.
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30
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Chávez JC, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, José O, Torres P, Nishigaki T, Treviño CL, Darszon A. Acrosomal alkalization triggers Ca 2+ release and acrosome reaction in mammalian spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4735-4747. [PMID: 29135027 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The sperm acrosome reaction (AR), an essential event for mammalian fertilization, involves Ca2+ permeability changes leading to exocytosis of the acrosomal vesicle. The acrosome, an intracellular Ca2+ store whose luminal pH is acidic, contains hydrolytic enzymes. It is known that acrosomal pH (pHacr ) increases during capacitation and this correlates with spontaneous AR. Some AR inducers increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ) through Ca2+ release from internal stores, mainly the acrosome. Catsper, a sperm specific Ca2+ channel, has been suggested to participate in the AR. Curiously, Mibefradil and NNC55-0396, two CatSper blockers, themselves elevate [Ca2+ ]i by unknown mechanisms. Here we show that these compounds, as other weak bases, can elevate pHacr , trigger Ca2+ release from the acrosome, and induce the AR in both mouse and human sperm. To our surprise, μM concentrations of NNC55-0396 induced AR even in nominally Ca2+ free media. Our findings suggest that alkalization of the acrosome is critical step for Ca2+ release from the acrosome that leads to the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C Chávez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - José L De la Vega-Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Omar José
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Paulina Torres
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
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31
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Carkci S, Onalan Etem E, Ozaydin S, Karakeci A, Tektemur A, Ozan T, Orhan I. Ion channel gene expressions in infertile men: A case-control study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.12.749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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32
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Bellezza I, Minelli A. Adenosine in sperm physiology. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 55:102-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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33
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Tavalaee M, Parivar K, Shahverdi AH, Ghaedi K, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Status of sperm-born oocyte activating factors (PAWP, PLCζ) and sperm chromatin in uncapacitated, capacitated and acrosome-reacted conditions. HUM FERTIL 2017; 20:96-103. [DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2016.1264011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Parivar
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdol-Hossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
- Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
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34
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Laforenza U, Pellavio G, Marchetti AL, Omes C, Todaro F, Gastaldi G. Aquaporin-Mediated Water and Hydrogen Peroxide Transport Is Involved in Normal Human Spermatozoa Functioning. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 18:ijms18010066. [PMID: 28042826 PMCID: PMC5297701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Different aquaporins (AQPs) are expressed in human sperm cells and with a different localization. Their function has been related to cell volume control in response to the osmotic changes encountered passing from the epididymal fluid to the cervical mucus or involved in the end stage of cytoplasm removal during sperm maturation. Recently, AQPs have also shown hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) permeability properties. Here, we investigate the expression, localization and functioning of AQPs in human sperm cells with particular attention to their role as peroxiporins in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging in both normospermic and sub-fertile human subjects. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry were used to confirm and clarify the AQPs expression and localization. Water and H₂O₂ permeability was tested by stopped flow light scattering method and by the CM-H2DCFDA (5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydro-fluorescein diacetate, acetyl ester) H₂O₂ fluorescence probe, respectively. AQP3, -7, -8, and -11 proteins were found in human sperm cells and localized in the head (AQP7), in the middle piece (AQP8) and in the tail (AQP3 and -11) in both the plasma membrane and in intracellular structures. Sperm cells showed water and H₂O₂ permeability which was reversibly inhibited by H₂O₂, heat stress and the AQP inhibitor HgCl₂. Reduced functionality was observed in patients with compromised basal semen parameters. Present findings suggest that AQPs are involved in both volume regulation and ROS elimination. The relationship between sperm number and motility and AQP functioning was also demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Laforenza
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, I-27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Pellavio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, I-27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Anna Lisa Marchetti
- Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, I-27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Claudia Omes
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Ginecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, I-27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Federica Todaro
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics and Ginecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, I-27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Giulia Gastaldi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, I-27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Characterization of CD46 and β1 integrin dynamics during sperm acrosome reaction. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33714. [PMID: 27666019 PMCID: PMC5036054 DOI: 10.1038/srep33714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction (AR) is a process of membrane fusion and lytic enzyme release, which enables sperm to penetrate the egg surroundings. It is widely recognized that specific sperm proteins form an active network prior to fertilization, and their dynamic relocation is crucial for the sperm-egg fusion. The unique presence of the membrane cofactor protein CD46 in the sperm acrosomal membrane was shown, however, its behaviour and connection with other sperm proteins has not been explored further. Using super resolution microscopy, we demonstrated a dynamic CD46 reorganisation over the sperm head during the AR, and its interaction with transmembrane protein integrins, which was confirmed by proximity ligation assay. Furthermore, we propose their joint involvement in actin network rearrangement. Moreover, CD46 and β1 integrins with subunit α3, but not α6, are localized into the apical acrosome and are expected to be involved in signal transduction pathways directing the acrosome stability and essential protein network rearrangements prior to gamete fusion.
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Quevedo MF, Lucchesi O, Bustos MA, Pocognoni CA, De la Iglesia PX, Tomes CN. The Rab3A-22A Chimera Prevents Sperm Exocytosis by Stabilizing Open Fusion Pores. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:23101-23111. [PMID: 27613869 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.729954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
At the final stage of exocytotis, a fusion pore opens between the plasma and a secretory vesicle membranes; typically, when the pore dilates the vesicle releases its cargo. Sperm contain a large dense-core secretory granule (the acrosome) whose contents are secreted by regulated exocytosis at fertilization. Minutes after the arrival of the triggering signal, the acrosomal and plasma membranes dock at multiple sites and fusion pores open at the contact points. It is believed that immediately afterward, fusion pores dilate spontaneously. Rab3A is an essential component of human sperm exocytotic machinery. Yet, recombinant, persistently active Rab3A halts calcium-triggered secretion when introduced after docking into streptolysin O-permeabilized cells; so does a Rab3A-22A chimera. Here, we applied functional assays, electron and confocal microscopy to show that the secretion blockage is due to the stabilization of open fusion pores. Other novel findings are that sperm SNAREs engage in α-SNAP/NSF-sensitive complexes at a post-fusion stage. Complexes are disentangled by these chaperons to achieve vesiculation and acrosomal contents release. Thus, post-fusion regulation of the pores determines their expansion and the success of the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- María F Quevedo
- From the IHEM, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, CC56. 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ornella Lucchesi
- From the IHEM, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, CC56. 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Matías A Bustos
- From the IHEM, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, CC56. 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Cristian A Pocognoni
- From the IHEM, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, CC56. 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Paola X De la Iglesia
- From the IHEM, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, CC56. 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia N Tomes
- From the IHEM, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, CC56. 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
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Belmonte SA, Mayorga LS, Tomes CN. The Molecules of Sperm Exocytosis. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY EMBRYOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY 2016; 220:71-92. [PMID: 27194350 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exocytosis is a fundamental process used by eukaryotic cells to release biological compounds and to insert lipids and proteins in the plasma membrane. Specialized secretory cells undergo regulated exocytosis in response to physiological signals. Sperm exocytosis or acrosome reaction (AR) is essentially a regulated secretion with special characteristics. We will focus here on some of these unique features, covering the topology, kinetics, and molecular mechanisms that prepare, drive, and regulate membrane fusion during the AR. Last, we will compare acrosomal release with exocytosis in other model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A Belmonte
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Luis S Mayorga
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia N Tomes
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina.
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Sosa CM, Zanetti MN, Pocognoni CA, Mayorga LS. Acrosomal Swelling Is Triggered by cAMP Downstream of the Opening of Store-Operated Calcium Channels During Acrosomal Exocytosis in Human Sperm. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:57. [PMID: 26792943 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Acrosomal exocytosis in mammalian sperm is a regulated secretion with unusual characteristics. One of its most striking features is the postfusion loss of the outer acrosomal membrane and the overlying plasma membrane as hybrid vesicles. We have previously reported in human sperm that, by preventing the release of calcium from the acrosome, the exocytic process can be arrested at a stage where the acrosomes are profusely swollen, with invaginations of the outer acrosomal membrane. In this report, we show by transmission electron microcopy swelling with similar characteristics without arresting the exocytic process. Acrosomal swelling was observed when secretion was promoted by pharmacological and physiological inducers of the acrosome reaction that trigger exocytosis by different mechanisms. We show that progesterone- and thapsigargin-induced swelling depended on a calcium influx from the extracellular medium through store-operated calcium channels. However, calcium was dispensable when sperm were stimulated with cAMP analogs. KH7, an inhibitor of the soluble adenylyl cyclase, blocked progesterone-induced swelling. Our results indicate that swelling is a required process for acrosomal exocytosis triggered by activation of an adenylyl cyclase downstream of the opening of store-operated calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Sosa
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM/CONICET-UNCuyo), School of Medicine, National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - M Natalia Zanetti
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM/CONICET-UNCuyo), School of Medicine, National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Cristian A Pocognoni
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM/CONICET-UNCuyo), School of Medicine, National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Luis S Mayorga
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM/CONICET-UNCuyo), School of Medicine, National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Beltrán C, Treviño CL, Mata-Martínez E, Chávez JC, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Baker M, Darszon A. Role of Ion Channels in the Sperm Acrosome Reaction. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:35-69. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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40
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Role of Actin Cytoskeleton During Mammalian Sperm Acrosomal Exocytosis. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2016; 220:129-44. [PMID: 27194353 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm require to undergo an exocytotic process called acrosomal exocytosis in order to be able to fuse with the oocyte. This ability is acquired during the course of sperm capacitation. This review is focused on one aspect related to this acquisition: the role of the actin cytoskeleton. Evidence from different laboratories indicates that actin polymerization occurs during capacitation, and the detection of several actin-related proteins suggests that the cytoskeleton is involved in important sperm functions. In other mammalian cells, the cortical actin network acts as a dominant negative clamp which blocks constitutive exocytosis but, at the same time, is necessary to prepare the cell to undergo regulated exocytosis. Thus, F-actin stabilizes structures generated by exocytosis and supports the physiological progression of this process. Is this also the case in mammalian sperm? This review summarizes what is currently known about actin and its related proteins in the male gamete, with particular emphasis on their role in acrosomal exocytosis.
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41
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Sperm Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction in Mammalian Sperm. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:93-106. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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42
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Lucchesi O, Ruete MC, Bustos MA, Quevedo MF, Tomes CN. The signaling module cAMP/Epac/Rap1/PLCε/IP3 mobilizes acrosomal calcium during sperm exocytosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1863:544-61. [PMID: 26704387 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Exocytosis of the sperm's single secretory granule, or acrosome, is a regulated exocytosis triggered by components of the egg's investments. In addition to external calcium, sperm exocytosis (termed the acrosome reaction) requires cAMP synthesized endogenously and calcium mobilized from the acrosome through IP3-sensitive channels. The relevant cAMP target is Epac. In the first part of this paper, we present a novel tool (the TAT-cAMP sponge) to investigate cAMP-related signaling pathways in response to progesterone as acrosome reaction trigger. The TAT-cAMP sponge consists of the cAMP-binding sites of protein kinase A regulatory subunit RIβ fused to the protein transduction domain TAT of the human immunodeficiency virus-1. The sponge permeated into sperm, sequestered endogenous cAMP, and blocked exocytosis. Progesterone increased the population of sperm with Rap1-GTP, Rab3-GTP, and Rab27-GTP in the acrosomal region; pretreatment with the TAT-cAMP sponge prevented the activation of all three GTPases. In the second part of this manuscript, we show that phospholipase Cε (PLCε) is required for the acrosome reaction downstream of Rap1 and upstream of intra-acrosomal calcium mobilization. Last, we present direct evidence that cAMP, Epac, Rap1, and PLCε are necessary for calcium mobilization from sperm's secretory granule. In summary, we describe here a pathway that connects cAMP to calcium mobilization from the acrosome during sperm exocytosis. Never before had direct evidence for each step of the cascade been put together in the same study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Lucchesi
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - María C Ruete
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Matías A Bustos
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - María F Quevedo
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Claudia N Tomes
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina.
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Oresti GM, Peñalva DA, Luquez JM, Antollini SS, Aveldaño MI. Lipid Biochemical and Biophysical Changes in Rat Spermatozoa During Isolation and Functional Activation In Vitro1. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:140. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.131201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Torres-Fuentes JL, Rios M, Moreno RD. Involvement of a P2X7 Receptor in the Acrosome Reaction Induced by ATP in Rat Spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:3068-75. [PMID: 25989529 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The acrosome reaction (AR) is the exocytosis of the acrosomal vesicle in response to different physiological and non-physiological stimuli. Particularly in mammals, the AR is needed for sperm to fuse with the oocyte plasma membrane, and it occurs only in capacitated sperm. Previous evidence in the literature indicates that extracellular ATP induces the AR in capacitated human and bovine spermatozoa, but its receptor has not yet been identified. The aim of this work was to define a putative ATP receptor in rat spermatozoa using pharmacological and biochemical approaches. We found that ATP induced the AR only in capacitated rat spermatozoa, which was inhibited in the presence of two general inhibitors of ATP receptors (P2 receptors), Suramin, and oxidized ATP (oATP), and one inhibitor of P2X receptor (pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid [PPADS]). In addition, the AR induced by ATP in capacitated rat spermatozoa was inhibited by brilliant blue-G (BB-G) and 17-β-oestradiol, two blockers of P2X7 receptors. Moreover, the ATP analog 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl) ATP (BzATP) was almost 500 times more potent than ATP to induce the AR, which agrees with the pharmacology of a P2X7 receptor. Here, we show the presence of P2X7 receptor by Western blot and its localization in the tail and acrosome by indirect immunofluorescence. Finally, we quantify the presence of ATP in the rat oviduct during the estrous cycle. We found that the ATP concentration within the lumen of the oviduct is similar to those required to induce acrosome reaction, which agree with its role during in vivo fertilization. Therefore, our results strongly suggest that ATP induces the AR in capacitated rat spermatozoa through a P2X7 receptor, which may be functional during in vivo fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Torres-Fuentes
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mariana Rios
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo D Moreno
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Pocognoni CA, Berberián MV, Mayorga LS. ESCRT (Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport) Machinery Is Essential for Acrosomal Exocytosis in Human Sperm1. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:124. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.132001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Boj M, Chauvigné F, Cerdà J. Aquaporin biology of spermatogenesis and sperm physiology in mammals and teleosts. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2015; 229:93-108. [PMID: 26338872 DOI: 10.1086/bblv229n1p93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Fluid homeostasis is recognized as a critical factor during the development, maturation, and function of vertebrate male germ cells. These processes have been associated with the presence of multiple members of the aquaporin superfamily of water and solute channels in different cell types along the reproductive tract as well as in spermatozoa. We present a comparative analysis of the existing knowledge of aquaporin biology in the male reproductive tissues of mammals and teleosts. Current data suggest that in both vertebrate groups, aquaporins may have similar functions during differentiation of spermatozoa in the germinal epithelium, in the concentration and maturation of sperm in the testicular ducts, and in the regulation of osmotically induced volume changes in ejaculated spermatozoa. Recent studies have also provided insight into the possible function of aquaporins beyond water transport, such as in signaling pathways during spermatogenesis or the sensing of cell swelling and mitochondrial peroxide transport in activated sperm. However, an understanding of the specific physiological functions of the various aquaporins during germ cell development and sperm motility, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved, remains elusive. Novel experimental approaches need to be developed to elucidate these processes and to dissect the regulatory intracellular pathways implicated, which will greatly help to uncover the molecular basis of sperm physiology and male fertility in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Boj
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and
| | - François Chauvigné
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and Department of Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Joan Cerdà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA)-Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; and
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Amdani SN, Yeste M, Jones C, Coward K. Sperm Factors and Oocyte Activation: Current Controversies and Considerations1. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:50. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.130609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Abstract
Exocytosis is a highly regulated process that consists of multiple functionally, kinetically and/or morphologically definable stages such as recruitment, targeting, tethering and docking of secretory vesicles with the plasma membrane, priming of the fusion machinery and calcium-triggered membrane fusion. After fusion, the membrane around the secretory vesicle is incorporated into the plasma membrane and the granule releases its contents. The proteins involved in these processes belong to several highly conserved families: Rab GTPases, SNAREs (soluble NSF-attachment protein receptors), α-SNAP (α-NSF attachment protein), NSF (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor), Munc13 and -18, complexins and synaptotagmins. In the present article, the molecules of exocytosis are reviewed, using human sperm as a model system. Sperm exocytosis is driven by isoforms of the same proteinaceous fusion machinery mentioned above, with their functions orchestrated in a hierarchically organized and unidirectional signalling cascade. In addition to the universal exocytosis regulator calcium, this cascade includes other second messengers such as diacylglycerol, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and cAMP, as well as the enzymes that synthesize them and their target proteins. Of special interest is the cAMP-binding protein Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) due in part to its enzymatic activity towards Rap. The activation of Epac and Rap leads to a highly localized calcium signal which, together with assembly of the SNARE complex, governs the final stages of exocytosis. The source of this releasable calcium is the secretory granule itself.
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Bustos MA, Roggero CM, De la Iglesia PX, Mayorga LS, Tomes CN. GTP-bound Rab3A exhibits consecutive positive and negative roles during human sperm dense-core granule exocytosis. J Mol Cell Biol 2015; 6:286-98. [PMID: 25053757 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mju021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Exocytosis of mammalian sperm dense-core secretory granule relies on the same fusion molecules as all other secretory cells; one such molecule is the small GTPase Rab3A. Here, we report an in-depth biochemical characterization of the role of Rab3A in secretion by scrutinizing the exocytotic response of streptolysin O-permeabilized human sperm to the acute application of a number of Rab3A-containing constructs and correlating the findings with those gathered with the endogenous protein. Full length, geranylgeranylated, and active Rab3A elicited human sperm exocytosis per se. With Rab3A/Rab22A chimeric proteins, we demonstrated that the carboxy-terminal domain of the Rab3A molecule was necessary and sufficient to promote exocytosis, whereas its amino-terminus prevented calcium-triggered secretion. Interestingly, full length Rab3A halted secretion when added after the docking of the acrosome to the plasma membrane. This effect depended on the inability of Rab3A to hydrolyze GTP. We combined modified immunofluorescence and acrosomal staining protocols to detect membrane fusion and the activation status of endogenous Rab3 simultaneously in individual cells, and found that GTP hydrolysis on endogenous Rab3 was mandatory for fusion pores to open. Our findings contribute to establishing that Rab3 modulates regulated exocytosis differently depending on the nucleotide bound and the exocytosis stage under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías A Bustos
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Carlos M Roggero
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina Present address: Department of Biophysics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Paola X De la Iglesia
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina Present address: Servicio de Patología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis S Mayorga
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia N Tomes
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Hirohashi N, Spina FAL, Romarowski A, Buffone MG. Redistribution of the intra-acrosomal EGFP before acrosomal exocytosis in mouse spermatozoa. Reproduction 2015; 149:657-63. [PMID: 25832106 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa must undergo complex physiological and morphological alterations within the female reproductive tract before they become fertilization competent. Two important alterations are capacitation and the acrosome reaction (AR), by which spermatozoa become capable of penetrating the zona pellucida (ZP) of the oocyte. Although various biochemical stimulants have been reported to induce the AR, the true physiological inducer in vivo remains to be identified. Previously, it has been reported that most fertilizing spermatozoa undergo the AR before contacting the ZP and that only a small fraction of in vitro-capacitated spermatozoa can penetrate the ZP. Therefore, it is important to identify which capacitating spermatozoa undergo the AR in response to potential AR inducers such as progesterone. Here we show that spermatozoa undergo a dynamic rearrangement of the acrosome during in vitro capacitation. This involves the rapid movement of an artificially introduced soluble component of the acrosome, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), from the acrosomal cap region to the equatorial segment (EQ) of the sperm head. Spermatozoa exhibiting the EQ pattern were more sensitive to progesterone than were those without it. We suggest that spermatozoa that are ready to undergo acrosomal exocytosis can be detected by real-time EGFP imaging. This offers a promising new method for identifying where spermatozoa undergo the AR in the female reproductive tract in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritaka Hirohashi
- Oki Marine Biological StationEducation and Research Center for Biological Resources, Shimane University, 194 Kamo, Okinoshima-cho, Oki, Shimane 685-0024, JapanDepartment of Biological SciencesOchanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Tokyo 112-8610, JapanInstituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (1428), Buenos Aires, Argentina Oki Marine Biological StationEducation and Research Center for Biological Resources, Shimane University, 194 Kamo, Okinoshima-cho, Oki, Shimane 685-0024, JapanDepartment of Biological SciencesOchanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Tokyo 112-8610, JapanInstituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (1428), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florenza A La Spina
- Oki Marine Biological StationEducation and Research Center for Biological Resources, Shimane University, 194 Kamo, Okinoshima-cho, Oki, Shimane 685-0024, JapanDepartment of Biological SciencesOchanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Tokyo 112-8610, JapanInstituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (1428), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Oki Marine Biological StationEducation and Research Center for Biological Resources, Shimane University, 194 Kamo, Okinoshima-cho, Oki, Shimane 685-0024, JapanDepartment of Biological SciencesOchanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Tokyo 112-8610, JapanInstituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (1428), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Oki Marine Biological StationEducation and Research Center for Biological Resources, Shimane University, 194 Kamo, Okinoshima-cho, Oki, Shimane 685-0024, JapanDepartment of Biological SciencesOchanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Tokyo 112-8610, JapanInstituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490 (1428), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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