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Podgrajsek R, Hodzic A, Stimpfel M, Kunej T, Peterlin B. Insight into the complexity of male infertility: a multi-omics review. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:73-90. [PMID: 38517373 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2317804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility is a reproductive disorder, accounting for 40-50% of infertility. Currently, in about 70% of infertile men, the cause remains unknown. With the introduction of novel omics and advancement in high-throughput technology, potential biomarkers are emerging. The main purpose of our work was to overview different aspects of omics approaches in association with idiopathic male infertility and highlight potential genes, transcripts, non-coding RNA, proteins, and metabolites worth further exploring. Using the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, we aimed to compare enriched GO terms from each omics approach and determine their overlapping. A PubMed database screening for the literature published between February 2014 and June 2022 was performed using the keywords: male infertility in association with different omics approaches: genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, ncRNAomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. A GO enrichment analysis was performed using the Enrichr tool. We retrieved 281 global studies: 171 genomics (DNA level), 21 epigenomics (19 of methylation and two histone residue modifications), 15 transcriptomics, 31 non-coding RNA, 29 proteomics, two protein posttranslational modification, and 19 metabolomics studies. Gene ontology comparison showed that different omics approaches lead to the identification of different molecular factors and that the corresponding GO terms, obtained from different omics approaches, do not overlap to a larger extent. With the integration of novel omics levels into the research of idiopathic causes of male infertility, using multi-omic systems biology approaches, we will be closer to finding the potential biomarkers and consequently becoming aware of the entire spectrum of male infertility, their cause, prognosis, and potential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Podgrajsek
- Department of Human Reproduction, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Hodzic
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Novo mesto, Novo Mesto, Slovenia
| | - Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Kunej
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia
| | - Borut Peterlin
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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2
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Hubbard L, Rambhatla A, Colpi GM. Differentiation between nonobstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia: then and now. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00247. [PMID: 39268812 DOI: 10.4103/aja202475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility has seen an increase in prevalence with cases of azoospermia estimated to affect 10%-15% of infertile men. Confirmation of azoospermia subsequently necessitates an early causal differentiation between obstructive azoospermia (OA) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Although less common when compared to NOA, OA can represent upward 20%-40% of cases of azoospermia. While there are a multitude of etiologies responsible for causing NOA and OA, correctly distinguishing between the two types of azoospermia has profound implications in managing the infertile male. This review represents an amalgamation of the current guidelines and literature which will supply the reproductive physician with a diagnostic armamentarium to properly distinguish between NOA and OA, therefore providing the best possible care to the infertile couple.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Hubbard
- Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202-3450, USA
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202-3450, USA
| | - Giovanni M Colpi
- Andrology and IVF Center, Next Fertility Procrea, Lugano 6900, Switzerland
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3
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Moon N, Morgan CP, Marx-Rattner R, Jeng A, Johnson RL, Chikezie I, Mannella C, Sammel MD, Epperson CN, Bale TL. Stress increases sperm respiration and motility in mice and men. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7900. [PMID: 39261485 PMCID: PMC11391062 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen quality and fertility has declined over the last 50 years, corresponding to ever-increasing environmental stressors. However, the cellular mechanisms involved and their impact on sperm functions remain unknown. In a repeated sampling human cohort study, we identify a significant effect of prior perceived stress to increase sperm motility 2-3 months following stress, timing that expands upon our previous studies revealing significant stress-associated changes in sperm RNA important for fertility. We mechanistically examine this post-stress timing in mice using an in vitro stress model in the epididymal epithelial cells responsible for sperm maturation and find 7282 differentially H3K27me3 bound DNA regions involving genes critical for mitochondrial and metabolic pathways. Further, prior stress exposure significantly changes the composition and size of epithelial cell-secreted extracellular vesicles that when incubated with mouse sperm, increase mitochondrial respiration and sperm motility, adding to our prior work showing impacts on embryo development. Together, these studies identify a time-dependent, translational signaling pathway that communicates stress experience to sperm, ultimately affecting reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickole Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Christopher P Morgan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Ruth Marx-Rattner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Alyssa Jeng
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ijeoma Chikezie
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Carmen Mannella
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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4
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Zuo N, Wang RT, Bian WM, Liu X, Han BQ, Wang JJ, Shen W, Li L. Vigor King mitigates spermatogenic disorders caused by environmental estrogen zearalenone exposure. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116757. [PMID: 39047363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) has been shown to cause reproductive damage by inducing oxidative stress. Astaxanthin and L-carnitine are widely used to alleviate oxidative stress and promote sperm maturation. However, it remains uncertain whether they are effective in mitigating spermatogenesis disorders induced by ZEN. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanisms of Vigor King (Vig), a compound preparation primarily consisting of astaxanthin and L-carnitine, in alleviating ZEN-induced spermatogenesis disorders. In the experiment, mice received continuous oral gavage of ZEN (80 μg/kg) for 35 days, accompanied by a rescue strategy with Vig (200 mg/kg). The results showed that Vig effectively reduced the negative impact on semen quality and improved the structural and functional abnormalities of the seminiferous epithelium caused by ZEN. Additionally, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA double-strand breaks, apoptosis, and autophagy abnormalities were all significantly ameliorated. Intriguingly, the GSK3β-dependent BTRC-NRF2 signaling pathway was found to play an important role in this process. Furthermore, testing of offspring indicated that Vig could extend its protective effects to the next generation, effectively combating the transgenerational toxic effects of ZEN. In summary, our research suggests that Vig supplementation holds considerable promise in alleviating spermatogenesis disorders induced by zearalenone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zuo
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Rui Ting Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wen Meng Bian
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Bao Quan Han
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jun Jie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
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5
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Zhiyan C, Min Z, Yida D, Chunying H, Xiaohua H, Yutong L, Huan W, Linjuan S. Bioinformatic analysis of hippocampal histopathology in Alzheimer's disease and the therapeutic effects of active components of traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1424803. [PMID: 39221152 PMCID: PMC11362046 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1424803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Pathological changes in the central nervous system (CNS) begin before the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) manifest, with the hippocampus being one of the first affected structures. Current treatments fail to alter AD progression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown potential in improving AD pathology through multi-target mechanisms. This study investigates pathological changes in AD hippocampal tissue and explores TCM active components that may alleviate these changes. Methods GSE5281 and GSE173955 datasets were downloaded from GEO and normalized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Key functional modules and hub genes were analyzed using Cytoscape and R. Active TCM components were identified from literature and the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Enrichment analyses were performed on target genes overlapping with DEGs. Result From the datasets, 76 upregulated and 363 downregulated genes were identified. Hub genes included SLAMF, CD34, ELN (upregulated) and ATP5F1B, VDAC1, VDAC2, HSPA8, ATP5F1C, PDHA1, UBB, SNCA, YWHAZ, PGK1 (downregulated). Literature review identified 33 active components from 23 herbal medicines. Target gene enrichment and analysis were performed for six components: dihydroartemisinin, berberine, naringenin, calycosin, echinacoside, and icariside II. Conclusion Mitochondrial to synaptic vesicle dysfunction pathways were enriched in downregulated genes. Despite downregulation, UBB and SNCA proteins accumulate in AD brains. TCM studies suggest curcumin and echinacoside may improve hippocampal pathology and cognitive impairment in AD. Further investigation into their mechanisms is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhiyan
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan Min
- Department of Neurology, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Xiyuan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Du Yida
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - He Chunying
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Xiaohua
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yutong
- Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wang Huan
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sun Linjuan
- Department of Neurology, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Xiyuan Hospital, Beijing, China
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Zhang X, Tu H, Zhou X, Wang B, Guo Y, Situ C, Qi Y, Li Y, Guo X. Quantitative Phosphoproteomic Profiling of Mouse Sperm Maturation in Epididymis Revealed Kinases Important for Sperm Motility. Mol Cell Proteomics 2024; 23:100810. [PMID: 38977202 PMCID: PMC11338950 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100810] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcriptionally and translationally silent sperm undergo functional maturation during epididymis traverse, which provides sperm ability to move and is crucial for successful fertilization. However, the molecular mechanisms governing sperm maturation remain poorly understood, especially at the protein post-translational modification level. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis of mouse epididymal sperm from different regions (caput, corpus, and cauda) to unveil the dynamics of protein phosphorylation during sperm maturation. We identified 6447 phosphorylation sites in 1407 phosphoproteins, and 345 phosphoproteins were differentially phosphorylated between caput and cauda sperm. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses showed enrichment of differentially phosphorylated proteins in energy metabolism, sperm motility, and fertilization. Kinase substrate network analysis followed by inhibition assay and quantitative phosphoproteomics analysis showed that TSSK2 kinase is important for sperm motility and progressive motility. This study systemically characterized the intricate phosphorylation regulation during sperm maturation in the mouse epididymis, which can be a basis to elucidate sperm motility acquisition, and to offer potential targets for male contraception and the treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haixia Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenghao Situ
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaling Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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7
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Tian Y, Chen X, Pu J, Liang Y, Li W, Xu X, Tan X, Yu S, Shao T, Ma Y, Wang B, Chen Y, Li Y. Spermatogenic cell-specific type 1 hexokinase (HK1S) is essential for capacitation-associated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation and male fertility in mice. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011357. [PMID: 39074078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Hexokinase (HK) catalyzes the first irreversible rate-limiting step in glycolysis that converts glucose to glucose-6-phosphate. HK1 is ubiquitously expressed in the brain, erythrocytes, and other tissues where glycolysis serves as the major source of ATP production. Spermatogenic cell-specific type 1 hexokinase (HK1S) is expressed in sperm but its physiological role in male mice is still unknown. In this study, we generate Hk1s knockout mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to study the gene function in vivo. Hk1s mRNA is exclusively expressed in testes starting from postnatal day 18 and continuing to adulthood. HK1S protein is specifically localized in the outer surface of the sperm fibrous sheath (FS). Depletion of Hk1s leads to infertility in male mice and reduces sperm glycolytic pathway activity, yet they have normal motile parameters and ATP levels. In addition, by using in vitro fertilization (IVF), Hk1s deficient sperms are unable to fertilize cumulus-intact or cumulus-free oocytes, but can normally fertilize zona pellucida-free oocytes. Moreover, Hk1s deficiency impairs sperm migration into the oviduct, reduces acrosome reaction, and prevents capacitation-associated increases in tyrosine phosphorylation, which are probable causes of infertility. Taken together, our results reveal that HK1S plays a critical role in sperm function and male fertility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Tian
- The School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xiu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Heze University, Heze, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Pu
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxin Liang
- The School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Weixi Li
- The School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xiaotong Xu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Xinshui Tan
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Shuntai Yu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Shao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Ma
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Bingwei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongjie Chen
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Li
- The School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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Fietz D, Sgaier R, O’Donnell L, Stanton PG, Dagley LF, Webb AI, Schuppe HC, Diemer T, Pilatz A. Proteomic biomarkers in seminal plasma as predictors of reproductive potential in azoospermic men. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1327800. [PMID: 38654926 PMCID: PMC11035875 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1327800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Azoospermia, characterized by an absence of sperm in the ejaculate, represents the most severe form of male infertility. While surgical sperm retrieval in obstructive azoospermia (OA) is successful in the majority of cases, patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) show retrieval rates of only about 50% and thus frequently have unnecessary surgery. Surgical intervention could be avoided if patients without preserved spermatogenesis are identified preoperatively. This prospective study aimed to discover biomarkers in seminal plasma that could be employed for a non-invasive differential diagnosis of OA/NOA in order to rationalize surgery recommendations and improve success rates. Methods All patients signed written informed consent, underwent comprehensive andrological evaluation, received human genetics to exclude relevant pathologies, and patients with azoospermia underwent surgical sperm retrieval. Using label-free LC-MS/MS, we compared the proteomes of seminal plasma samples from fertile men (healthy controls (HC), n=8) and infertile men diagnosed with 1) OA (n=7), 2) NOA with successful sperm retrieval (mixed testicular atrophy (MTA), n=8), and 3) NOA without sperm retrieval (Sertoli cell-only phenotype (SCO), n=7). Relative abundance changes of two candidate markers of sperm retrieval, HSPA2 and LDHC, were confirmed by Western Blot. Results We found the protein expression levels of 42 proteins to be significantly down-regulated (p ≤ 0.05) in seminal plasma from SCO NOA patients relative to HC whereas only one protein was down-regulated in seminal plasma from MTA patients. Analysis of tissue and cell expression suggested that the testis-specific proteins LDHC, PGK2, DPEP3, and germ-cell enriched heat-shock proteins HSPA2 and HSPA4L are promising biomarkers of spermatogenic function. Western blotting revealed a significantly lower abundance of LDHC and HSPA2 in the seminal plasma of men with NOA (SCO and MTA) compared to controls. Discussion The results indicate that certain testis-specific proteins when measured in seminal plasma, could serve as indicators of the presence of sperm in the testis and predict the success of sperm retrieval. Used in conjunction with conventional clinical assessments, these proteomic biomarkers may assist in the non-invasive diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raouda Sgaier
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Liza O’Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter G. Stanton
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura F. Dagley
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew I. Webb
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Diemer
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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9
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Qian GQ, Wang XC, Zhang X, Shen B, Liu Q. Pyruvate kinase M in germ cells is essential for sperm motility and male fertility but not spermatogenesis. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:212-219. [PMID: 37902871 PMCID: PMC10919421 DOI: 10.4103/aja202350] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Male germ cells employ specific metabolic pathways throughout their developmental stages. In a previous study, we discovered heightened expression of pyruvate kinase M (PKM), a pivotal glycolytic enzyme, in spermatogonia and spermatids. To gain deeper insights into PKM's roles in spermatogenesis, sperm function, and male fertility, we engineered a conditional-knockout mouse model ( Pkm -vKO mice) to selectively disrupt the Pkm gene within germ cells. Despite maintaining regular testicular histology and sperm morphology, the male Pkm -vKO mice were infertility, characterized by significant impairments in sperm motility and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation. In addition, Pkm -null spermatozoa exhibited similar deficits in protein tyrosine phosphorylation linked to capacitation, as well as compromised performance in in vitro fertilization experiments. To conclude, PKM's presence is not obligatory for the entirety of spermatogenesis in male germ cells; however, it emerges as a critical factor influencing sperm motility and overall male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Qing Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiao-Chen Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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10
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Shimada K, Lu Y, Ikawa M. Disruption of testis-enriched cytochrome c oxidase subunit COX6B2 but not COX8C leads to subfertility. Exp Anim 2024; 73:1-10. [PMID: 37423748 PMCID: PMC10877148 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.23-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm flagellum contains the midpiece characterized by a mitochondrial sheath that packs tightly around the axoneme and outer dense fibers. Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouse" of the cell, and produce ATP through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). However, the contribution of the TCA cycle and OXPHOS to sperm motility and male fertility is less clear. Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is an oligomeric complex localized within the mitochondrial inner membrane, and the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in eukaryotes. Both COX6B2 and COX8C are testis-enriched COX subunits whose functions in vivo are poorly studied. Here, we generated Cox6b2 and Cox8c knockout (KO) mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We examined their fertility and sperm mitochondrial function to determine the significance of testis-enriched COX subunits in male fertility. The mating test revealed that disrupting COX6B2 induces male subfertility, while disrupting COX8C does not affect male fertility. Cox6b2 KO spermatozoa showed low sperm motility, but mitochondrial function was normal according to oxygen consumption rates. Therefore, low sperm motility seems to cause subfertility in Cox6b2 KO male mice. These results also indicate that testis-enriched COX, COX6B2 and COX8C, are not essential for OXPHOS in mouse spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Shimada
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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11
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Lv Z, Sun L, Xie X, Yao X, Tian S, Wang C, Wang F, Liu J. TMEM225 Is Essential for Sperm Maturation and Male Fertility by Modifying Protein Distribution of Sperm in Mice. Mol Cell Proteomics 2024; 23:100720. [PMID: 38246484 PMCID: PMC10875271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100720] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia is the leading cause of male infertility. Abnormal levels of transmembrane protein 225 (TMEM225), a testis-specific protein, have been found in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, suggesting that TMEM225 plays an essential role in male fertility. Here, we generated a Tmem225 KO mouse model to explore the function and mechanism of TMEM225 in male reproduction. Male Tmem225 KO mice were infertile. Surprisingly, Tmem225 deletion did not affect spermatogenesis, but TMEM225-null sperm exhibited abnormalities during epididymal maturation, resulting in reduced sperm motility and an abnormal hairpin-loop configuration. Furthermore, proteomics analyses of cauda sperm revealed that signaling pathways related to mitochondrial function, the glycolytic pathway, and sperm flagellar morphology were abnormal in Tmem225 KO sperm, and spermatozoa lacking TMEM225 exhibited high reactive oxygen species levels, reduced motility, and flagellar folding, leading to typical asthenospermia. These findings suggest that testicular TMEM225 may control the sperm maturation process by regulating the expression of proteins related to mitochondrial function, glycolysis, and sperm flagellar morphology in epididymal spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Longjie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chaofan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- Transgenic Animal Center, National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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12
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Arai K, Nishizawa Y, Nagata O, Sakimoto H, Sasaki N, Sano A, Nakamura M. The Role of Chorein Deficiency in Late Spermatogenesis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:240. [PMID: 38275411 PMCID: PMC10813020 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010240] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
VPS13A, also known as chorein, whose loss of function causes chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc), is characterized by Huntington's-disease-like neurodegeneration and neuropsychiatric symptoms in addition to acanthocytosis in red blood cells. We previously reported that ChAc-model mice with a loss of chorein function exhibited male infertility, with asthenozoospermia and mitochondrial dysmorphology in the spermatozoa. Here, we report a novel aspect of chorein dysfunction in male fertility, particularly its role in spermatogenesis and mitochondrial integrity. An increase in anti-malondialdehyde antibody immunoreaction within the testes, predominantly observed at the advanced stages of sperm formation in chorein-deficient mice, suggests oxidative stress as a contributing factor to mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired sperm maturation. The chorein immunoreactivity in spermatids of wild-type mice accentuates its significance in sperm development. ChAc-model mice exhibit mitochondrial ultrastructural abnormalities, specifically during the late stages of sperm maturation, suggesting a critical timeframe for chorein's action in spermiogenesis. We observed an increase in TOM20 protein levels, indicative of disrupted mitochondrial import mechanisms. The concurrent decrease in metabolic enzymes such as IDH3A, LDHC, PGK2, and ACAT1 suggests a complex chorein-mediated metabolic network that is essential for sperm vitality. Additionally, heightened separation of cytoplasmic droplets from sperm highlights the potential membrane instability in chorein-deficient spermatozoa. Metabolomic profiling further suggests a compensatory metabolic shift, with elevated glycolytic and TCA-cycle substrates. Our findings suggest that chorein is involved in anti-ferroptosis and the maturation of mitochondrial morphology in the late stages of spermatogenesis, and its deficiency leads to asthenozoospermia characterized by membrane instability, abnormal cytosolic glycolysis, abnormal mitochondrial function, and a disrupted TCA cycle. Further analyses are required to unravel the molecular mechanisms that directly link these findings and to elucidate the role of chorein in spermatogenesis as well as its broader implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Masayuki Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan; (K.A.)
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13
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Wang Q, Liu J, Chen Z, Zheng J, Wang Y, Dong J. Targeting metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma to overcome therapeutic resistance: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116021. [PMID: 38128187 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116021] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a heavy burden on human health with high morbidity and mortality rates. Systematic therapy is crucial for advanced and mid-term HCC, but faces a significant challenge from therapeutic resistance, weakening drug effectiveness. Metabolic reprogramming has gained attention as a key contributor to therapeutic resistance. Cells change their metabolism to meet energy demands, adapt to growth needs, or resist environmental pressures. Understanding key enzyme expression patterns and metabolic pathway interactions is vital to comprehend HCC occurrence, development, and treatment resistance. Exploring metabolic enzyme reprogramming and pathways is essential to identify breakthrough points for HCC treatment. Targeting metabolic enzymes with inhibitors is key to addressing these points. Inhibitors, combined with systemic therapeutic drugs, can alleviate resistance, prolong overall survival for advanced HCC, and offer mid-term HCC patients a chance for radical resection. Advances in metabolic research methods, from genomics to metabolomics and cells to organoids, help build the HCC metabolic reprogramming network. Recent progress in biomaterials and nanotechnology impacts drug targeting and effectiveness, providing new solutions for systemic therapeutic drug resistance. This review focuses on metabolic enzyme changes, pathway interactions, enzyme inhibitors, research methods, and drug delivery targeting metabolic reprogramming, offering valuable references for metabolic approaches to HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, China; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Hepatology (Ministry of Education/Beijing), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Ziye Chen
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Jingjing Zheng
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, China; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Hepatology (Ministry of Education/Beijing), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiahong Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Research Unit of Precision Hepatobiliary Surgery Paradigm, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100021, China; Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Institute for Organ Transplant and Bionic Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China; Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligence Hepatology (Ministry of Education/Beijing), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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14
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Ma X, Liu A, Liu R, Zhang L, Zheng Z, Li Y, Tian S. Identification and functional analysis of differentially expressed proteins in high and low freezing tolerance sheep sperm. Theriogenology 2023; 211:212-223. [PMID: 37659252 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.026] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify proteins associated with differences in the freezing tolerance of sheep sperm and to analyze their functions. Qualified fresh semen from four breeds of rams, the Australian White, white-head Dorper, Black-head Dorper, and Hu sheep breeds, were selected for cryopreservation. The sperm freezing tolerance was investigated by evaluation of the overall vitality, progressive vitality, and rapidly advance vitality of the sperm. A differential model of sperm freezing tolerance was constructed for sheep breeds showing significant differences. Differentially expressed proteins associated with sperm freezing tolerance were identified using iTRAQ and the protein functions were analyzed. It was found that sperm freezing tolerance was best in Hu sheep and worst in white-head Dorper sheep. These two breeds were used for the construction of a model based on differences in freezing tolerance and the identification of sperm proteins expressed differentially before freezing and after thawing. A total of 128 differentially expressed proteins (88 up-regulated and 40 down-regulated) were identified before freezing and after thawing in Hu sheep sperm (fresh/frozen Hu sheep sperm referred to as HL vs. HF), while 219 differentially expressed proteins (106 up-regulated and 113 down-regulated) were identified in white-head Dorper sheep (fresh/frozen white-head Dorper sheep sperm referred to as WL vs. WF). A comparison of these differentially expressed proteins showed that 57 proteins overlapped between the two breeds while 71 were only expressed in Hu sheep and 162 were only expressed in white-head Dorper sheep. Functional annotation and enrichment analyses of differentially expressed proteins down-regulated in Hu sheep involved in phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases, regulation of GTPase activity and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis signaling pathway. Up-regulated proteins of Hu sheep participated in oxidoreductase activity and oxidative phosphorylation process of sperm freezing. Furthermore, down-regulated in white-head Dorper sheep involved in the metabolic regulation of carbohydrate and nuclear sugar metabolism. Up-regulated proteins of white-head Dorper sheep involved in the ferroptosis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Collectively, These proteins were found to participate mainly in oxidative phosphorylation as well as phosphorylation and metabolic processes in the mitochondria to affect the freezing tolerance of sheep sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Aiju Liu
- Department of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Engineering, Cangzhou Technical College, Hebei, Cangzhou, China
| | - Ruoyan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Limeng Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Zhengzhou Normal University, Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhong Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Yuexin Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Shujun Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China.
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15
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Sha Y, Liu W, Li S, Osadchuk LV, Chen Y, Nie H, Gao S, Xie L, Qin W, Zhou H, Li L. Deficiency in AK9 causes asthenozoospermia and male infertility by destabilising sperm nucleotide homeostasis. EBioMedicine 2023; 96:104798. [PMID: 37713809 PMCID: PMC10507140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104798] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthenozoospermia is the primary cause of male infertility; however, its genetic aetiology remains poorly understood. Adenylate kinase 9 (AK9) is highly expressed in the testes of humans and mice and encodes a type of adenosine kinase that is functionally involved in cellular nucleotide homeostasis and energy metabolism. We aimed to assess whether AK9 is involved in asthenozoospermia. METHODS One-hundred-and-sixty-five Chinese men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia were recruited. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed for genetic analyses. Papanicolaou staining, Haematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the sperm morphology and structure. Ak9-knockout mice were generated using CRISPR-Cas9. Sperm adenosine was detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Targeted sperm metabolomics was performed. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was used to treat patients. FINDINGS We identified five patients harbouring bi-allelic AK9 mutations. Spermatozoa from men harbouring bi-allelic AK9 mutations have a decreased ability to sustain nucleotide homeostasis. Moreover, bi-allelic AK9 mutations inhibit glycolysis in sperm. Ak9-knockout male mice also presented similar phenotypes of asthenozoospermia. Interestingly, ICSI was effective in bi-allelic AK9 mutant patients in achieving good pregnancy outcomes. INTERPRETATION Defects in AK9 induce asthenozoospermia with defects in nucleotide homeostasis and energy metabolism. This sterile phenotype could be rescued by ICSI. FUNDING The National Natural Science Foundation of China (82071697), Medical Innovation Project of Fujian Province (2020-CXB-051), open project of the NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics in Guangzhou (KF202004), Medical Research Foundation of Guangdong Province (A2021269), Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute Innovation Team grants (C-03), and Outstanding Young Talents Program of Capital Medical University (B2205).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ludmila V Osadchuk
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yongjie Chen
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Nie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Linna Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Huiliang Zhou
- Department of Andrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.20, Chazhong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Dongcheng, Beijing, China.
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16
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Sai Kiran BVS, Srinivasa Prasad CH, Naik BR, Aswani Kumar K, Lavanya S, Nikhil Kumar T, Hyder I. Effect of cryopreservation and capacitation on expression patterns of ATP synthesis associated genes in bubaline spermatozoa. J Therm Biol 2023; 117:103704. [PMID: 37714111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103704] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the expression patterns of certain ATP synthesis associated genes (GAPDHS, PGK2, ENO4 and MDH2) in fresh and frozen-thawed bubaline spermatozoa vis-à-vis capacitation. Eight adult Murrah buffalo bulls, aged 5-7 years, were randomly selected from a bull farm and fresh semen was collected once a week for four weeks (n = 32) from the selected bulls. Simultaneously, frozen straws of the same bulls were collected (n = 32, four straws were pooled per sample). The samples were divided into four groups i.e., fresh non capacitated (control/group 1), fresh capacitated (group 2), frozen non capacitated (group 3) and frozen capacitated (group 4). In all groups mRNA extraction was done. The mRNA expression of GAPDHS was significantly higher in group 3 compared to the other groups, whereas the expression of ENO4 was significantly up-regulated in group 2 and 3 compared to the group 4. Similarly, the mRNA expression of PGK2 was significantly up-regulated in group 3 whereas in case of MDH2, it was significantly higher in group 2, 3 and 4 compared group 1. It can be concluded from our study that freezing and capacitation has a significant effect on the expression dynamics of the ATP synthesis-associated genes warranting necessary interventions in handling procedures to minimise the adverse effect of freezing on ATP synthesis process to ensure persistence of fertilizing ability of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- B V S Sai Kiran
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Andhra Pradesh, 521102, India
| | - C H Srinivasa Prasad
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Andhra Pradesh, 521102, India.
| | - B R Naik
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Andhra Pradesh, 517502, India
| | - K Aswani Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Andhra Pradesh, 521102, India
| | - S Lavanya
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Andhra Pradesh, 521102, India
| | - Tej Nikhil Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, NTR College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Andhra Pradesh, 521102, India
| | - Iqbal Hyder
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Science, Garividi, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Andhra Pradesh, 535101, India.
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17
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Zhang K, Sun L, Kang Y. Regulation of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 and its critical role in cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:240. [PMID: 37723547 PMCID: PMC10506215 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01256-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells that undergo normal differentiation mainly rely on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to provide energy, but most tumour cells rely on aerobic glycolysis. This phenomenon is called the "Warburg effect". Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) is a key enzyme in aerobic glycolysis. PGK1 is involved in glucose metabolism as well as a variety of biological activities, including angiogenesis, EMT, mediated autophagy initiation, mitochondrial metabolism, DNA replication and repair, and other processes related to tumorigenesis and development. Recently, an increasing number of studies have proven that PGK1 plays an important role in cancer. In this manuscript, we discussed the effects of the structure, function, molecular mechanisms underlying PGK1 regulation on the initiation and progression of cancer. Additionally, PGK1 is associated with chemotherapy resistance and prognosis in tumour patients. This review presents an overview of the different roles played by PGK1 during tumorigenesis, which will help in the design of experimental studies involving PGK1 and enhance the potential for the use of PGK1 as a therapeutic target in cancer. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhang
- Department of Emergency and Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 North Nanjing Street, Heping Area, Shenyang, 110002, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixue Sun
- Department of Emergency and Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 North Nanjing Street, Heping Area, Shenyang, 110002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Kang
- Department of Emergency and Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, 117 North Nanjing Street, Heping Area, Shenyang, 110002, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Fu CY, Chen HY, Lin CY, Chen SJ, Sheu JC, Tsai HJ. Extracellular Pgk1 interacts neural membrane protein enolase-2 to improve the neurite outgrowth of motor neurons. Commun Biol 2023; 6:849. [PMID: 37582937 PMCID: PMC10427645 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05223-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular interaction between ligand and receptor is important for providing the basis for the development of regenerative drugs. Although it has been reported that extracellular phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (Pgk1) can promote the neurite outgrowth of motoneurons, the Pgk1-interacting neural receptor remains unknown. Here we show that neural membranous Enolase-2 exhibits strong affinity with recombinant Pgk1-Flag, which is also evidently demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy. The 325th-417th domain of Pgk1 interacts with the 405th-431st domain of Enolase-2, but neither Enolase-1 nor Enolase-3, promoting neurite outgrowth. Combining Pgk1 incubation and Enolase-2 overexpression, we demonstrate a highly significant enhancement of neurite outgrowth of motoneurons through a reduced p-P38-T180/p-Limk1-S323/p-Cofilin signaling. Collectively, extracellular Pgk1 interacts neural membrane receptor Enolase-2 to reduce the P38/Limk1/Cofilin signaling which results in promoting neurite outgrowth. The extracellular Pgk1-specific neural receptor found in this study should provide a material for screening potential small molecule drugs that promote motor nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Yang Fu
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yu Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yung Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shiang-Jiuun Chen
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TechCommon-5, Bioimage Tool, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Chuan Sheu
- Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Research Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Jen Tsai
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, City, Taiwan.
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19
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Lee WY, Sim HW, Park HJ. Effects of melatonin on a d-galactose-induced male reproductive aging mouse model. Theriogenology 2023; 206:181-188. [PMID: 37224707 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.001] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the aging mechanism of the male reproductive system and developing anti-aging interventions are essential for preventing age-related male infertility. The pineal hormone melatonin has been effectively used as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic molecule in various cells and tissues. However, the effects of melatonin on d-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging have not been studied with regards to testicular function. Thus, we investigated whether melatonin suppresses the dysfunction of male reproductive function induced by D-gal treatment. The mice were divided into the following four groups receiving treatments for six weeks: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group, d-galactose (200 mg/kg) group, melatonin (20 mg/kg) group, and d-galactose (200 mg/kg)+ melatonin (20 mg/kg) group. At six weeks of treatments, sperm parameters, body and testes weight, gene and protein expression of germ cell and spermatozoa marker were analyzed. Our results showed that melatonin suppressed the decrease in body weight, sperm vitality, motility, and gene expression levels of spermatozoa markers such as Protamine 1, PGK2, Camk4, TP1, and Crem in the testis of D-gal-induced aging models. However, the gene expression levels of the pre-meiotic and meiotic markers in the testes did not change in the D-gal-injected model. The injection of D-gal impaired the decreased expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes, such as HSD3b1, Cyp17a1, and Cyp11a1, but melatonin inhibited the decrease in the expression of these genes. In addition, protein levels of spermatozoa and germ cell markers were evaluated by immunostaining and immunoblotting. Consistent with the qPCR results, PGK2 protein levels were decreased by d-galactose treatment. A decrease in PGK2 protein levels by D-gal was inhibited by melatonin treatment. In conclusion, melatonin administration improves testicular function with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Young Lee
- Department of Livestock, Korea National University of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju-si, 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Heyon Woo Sim
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Sangji University, Wonju-Si, 26339, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Park
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Sangji University, Wonju-Si, 26339, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Sutton C, Nozawa K, Kent K, Saltzman A, Leng M, Nagarajan S, Malovannaya A, Ikawa M, Garcia TX, Matzuk MM. Molecular dissection and testing of PRSS37 function through LC-MS/MS and the generation of a PRSS37 humanized mouse model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11374. [PMID: 37452050 PMCID: PMC10349139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37700-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The quest for a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill for men still exists. Serine protease 37 (PRSS37) is a sperm-specific protein that when ablated in mice renders them sterile. In this study we sought to examine the molecular sequelae of PRSS37 loss to better understand its molecular function, and to determine whether human PRSS37 could rescue the sterility phenotype of knockout (KO) mice, allowing for a more appropriate model for drug molecule testing. To this end, we used CRISPR-EZ to create mice lacking the entire coding region of Prss37, used pronuclear injection to create transgenic mice expressing human PRSS37, intercrossed these lines to generate humanized mice, and performed LC-MS/MS of KO and control tissues to identify proteomic perturbances that could attribute a molecular function to PRSS37. We found that our newly generated Prss37 KO mouse line is sterile, our human transgene rescues the sterility phenotype of KO mice, and our proteomics data not only yields novel insight into the proteome as it evolves along the male reproductive tract, but also demonstrates the proteins significantly influenced by PRSS37 loss. In summary, we report vast biological insight including insight into PRSS37 function and the generation of a novel tool for contraceptive evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Sutton
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kent
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Saltzman
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mei Leng
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sureshbabu Nagarajan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anna Malovannaya
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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21
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Nozawa K, Garcia TX, Kent K, Leng M, Jain A, Malovannaya A, Yuan F, Yu Z, Ikawa M, Matzuk MM. Testis-specific serine kinase 3 is required for sperm morphogenesis and male fertility. Andrology 2023; 11:826-839. [PMID: 36306217 PMCID: PMC10267670 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of phosphorylation in sperm during spermatogenesis has not been pursued extensively. Testis-specific serine kinase 3 (Tssk3) is a conserved gene, but TSSK3 kinase functions and phosphorylation substrates of TSSK3 are not known. OBJECTIVE The goals of our studies were to understand the mechanism of action of TSSK3. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed the localization of TSSK3 in sperm, used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate Tssk3 knockout (KO) mice in which nearly all of the Tssk3 open reading frame was deleted (ensuring it is a null mutation), analyzed the fertility of Tssk3 KO mice by breeding mice for 4 months, and conducted phosphoproteomics analysis of male testicular germ cells. RESULTS TSSK3 is expressed in elongating sperm and localizes to the sperm tail. To define the essential roles of TSSK3 in vivo, heterozygous (HET) or homozygous KO male mice were mated with wild-type females, and fertility was assessed over 4 months; Tssk3 KO males are sterile, whereas HET males produced normal litter sizes. The absence of TSSK3 results in disorganization of all stages of testicular seminiferous epithelium and significantly increased vacuolization of germ cells, leading to dramatically reduced sperm counts and abnormal sperm morphology; despite these histologic changes, Tssk3 null mice have normal testis size. To elucidate the mechanisms causing the KO phenotype, we conducted phosphoproteomics using purified germ cells from Tssk3 HET and KO testes. We found that proteins implicated in male infertility, such as GAPDHS, ACTL7A, ACTL9, and REEP6, showed significantly reduced phosphorylation in KO testes compared to HET testes, despite unaltered total protein levels. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that TSSK3 is essential for male fertility and crucial for phosphorylation of multiple infertility-related proteins. These studies and the pathways in which TSSK3 functions have implications for human male infertility and nonhormonal contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Nozawa
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Thomas X. Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Katarzyna Kent
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Mei Leng
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Antrix Jain
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Anna Malovannaya
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Fei Yuan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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22
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Balbach M, Ghanem L, Violante S, Kyaw A, Romarowski A, Cross JR, Visconti PE, Levin LR, Buck J. Capacitation induces changes in metabolic pathways supporting motility of epididymal and ejaculated sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1160154. [PMID: 37440924 PMCID: PMC10335746 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1160154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm require sufficient energy to support motility and capacitation for successful fertilization. Previous studies cataloging the changes to metabolism in sperm explored ejaculated human sperm or dormant mouse sperm surgically extracted from the cauda epididymis. Due to the differences in methods of collection, it remains unclear whether any observed differences between mouse and human sperm represent species differences or reflect the distinct maturation states of the sperm under study. Here we compare the metabolic changes during capacitation of epididymal versus ejaculated mouse sperm and relate these changes to ejaculated human sperm. Using extracellular flux analysis and targeted metabolic profiling, we show that capacitation-induced changes lead to increased flux through both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in mouse and human sperm. Ejaculation leads to greater flexibility in the ability to use different carbon sources. While epididymal sperm are dependent upon glucose, ejaculated mouse and human sperm gain the ability to also leverage non-glycolytic energy sources such as pyruvate and citrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Balbach
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lubna Ghanem
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sara Violante
- Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Cancer Metabolism Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Aye Kyaw
- Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Cancer Metabolism Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Justin R. Cross
- Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Cancer Metabolism Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Lonny R. Levin
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jochen Buck
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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23
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Lehle JD, McCarrey JR. Accelerating the alignment processing speed of the comprehensive end-to-end whole-genome bisulfite sequencing pipeline, wg-blimp. Biol Methods Protoc 2023; 8:bpad012. [PMID: 37431446 PMCID: PMC10329742 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Analyzing whole-genome bisulfite and related sequencing datasets is a time-intensive process due to the complexity and size of the input raw sequencing files and lengthy read alignment step requiring correction for conversion of all unmethylated Cs to Ts genome-wide. The objective of this study was to modify the read alignment algorithm associated with the whole-genome bisulfite sequencing methylation analysis pipeline (wg-blimp) to shorten the time required to complete this phase while retaining overall read alignment accuracy. Here, we report an update to the recently published pipeline wg-blimp achieved by replacing the use of the bwa-meth aligner with the faster gemBS aligner. This improvement to the wg-blimp pipeline has led to a more than ×7 acceleration in the processing speed of samples when scaled to larger publicly available FASTQ datasets containing 80-160 million reads while maintaining nearly identical accuracy of properly mapped reads when compared with data from the previous pipeline. The modifications to the wg-blimp pipeline reported here merge the speed and accuracy of the gemBS aligner with the comprehensive analysis and data visualization assets of the wg-blimp pipeline to provide a significantly accelerated workflow that can produce high-quality data much more rapidly without compromising read accuracy at the expense of increasing RAM requirements up to 48 GB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake D Lehle
- Correspondence address. Department of Neurosciences, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA. Tel: +1 (512)-992-8144; E-mail:
| | - John R McCarrey
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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24
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Miyazaki MA, Guilharducci RL, Intasqui P, Bertolla RP. Mapping the human sperm proteome - novel insights into reproductive research. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:19-45. [PMID: 37140161 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2210764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells with unique morphology. In addition, spermatozoa lose a considerable amount of cytoplasm during spermiogenesis, when they also compact their DNA, resulting in a transcriptionally quiescent cell. Throughout the male reproductive tract, sperm will acquire proteins that enable them to interact with the female reproductive tract. After ejaculation, proteins undergo post-translational modifications for sperm to capacitate, hyperactivate and fertilize the oocyte. Many proteins have been identified as predictors of male infertility, and also investigated in diseases that compromise reproductive potential. AREAS COVERED In this review we proposed to summarize the recent findings about the sperm proteome and how they affect sperm structure, function, and fertility. A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases within the past 5 years until August 2022. EXPERT OPINION Sperm function depends on protein abundance, conformation, and PTMs; understanding the sperm proteome may help to identify pathways essential to fertility, even making it possible to unravel the mechanisms involved in idiopathic infertility. In addition, proteomics evaluation offers knowledge regarding alterations that compromise the male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Alexia Miyazaki
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Lozano Guilharducci
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Intasqui
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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25
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Fan Y, Li X, Guo Y, He X, Wang Y, Zhao D, Ma Y, Feng X, Zhang J, Li J, Zi X, Xiong X, Fu W, Xiong Y. TMT-based quantitative proteomics analysis reveals the differential proteins between fresh and frozen-thawed sperm of yak (Bos grunniens). Theriogenology 2023; 200:60-69. [PMID: 36764186 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is one of the most effective methods for the conservation of germplasm resources and used of superior sires widely. However, the motility of yak (Bos grunniens) sperm was low after thawing and the proteomics changes in sperm cryopreservation remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the differences between fresh sperm and frozen sperm of yak through the proteomic analysis and thus improve the understanding of sperm cryodamage. The Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) technology was used to screen differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) before and after freezing. Then, GO and KEGG analysis were conducted to analyze the DEPs enriched signaling pathways. Finally, the DEPs, including superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S8 (NDUFS8) were verified by the immunofluorescence technique. The results showed that there were 229 DEPs between fresh and frozen-thawed yak sperm. Compared with the fresh sperm, 120 proteins were up-regulated and 109 proteins were down-regulated in frozen-thawed sperm. The GO annotation showed that the up-regulated proteins enriched in metabolic and cytoskeleton-related processes, including lipoprotein metabolic process, lipid transport, extracellular region and intermediate filament cytoskeleton organization. In contrast, the down-regulated proteins enriched in biological processes including single fertilization, sperm capacitation and response to unfolded protein. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that freezing and thawing affected the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, the fructose and mannose metabolic pathway and the glycerolipid metabolic pathway of yak sperm. Immunofluorescence results showed that the protein expression level of SOD1 protein in the frozen group was significantly lower than that in the fresh group (P < 0.01), and the protein expression level of NDUFS8 protein was significantly higher in frozen group (P < 0.01). This study revealed the DEPs between fresh and frozen-thawed sperm and provides a theoretical basis to further explore the exertion of normal biological functions of yak sperm after freezing and thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Fan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Longri Breeding Stock Farm of Sichuan Province, Dujiangyan, 611800, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoqiang He
- Longri Breeding Stock Farm of Sichuan Province, Dujiangyan, 611800, China
| | - Yanwen Wang
- Longri Breeding Stock Farm of Sichuan Province, Dujiangyan, 611800, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinxin Feng
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiyue Zhang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Xiangdong Zi
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Reservation and Utilization of Sichuan Province, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Fu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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26
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Mateo-Otero Y, Madrid-Gambin F, Llavanera M, Gomez-Gomez A, Haro N, Pozo OJ, Yeste M. Sperm physiology and in vitro fertilising ability rely on basal metabolic activity: insights from the pig model. Commun Biol 2023; 6:344. [PMID: 36997604 PMCID: PMC10063579 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether basal metabolic activity in sperm has any influence on their fertilising capacity has not been explored. Using the pig as a model, the present study investigated the relationship of energetic metabolism with sperm quality and function (assessed through computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry), and fertility (in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcomes). In semen samples from 16 boars, levels of metabolites related to glycolysis, ketogenesis and Krebs cycle were determined through a targeted metabolomics approach using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. High-quality sperm are associated to greater levels of glycolysis-derived metabolites, and oocyte fertilisation and embryo development are conditioned by the sperm metabolic status. Interestingly, glycolysis appears to be the preferred catabolic pathway of the sperm giving rise to greater percentages of embryos at day 6. In conclusion, this study shows that the basal metabolic activity of sperm influences their function, even beyond fertilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Francisco Madrid-Gambin
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Alex Gomez-Gomez
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noemí Haro
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar J Pozo
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), ES-08003, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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27
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PGK1 modulates balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by interacting with ITI-H4. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114437. [PMID: 36841032 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITI-H4) is one of the acute phase proteins and is mainly related with inflammatory diseases such as bacterial bloodstream infection and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). In a previous study, ITI-H4 was reported to be cleaved by kallikrein B1 (KLKB1) and its cleaved form induces the imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, in this study, putative substrates of ITI-H4 were isolated by immunoprecipitation and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) analysis. Of those, phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) was found to be a binding protein of ITI-H4. PGK1 increases the level of ITI-H4 expression and blocks the cleavage of ITI-H4 mediated by KLKB1. It also inhibits pro-inflammatory response by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Therefore, PGK1, a novel binding partner of ITI-H4, is expected to have cellular functions in the pathogenesis of ITI-H4-related inflammatory diseases.
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28
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Xu T, Meng S, Zhu X, Di J, Zhu Y, Yang X, Yan W. Integrated GWAS and transcriptomic analysis reveal the candidate salt-responding genes regulating Na +/K + balance in barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1004477. [PMID: 36777542 PMCID: PMC9910287 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1004477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Salt stress is one of the main abiotic stresses affecting crop yield and quality. Barley has strong salt tolerance, however, the underlying genetic basis is not fully clear, especially in the seedling stage. This study examined the ionic changes in barley core germplasms under the control and salt conditions. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis revealed 54 significant SNPs from a pool of 25,342 SNPs distributed in 7 chromosomes (Chr) of the Illumina Barley 50K SNP array. These SNPs are associated with ion homeostasis traits, sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) content, and Na+/K+ ratio representing five genomic regions on Chr 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 in the leaves of worldwide barley accessions. And there are 3 SNP peaks located on the Chr 4, 6, and 7, which could be the "hot spots" regions for mining and identifying candidate genes for salt tolerance. Furthermore, 616 unique candidate genes were screened surrounding the significant SNPs, which are associated with transport proteins, protein kinases, binding proteins, and other proteins of unknown function. Meanwhile, transcriptomic analysis (RNA-Seq) was carried out to compare the salt-tolerant (CM72) and salt-sensitive (Gairdner) genotypes subjected to salt stress. And there was a greater accumulation of differentially expressed genes(DEGs) in Gairdner compared to CM72, mainly enriched in metabolic pathway, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, photosynthesis, signal transduction,emphasizing the different transcriptional response in both genotypes following salt exposure. Combined GWAS and RNA-Seq analysis revealed 5 promising salt-responding genes (PGK2, BASS3, SINAT2, AQP, and SYT3) from the hot spot regions, which were verified between the salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive varieties by qRT-PCR. In all, these results provide candidate SNPs and genes responsible for salinity responding in barley, and a new idea for studying such genetic basis in similar crops.
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29
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Ritagliati C, Ayoub S, Balbach M, Buck J, Levin LR. In vivo characterization of sAC null sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1134051. [PMID: 37152282 PMCID: PMC10160483 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1134051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted disruption of the soluble adenylyl cyclase (ADCY10; sAC) gene results in male-specific sterility without affecting spermatogenesis, mating behavior, or spermatozoa morphology and count; however, it dramatically impairs sperm motility and prevents capacitation. These phenotypes were identified in sperm from sAC null mice surgically extracted from the epididymis and studied in vitro. Epididymal sperm are dormant, and never exposed to physiological activators in semen or the female reproductive tract. To study sAC null sperm under conditions which more closely resemble natural fertilization, we explored phenotypes of ejaculated sAC null sperm in vivo post-coitally as well as ex vivo, collected from the female reproductive tract. Ex vivo ejaculated sAC null sperm behaved similarly to epididymal sAC null sperm, except with respect to the physiologically induced acrosome reaction. These studies suggest there is a sAC-independent regulation of acrosome responsiveness induced upon ejaculation or exposure to factors in the female reproductive tract. We also studied the behavior of sAC null sperm in vivo post-coitally by taking advantage of transgenes with fluorescently labelled sperm. Transgenes expressing GFP in the acrosome and DsRed2 in the mitochondria located in the midpiece of sperm (DsRed2/Acr3-EGFP) allow visualization of sperm migration through the female reproductive tract after copulation. As previously reported, sperm from wild type (WT) double transgenic mice migrated from the uterus through the uterotubular junction (UTJ) into the oviduct within an hour post-copulation. In contrast, sperm from sAC null double transgenic mice were only found in the uterus. There were no sAC null sperm in the oviduct, even 8 h after copulation. These results demonstrate that sAC KO males are infertile because their sperm do not migrate to the fertilization site.
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30
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Xiong W, Ge H, Shen C, Li C, Zhang X, Tang L, Shen Y, Lu S, Zhang H, Wang Z. PRSS37 deficiency leads to impaired energy metabolism in testis and sperm revealed by DIA-based quantitative proteomic analysis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:145-168. [PMID: 35471551 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00918-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies have reported that a putative trypsin-like serine protease, PRSS37, is exclusively expressed in testicular germ cells during late spermatogenesis and essential for sperm migration from the uterus into the oviduct and sperm-egg recognition via mediating the interaction between PDILT and ADAM3. In the present study, the global proteome profiles of wild-type (wt) and Prss37-/- mice in testis and sperm were compared employing data independent acquisition (DIA) technology. Overall, 2506 and 459 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in Prss37-null testis and sperm, respectively, when compared to control groups. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that most of DEPs were related to energy metabolism. Of note, the DEPs associated with pathways for the catabolism such as glucose via glycolysis, fatty acids via β-oxidation, and amino acids via oxidative deamination were significantly down-regulated. Meanwhile, the DEPs involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) were remarkably decreased. The DIA data were further confirmed by a markedly reduction of intermediate metabolites (citrate and fumarate) in TCA cycle and terminal metabolite (ATP) in OXPHOS system after disruption of PRSS37. These outcomes not only provide a more comprehensive understanding of the male fertility of energy metabolism modulated by PRSS37 but also furnish a dynamic proteomic resource for further reproductive biology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Haoyang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Chaojie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lingyun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shunyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated To Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Song J, Sha Y, Liu X, Zeng X, Zhao X. Novel mutations of TEX11 are associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1159723. [PMID: 37124723 PMCID: PMC10140331 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1159723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affects 10% of infertile men worldwide, and genetic studies revealed that there are plenty of monogenic mutations that responsible for a part of idiopathic NOA cases. Testis-expressed gene 11 (TEX11) is an X-linked meiosis-specific gene, many pathogenic variants in TEX11 have been detected in NOA patients, and the deficiency of this gene can cause abnormal meiotic recombination and chromosomal synapsis. However, many NOA-affected cases caused by TEX11 mutation remain largely unknown. This study reported three novel TEX11 mutations (exon 5, c.313C>T: p.R105*), (exon 7, c.427A>C: p.K143Q) and (exon 29, c.2575G>A: p.G859R). Mutations were screened using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and further verified by amplifying and sequencing the specific exon. Histological analysis of testicular biopsy specimens revealed a thicker basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules and poorly developed spermatocytes, and no post-meiotic round spermatids or mature spermatozoa were observed in the seminiferous tubules of patients with TEX11 mutation. Conclusion This study presents three novel variants of TEX11 as potential infertility alleles that have not been previously reported. It expanded the variant spectrum of patients with NOA, which also emphasizes the necessity of this gene screening for the clinical auxiliary diagnosis of patients with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Xuhui Zeng, ; Xiuling Zhao,
| | - Xiuling Zhao
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Xuhui Zeng, ; Xiuling Zhao,
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Rusevski A, Plaseska-Karanfilska D, Davalieva K. Proteomics of azoospermia: Towards the discovery of reliable markers for non-invasive diagnosis. Proteomics Clin Appl 2023; 17:e2200060. [PMID: 36177695 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202200060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Azoospermia, as the most severe form of male infertility, no longer indicates sterility due to modern medical advancements. The current diagnostic procedure based on testicular biopsy has several drawbacks which urges the development of novel, non-invasive diagnostic procedures based on biomarkers. In the last two decades, there have been many proteomics studies investigating potential azoospermia biomarkers. In this review, we aimed to provide a critical evaluation of these studies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Published articles were gathered by systematic literature search using Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases until March 2022 and were further preselected to include only studies on human samples. RESULTS A detailed review of these studies encompassed the proteomics platforms, sources of material, proposed candidate biomarkers, and their potential diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. In addition, emphasis was put on the top, most identified and validated biomarker candidates and their potential for discriminating azoospermia types and subtypes as well as predicting sperm retrieval success rate. CONCLUSIONS Proteomics research of azoospermia has laid the groundwork for the development of a more streamlined biomarker testing. The future research should be focused on well-designed studies including samples from all types/subtypes as well as further testing of the most promising biomarkers identified so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Rusevski
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Katarina Davalieva
- Research Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology "Georgi D Efremov", Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
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33
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Sethi S, Mehta P, Pandey A, Gupta G, Rajender S. miRNA Profiling of Major Testicular Germ Cells Identifies Stage-Specific Regulators of Spermatogenesis. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3477-3493. [PMID: 35715552 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01005-x] [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: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is tightly controlled at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels by various regulators, including miRNAs. This study deals with the identification of miRNAs critical to the three important stages of germ cell development (spermatocytes, round spermatids, and mature sperm) during spermatogenesis. We used high-throughput transcriptome sequencing to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs in the pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids, and mature sperm of rat. We identified 1843 miRNAs that were differentially expressed across the three stages of germ cell development. These miRNAs were further categorized into three classes according to their pattern of expression during spermatogenesis: class 1 - miRNAs found exclusively in one stage and absent in the other two stages; class 2 - miRNAs found in any two stages but absent in the third stage; class 3 - miRNAs expressed in all the three stages. Six hundred forty-six miRNAs were found to be specific to one developmental stage, 443 miRNAs were found to be common across any two stages, and 754 miRNAs were common to all the three stages. Target prediction for ten most abundant miRNAs specific to each category identified miRNA regulators of mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation. The expression of each miRNA is specific to a particular developmental stage, which is required to maintain a significant repertoire of target mRNAs in the respective stage. Thus, this study provided valuable data that can be used in the future to identify the miRNAs involved in spermatogenic arrest at a particular stage of the germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Sethi
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research [AcSIR], Ghaziabad, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research [AcSIR], Ghaziabad, India
| | - Aastha Pandey
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research [AcSIR], Ghaziabad, India
| | - Gopal Gupta
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research [AcSIR], Ghaziabad, India
| | - Singh Rajender
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research [AcSIR], Ghaziabad, India.
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Zhao X, Sang M, Han P, Gao J, Liu Z, Li H, Gu Y, Wang C, Sun F. Peptides from the croceine croaker ( Larimichthys crocea) swim bladder attenuate busulfan-induced oligoasthenospermia in mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:319-325. [PMID: 35148224 PMCID: PMC8843205 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2034895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The swim bladder of the croceine croaker is believed to have a therapeutic effect on various diseases. However, there is no research about its effect on mammalian spermatogenesis. OBJECTIVE We investigated the swim bladder peptides (SBPs) effect on busulfan-induced oligoasthenospermia in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS We first extracted SBP from protein hydrolysate of the croceine croaker swim bladder, and then five groups of ICR male mice were randomly assigned: control, control + SBP 60 mg/kg, busulfan, busulfan + SBP 30 mg/kg and busulfan + SBP 60 mg/kg. Mice received bilateral intratesticular injections of busulfan to establish oligoasthenospermia model. After treatment with SBP for 4 weeks, testis and epididymis were collected from all mice for further analysis. RESULTS After treatment with SBP 30-60 mg/kg for 4 weeks, epididymal sperm concentration and motility increased by 3.9-9.6- and 1.9-2.4-fold than those of oligoasthenospermia mice induced by busulfan. Meanwhile, histology showed that spermatogenic cells decreased, leading to increased lumen diameters and vacuolization in the busulfan group. These features were reversed by SBP treatment. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that, compared with the busulfan group, Lin28b and Igf2bp1 expression related to germ cell proliferation, increased with a >1.5-fold change after SBP treatment. Additionally, PGK2 and Cfap69 mRNAs associated with sperm motility, also increased with a >1.5-fold change. Furthermore, these findings were validated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This is the first reported evidence for the therapeutic effect of SBP on oligoasthenospermia. SBP may be a promising drug for oligoasthenospermia in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mengmeng Sang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping Han
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhenhua Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hu Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yayun Gu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chengniu Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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Chen R, Ma T, Du S, Luo J, Zhang H, Xu X, Cao Z, Yuan Z, Sun H, Liu M, Xiong B, Shi Q, Liu JY. Impaired fertility in 4930590J08Rik mutant male mice is associated with defective sperm energy metabolism. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22634. [PMID: 36331537 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200805rr] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Testis-specifically expressed genes are important for male reproduction according to their unique expression patterns. However, the functions of most of these genes in reproduction are unclear. Here, we showed that mouse 4930590J08Rik was a testis-specifically expressed gene. 4930590J08Rik knockout mice exhibited a delay in the first wave of spermatogenesis and a reduction of cauda epididymal sperm. Furthermore, knockout spermatozoa exhibited defective acrosome reactions and decreased progressive motility, which led to impaired in vivo fertilization. Transcriptome analysis of testes revealed that most of the differentially expressed genes in knockout testes were associated with metabolic processes. 4930590J08Rik knockout sperm exhibited oxidative phosphorylation deficiency and were highly dependent on increased anaerobic glycolysis to compensate for ATP demands. Taken together, the 4930590J08Rik-disrupted mouse partially mimics the phenotypes of human asthenospermia and oligozoospermia, which provides a new model for further understanding the pathogenesis of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Tingbin Ma
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyue Du
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xuan Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Zhangqi Yuan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Sun
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Mugen Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Yu Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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36
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Motility Assessment of Ram Spermatozoa. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121715. [PMID: 36552225 PMCID: PMC9774426 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For successful fertilisation to occur, spermatozoa need to successfully migrate through the female reproductive tract and penetrate the oocyte. Predictably, poor sperm motility has been associated with low rates of fertilisation in many mammalian species, including the ram. As such, motility is one of the most important parameters used for in vitro evaluation of ram sperm quality and function. This review aims to outline the mechanical and energetic processes which underpin sperm motility, describe changes in motility which occur as a result of differences in sperm structure and the surrounding microenvironment, and assess the effectiveness of the various methods used to assess sperm motility in rams. Methods of subjective motility estimation are convenient, inexpensive methods widely used in the livestock industries, however, the subjective nature of these methods can make them unreliable. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) technology accurately and objectively measures sperm motility via two-dimensional tracing of sperm head motion, making it a popular method for sperm quality assurance in domesticated animal production laboratories. Newly developed methods of motility assessment including flagellar tracing, three-dimensional sperm tracing, in vivo motility assessment, and molecular assays which quantify motility-associated biomarkers, enable analysis of a new range of sperm motion parameters with the potential to reveal new mechanistic insights and improve ram semen assessment. Experimental application of these technologies is required to fully understand their potential to improve semen quality assessment and prediction of reproductive success in ovine artificial breeding programs.
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37
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Amaral A. Energy metabolism in mammalian sperm motility. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1569. [DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Amaral
- Department of Developmental Genetics Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics Berlin Germany
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38
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Tourmente M, Sansegundo E, Rial E, Roldan ERS. Capacitation promotes a shift in energy metabolism in murine sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:950979. [PMID: 36081906 PMCID: PMC9445201 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.950979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sperm acquire fertilization ability after a series of physiological and biochemical changes, collectively known as capacitation, that occur inside the female reproductive tract. In addition to other requirements, sperm bioenergetic metabolism has been identified as a fundamental component in the acquisition of capacitation. Mammalian sperm produce ATP through two main metabolic processes, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and aerobic glycolysis that are localized to two different flagellar compartments, the midpiece, and the principal piece, respectively. In mouse sperm, the occurrence of many events associated with capacitation relies on the activity of these two energy-producing pathways, leading to the hypothesis that some of these events may impose changes in sperm energetic demands. In the present study, we used extracellular flux analysis to evaluate changes in glycolytic and respiratory parameters of murine sperm that occur as a consequence of capacitation. Furthermore, we examined whether these variations affect sperm ATP sustainability. Our results show that capacitation promotes a shift in the usage ratio of the two main metabolic pathways, from oxidative to glycolytic. However, this metabolic rewiring does not seem to affect the rate at which the sperm consume ATP. We conclude that the probable function of the metabolic switch is to increase the ATP supply in the distal flagellar regions, thus sustaining the energetic demands that arise from capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Tourmente
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales (FCEFyN—UNC), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IIByT—CONICET, UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Maximiliano Tourmente, ; Eduardo R. S. Roldan,
| | - Ester Sansegundo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rial
- Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Maximiliano Tourmente, ; Eduardo R. S. Roldan,
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Li T, Wang H, Luo R, An X, Li Q, Su M, Shi H, Chen H, Zhang Y, Ma Y. Proteome Informatics in Tibetan Sheep (Ovis aries) Testes Suggest the Crucial Proteins Related to Development and Functionality. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:923789. [PMID: 35909681 PMCID: PMC9334778 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.923789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis has an indispensable function in male reproduction of domestic animals. Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) is a locally adapted breed of sheep raised in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with outsized roles in providing the livelihood for millions of residents. Nevertheless, less is known on how protein expression and their functional roles in developmental testes of such breed limit their use in breeding efforts. In this study, we obtained comprehensive protein profiles from testes of Tibetan sheep at three developmental stages (including pre-puberty, post-puberty, and adulthood) using data-independent acquisition-based proteomic strategy to quantitatively identify the differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) associated with testicular development and function and to unravel the molecular basis of spermatogenesis. A total of 6,221 proteins were differentially expressed in an age-dependent manner. The reliability of the gene expression abundance was corroborated by quantitative PCR and targeted parallel reaction monitoring. These DAPs were significantly enriched to biological processes concerning spermatid development and sperm deformation, mitosis, glycolytic process, cell-cell/extracellular matrix (ECM) junctions, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration and to the pathways including, developmental process and sexual reproduction-related (such as VEGF, estrogen, insulin, GnRH, Hippo, PI3K-Akt, mTOR, MAPK, and AMPK), and testicular cell events-related pathways (such as tight/gap/adherens junctions, ECM-receptor interaction, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, glycolysis, cell cycle, and meiosis). Based on these bioinformatics analysis, we constructed four protein–protein interaction network, among which the proteins are involved in mitosis, meiosis, spermiogenesis, and testicular microenvironment, respectively. Altogether, these bioinformatics-based sequencing results suggest that many protein-coding genes were expressed in a development-dependent manner in Tibetan sheep testes to contribute to the testicular cell development and their surrounding microenvironment remodeling at various stages of spermatogenesis. These findings have important implications for further understanding of the mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis in sheep and even other plateau-adapted animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huihui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruirui Luo
- Animal Husbandry, Pasture, and Green Agriculture Institute, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao An
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiao Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Manchun Su
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huibin Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haolin Chen
- Guizhou Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Guiyang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Youji Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Youji Ma
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Wang H, Dou Q, Jeong KJ, Choi J, Gladyshev VN, Chung JJ. Redox regulation by TXNRD3 during epididymal maturation underlies capacitation-associated mitochondrial activity and sperm motility in mice. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102077. [PMID: 35643315 PMCID: PMC9218152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During epididymal transit, redox remodeling protects mammalian spermatozoa, preparing them for survival in the subsequent journey to fertilization. However, molecular mechanisms of redox regulation in sperm development and maturation remain largely elusive. In this study, we report that thioredoxin-glutathione reductase (TXNRD3), a thioredoxin reductase family member particularly abundant in elongating spermatids at the site of mitochondrial sheath formation, regulates redox homeostasis to support male fertility. Using Txnrd3-/- mice, our biochemical, ultrastructural, and live cell imaging analyses revealed impairments in sperm morphology and motility under conditions of TXNRD3 deficiency. We find that mitochondria develop more defined cristae during capacitation in wildtype sperm. Furthermore, we show that absence of TXNRD3 alters thiol redox status in both the head and tail during sperm maturation and capacitation, resulting in defective mitochondrial ultrastructure and activity under capacitating conditions. These findings provide insights into molecular mechanisms of redox homeostasis and bioenergetics during sperm maturation, capacitation, and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Qianhui Dou
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kyung Jo Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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41
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Numata S, McDermott JP, Blanco G. Genetic Ablation of Na,K-ATPase α4 Results in Sperm Energetic Defects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:911056. [PMID: 35693932 PMCID: PMC9178190 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.911056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 isoform (NKAα4) is expressed specifically in the male germ cells of the testes and is particularly abundant in mature spermatozoa. Genetic deletion of NKAα4 in mice (NKAα4 KO mice) results in complete infertility of male, but not female mice. The reduced fecundity of NKAα4 KO male mice is due to a series of defects, including a severe impairment in total and hyperactive sperm motility. In this work, we show that deletion of NKAα4 also leads to major defects in sperm metabolism and energetics. Thus, compared to wild-type sperm, sperm from NKAα4 KO mice display a significant reduction in the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), indicative of impaired glycolytic flux. In addition, mitochondrial function is disrupted in sperm lacking NKAα4, as indicated by a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential and lower oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Moreover, the ratio between the oxidized and reduced forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NADH) is increased in NKAα4 KO sperm, indicating a shift in the cellular redox state. These metabolic changes are associated with augmented reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increased lipid peroxidation in NKAα4 KO sperm. Altogether, these findings reveal a novel link between NKAα4 activity and sperm energetics, highlighting the essential role of this ion transporter in sperm physiology.
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Sansegundo E, Tourmente M, Roldan ERS. Energy Metabolism and Hyperactivation of Spermatozoa from Three Mouse Species under Capacitating Conditions. Cells 2022; 11:220. [PMID: 35053337 PMCID: PMC8773617 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm differ widely in sperm morphology, and several explanations have been presented to account for this diversity. Less is known about variation in sperm physiology and cellular processes that can give sperm cells an advantage when competing to fertilize oocytes. Capacitation of spermatozoa, a process essential for mammalian fertilization, correlates with changes in motility that result in a characteristic swimming pattern known as hyperactivation. Previous studies revealed that sperm motility and velocity depend on the amount of ATP available and, therefore, changes in sperm movement occurring during capacitation and hyperactivation may involve changes in sperm bioenergetics. Here, we examine differences in ATP levels of sperm from three mouse species (genus Mus), differing in sperm competition levels, incubated under non-capacitating and capacitating conditions, to analyse relationships between energetics, capacitation, and swimming patterns. We found that, in general terms, the amount of sperm ATP decreased more rapidly under capacitating conditions. This descent was related to the development of a hyperactivated pattern of movement in two species (M. musculus and M. spicilegus) but not in the other (M. spretus), suggesting that, in the latter, temporal dynamics and energetic demands of capacitation and hyperactivation may be decoupled or that the hyperactivation pattern differs. The decrease in ATP levels during capacitation was steeper in species with higher levels of sperm competition than in those with lower levels. Our results suggest that, during capacitation, sperm consume more ATP than under non-capacitating conditions. This higher ATP consumption may be linked to higher velocity and lateral head displacement, which are associated with hyperactivated motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Sansegundo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Maximiliano Tourmente
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científica y Técnicas (CONICET), Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
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Qi M, Sun H, Guo Y, Zhou Y, Gu X, Jin J, Chen X, Wang F, Ma H, Guo X, Chen H, Shen B. m 6 A reader protein YTHDF2 regulates spermatogenesis by timely clearance of phase-specific transcripts. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13164. [PMID: 34850470 PMCID: PMC8780898 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accumulating evidences show that the regulatory network of m6 A modification is essential for mammalian spermatogenesis. However, as an m6 A reader, the roles of YTHDF2 remain enigmatic due to the lack of a proper model. Here, we employed the germ cell conditional knockout mouse model and explored the function of YTHDF2 in spermatogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ythdf2 germ cell conditional knockout mice were obtained by crossing Ythdf2-floxed mice with Vasa-Cre and Stra8-Cre mice. Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting were used for phenotyping. CASA, IVF and ICSI were applied for sperm function analysis. RNA-seq, YTHDF2-RIP-seq and quantitative real-time PCR were used to explore transcriptome changes and molecular mechanism analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that YTHDF2 was highly expressed in spermatogenic cells. The germ cell conditional knockout males were sterile, and their sperm displayed malformation, impaired motility, and lost fertilization ability. During differentiated spermatogonia transiting to pachytene spermatocyte, most m6 A-modified YTHDF2 targets that were degraded in control germ cells persisted in pachytene spermatocytes of Ythdf2-vKO mice. These delayed mRNAs were mainly enriched in pathways related to the regulation of transcription, and disturbed the transcriptome of round spermatid and elongated spermatid subsequently. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that YTHDF2 facilitates the timely turnover of phase-specific transcripts to ensure the proper progression of spermatogenesis, which highlights a critical role of YTHDF2 in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Center for Reproductive MedicineDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Haifeng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xueying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jiachuan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xiaoxu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Fangzhu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine CenterGansu Provincial Maternity and Child‐Care HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Honghui Ma
- Department of CardiologyShanghai East HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Human Cell Biology and GeneticsSchool of MedicineSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Center for Global HealthSchool of Public HealthNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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Dietary folic acid supplementation improves semen quality and spermatogenesis through altering autophagy and histone methylation in the testis of aged broiler breeder roosters. Theriogenology 2021; 181:8-15. [PMID: 34998023 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aging phenomenon often exerts a significant reduction in the reproduction performance of aged animals. The objective of this project was to investigate the effects of dietary Folic acid (FA) supplementation on the reproductive performance of aged broiler breeder roosters. A total of 16 aged ROSS 308 broiler breeder roosters (50-week-old) were randomly divided into two groups. The treatments were basal diet (CON), a basal diet supplemented with 10 mg/kg Folic acid (FAS) for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, semen quality, histopathological studies, serum concentrations of testosterone and relative mRNA and protein expressions of testes were evaluated. The results showed that dietary FA supplementation dramatically improved semen quality of aged roosters, manifested by increasing semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm membrane functional integrity. Furthermore, seminiferous tubule epithelial height (SEH) and testis scores were increased by dietary supplementation with FA. Dietary FA also remarkably augmented the transcription level of spermatogenesis-related gene (CREM, PCK2, DDX4, and GDNF). No significant differences were observed in serum concentrations of testosterone between FAS and CON groups. We noted significant upregulation Beclin-1 and ATG5 protein expressions, and the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ, as well as significant downregulation of p-mTOR protein expressions in testicular tissue of aged roosters with FA supplementation. In addition, dietary FA supplementation significantly increased the protein expression of H3K9me2 and reduced the protein expression of H3K27me2. In summary, dietary FA supplementation improved the testicular autophagy through the mTOR-signaling pathway, and altered histone methylation in the testis. Dietary supplementation with FA can ameliorate semen quality and spermatogenesis of aged roosters.
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Araujo SC, Bertolla RP. Protein markers of spermatogenesis and their potential use in the management of azoospermia. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:939-948. [PMID: 34812697 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.2010548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Azoospermia, absence of sperm in the ejaculate is classified as obstructive (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). In OA, sperm are produced, but due to physical obstruction in the male reproductive tract, they are not released in the ejaculate. NOA, on the other hand, is defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to testicular dysfunction. In NOA, spermatogenesis is frequently preserved in specific sites, and proteomics studies have been employed in order to identify men with preserved spermatogenesis. AREAS COVERED Differential protein expression in patients with male infertility is an indicator of impaired spermatogenesis. Here, we reviewed proteins with a potential role as biomarkers of spermatogenesis that could help in the management of non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia. The following keywords were used for bibliographic research: seminal plasma, proteomics, male infertility, nonobstructive, obstructive, azoospermia, oligospermia. EXPERT OPINION Biopsy is an invasive and potentially harmful technique for detecting spermatogenesis in men with OA and NOA. Seminal plasma proteins are highly promising as biomarkers for spermatogenesis. Current literature presents a number of potential candidate biomarkers for determining preserved spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Costa Araujo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Giaccagli MM, Gómez-Elías MD, Herzfeld JD, Marín-Briggiler CI, Cuasnicú PS, Cohen DJ, Da Ros VG. Capacitation-Induced Mitochondrial Activity Is Required for Sperm Fertilizing Ability in Mice by Modulating Hyperactivation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:767161. [PMID: 34765607 PMCID: PMC8576324 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.767161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To become fully competent to fertilize an egg, mammalian sperm undergo a series of functional changes within the female tract, known as capacitation, that require an adequate supply and management of energy. However, the contribution of each ATP generating pathway to sustain the capacitation-associated changes remains unclear. Based on this, we investigated the role of mitochondrial activity in the acquisition of sperm fertilizing ability during capacitation in mice. For this purpose, the dynamics of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was studied by flow cytometry with the probe tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE). We observed a time-dependent increase in MMP only in capacitated sperm as well as a specific staining with the probe in the flagellar region where mitochondria are confined. The MMP rise was prevented when sperm were exposed to the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine (CCCP) or the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 during capacitation, indicating that MMP increase is dependent on capacitation and H89-sensitive events. Results showed that whereas nearly all motile sperm were TMRE positive, immotile cells were mostly TMRE negative, supporting an association between high MMP and sperm motility. Furthermore, CCCP treatment during capacitation did not affect PKA substrate and tyrosine phosphorylations but produced a decrease in hyperactivation measured by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA), similar to that observed after H89 exposure. In addition, CCCP inhibited the in vitro sperm fertilizing ability without affecting cumulus penetration and gamete fusion, indicating that the hyperactivation supported by mitochondrial function is needed mainly for zona pellucida penetration. Finally, complementary in vivo fertilization experiments further demonstrated the fundamental role of mitochondrial activity for sperm function. Altogether, our results show the physiological relevance of mitochondrial functionality for sperm fertilization competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Milagros Giaccagli
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías Daniel Gómez-Elías
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jael Dafne Herzfeld
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara Isabel Marín-Briggiler
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular de la Reproducción, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Sara Cuasnicú
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Débora Juana Cohen
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Gabriela Da Ros
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares de la Fertilización, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Marín-Briggiler CI, Luque GM, Gervasi MG, Oscoz-Susino N, Sierra JM, Mondillo C, Salicioni AM, Krapf D, Visconti PE, Buffone MG. Human Sperm Remain Motile After a Temporary Energy Restriction but do Not Undergo Capacitation-Related Events. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:777086. [PMID: 34869380 PMCID: PMC8633110 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.777086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To acquire fertilization competence, mammalian sperm must undergo several biochemical and physiological modifications known as capacitation. Despite its relevance, the metabolic pathways that regulate the capacitation-related events, including the development of hyperactivated motility, are still poorly described. Previous studies from our group have shown that temporary energy restriction in mouse sperm enhanced hyperactivation, in vitro fertilization, early embryo development and pregnancy rates after embryo transfer, and it improved intracytoplasmic sperm injection results in the bovine model. However, the effects of starvation and energy recovery protocols on human sperm function have not yet been established. In the present work, human sperm were incubated for different periods of time in medium containing glucose, pyruvate and lactate (NUTR) or devoid of nutrients for the starving condition (STRV). Sperm maintained in STRV displayed reduced percentages of motility and kinematic parameters compared to cells incubated in NUTR medium. Moreover, they did not undergo hyperactivation and showed reduced levels of ATP, cAMP and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Similar to our results with mouse sperm, starvation induced increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Starved human sperm were capable to continue moving for more than 27 h, but the incubation with a mitochondrial uncoupler or inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation led to a complete motility loss. When exogenous nutrients were added back (sperm energy recovery (SER) treatment), hyperactivated motility was rescued and there was a rise in sperm ATP and cAMP levels in 1 min, with a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and no changes in sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The finding that human sperm can remain motile for several hours under starvation due to mitochondrial use of endogenous metabolites implies that other metabolic pathways may play a role in sperm energy production. In addition, full recovery of motility and other capacitation parameters of human sperm after SER suggests that this treatment might be used to modulate human sperm fertilizing ability in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillermina M. Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María G. Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Natalia Oscoz-Susino
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jessica M. Sierra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Mondillo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana M. Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Darío Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Wagner G, Lehmann C, Bode C, Miosge N, Schubert A. High Mobility Group Box 1 Protein in Osteoarthritic Knee Tissue and Chondrogenic Progenitor Cells: An Ex Vivo and In Vitro Study. Cartilage 2021; 12:484-495. [PMID: 30912672 PMCID: PMC8461157 DOI: 10.1177/1947603519835897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In osteoarthritis (OA), a loss of healthy cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) results in cartilage degeneration. Attracting chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) to injury sites and stimulating them toward chondrogenic expression profiles is a regenerative approach in OA therapy. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is associated with chemoattractant and proinflammatory effects in various pathological processes. Here, we investigate the migratory effects of HMGB1 in knee OA and CPCs for the first time. DESIGN Immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and immunocytochemistry were performed to identify HMGB1 and its receptors, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in OA knee tissue, chondrocytes, and CPCs. In situ hybridization for HMGB1 mRNA was performed in CPCs ex vivo. The chemoattractant effects of HMGB1 on CPCs were analyzed in cell migration assays. RESULTS HMGB1 expression in OA tissue and OA chondrocytes was higher than in healthy specimens and cells. HMGB1, RAGE, and TLR4 were expressed in CPCs and chondrocytes. In situ hybridization revealed HMGB1 mRNA in CPCs after migration into OA knee tissue, and immunohistochemistry confirmed HMGB1 expression at the protein level. Stimulation via HMGB1 significantly increased the migration of CPCs. CONCLUSIONS Our results show the chemoattractant role of HMGB1 in knee OA. HMGB1 is released by chondrocytes and has migratory effects on CPCs. These effects might be mediated via RAGE and TLR4. The in vitro and ex vivo results of this study need to be confirmed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunar Wagner
- Tissue Regeneration and Oral Biology Work Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Georg August University, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Lehmann
- Tissue Regeneration and Oral Biology Work Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Georg August University, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Christa Bode
- Tissue Regeneration and Oral Biology Work Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Georg August University, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Nicolai Miosge
- Tissue Regeneration and Oral Biology Work Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Georg August University, Gottingen, Germany,Nicolai Miosge, Tissue Regeneration and Oral Biology Work Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Georg August University, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, Gottingen, 37075, Germany.
| | - Andrea Schubert
- Tissue Regeneration and Oral Biology Work Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Georg August University, Gottingen, Germany
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Yang YF, Chuang HW, Kuo WT, Lin BS, Chang YC. Current Development and Application of Anaerobic Glycolytic Enzymes in Urothelial Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910612. [PMID: 34638949 PMCID: PMC8508954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Urothelial cancer is a malignant tumor with metastatic ability and high mortality. Malignant tumors of the urinary system include upper tract urothelial cancer and bladder cancer. In addition to typical genetic alterations and epigenetic modifications, metabolism-related events also occur in urothelial cancer. This metabolic reprogramming includes aberrant expression levels of genes, metabolites, and associated networks and pathways. In this review, we summarize the dysfunctions of glycolytic enzymes in urothelial cancer and discuss the relevant phenotype and signal transduction. Moreover, we describe potential prognostic factors and risks to the survival of clinical cancer patients. More importantly, based on several available databases, we explore relationships between glycolytic enzymes and genetic changes or drug responses in urothelial cancer cells. Current advances in glycolysis-based inhibitors and their combinations are also discussed. Combining all of the evidence, we indicate their potential value for further research in basic science and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fang Yang
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan;
| | - Hao-Wen Chuang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan;
- Institute of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Kuo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Syuan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Chan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2826-7064
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50
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Johnston DS, Goldberg E. Preclinical contraceptive development for men and women. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:147-156. [PMID: 32561907 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This manuscript endeavors to present research considerations for the preclinical development of non-hormonal contraceptives. Topics include (1) how advances in genomics and bioinformatics impact the identification of novel targets for non-hormonal contraception, (2) the importance of target validation prior to investment in a contraceptive development campaign, (3) considerations on targeting gametogenesis vs gamete maturation/function, (4) how targets from the male reproductive system are expanding women's options for 'on demand' contraception, and (5) some emerging non-hormonal methods that are not based on a specific molecular target. Also presented are ideas for developing a pipeline of non-hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-acting contraceptives for men and women while balancing risk and innovation, and our perspective on the pros and cons of industry and academic environments on contraceptive development. Three product development programs are highlighted that are biologically interesting, innovative, and likely to influence the field of contraceptive development in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Johnston
- Contraception Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erwin Goldberg
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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