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Domínguez S, Cervantes I, Gutiérrez JP, Moreno E. Pedigree analysis in the mhorr gazelle ( Nanger dama mhorr): Genetic variability evolution of the captive population. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10876. [PMID: 38371855 PMCID: PMC10873689 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10876] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Breeding programs have an essential role in the recovery of threatened populations through optimal genetic management and mating strategies. The dama gazelle (Nanger dama) is a North African ungulate listed as critically endangered. The mhorr subspecies is extinct in the wild and currently survives thanks to the creation in 1971 of an ex situ breeding program. The aim of the present study was to assess the evolution of genetic variability in this mhorr gazelle captive population, as well as the mating strategy used in two reference populations studied (Almeria and Europe). The entire pedigree, with 2739 animals, was analyzed to measure demographic characters, pedigree completeness level, probability of gene origin, level of relatedness and genetic structure of the population. The population size has been progressively increasing, with up to 264 individuals alive in Europe at the time of the study. The average number of equivalent complete generations was 5.55. The effective number of founders and ancestors was both 3, and the founder genome equivalent was 1.99. The genetic contributions of the four main ancestors were unbalanced. The average values of inbreeding and average relatedness for the whole pedigree were, respectively, 28.34% and 50.14%. The effective population size was 8.7 by individual increase in inbreeding and 9.8 by individual increase in coancestry. F-statistics evidenced a very small level of population subdivision (F ST = 0.033370). The mating strategy used, based on the minimum coancestry of the individuals, has minimized the losses of genetic variability and helped to balance the genetic contributions between ancestors. The strategy also avoided large subdivisions within the population and the appearance of new bottlenecks. This study shows how pedigree analysis can both be used to determine the genetic variability of the population and to assess the influence of the mating strategy used in the breeding program on such variability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Cervantes
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de VeterinariaUCMMadridSpain
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Ghoreishifar M, Vahedi SM, Salek Ardestani S, Khansefid M, Pryce JE. Genome-wide assessment and mapping of inbreeding depression identifies candidate genes associated with semen traits in Holstein bulls. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:230. [PMID: 37138201 PMCID: PMC10157977 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09298-1] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reduction in phenotypic performance of a population due to mating between close relatives is called inbreeding depression. The genetic background of inbreeding depression for semen traits is poorly understood. Thus, the objectives were to estimate the effect of inbreeding and to identify genomic regions underlying inbreeding depression of semen traits including ejaculate volume (EV), sperm concentration (SC), and sperm motility (SM). The dataset comprised ~ 330 K semen records from ~ 1.5 K Holstein bulls genotyped with 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) BeadChip. Genomic inbreeding coefficients were estimated using runs of homozygosity (i.e., FROH > 1 Mb) and excess of SNP homozygosity (FSNP). The effect of inbreeding was estimated by regressing phenotypes of semen traits on inbreeding coefficients. Associated variants with inbreeding depression were also detected by regressing phenotypes on ROH state of the variants. RESULTS Significant inbreeding depression was observed for SC and SM (p < 0.01). A 1% increase in FROH reduced SM and SC by 0.28% and 0.42% of the population mean, respectively. By splitting FROH into different lengths, we found significant reduction in SC and SM due to longer ROH, which is indicative of more recent inbreeding. A genome-wide association study revealed two signals positioned on BTA 8 associated with inbreeding depression of SC (p < 0.00001; FDR < 0.02). Three candidate genes of GALNTL6, HMGB2, and ADAM29, located in these regions, have established and conserved connections with reproduction and/or male fertility. Moreover, six genomic regions on BTA 3, 9, 21 and 28 were associated with SM (p < 0.0001; FDR < 0.08). These genomic regions contained genes including PRMT6, SCAPER, EDC3, and LIN28B with established connections to spermatogenesis or fertility. CONCLUSIONS Inbreeding depression adversely affects SC and SM, with evidence that longer ROH, or more recent inbreeding, being especially detrimental. There are genomic regions associated with semen traits that seems to be especially sensitive to homozygosity, and evidence to support some from other studies. Breeding companies may wish to consider avoiding homozygosity in these regions for potential artificial insemination sires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ghoreishifar
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.
| | - Seyed Milad Vahedi
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, B2N5E3, Canada
| | | | - Majid Khansefid
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Jennie E Pryce
- Agriculture Victoria Research, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
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O'Brien E, Castaño C, Toledano-Díaz A, Caamaño JN, Hidalgo C, Fidalgo LE, López-Beceiro AM, Esteso MC, Balsera R, García-Casado P, Łukaszewicz E, Santiago-Moreno J. Use of native chicken breeds (Gallus gallus domesticus) for the development of suitable methods of Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) semen cryopreservation. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:1311-1318. [PMID: 35419978 PMCID: PMC9122408 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) is critically endangered. This subspecies has the lowest genetic variability and it is in regression. It belongs to Phasianidae family; therefore, the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) could be a good model for developing reproductive technologies for use in capercaillie populations with low availability of animals. Objectives In this study, we analyzed the response of capercaillie sperm to the freezing–thawing process for contributing to the development of a semen cryobank of Cantabrian capercaillie. Methods We used domestic chicken as the animal model in order to obtain the freezing protocol before applying on capercaillie. In the first experiment, two different extenders (EK and LR84) and different concentrations [4% and 6% dimethyl‐acetamide (DMA) v:v] of cryoprotectants were evaluated using in‐straw freezing method in domestic chickens. A pilot study in capercaillie males, using the same conditions evaluated in chicken, was performed. Results In chicken, we found that the LR84‐4% DMA media provided the best results for freezing semen. In capercaillie study, LR84 extender seemed to be the most appropriate diluent and 4% was the better dose of DMA cryoprotectant agent. Further, based on previous studies carried out in rooster samples, we also tested the glycerol (8% v/v) as a cryoprotectant for capercaillie semen cryopreservation. Conclusions Our results suggest that sperm from both domestic and wild species had a similar response to freezing–thawing processes. Mediterranean chickens may be used as a suitable model for developing sperm freezing protocols that can be extrapolated to threatened capercaillie populations. In addition, LR84 media with glycerol was the most efficient extender to freeze capercaillie sperm native.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma O'Brien
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Castaño
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo Toledano-Díaz
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Néstor Caamaño
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - Carlos Hidalgo
- Selección y Reproducción Animal-SERIDA, Principado de Asturias, Gijón, Spain
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana María López-Beceiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Milagros Cristina Esteso
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Balsera
- Servicio de Vigilancia y Control de la Biodiversidad, Dirección General de Medio Natural, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Ewa Łukaszewicz
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Julián Santiago-Moreno
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Comizzoli P, Holt WV. Recent Progress in Spermatology Contributing to the Knowledge and Conservation of Rare and Endangered Species. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:469-490. [PMID: 34758275 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-020420-040600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There is a remarkable diversity in the animal kingdom regarding mechanisms underlying the production, maturation, structure, and function of sperm cells. Spermatology studies contribute to the knowledge of species diversity and also provide information about individual or population fitness. Furthermore, this fundamental research is required before collected spermatozoa can be used for conservation breeding, including assisted reproduction and cryobanking. This article aims to (a) review the most recent knowledge on sperm morphology and function in wild animal species, (b) analyze how this knowledge can be used to save species in their natural habitat or ex situ, and (c) propose future scientific directions in wildlife spermatology that could positively impact animal conservation. Variations in sperm structure and performance within and between species have multiple origins and significance. This collective body of knowledge enables the design and implementation of conservation strategies and action plans that integrate several disciplines. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA;
| | - William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom;
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Bernal B, Castaño C, Esteso MC, Toledano-Díaz A, Domínguez-González MA, Gil MG, López-Sebastián A, Campo JL, Blesbois E, Santiago-Moreno J. Birchen and Blue Leonesa sperm cryopreservation: a new technique for evaluating the integrity of cockerel sperm membranes. Br Poult Sci 2021; 63:244-251. [PMID: 34297642 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2021.1955333] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
1. Birchen and Blue Leonesa are two endangered chicken breeds mainly raised in Curueño Valley in North Spain. The establishment of a germplasm bank to guarantee the preservation of these breeds is needed. However, cockerels from different breeder flocks can show variance in semen cryoresistance.2. The following work focused on the sperm characterisation and cryopreservation of Birchen and Blue Leonesa cockerels from four different breeders. A total of 30 semen pools were analysed. Besides conventional sperm analysis, including motility by computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) and DNA fragmentation by TUNEL, the present study tested a double staining method (MitoTrackerTM Green FM/propidium iodide). This gave simultaneous assessment of plasma and acrosomal and mitochondrial membranes, which were previously validated by SYBR-14/PI, CASA, aniline blue and TUNEL.3. No significant differences were found among fresh semen variables between breeds and breeders. For post-thawed variables, significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between breeders in sperm viability (58.0 ± 1.90 breeder D vs. 35.2 ± 7.41 breeder A, 37.2 ± 4.09 breeder B and 22.3 ± 5.92 breeder C) and DNA fragmentation (62.4 ± 9.91 breeder C vs. 31.8 ± 7.08 breeder B and 24.5 ± 5.49 breeder D). The lowest DNA fragmentation values for semen from breeder D birds were coincident with higher integrity of the mitochondrial membrane.4. The results revealed higher sperm cryoresistance in the cockerels from one of the breeders, possibly due to differences in management system (e.g. diet, housing, control of stress elements and pathogens, reproduction practices or maintenance of genetic diversity). These differences may determine the sperm freezability, and thus the effectiveness of developing a germplasm bank.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Bernal
- Dpto. Reproducción Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain.,Dpto. Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - C Castaño
- Dpto. Reproducción Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - M C Esteso
- Dpto. Reproducción Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - M G Gil
- Dpto. Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - J L Campo
- Dpto. Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Blesbois
- Reproduction Physiology and Behavior, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Tours University, Nouzilly, France
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Flow Cytometry Detection of Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Apoptotic Markers in the Semen of Infertile Males. Int J Reprod Med 2021; 2021:9531775. [PMID: 34336991 PMCID: PMC8313342 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9531775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of sperm molecular defects on fertilization and pregnancy outcome after assisted reproductive therapy (ART) is widely documented by both research and clinical societies. Sperm DNA fragmentation and abnormal chromatin condensation represent critical causes of male infertility. Advanced androgenic techniques for accurately identifying molecular defects help in selecting an appropriate treatment strategy. Additionally, specific markers of apoptosis are increasingly important in predicting male infertility. The ability of flow cytometry to estimate the quantity of sperm with DNA fragmentation or damage and multifactor measurements in immotile sperm have made this developed technique essential in fertility centers. The study is aimed at assessing the level of DNA fragmentation and apoptosis by measuring flow cytometry using new techniques. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a varying degree of DNA damage. It was able to quantify the degree of impairment even in samples with minimal DNA fragmentation. DNA damage was observed even in samples that were considered normal with a routine semen analysis. Flow cytometry was sensitive to changes in sperm apoptosis. Elevated p53 activity levels were associated with high DNA fragmentation. Meanwhile, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) activities showed a different pattern. In conclusion, flow cytometry for sperm DNA fragmentation and markers of apoptosis can be a valuable tool in assisted reproductive centers.
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7
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Sipek J, Vozdova M, Prinosilova P, Kopecka V, Rubes J. Sperm and testicular measurements and sperm cryopreservation in the giraffe (Giraffa). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-019-1257-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Santymire RM, Lonsdorf EV, Lynch CM, Wildt DE, Marinari PE, Kreeger JS, Howard JG. Inbreeding causes decreased seminal quality affecting pregnancy and litter size in the endangered black‐footed ferret. Anim Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R. M. Santymire
- Conservation and Science Department Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago IL USA
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute National Zoological Park Front Royal VA USA
| | | | - C. M. Lynch
- Conservation and Science Department Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago IL USA
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums Population Management Center Chicago IL USA
- Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Columbia SC USA
| | - D. E. Wildt
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute National Zoological Park Front Royal VA USA
| | - P. E. Marinari
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute National Zoological Park Front Royal VA USA
| | | | - J. G. Howard
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute National Zoological Park Front Royal VA USA
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Ferenčaković M, Sölkner J, Kapš M, Curik I. Genome-wide mapping and estimation of inbreeding depression of semen quality traits in a cattle population. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:4721-4730. [PMID: 28434751 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Inbreeding depression is known to affect quantitative traits such as male fertility and sperm quality, but the genetic basis for these associations is poorly understood. Most studies have been limited to examining how pedigree- or marker-derived genome-wide autozygosity is associated with quantitative phenotypes. In this study, we analyzed possible associations of genetic features of inbreeding depression with percentage of live spermatozoa and total number of spermatozoa in 19,720 ejaculates obtained from 554 Austrian Fleckvieh bulls during routine artificial insemination programs. Genome-wide inbreeding depression was estimated and genomic regions contributing to inbreeding depression were mapped. Inbreeding depression did affect total number of spermatozoa, and such depression was predicted by pedigree-based inbreeding levels and genome-wide inbreeding levels based on runs of homozygosity (ROH). Genome-wide inbreeding depression did not seem to affect percentage of live spermatozoa. A model incorporating genetic effects of the bull, environmental factors, and additive genetic and ROH status effects of individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed genomic regions significantly associated with ROH status for total number of spermatozoa (4 regions) or percentage of live spermatozoa (5 regions). All but one region contains genes related to spermatogenesis and sperm morphology. These genomic regions contain genes affecting sperm morphogenesis and efficacy. The results highlight that next-generation sequencing may help explain some of the genetic factors contributing to inbreeding depression of sperm quality traits in Fleckvieh bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Ferenčaković
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetosimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Johann Sölkner
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division of Livestock Sciences, Gregor Mendel Str. 33, A-1180 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Miroslav Kapš
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetosimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ino Curik
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetosimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Dorado J, Cid RM, Molina A, Hidalgo M, Ariza J, Moreno-Millán M, Demyda-Peyrás S. Effect of inbreeding depression on bull sperm quality and field fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:712-720. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of inbreeding depression on sperm quality using automated and objective methods and subsequent effects on beef bull field fertility. Individual inbreeding coefficient (F) values and field fertility data were determined using a dataset of AI bulls belonging to the Spanish Retinta Breeders Association (Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Ganado Vacuno Selecto de Raza Retinta (ANCRE)). Animals were clustered in two groups according to the F values as follows: (1) a high inbreeding group (HI; F ≥ 13.5%, mean 16.3); and (2) a non-inbreeding group (NI; F = 0%). In total, 17 different assessments were performed in both experimental groups, including evaluation of sperm morphology, acrosomal and DNA status, sperm plasma membrane integrity and function (hypo-osmotic swelling test), 10 kinetic parameters and the structure of sperm subpopulations. Sperm morphology, acrosomal and DNA status and osmotic tolerance were similar in both groups. Three velocity parameters (curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity and average path velocity) and the amplitude of lateral head displacement were higher in HI (P < 0.05). Cluster analysis of kinematic parameters revealed three different sperm subpopulations (sP1, sP2 and sP3), with the proportion of the sP1 population (highly active but non-progressive spermatozoa) being significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the HI group. Field fertility was assessed using two calving record datasets. In a smaller database including only bulls evaluated in the present study, there was a significant increase in the calving interval of cows sired with HI bulls. Conversely, in an extended genetic analysis of the ANCRE database, inbreeding only explained a small part of the variation in calving interval, and the results of regression analysis were not significant among bulls. The findings of the present study suggest that high inbreeding levels have a moderate effect on bull semen quality, with an increased percentage of highly active but non-progressive spermatozoa, but only when F values reached a certain threshold. This motility pattern could explain, in part, the higher calving interval produced by inbred bulls under field conditions.
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Wojtusik J, Pennington P, Songsasen N, Padilla LR, Citino SB, Pukazhenthi BS. Pretreatment of Addra gazelle (Nanger dama ruficollis) spermatozoa with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins improves cryosurvival. Cryobiology 2016; 73:388-395. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Leveraging Comparative Genomics to Identify and Functionally Characterize Genes Associated with Sperm Phenotypes in Python bivittatus (Burmese Python). GENETICS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:7505268. [PMID: 27200191 PMCID: PMC4855019 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7505268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Comparative genomics approaches provide a means of leveraging functional genomics information from a highly annotated model organism's genome (such as the mouse genome) in order to make physiological inferences about the role of genes and proteins in a less characterized organism's genome (such as the Burmese python). We employed a comparative genomics approach to produce the functional annotation of Python bivittatus genes encoding proteins associated with sperm phenotypes. We identify 129 gene-phenotype relationships in the python which are implicated in 10 specific sperm phenotypes. Results obtained through our systematic analysis identified subsets of python genes exhibiting associations with gene ontology annotation terms. Functional annotation data was represented in a semantic scatter plot. Together, these newly annotated Python bivittatus genome resources provide a high resolution framework from which the biology relating to reptile spermatogenesis, fertility, and reproduction can be further investigated. Applications of our research include (1) production of genetic diagnostics for assessing fertility in domestic and wild reptiles; (2) enhanced assisted reproduction technology for endangered and captive reptiles; and (3) novel molecular targets for biotechnology-based approaches aimed at reducing fertility and reproduction of invasive reptiles. Additional enhancements to reptile genomic resources will further enhance their value.
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Losdat S, Chang SM, Reid JM. Inbreeding depression in male gametic performance. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:992-1011. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Losdat
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen UK
| | - S.-M. Chang
- Plant Biology Department; University of Georgia; Athens GA USA
| | - J. M. Reid
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen UK
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14
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Sperm DNA fragmentation and its role in wildlife conservation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:357-84. [PMID: 25091917 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Until about 20 years ago, sperm assessment in the laboratory was focused on motility, morphology and acrosomal integrity. Then came the gradual realisation that, because the main objective of a spermatozoon is to deliver an intact genetic payload of DNA to the egg, being able to check DNA quality of spermatozoa would be equally important, if not more so. Research over the last two decades has therefore led to the development of several techniques for reliably detecting DNA strand breaks, and the more recent focus has been directed towards understanding the fertility implications of DNA damage. It is now clear that evolutionary history has played an important role in determining the stability of sperm DNA under stressful conditions, and that the nature of the DNA-protein interactions also influence the extent to which fertility is affected by both technical procedures involved in sperm preservation and the basic biology of the species concerned. Here we present an overview of the principles involved in DNA assessment and also provide some cases studies that illustrate the influences of species diversity.
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Schook MW, Wildt DE, Weiss RB, Wolfe BA, Archibald KE, Pukazhenthi BS. Fundamental Studies of the Reproductive Biology of the Endangered Persian Onager (Equus hemionus onager) Result in First Wild Equid Offspring from Artificial Insemination1. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:41. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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16
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Karoui S, Díaz C, González-Marín C, Amenabar ME, Serrano M, Ugarte E, Gosálvez J, Roy R, López-Fernández C, Carabaño MJ. Is sperm DNA fragmentation a good marker for field AI bull fertility?1. J Anim Sci 2012; 90:2437-49. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2011-4492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - E. Ugarte
- Universidad AutÓnoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - R. Roy
- Neiker, 48160, Vitoria, Spain
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Sopinka NM, Fitzpatrick JL, Taves JE, Ikonomou MG, Marsh-Rollo SE, Balshine S. Does proximity to aquatic pollution affect reproductive traits in a wild-caught intertidal fish? JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2012; 80:2374-2383. [PMID: 22551188 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03281.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
How chronic exposure to aquatic pollution affects reproductive traits was assessed in nesting wild-caught plainfin midshipman Porichthys notatus in areas with low and high contaminant exposure on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Males in high-exposure areas had a greater degree of testicular asymmetry, sperm with shorter heads and fewer live eggs in their nests. The results of this study provide important insights into the potential consequences of contaminant exposure on the reproductive physiology of wild-caught fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M Sopinka
- Animal Behaviour Group, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1 Canada.
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Male pygmy hippopotamus influence offspring sex ratio. Nat Commun 2012; 3:697. [PMID: 22426218 PMCID: PMC3293421 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-determining fetal sex is against the random and equal opportunity that both conceptus sexes have by nature. Yet, under a wide variety of circumstances, populations shift their birth sex ratio from the expected unity. Here we show, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, that in a population of pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) with 42.5% male offspring, males bias the ratio of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in their ejaculates, resulting in a 0.4337±0.0094 (mean±s.d.) proportion of Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa. Three alternative hypotheses for the shifted population sex ratio were compared: female counteract male, female indifferent, or male and female in agreement. We conclude that there appears little or no antagonistic sexual conflict, unexpected by prevailing theories. Our results indicate that males possess a mechanism to adjust the ratio of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in the ejaculate, thereby substantially expanding currently known male options in sexual conflict. Some animal populations are able to shift their birth sex ratio from the expected unity. This study shows, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, that in a captive population of pygmy hippopotamus the males appear to be able to adjust the ratio of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa in their ejaculates.
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Collins CW, Songsasen NS, Vick MM, Wolfe BA, Weiss RB, Keefer CL, Monfort SL. Abnormal reproductive patterns in Przewalski's mares are associated with a loss in gene diversity. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:28. [PMID: 21900686 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.092676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The ex situ population of the Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) is not self-sustaining (20% foaling rate), and the demography is skewed toward aging individuals with low gene diversity. We designed the present study to gain a better understanding of the reproductive biology of the Przewalski's mare and to determine whether age and gene diversity influenced reproductive function. Urine samples were collected 3-7 days/wk from 19 mares from May to September, and ultrasound examinations of follicular structures were performed 3 days/wk for 5 wk from May through July in nine individuals. A high proportion of mares exhibited abnormal (endocrine, 5 [26.3%] of 19; follicular, 2 [22.2%] of 9) or acyclic (endocrine, 4 [21.1%] of 19; follicular, 3 [33.3%] of 9) reproductive patterns. In four cyclic mares, estrous cycle length was 25.1 ± 1.2 days, with 12.2 ± 0.9 days of diestrus. Follicles in cyclic mares grew 1.2 ± 0.6 mm per day and ovulated after reaching 40.4 ± 8.9 mm. Mares with a high coefficient of inbreeding excreted reduced levels of mean urinary estrogens (r(2) = 0.476, P < 0.05), but age had no significant impact on reproductive patterns in this population. Overall, these data suggest that long-term genetic management of this population is necessary to maintain reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wynne Collins
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, USA.
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van der Horst G, Maree L, Kotzé SH, O'Riain MJ. Sperm structure and motility in the eusocial naked mole-rat, Heterocephalus glaber: a case of degenerative orthogenesis in the absence of sperm competition? BMC Evol Biol 2011; 11:351. [PMID: 22142177 PMCID: PMC3247228 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-11-351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have studied sperm structure and motility in a eusocial rodent where reproduction is typically restricted to a single male and behaviourally dominant queen. Males rarely compete for access to the queen during her estrus cycle, suggesting little or no role for sperm competition. Results Our results revealed an atypical mammalian sperm structure with spermatozoa from breeding, subordinate and disperser males being degenerate and almost completely lacking a "mammalian phylogenetic stamp". Sperm structure is characterized by extreme polymorphism with most spermatozoa classified as abnormal. Sperm head shapes include round, oval, elongated, lobed, asymmetrical and amorphous. At the ultrastructural level, the sperm head contains condensed to granular chromatin with large open spaces between the chromatin. Nuclear chromatin seems disorganized since chromatin condensation is irregular and extremely inconsistent. The acrosome forms a cap (ca 35%) over the anterior part of the head. A well defined nuclear fossa and neck with five minor sets of banded protein structures are present. The midpiece is poorly organized and contains only 5 to 7 round to oval mitochondria. The flagellar pattern is 9+9+2. A distinct degenerative feature of the tail principal piece is the absence of the fibrous sheath. Only 7% motile spermatozoa were observed which had exceptionally slow swimming speeds. Conclusion In this species, sperm form has simplified and degenerated in many aspects and represents a specialised form of degenerative orthogenesis at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard van der Horst
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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