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Burden F, Ellis PI, Farré M. A shared 'vulnerability code' underpins varying sources of DNA damage throughout paternal germline transmission in mouse. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:2319-2332. [PMID: 36806949 PMCID: PMC10018361 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian spermatogenesis, the paternal genome is extensively remodelled via replacement of histones with protamines forming the highly compact mature sperm nucleus. Compaction occurs in post-meiotic spermatids and is accompanied by extensive double strand break (DSB) formation. We investigate the epigenomic and genomic context of mouse spermatid DSBs, identifying primary sequence motifs, secondary DNA structures and chromatin contexts associated with this damage. Consistent with previously published results we find spermatid DSBs positively associated with short tandem repeats and LINE elements. We further show spermatid DSBs preferentially occur in association with (CA)n, (NA)n and (RY)n repeats, in predicted Z-DNA, are not associated with G-quadruplexes, are preferentially found in regions of low histone mark coverage and engage the remodelling/NHEJ factor BRD4. Locations incurring DSBs in spermatids also show distinct epigenetic profiles throughout later developmental stages: regions retaining histones in mature sperm, regions susceptible to oxidative damage in mature sperm, and fragile two-cell like embryonic stem cell regions bound by ZSCAN4 all co-localise with spermatid DSBs and with each other. Our results point to a common 'vulnerability code' unifying several types of DNA damage occurring on the paternal genome during reproduction, potentially underpinned by torsional changes during sperm chromatin remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter J I Ellis
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +44 1227 823526;
| | - Marta Farré
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Marta Farré. Tel: +44 1227 823697;
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2
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Okada Y. Sperm chromatin condensation: epigenetic mechanisms to compact the genome and spatiotemporal regulation from inside and outside the nucleus. Gene 2022; 97:41-53. [PMID: 35491100 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00065] [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: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chromatin condensation is a critical step in mammalian spermatogenesis to protect the paternal DNA from external damaging factors and to acquire fertility. During chromatin condensation, various events proceed in a chronological order, independently or in sequence, interacting with each other both inside and outside the nucleus to support the dramatic chromatin changes. Among these events, histone-protamine replacement, which is concomitant with acrosome biogenesis and cytoskeletal alteration, is the most critical step associated with nuclear elongation. Failures of not only intranuclear events but also extra-nuclear events severely affect sperm shape and chromatin state and are subsequently linked to infertility. This review focuses on nuclear and non-nuclear factors that affect sperm chromatin condensation and its effects, and further discusses the possible utility of sperm chromatin for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Okada
- Laboratory of Pathology and Development, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo
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3
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Genetic Instability and Chromatin Remodeling in Spermatids. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10010040. [PMID: 30646585 PMCID: PMC6356297 DOI: 10.3390/genes10010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The near complete replacement of somatic chromatin in spermatids is, perhaps, the most striking nuclear event known to the eukaryotic domain. The process is far from being fully understood, but research has nevertheless unraveled its complexity as an expression of histone variants and post-translational modifications that must be finely orchestrated to promote the DNA topological change and compaction provided by the deposition of protamines. That this major transition may not be genetically inert came from early observations that transient DNA strand breaks were detected in situ at chromatin remodeling steps. The potential for genetic instability was later emphasized by our demonstration that a significant number of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are formed and then repaired in the haploid context of spermatids. The detection of DNA breaks by 3'OH end labeling in the whole population of spermatids suggests that a reversible enzymatic process is involved, which differs from canonical apoptosis. We have set the stage for a better characterization of the genetic impact of this transition by showing that post-meiotic DNA fragmentation is conserved from human to yeast, and by providing tools for the initial mapping of the genome-wide DSB distribution in the mouse model. Hence, the molecular mechanism of post-meiotic DSB formation and repair in spermatids may prove to be a significant component of the well-known male mutation bias. Based on our recent observations and a survey of the literature, we propose that the chromatin remodeling in spermatids offers a proper context for the induction of de novo polymorphism and structural variations that can be transmitted to the next generation.
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4
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Austin CA, Lee KC, Swan RL, Khazeem MM, Manville CM, Cridland P, Treumann A, Porter A, Morris NJ, Cowell IG. TOP2B: The First Thirty Years. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092765. [PMID: 30223465 PMCID: PMC6163646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Type II DNA topoisomerases (EC 5.99.1.3) are enzymes that catalyse topological changes in DNA in an ATP dependent manner. Strand passage reactions involve passing one double stranded DNA duplex (transported helix) through a transient enzyme-bridged break in another (gated helix). This activity is required for a range of cellular processes including transcription. Vertebrates have two isoforms: topoisomerase IIα and β. Topoisomerase IIβ was first reported in 1987. Here we review the research on DNA topoisomerase IIβ over the 30 years since its discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Austin
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Ka C Lee
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Rebecca L Swan
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Mushtaq M Khazeem
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Catriona M Manville
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Peter Cridland
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Achim Treumann
- NUPPA, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Andrew Porter
- NUPPA, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Nick J Morris
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Ian G Cowell
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
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5
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Paoli D, Pallotti F, Lenzi A, Lombardo F. Fatherhood and Sperm DNA Damage in Testicular Cancer Patients. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:506. [PMID: 30271379 PMCID: PMC6146098 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most treatable of all malignancies and the management of the quality of life of these patients is increasingly important, especially with regard to their sexuality and fertility. Survivors must overcome anxiety and fears about reduced fertility and possible pregnancy-related risks as well as health effects in offspring. There is thus a growing awareness of the need for reproductive counseling of cancer survivors. Studies found a high level of sperm DNA damage in TC patients in comparison with healthy, fertile controls, but no significant difference between these patients and infertile patients. Sperm DNA alterations due to cancer treatment persist from 2 to 5 years after the end of the treatment and may be influenced by both the type of therapy and the stage of the disease. Population studies reported a slightly reduced overall fertility of TC survivors and a more frequent use of ART than the general population, with a success rate of around 50%. Paternity after a diagnosis of cancer is an important issue and reproductive potential is becoming a major quality of life factor. Sperm chromatin instability associated with genome instability is the most important reproductive side effect related to the malignancy or its treatment. Studies investigating the magnitude of this damage could have a considerable translational importance in the management of cancer patients, as they could identify the time needed for the germ cell line to repair nuclear damage and thus produce gametes with a reduced risk for the offspring.
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6
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Meyer RG, Ketchum CC, Meyer-Ficca ML. Heritable sperm chromatin epigenetics: a break to remember†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:784-797. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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7
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Simard O, Niavarani SR, Gaudreault V, Boissonneault G. Torsional stress promotes trinucleotidic expansion in spermatids. Mutat Res 2017; 800-802:1-7. [PMID: 28412438 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Trinucleotide repeats are involved in various neurodegenerative diseases and are highly unstable both in dividing or non-dividing cells. In Huntington disease (HD), the age of onset of symptoms is inversely correlated to the number of CAG repeats within exon 1 of the HTT gene. HD shows paternal anticipation as CAG repeats are increased during spermatogenesis. CAG expansion were indeed found to be generated during the chromatin remodeling in spermatids where most histones are evicted and replaced by protamines. This process involves striking change in DNA topology since free supercoils must be eliminated. Using an in vitro CAG repeat reporter assay and a highly active nuclear extracts from spermatids, we demonstrate that free negative supercoils result in CAG TNR expansion at a stabilized hairpin. We also suggest a possible role for protamines in promoting localized torsional stress and consequently TNR expansion. The transient increase in torsional stress during spermiogenesis may therefore provide an ideal context for the generation of such secondary DNA structures leading to the paternal anticipation of trinucleotidic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Simard
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Seyedeh Raheleh Niavarani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Virginie Gaudreault
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Guylain Boissonneault
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada.
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8
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Champroux A, Torres-Carreira J, Gharagozloo P, Drevet JR, Kocer A. Mammalian sperm nuclear organization: resiliencies and vulnerabilities. Basic Clin Androl 2016; 26:17. [PMID: 28031843 PMCID: PMC5175393 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-016-0044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells are remarkably complex and highly specialized compared to somatic cells. Their function is to deliver to the oocyte the paternal genomic blueprint along with a pool of proteins and RNAs so a new generation can begin. Reproductive success, including optimal embryonic development and healthy offspring, greatly depends on the integrity of the sperm chromatin structure. It is now well documented that DNA damage in sperm is linked to reproductive failures both in natural and assisted conception (Assisted Reproductive Technologies [ART]). This manuscript reviews recent important findings concerning - the unusual organization of mammalian sperm chromatin and its impact on reproductive success when modified. This review is focused on sperm chromatin damage and their impact on embryonic development and transgenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Champroux
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - J. Torres-Carreira
- Centro Universitário Rio Preto, UNIRP, Rodovia Br153, Km 69, CEP15093-450 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - P. Gharagozloo
- CellOxess LLC, 830 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing, NJ 08628 USA
| | - J. R. Drevet
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - A. Kocer
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
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9
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Ahmed EA, Scherthan H, de Rooij DG. DNA Double Strand Break Response and Limited Repair Capacity in Mouse Elongated Spermatids. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:29923-35. [PMID: 26694360 PMCID: PMC4691157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatids are extremely sensitive to genotoxic exposures since during spermiogenesis only error-prone non homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair pathways are available. Hence, genomic damage may accumulate in sperm and be transmitted to the zygote. Indirect, delayed DNA fragmentation and lesions associated with apoptotic-like processes have been observed during spermatid elongation, 27 days after irradiation. The proliferating spermatogonia and early meiotic prophase cells have been suggested to retain a memory of a radiation insult leading later to this delayed fragmentation. Here, we used meiotic spread preparations to localize phosphorylate histone H2 variant (γ-H2AX) foci marking DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in elongated spermatids. This technique enabled us to determine the background level of DSB foci in elongated spermatids of RAD54/RAD54B double knockout (dko) mice, severe combined immunodeficiency SCID mice, and poly adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitor (DPQ)-treated mice to compare them with the appropriate wild type controls. The repair kinetics data and the protein expression patterns observed indicate that the conventional NHEJ repair pathway is not available for elongated spermatids to repair the programmed and the IR-induced DSBs, reflecting the limited repair capacity of these cells. However, although elongated spermatids express the proteins of the alternative NHEJ, PARP1-inhibition had no effect on the repair kinetics after IR, suggesting that DNA damage may be passed onto sperm. Finally, our genetic mutant analysis suggests that an incomplete or defective meiotic recombinational repair of Spo11-induced DSBs may lead to a carry-over of the DSB damage or induce a delayed nuclear fragmentation during the sensitive programmed chromatin remodeling occurring in elongated spermatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad A Ahmed
- Laboratory of Immunology and Molecular Physiology, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Harry Scherthan
- Institute für Radiobiologie der Bundeswehr in Verb. mit der University, Ulm, Neuherbergstr, 11, Munich D-80937, Germany.
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CM, The Netherlands.
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10
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Gosálvez J, López-Fernández C, Fernández JL, Esteves SC, Johnston SD. Unpacking the mysteries of sperm DNA fragmentation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/2058915815594454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although it has been thirty years since publication of one of the most influential papers on the value of assessing sperm DNA damage, andrologists have yet to reach a general consensus about how to apply this seminal parameter to improve or predict reproductive outcomes. Studies that have attempted to establish a causal relationship between sperm DNA damage and pregnancy success have often resulted in conflicting findings, eroding the practitioner’s confidence to incorporate this phenomenon into their appraisal of fertility. In this review we have identified and answered ten important unresolved questions commonly asked by andrologists with respect to the relationship between sperm DNA damage and fertility. We answer questions ranging from a basic comprehension of biological mechanisms and external factors that contribute to increased levels of sperm DNA damage in the ejaculate to what type of DNA lesions we might be expect to occur and what are some of the consequences of DNA damage on early embryonic development. We also address some of the fundamental technical issues associated with the most appropriate measurement of sperm DNA damage and the need to attenuate the confounding impacts of iatrogenic damage. We conclude by asking whether it is possible to reduce elevated levels of sperm DNA damage therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gosálvez
- Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - C López-Fernández
- Genetics Unit, Department of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - JL Fernández
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Radiobiology, Oncology Center of Galicia, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
| | - SC Esteves
- Androfert, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - SD Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Agnieszka W. Etoposide interferes with the process of chromatin condensation during alga Chara vulgaris spermiogenesis. Micron 2014; 65:45-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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Simard O, Grégoire MC, Arguin M, Brazeau MA, Leduc F, Marois I, Richter MV, Boissonneault G. Instability of trinucleotidic repeats during chromatin remodeling in spermatids. Hum Mutat 2014; 35:1280-4. [PMID: 25136821 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transient DNA breaks and evidence of DNA damage response have recently been reported during the chromatin remodeling process in haploid spermatids, creating a potential window of enhanced genetic instability. We used flow cytometry to achieve separation of differentiating spermatids into four highly purified populations using transgenic mice harboring 160 CAG repeats within exon 1 of the human Huntington disease gene (HTT). Trinucleotic repeat expansion was found to occur immediately following the chromatin remodeling steps, confirming the genetic instability of the process and pointing to the origin of paternal anticipation observed in some trinucleotidic repeats diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Simard
- Department of Biochemistry, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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13
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Ribas-Maynou J, García-Peiró A, Martínez-Heredia J, Fernández-Encinas A, Abad C, Amengual MJ, Navarro J, Benet J. Nuclear degraded sperm subpopulation is affected by poor chromatin compaction and nuclease activity. Andrologia 2014; 47:286-94. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J. Ribas-Maynou
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - A García-Peiró
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
- Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona (CIMAB); Edifici Eureka, PBM5; Parc de Recerca de la UAB (PRUAB); Bellaterra Spain
| | - J. Martínez-Heredia
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - A. Fernández-Encinas
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - C. Abad
- Servei d'Urologia; Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí; Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - UAB; Sabadell Spain
| | - M. J. Amengual
- UDIAT, Centre Diagnòstic; Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí; Institut Universitari Parc Taulí - UAB; Sabadell Spain
| | - J. Navarro
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - J. Benet
- Departament de Biologia Cellular; Fisiologia i Immunologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
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14
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Gadella BM, Luna C. Cell biology and functional dynamics of the mammalian sperm surface. Theriogenology 2014; 81:74-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Castillo J, Amaral A, Oliva R. Sperm nuclear proteome and its epigenetic potential. Andrology 2013; 2:326-38. [PMID: 24327354 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The main function of the sperm cell is to transmit the paternal genetic message and epigenetic information to the embryo. Importantly, the majority of the genes in the sperm chromatin are highly condensed by protamines, whereas genes potentially needed in the initial stages of development are associated with histones, representing a form of epigenetic marking. However, so far little attention has been devoted to other sperm chromatin-associated proteins that, in addition to histones and protamines, may also have an epigenetic role. Therefore, with the goal of contributing to cover this subject we have compiled, reviewed and report a list of 581 chromatin or nuclear proteins described in the human sperm cell. Furthermore, we have analysed their Gene Ontology Biological Process enriched terms and have grouped them into different functional categories. Remarkably, we show that 56% of the sperm nuclear proteins have a potential epigenetic activity, being involved in at least one of the following functions: chromosome organization, chromatin organization, protein-DNA complex assembly, DNA packaging, gene expression, transcription, chromatin modification and histone modification. In addition, we have also included and compared the sperm cell proteomes of different model species, demonstrating the existence of common trends in the chromatin composition in the mammalian mature male gamete. Taken together, our analyses suggest that the mammalian sperm cell delivers to the offspring a rich combination of histone variants, transcription factors, chromatin-associated and chromatin-modifying proteins which have the potential to encode and transmit an extremely complex epigenetic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Castillo
- Human Genetics Research Group, IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Grégoire MC, Massonneau J, Simard O, Gouraud A, Brazeau MA, Arguin M, Leduc F, Boissonneault G. Male-driven de novo mutations in haploid germ cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:495-9. [PMID: 23515669 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
At the sequence level, genetic diversity is provided by de novo transmittable mutations that may act as a substrate for natural selection. The gametogenesis process itself is considered more likely to induce endogenous mutations and a clear male bias has been demonstrated from recent next-generation sequencing analyses. As new experimental evidence accumulates, the post-meiotic events of the male gametogenesis (spermiogenesis) appear as an ideal context to induce de novo genetic polymorphism transmittable to the next generation. It may prove to be a major component of the observed male mutation bias. As spermatids undergo chromatin remodeling, transient endogenous DNA double-stranded breaks are produced and trigger a DNA damage response. In these haploid cells, one would expect that the non-templated, DNA end-joining repair processes may generate a repertoire of sequence alterations in every sperm cell potentially transmittable to the next generation. This may therefore represent a novel physiological mechanism contributing to genetic diversity and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Chantal Grégoire
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1E4K8
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17
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Kato T, Kurahashi H, Emanuel BS. Chromosomal translocations and palindromic AT-rich repeats. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2012; 22:221-8. [PMID: 22402448 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive DNA sequences constitute 30% of the human genome, and are often sites of genomic rearrangement. Recently, it has been found that several constitutional translocations, especially those that involve chromosome 22, take place utilizing palindromic sequences on 22q11 and on the partner chromosome. Analysis of translocation junction fragments shows that the breakpoints of such palindrome-mediated translocations are localized at the center of palindromic AT-rich repeats (PATRRs). The presence of PATRRs at the breakpoints indicates a palindrome-mediated mechanism involved in the generation of these constitutional translocations. Identification of these PATRR-mediated translocations suggests a universal pathway for gross chromosomal rearrangement in the human genome. De novo occurrences of PATRR-mediated translocations can be detected by PCR in normal sperm samples but not somatic cells. Polymorphisms of various PATRRs influence their propensity for adopting a secondary structure, which in turn affects de novo translocation frequency. We propose that the PATRRs form an unstable secondary structure, which leads to double-strand breaks at the center of the PATRR. The double-strand breaks appear to be followed by a non-homologous end-joining repair pathway, ultimately leading to the translocations. This review considers recent findings concerning the mechanism of meiosis-specific, PATRR-mediated translocations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takema Kato
- Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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