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Martín-Manzo MV, Morelos-Castro RM, Munguia-Vega A, Soberanes-Yepiz ML, Cortés-Jacinto E. Transcriptome analysis of reproductive tract tissues of male river prawn Macrobrachium americanum. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:259. [PMID: 38302799 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09125-6] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The river prawn, Macrobrachium americanum (M. americanum), is one of the largest prawns of the genus in Latin America and is an amphidromous species distributed along the Pacific coast of America. This prawn has commercial value due to its size and taste, making it a good option for aquaculture production. Its culture has been attempted in ponds and concrete tanks, but no successful technique can still support commercial production. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate reproduction at the molecular level is very important. This knowledge can provide tools for manipulating transcripts, which could increase the number or size of animals in the culture. Our understanding of the mechanism that regulates the reproduction of M. americanum at the molecular level is limited. AIM Perform and analyze the transcriptome assembly of the testes, vas deferens, and terminal ampulla of M. americanum. to provide new molecular information about its reproduction. METHODS AND RESULTS The cDNA library was constructed and sequenced for each tissue to identify novel transcripts. A combined transcriptome with the three tissues was assembled using Trinity software. Unigenes were annotated using BLASTx and BLAST2GO. The transcriptome assembly generated 1,059,447 unigenes, of which 7222 genes had significant hits (e-value < 1 × 10-5) when compared against the Swiss-Prot database. Around 75 genes were related to sex determination, testis development, spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis, fertilization, maturation of testicular cells, neuropeptides, hormones, hormone receptors, and/or embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS These results provide new molecular information about M. americanum reproduction, representing a reference point for further genetic studies of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Victoria Martín-Manzo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, 23096, La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Rosa María Morelos-Castro
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste Tepic, Investigadoras E Investigadores Por México-CONACYT. Unidad Nayarit, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Adrian Munguia-Vega
- Applied Genomics Lab, Av. Gral. Félix Ortega Aguilar, 23000, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Conservation Genetics Laboratory, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Maritza Lourdes Soberanes-Yepiz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, 23096, La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Edilmar Cortés-Jacinto
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, 23096, La Paz, BCS, Mexico.
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Zhang L, Zhang S, Yuan M, Zhan F, Song M, Shang P, Yang F, Li X, Qiao R, Han X, Li X, Fang M, Wang K. Genome-Wide Association Studies and Runs of Homozygosity to Identify Reproduction-Related Genes in Yorkshire Pig Population. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2133. [PMID: 38136955 PMCID: PMC10742578 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122133] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive traits hold considerable economic importance in pig breeding and production. However, candidate genes underpinning the reproductive traits are still poorly identified. In the present study, we executed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis using the PorcineSNP50 BeadChip array for 585 Yorkshire pigs. Results from the GWAS identified two genome-wide significant and eighteen suggestive significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with seven reproductive traits. Furthermore, we identified candidate genes, including ELMO1, AOAH, INSIG2, NUP205, LYPLAL1, RPL34, LIPH, RNF7, GRK7, ETV5, FYN, and SLC30A5, which were chosen due to adjoining significant SNPs and their functions in immunity, fertilization, embryonic development, and sperm quality. Several genes were found in ROH islands associated with spermatozoa, development of the fetus, mature eggs, and litter size, including INSL6, TAF4B, E2F7, RTL1, CDKN1C, and GDF9. This study will provide insight into the genetic basis for pig reproductive traits, facilitating reproduction improvement using the marker-based selection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lige Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Songyuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Meng Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Fengting Zhan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Mingkun Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Peng Shang
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China;
| | - Feng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiuling Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Ruimin Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Xuelei Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Xinjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
| | - Meiying Fang
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, MOA Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kejun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; (L.Z.); (S.Z.); (M.Y.); (F.Z.); (M.S.); (F.Y.); (X.L.); (R.Q.); (X.H.); (X.L.)
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3
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Kurta K, Jeuthe H, Naboulsi R, de Koning DJ, Palaiokostas C. Seasonal and age-related changes in sperm quality of farmed arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). BMC Genomics 2023; 24:519. [PMID: 37667174 PMCID: PMC10478403 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09614-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial variation in male fertility is regularly observed in farmed Arctic charr. However, detailed investigations of its fluctuation during a reproductive season and across years are lacking. Furthermore, information about the effect of underlying genetic factors influencing sperm quality is scarce. The current study focused on seasonal and age-related factors that may affect sperm quality characteristics in males reared in natural and delayed photoperiods. Animals were sampled three times for two consecutive years, and sperm quality parameters were recorded using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Thereafter, high-throughput sequencing technologies were applied, aiming to identify genomic regions related to the variation of sperm quality throughout the reproductive season. RESULTS An across-season variation in the recorded sperm quality parameters was evident. Overall, 29% and 42% of males from the natural and delayed spawning groups had a highly variable total progressive motility. Males at four years of age showed significantly higher sperm motility and velocities during the early October and November recordings compared to the following year when the same animals were five years of age. On the other hand, the opposite was observed regarding sperm concentration during the last sampling. A genome-wide FST scan detected SNP differentiation among males with high and low variability in total progressive motility (PM) on eight chromosomes (FST > 0.17), Genome wide windows with the highest FST contained SNPs in proximity (within 250 kb up- and downstream distance) to 16 genes with sperm quality biological functions in mammalian species. CONCLUSION Our findings provide a detailed view of seasonal, age-related, and genetic effects on sperm quality and can be used to guide decisions on broodstock selection and hatchery management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khrystyna Kurta
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7090, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Genetics and genomics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Henrik Jeuthe
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7090, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
- Aquaculture Center North, Åvägen 17, Kälarne, 844 61, Sweden
| | - Rakan Naboulsi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Tomtebodavägen 18A, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Dirk-Jan de Koning
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7090, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
| | - Christos Palaiokostas
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7090, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden
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Yang Y, Yao M, Zeng J, Zheng D, Li Q, Ni Y, Xiao X. FYN regulates cell adhesion at the blood-testis barrier and the apical ectoplasmic specialization via its effect on Arp3 in the mouse testis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:915274. [PMID: 36016954 PMCID: PMC9396411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.915274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FYN is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase of the SRC family that facilitates virus entry across epithelial tight junctions. However, the role of FYN in mammalian testes in maintaining the blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity and the adhesion of germ cells to Sertoli cells are not well defined. Here, we show that FYN is a component of the BTB and the apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES) at Sertoli-Sertoli and Sertoli-spermatid interfaces, respectively, and is expressed extensively in mouse testes during postnatal development. FYN was shown to be structurally linked to the actin and microtubule-based cytoskeletons. An in vivo model was used to explore the modulatory effect of FYN on BTB and apical ES dynamics within the testes when adult mice were treated intraperitoneally with CdCl2 (3 mg/kg body weight). The CdCl2-induced epithelial restructuring was associated with a transient increase in the interaction between FYN and the actin branching/nucleation protein Arp3, as well as an induction of Arp3 phosphorylation, which possibly lead to actin cytoskeleton remodeling, resulting in BTB damage and germ cell loss in the seminiferous epithelium. Based on the results, we propose a model in which FYN and Arp3 form a protein complex that is responsible for junction reorganization events at the apical ES and the BTB. It is also possible for viruses to break through the BTB and enter the immunoprivileged testicular microenvironment via this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yang
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingxia Yao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongwang Zheng
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Qin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Ni
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Xiao,
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Pandey A, Yadav SK, Vishvkarma R, Singh B, Maikhuri JP, Rajender S, Gupta G. The dynamics of gene expression during and post meiosis sets the sperm agenda. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1921-1939. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Pandey
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | | | - Rahul Vishvkarma
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Bineta Singh
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | | | - Singh Rajender
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Gopal Gupta
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
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6
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Matamoros-Volante A, Moreno-Irusta A, Torres-Rodriguez P, Giojalas L, Gervasi MG, Visconti PE, Treviño CL. Semi-automatized segmentation method using image-based flow cytometry to study sperm physiology: the case of capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:64-73. [PMID: 29186618 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is image-based flow cytometry a useful tool to study intracellular events in human sperm such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation or signaling processes? SUMMARY ANSWER Image-based flow cytometry is a powerful tool to study intracellular events in a relevant number of sperm cells, which enables a robust statistical analysis providing spatial resolution in terms of the specific subcellular localization of the labeling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm capacitation is required for fertilization. During this process, spermatozoa undergo numerous physiological changes, via activation of different signaling pathways, which are not completely understood. Classical approaches for studying sperm physiology include conventional microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting. These techniques present disadvantages for obtaining detailed subcellular information of signaling pathways in a relevant number of cells. This work describes a new semi-automatized analysis using image-based flow cytometry which enables the study, at the subcellular and population levels, of different sperm parameters associated with signaling. The increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation is presented as an example. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION Sperm cells were isolated from seminal plasma by the swim-up technique. We evaluated the intensity and distribution of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in non-capacitation and capacitation-supporting media for 1 and 18 h under different experimental conditions. We used an antibody against FER kinase and pharmacological inhibitors in an attempt to identify the kinases involved in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during human sperm capacitation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen samples from normospermic donors were obtained by masturbation after 2-3 days of sexual abstinence. We used the innovative technique image-based flow cytometry and image analysis tools to segment individual images of spermatozoa. We evaluated and quantified the regions of sperm where protein tyrosine phosphorylation takes place at the subcellular level in a large number of cells. We also used immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Independent experiments were performed with semen samples from seven different donors. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Using image analysis tools, we developed a completely novel semi-automatic strategy useful for segmenting thousands of individual cell images obtained using image-based flow cytometry. Contrary to immunofluorescence which relies on the analysis of a limited sperm population and also on the observer, image-based flow cytometry allows for unbiased quantification and simultaneous localization of post-translational changes in an extended sperm population. Interestingly, important data can be independently analyzed by looking to the frame of interest. As an example, we evaluated the capacitation-associated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in non-capacitation and capacitation-supporting media for 1 and 18 h. As previously reported, protein tyrosine phosphorylation increases in a time-depending manner, but our method revealed that this increase occurs differentially among distinct sperm segments. FER kinase is reported to be the enzyme responsible for the increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse sperm. Our Western blot analysis revealed for the first time the presence of this enzyme in human sperm. Using our segmentation strategy, we aimed to quantify the effect of pharmacological inhibition of FER kinase and found a marked reduction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation only in the flagellum, which corresponded to the physical localization of FER in human sperm. Our method provides an alternative strategy to study signaling markers associated with capacitation, such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation, in a fast and quantitative manner. LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study performed under controlled conditions. Chemical inhibitors are not completely specific for the intended target; the possibility of side effects cannot be discarded. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results demonstrate that the use of image-based flow cytometry is a very powerful tool to study sperm physiology. A large number of cells can be easily analyzed and information at the subcellular level can be obtained. As the segmentation process works with bright-field images, it can be extended to study expression of other proteins of interest using different antibodies or it can be used in living sperm to study intracellular parameters that can be followed using fluorescent dyes sensitive to the parameter of interest (e.g. pH, Ca2+). Therefore, this a versatile method that can be exploited to study several aspects of sperm physiology. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported DGAPA (IN203116 to C. Treviño), Fronteras-CONACyT No. 71 and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH (RO1 HD38082) to P.E. Visconti and by a Lalor Foundation fellowship to M.G. Gervasi. A. Matamoros is a student of the Maestría en Ciencias Bioquímicas-UNAM program supported by CONACyT (416400) and DGAPA-UNAM. A. Moreno obtained a scholarship from Red MacroUniversidades and L. Giojalas obtained a schloarhip from CONICET and Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. The authors declare there are not conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Matamoros-Volante
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Paulina Torres-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Laura Giojalas
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
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Sarakul M, Elzo MA, Koonawootrittriron S, Suwanasopee T, Jattawa D, Laodim T. Characterization of biological pathways associated with semen traits in the Thai multibreed dairy population. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 197:324-334. [PMID: 30213568 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this research was to characterize biological pathways associated with semen volume (VOL), number of sperm (NS), and sperm motility (MOT) of dairy bulls in the Thai multibreed dairy population. Phenotypes for VOL (n = 13,535), NS (n = 12,773), and MOT (n = 12,660) came from 131 bulls of the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand. Genotypic data consisted of 76,519 imputed and actual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) from 72 animals. The SNP variances for VOL, NS, and MOT were estimated using a three-trait genomic-polygenic repeatability model. Fixed effects were contemporary group, ejaculate order, age of bull, ambient temperature, and heterosis. Random effects were animal additive genetic, permanent environmental, and residual. Individual SNP explaining at least 0.001% of the total genetic variance for each trait were selected to identify associated genes in the NCBI database (UMD Bos taurus 3.1 assembly) using the R package Map2NCBI. A set of 1,999 NCBI genes associated with all three semen traits was utilized for the pathway analysis conducted with the ClueGO plugin of Cytoscape using information from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. The pathway analysis revealed seven significant biological pathways involving 127 genes that explained 1.04% of the genetic variance for VOL, NS, and MOT. These genes were known to affect cell structure, motility, migration, proliferation, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, signal transduction, oxytocin release, calcium channel, neural development, and immune system functions related to sperm morphology and physiology during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattaneeya Sarakul
- Department of Animal Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Mauricio A Elzo
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | | | | | - Danai Jattawa
- Department of Animal Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Thawee Laodim
- Department of Animal Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
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Li Z, Zhuang X, Zeng J, Tzeng CM. Integrated Analysis of DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression Profiles to Identify Key Genes in Severe Oligozoospermia. Front Physiol 2017; 8:261. [PMID: 28553232 PMCID: PMC5427114 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe oligozoospermia (SO) is a complex disorder, whose etiology is the combined effect of genetic factors and epigenetic conditions. In this study, we examined DNA methylation and mRNA expression status in a set of testicular tissues of SO patients (n = 3), and compared methylated data with those derived from obstructive azoospermia (OA) patients (n = 3) with normal spermatogenesis phenotype. We identified 1,960 differentially methylated CpG sites showing significant alterations in SO vs. OA using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 bead array. By integrating above DNA methylation data and mRNA expression results, we totally identified 72 methylated CpG sites located in 65 genes with anti-correlation between DNA methylation and mRNA expression. Integrated pathways analysis indicates that these genes are involved in response to hormone stimulus, activation of protein kinase activity, and apoptotic process, among others. We also observed some genes with inversely correlated difference is novel in male infertility field, including PTPRN2, EPHX1, SERPINB9, SLIT3, etc. Our results lay a groundwork for further biological study of SO. Moreover, we generated a workflow for integrated analysis of DNA methylation and mRNA expression, which is expandable to other study types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamen China.,Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of MedicineWinston-Salem, NC, USA.,Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theranostics and Clinical TranslationXiamen, China
| | - Xuan Zhuang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamen, China
| | - Jinxiong Zeng
- ChinaCredit Andrology Medical Co., Ltd.Shenzhen, China
| | - Chi-Meng Tzeng
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamen China.,Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theranostics and Clinical TranslationXiamen, China.,INNOVA Cell Theranostics/Clinics and TRANSLA Health GroupYangzhou, China
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9
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Alvau A, Battistone MA, Gervasi MG, Navarrete FA, Xu X, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, De la Vega-Beltran JL, Da Ros VG, Greer PA, Darszon A, Krapf D, Salicioni AM, Cuasnicu PS, Visconti PE. The tyrosine kinase FER is responsible for the capacitation-associated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in murine sperm. Development 2016; 143:2325-33. [PMID: 27226326 DOI: 10.1242/dev.136499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is required for fertilization. At the molecular level, this process is associated with fast activation of protein kinase A. Downstream of this event, capacitating conditions lead to an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. The identity of the tyrosine kinase(s) mediating this process has not been conclusively demonstrated. Recent experiments using stallion and human sperm have suggested a role for PYK2 based on the use of small molecule inhibitors directed against this kinase. However, crucially, loss-of-function experiments have not been reported. Here, we used both pharmacological inhibitors and genetically modified mice models to investigate the identity of the tyrosine kinase(s) mediating the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse sperm. Similar to stallion and human, PF431396 blocks the capacitation-associated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. Yet, sperm from Pyk2(-/-) mice displayed a normal increase in tyrosine phosphorylation, implying that PYK2 is not responsible for this phosphorylation process. Here, we show that PF431396 can also inhibit FER, a tyrosine kinase known to be present in sperm. Sperm from mice targeted with a kinase-inactivating mutation in Fer failed to undergo capacitation-associated increases in tyrosine phosphorylation. Although these mice are fertile, their sperm displayed a reduced ability to fertilize metaphase II-arrested eggs in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Alvau
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | | | - Maria Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Felipe A Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Xinran Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Claudia Sánchez-Cárdenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, IBT-UNAM, Cuernavaca 62210, México
| | | | - Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Peter A Greer
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, IBT-UNAM, Cuernavaca 62210, México
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Ana Maria Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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10
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Liu Q, Tian FJ, Xie QZ, Zhang J, Liu L, Yang J. Fyn Plays a Pivotal Role in Fetomaternal Tolerance Through Regulation of Th17 Cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:569-79. [PMID: 26892111 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
| | - Fu-ju Tian
- Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease; the International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai China
| | - Qing-zhen Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
| | - Liu Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
| | - Jing Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine; Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University; Wuhan China
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11
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Chojnacka K, Mruk DD. The Src non-receptor tyrosine kinase paradigm: New insights into mammalian Sertoli cell biology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 415:133-42. [PMID: 26296907 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Src kinases are non-receptor tyrosine kinases that phosphorylate diverse substrates, which control processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation and survival; cell adhesion; and cell motility. c-Src, the prototypical member of this protein family, is widely expressed by several organs that include the testis. In the seminiferous epithelium of the adult rat testis, c-Src is highest at the tubule lumen during the release of mature spermatids. Other studies show that testosterone regulates spermatid adhesion to Sertoli cells via c-Src, indicating Src phosphorylates key substrates that prompt the disassembly of Sertoli cell-spermatid junctions. A more recent in vitro study reveals that c-Src participates in the internalization of proteins that constitute the blood-testis barrier, which is present between Sertoli cells, suggesting a similar mechanism of junction disassembly is at play during spermiation. In this review, we discuss recent findings on c-Src, with an emphasis on its role in spermatogenesis in the mammalian testis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dolores D Mruk
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, USA.
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12
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Mruk DD, Cheng CY. The Mammalian Blood-Testis Barrier: Its Biology and Regulation. Endocr Rev 2015; 36:564-91. [PMID: 26357922 PMCID: PMC4591527 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 388] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the cellular process by which spermatogonia develop into mature spermatids within seminiferous tubules, the functional unit of the mammalian testis, under the structural and nutritional support of Sertoli cells and the precise regulation of endocrine factors. As germ cells develop, they traverse the seminiferous epithelium, a process that involves restructuring of Sertoli-germ cell junctions, as well as Sertoli-Sertoli cell junctions at the blood-testis barrier. The blood-testis barrier, one of the tightest tissue barriers in the mammalian body, divides the seminiferous epithelium into 2 compartments, basal and adluminal. The blood-testis barrier is different from most other tissue barriers in that it is not only comprised of tight junctions. Instead, tight junctions coexist and cofunction with ectoplasmic specializations, desmosomes, and gap junctions to create a unique microenvironment for the completion of meiosis and the subsequent development of spermatids into spermatozoa via spermiogenesis. Studies from the past decade or so have identified the key structural, scaffolding, and signaling proteins of the blood-testis barrier. More recent studies have defined the regulatory mechanisms that underlie blood-testis barrier function. We review here the biology and regulation of the mammalian blood-testis barrier and highlight research areas that should be expanded in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores D Mruk
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065
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13
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Stival C, La Spina FA, Baró Graf C, Arcelay E, Arranz SE, Ferreira JJ, Le Grand S, Dzikunu VA, Santi CM, Visconti PE, Buffone MG, Krapf D. Src Kinase Is the Connecting Player between Protein Kinase A (PKA) Activation and Hyperpolarization through SLO3 Potassium Channel Regulation in Mouse Sperm. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:18855-64. [PMID: 26060254 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.640326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane hyperpolarization is crucial for mammalian sperm to acquire acrosomal responsiveness during capacitation. Among the signaling events leading to mammalian sperm capacitation, the immediate activation of protein kinase A plays a pivotal role, promoting the subsequent stimulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation that associates with fertilizing capacity. We have shown previously that mice deficient in the tyrosine kinase cSrc are infertile and exhibit improper cauda epididymis development. It is therefore not clear whether lack of sperm functionality is due to problems in epididymal maturation or to the absence of cSrc in sperm. To further address this problem, we investigated the kinetics of cSrc activation using anti-Tyr(P)-416-cSrc antibodies that only recognize active cSrc. Our results provide evidence that cSrc is activated downstream of PKA and that inhibition of its activity blocks the capacitation-induced hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane without blocking the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation that accompanies capacitation. In addition, we show that cSrc inhibition also blocks the agonist-induced acrosome reaction and that this inhibition is overcome by pharmacological hyperpolarization. Considering that capacitation-induced hyperpolarization is mediated by SLO3, we evaluated the action of cSrc inhibitors on the heterologously expressed SLO3 channel. Our results indicate that, similar to SLO1 K(+) channels, cSrc blockers significantly decreased SLO3-mediated currents. Together, these results are consistent with findings showing that hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane is necessary and sufficient to prepare the sperm for the acrosome reaction and suggest that changes in sperm membrane potential are mediated by cSrc activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Stival
- From the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Florenza A La Spina
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Carolina Baró Graf
- From the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Enid Arcelay
- the Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Silvia E Arranz
- From the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Juan J Ferreira
- the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, and
| | - Sibylle Le Grand
- the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, and
| | - Victor A Dzikunu
- the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, and
| | - Celia M Santi
- the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, and
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- the Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- From the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina,
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14
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A tissue retrieval and postharvest processing regimen for rodent reproductive tissues compatible with long-term storage on the international space station and postflight biospecimen sharing program. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:475935. [PMID: 25654107 PMCID: PMC4309301 DOI: 10.1155/2015/475935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Collection and processing of tissues to preserve space flight effects from animals after return to Earth is challenging. Specimens must be harvested with minimal time after landing to minimize postflight readaptation alterations in protein expression/translation, posttranslational modifications, and expression, as well as changes in gene expression and tissue histological degradation after euthanasia. We report the development of a widely applicable strategy for determining the window of optimal species-specific and tissue-specific posteuthanasia harvest that can be utilized to integrate into multi-investigator Biospecimen Sharing Programs. We also determined methods for ISS-compatible long-term tissue storage (10 months at −80°C) that yield recovery of high quality mRNA and protein for western analysis after sample return. Our focus was reproductive tissues. The time following euthanasia where tissues could be collected and histological integrity was maintained varied with tissue and species ranging between 1 and 3 hours. RNA quality was preserved in key reproductive tissues fixed in RNAlater up to 40 min after euthanasia. Postfixation processing was also standardized for safe shipment back to our laboratory. Our strategy can be adapted for other tissues under NASA's Biospecimen Sharing Program or similar multi-investigator tissue sharing opportunities.
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15
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Jenardhanan P, Mathur PP. Kinases as targets for chemical modulators: Structural aspects and their role in spermatogenesis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 4:e979113. [PMID: 26413395 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.979113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation events are crucial in deciding the fate of cells. They regulate cellular growth, differentiation and cell death, and kinases are the key players of these events. The members of ser/thr kinases and tyrosine kinases form the majority of protein kinase family, exerting their regulatory mechanism in almost all cells. In testis, they impact signal transduction events, regulate all stages of sperm development from mitosis through fertilization. Understanding the function of these kinases at the structural level and studying their interactions with inhibitors can help in understanding the machinery of spermatogenesis. In view of this, we have reviewed some of the prominent kinases that are known to play a role in spermatogenesis. A better understanding of the impacts of kinase inhibition on spermatogenesis should aid in the interpretation of lesions and hopefully further the development of more efficient and potent drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranitha Jenardhanan
- Centre for Bioinformatics; School of Life Sciences; Pondicherry University ; Puducherry, India
| | - Premendu P Mathur
- Centre for Bioinformatics; School of Life Sciences; Pondicherry University ; Puducherry, India ; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; School of Life Sciences; Pondicherry University ; Puducherry, India ; KIIT University ; Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India
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16
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de Boer P, de Vries M, Ramos L. A mutation study of sperm head shape and motility in the mouse: lessons for the clinic. Andrology 2014; 3:174-202. [PMID: 25511638 DOI: 10.1111/andr.300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mouse mutants that show effects on sperm head shape, the sperm tail (flagellum), and motility were analysed in a systematic way. This was achieved by grouping mutations in the following classes: manchette, acrosome, Sertoli cell contact, chromatin remodelling, and mutations involved in complex regulations such as protein (de)phosphorylation and RNA stability, and flagellum/motility mutations. For all mutant phenotypes, flagellum function (motility) was affected. Head shape, including the nucleus, was also affected in spermatozoa of most mouse models, though with considerable variation. For the mutants that were categorized in the flagellum/motility group, generally normal head shapes were found, even when the flagellum did not develop or only poorly so. Most mutants are sterile, an occasional one semi-sterile. For completeness, the influence of the sex chromosomes on sperm phenotype is included. Functionally, the genes involved can be categorized as regulators of spermiogenesis. When extrapolating these data to human sperm samples, in vivo selection for motility would be the tool for weeding out the products of suboptimal spermiogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. The striking dependency of motility on proper sperm head development is not easy to understand, but likely is of evolutionary benefit. Also, sperm competition after mating can never act against the long-term multi-generation interest of genetic integrity. Hence, it is plausible to suggest that short-term haplophase fitness i.e., motility, is developmentally integrated with proper nucleus maturation, including genetic integrity to protect multi-generation fitness. We hypothesize that, when the prime defect is in flagellum formation, apparently a feedback loop was not necessary as head morphogenesis in these mutants is mostly normal. Extrapolating to human-assisted reproductive techniques practice, this analysis would supply the arguments for the development of tools to select for motility as a continuous (non-discrete) parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- P de Boer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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17
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Varea Sánchez M, Bastir M, Roldan ERS. Geometric morphometrics of rodent sperm head shape. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80607. [PMID: 24312234 PMCID: PMC3842927 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa, particularly those of rodent species, are extremely complex cells and differ greatly in form and dimensions. Thus, characterization of sperm size and, particularly, sperm shape represents a major challenge. No consensus exists on a method to objectively assess size and shape of spermatozoa. In this study we apply the principles of geometric morphometrics to analyze rodent sperm head morphology and compare them with two traditional morphometry methods, that is, measurements of linear dimensions and dimensions-derived parameters calculated using formulae employed in sperm morphometry assessments. Our results show that geometric morphometrics clearly identifies shape differences among rodent spermatozoa. It is also capable of discriminating between size and shape and to analyze these two variables separately. Thus, it provides an accurate method to assess sperm head shape. Furthermore, it can identify which sperm morphology traits differ between species, such as the protrusion or retraction of the base of the head, the orientation and relative position of the site of flagellum insertion, the degree of curvature of the hook, and other distinct anatomical features and appendices. We envisage that the use of geometric morphometrics may have a major impact on future studies focused on the characterization of sperm head formation, diversity of sperm head shape among species (and underlying evolutionary forces), the effects of reprotoxicants on changes in cell shape, and phenotyping of genetically-modified individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Varea Sánchez
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Markus Bastir
- Department of Paleobiology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Reproductive Ecology and Biology Group, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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18
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Krapf D, Ruan YC, Wertheimer EV, Battistone MA, Pawlak JB, Sanjay A, Pilder SH, Cuasnicu P, Breton S, Visconti PE. cSrc is necessary for epididymal development and is incorporated into sperm during epididymal transit. Dev Biol 2012; 369:43-53. [PMID: 22750823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Changes that occur to mammalian sperm upon epididymal transit and maturation render these cells capable of moving progressively and capacitating. Signaling events leading to mammalian sperm capacitation depend on the modulation of proteins by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cascades. Recent experiments have demonstrated that the Src family of kinases plays an important role in the regulation of these events. However, sperm from cSrc null mice display normal tyrosine phosphorylation associated with capacitation. We report here that, despite normal phosphorylation, sperm from cSrc null mice display a severe reduction in forward motility, and are unable to fertilize in vitro. Histological analysis of seminiferous tubules in the testes, caput and corpus epididymis do not reveal obvious defects. However, the cauda epididymis is significantly smaller, and expression of key transport proteins in the epithelial cells lining this region is reduced in cSrc null mice compared to wild type littermates. Although previously, we and others have shown the presence of cSrc in mature sperm from cauda epididymis, a closer evaluation indicates that this tyrosine kinase is not present in sperm from the caput epididymis, suggesting that this protein is acquired by sperm later during epididymal maturation. Consistent with this observation, cSrc is enriched in vesicles released by the epididymal epithelium known as epididymosomes. Altogether, these observations indicate that cSrc is essential for cauda epididymal development and suggest an essential role of this kinase in epididymal sperm maturation involving cSrc extracellular trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Krapf
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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19
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Delivering value from sperm proteomics for fertility. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 349:783-93. [PMID: 22688957 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization of an egg by a spermatozoon sets the stage for mammalian development. Viable sperm are a prerequisite for successful fertilization and beyond. Spermatozoa have a unique cell structure where haploid genomic DNA is located in a tiny cytoplasmic space in the head, mitochondria in the midpiece and then the tail, all enclosed by several layers of membrane. Proteins in sperm play vital roles in motility, capacitation, fertilization, egg activation and embryo development. Molecular defects in these proteins are associated with low fertility or in some cases, infertility. This review will first summarize genesis, molecular anatomy and physiology of spermatozoa, fertilization, embryogenesis and then those proteins playing important roles in various aspects of sperm physiology.
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