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Koilpillai JN, Nunan E, Butler L, Pinaffi F, Butcher JT. Reversible Contraception in Males: An Obtainable Target? BIOLOGY 2024; 13:291. [PMID: 38785772 PMCID: PMC11117788 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The last few decades have brought contraception to the forefront of research, with great strides made in effectively targeting and optimizing the physiology, pharmacology, and delivery processes that prevent pregnancy. However, these advances still predominantly target female contraceptives for the prevention of contraception, whereas targeting the male sex has lagged far behind. This has led to a marked deficiency in safe and effective male contraceptive agents, resulting in a heavy dependence on female contraceptives to prevent unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. Current research in the veterinary field and in rodents highlights several promising avenues whereby novel, safe, and effective male contraceptive alternatives are being developed-with an emphasis on reduced side effects and reversibility potential. This review aims to discuss current and novel male contraceptives (both human and veterinary formulations) while highlighting their efficacy, advantages, and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Nandita Koilpillai
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Emily Nunan
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Landon Butler
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Fabio Pinaffi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Joshua T. Butcher
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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The stallion sperm acrosome: Considerations from a research and clinical perspective. Theriogenology 2023; 196:121-149. [PMID: 36413868 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the fertilization process, the interaction between the sperm and the oocyte is mediated by a process known as acrosomal exocytosis (AE). Although the role of the sperm acrosome on fertilization has been studied extensively over the last 70 years, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern acrosomal function, particularly in species other than mice or humans. Even though subfertility due to acrosomal dysfunction is less common in large animals than in humans, the evaluation of sperm acrosomal function should be considered not only as a complementary but a routine test when individuals are selected for breeding potential. This certainly holds true for stallions, which might display lower levels of fertility in the face of "acceptable" sperm quality parameters determined by conventional sperm assays. Nowadays, the use of high throughput technologies such as flow cytometry or mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis is commonplace in the research arena. Such techniques can also be implemented in clinical scenarios of males with "idiopathic" subfertility. The current review focuses on the sperm acrosome, with particular emphasis on the stallion. We aim to describe the physiological events that lead to the acrosome formation within the testis, the role of very specific acrosomal proteins during AE, the methods to study the occurrence of AE under in vitro conditions, and the potential use of molecular biology techniques to discover new markers of acrosomal function and subfertility associated with acrosomal dysfunction in stallions.
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Service CA, Puri D, Hsieh TC, Patel DP. Emerging concepts in male contraception: a narrative review of novel, hormonal and non-hormonal options. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2023; 17:26334941221138323. [PMID: 36909934 PMCID: PMC9996746 DOI: 10.1177/26334941221138323] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Access to reliable contraception is a pillar of modern society. The burden of unintended pregnancy has fallen disproportionately on the mother throughout human history; however, recent legal developments surrounding abortion have sparked a renewed interest in male factor contraceptives beyond surgical sterilization and condoms. Modern efforts to develop reversible male birth control date back nearly a century and initially focused on altering the hypothalamic-pituitary-testes axis. These hormonal contraceptives faced multiple barriers, including systemic side effects, challenging dosing regimens, unfavorable routes of delivery, and the public stigma surrounding steroid use. Novel hormonal agents are seeking to overcome these barriers by limiting the side effects and simplifying use. Non-hormonal contraceptives are agents that target various stages of spermatogenesis; such as inhibitors of retinoic acid, Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions, sperm ion channels, and other small molecular targets. The identification of reproductive tract-specific genes associated with male infertility has led to more targeted drug development, made possible by advances in CRISPR and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Despite multiple human trials, no male birth control agents have garnered regulatory approval in the United States or abroad. This narrative review examines current and emerging male contraceptives, including hormonal and non-hormonal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Austin Service
- Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dhruv Puri
- Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tung-Chin Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Darshan P Patel
- Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, 9333 Genesee Avenue, Suite 320, La Jolla, CA 92121, USA
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Indhu MS, Ramamoorthy M, Pandey S, Mathesh K, Mahawar M, Sarkar M, Ghosh SK, Taru Sharma G, Bhure SK. Improved quality and fertilizability of cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa with the supplementation of methionine sulfoxide reductase A. Andrology 2021; 9:1943-1957. [PMID: 34245495 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The excessive reactive oxygen species produced during semen-freezing and -thawing damage the macromolecules resulting in impairment of cellular functions. Proteins are the primary targets of oxidative damage, wherein methionine residues are more prone to oxidation and get converted into methionine sulfoxide, thus affecting the protein function. The methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) catalyzes the conversion of methionine sulfoxide to methionine and restores the functionality of defective proteins. OBJECTIVES To establish the expression of MsrA in male reproductive organs, including semen and its effect on quality of cryopreserved semen upon exogenous supplementation, taking buffalo semen as a model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of MsrA was established by immunohistochemistry, PCR, and Western blots. Further, the effect of recombinant MsrA (rMsrA) supplementation on the quality of cryopreserved spermatozoa was assessed in three treatment groups containing 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 µg of rMsrA/50 million spermatozoa in egg yolk glycerol extender along with a control group; wherein the post-thaw progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, and zona binding ability of cryopreserved spermatozoa were studied. RESULTS The MsrA was expressed in buffalo testis, epididymis, accessory sex glands, and spermatozoa except in seminal plasma. In group 2, the supplementation has resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) improvement as compared to the control group in mean progressive motility (47.50 ± 2.50 vs. 36.25 ± 2.63), viability (56.47 ± 1.85 vs. 48.05 ± 2.42), HOST (50.76 ± 1.73 vs. 44.29 ± 1.29), and zona binding ability of spermatozoa (149.50 ± 8.39 vs. 29.50 ± 2.85). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION In the absence of native MsrA of seminal plasma, the supplementations of rMsrA may repair the oxidatively damaged seminal plasma proteins and exposed sperm plasma membrane proteins resulting in better quality with a fivefold increase in fertilizability of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. The findings can be extended to other species to improve the semen quality with the variation in the amounts of rMsrA supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muthu Ramamoorthy
- Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sriti Pandey
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Karikalan Mathesh
- Wildlife Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manish Mahawar
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mihir Sarkar
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Subrata Kumar Ghosh
- Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Guttulu Taru Sharma
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Bhure
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Kumar A, Yadav B, Swain DK, Anand M, Madan AK, Yadav RKS, Kushawaha B, Yadav S. Dynamics of HSPA1A and redox status in the spermatozoa and fluid from different segments of goat epididymis. Cell Stress Chaperones 2020; 25:509-517. [PMID: 32207084 PMCID: PMC7193003 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-020-01102-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was attempted to investigate the dynamics of HSPA1A and redox status in the spermatozoa and fluid of different segments of buck epididymis. Testes were collected from sexually mature and healthy bucks aged between 2 and 3 years. The fluid and spermatozoa from different segments (caput, corpus and cauda) were harvested for further processing and analysis. The concentration of HSPA1A in spermatozoa lysate and epididymal fluid and its relative mRNA expression in spermatozoa from different segments of epididymis were studied. The HSPA1A concentration in epididymal fluid was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the corpus as compared with caput and cauda, whereas, its concentration and relative mRNA expression decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the spermatozoa from caput to cauda. The activities of SOD, GR, GST, and concentrations of manoldialdehyde and ROS decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the spermatozoa from caput to cauda. The glutathione concentration and GPx activity decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the spermatozoa of cauda as compared with the corpus. The SOD activity and ROS concentration were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in corpus, and GR and GST activity were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in caput fluid as compared with corpus and cauda. It may be concluded that HSPA1A concentration and its relative mRNA expression in spermatozoa decreased progressively, and redox status was altered during transit from caput to cauda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhilesh Kumar
- College of Biotechnology, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Brijesh Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Dilip Kumar Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Anand
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Kumar Madan
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Raj Kumar Singh Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bhawna Kushawaha
- College of Biotechnology, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarvajeet Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Schiza C, Korbakis D, Panteleli E, Jarvi K, Drabovich AP, Diamandis EP. Discovery of a Human Testis-specific Protein Complex TEX101-DPEP3 and Selection of Its Disrupting Antibodies. Mol Cell Proteomics 2018; 17:2480-2495. [PMID: 30097533 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
TEX101 is a testis-specific protein expressed exclusively in male germ cells and is a validated biomarker of male infertility. Studies in mice suggest that TEX101 is a cell-surface chaperone which regulates, through protein-protein interactions, the maturation of proteins involved in spermatozoa transit and oocyte binding. Male TEX101-null mice are sterile. Here, we identified by co-immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry the interactome of human TEX101 in testicular tissues and spermatozoa. The testis-specific cell-surface dipeptidase 3 (DPEP3) emerged as the top hit. We further validated the TEX101-DPEP3 complex by using hybrid immunoassays. Combinations of antibodies recognizing different epitopes of TEX101 and DPEP3 facilitated development of a simple immunoassay to screen for disruptors of TEX101-DPEP3 complex. As a proof-of-a-concept, we demonstrated that anti-TEX101 antibody T4 disrupted the native TEX101-DPEP3 complex. Disrupting antibodies may be used to study the human TEX101-DPEP3 complex, and to develop modulators for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schiza
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dimitrios Korbakis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Efstratia Panteleli
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eleftherios P Diamandis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
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Swegen A, Aitken RJ. Prospects for immunocontraception in feral horse population control: exploring novel targets for an equine fertility vaccine. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:853-863. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Feral horses populate vast land areas and often induce significant ecological and economic damage throughout the landscape. Non-lethal population control methods are considered favourable in light of animal welfare, social and ethical considerations; however, no single effective, safe and species-specific contraceptive agent is currently available for use in free-ranging wild and feral horses. This review explores aspects of equine reproductive physiology that may provide avenues for the development of specific and long-lasting immunocontraceptive vaccines and some of the novel strategies that may be employed to facilitate appropriate antigen discovery in future research. Potential antigen targets pertaining to spermatozoa, the ovary and oocyte, as well as the early conceptus and its associated factors, are reviewed in the context of their suitability for immunocontraceptive vaccine development.
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9
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Wang G, Wu Y, Zhou T, Guo Y, Zheng B, Wang J, Bi Y, Liu F, Zhou Z, Guo X, Sha J. Mapping of the N-Linked Glycoproteome of Human Spermatozoa. J Proteome Res 2013; 12:5750-9. [DOI: 10.1021/pr400753f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gaigai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ye Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Fangjuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zuomin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive
Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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Guyonnet B, Zabet-Moghaddam M, SanFrancisco S, Cornwall GA. Isolation and proteomic characterization of the mouse sperm acrosomal matrix. Mol Cell Proteomics 2012; 11:758-74. [PMID: 22707618 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m112.020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical step during fertilization is the sperm acrosome reaction in which the acrosome releases its contents allowing the spermatozoa to penetrate the egg investments. The sperm acrosomal contents are composed of both soluble material and an insoluble material called the acrosomal matrix (AM). The AM is thought to provide a stable structure from which associated proteins are differentially released during fertilization. Because of its important role during fertilization, efforts have been put toward isolating the AM for biochemical study and to date AM have been isolated from hamster, guinea pig, and bull spermatozoa. However, attempts to isolate AM from mouse spermatozoa, the species in which fertilization is well-studied, have been unsuccessful possibly because of the small size of the mouse sperm acrosome and/or its fusiform shape. Herein we describe a procedure for the isolation of the AM from caput and cauda mouse epididymal spermatozoa. We further carried out a proteomic analysis of the isolated AM from both sperm populations and identified 501 new proteins previously not detected by proteomics in mouse spermatozoa. A comparison of the AM proteome from caput and cauda spermatozoa showed that the AM undergoes maturational changes during epididymal transit similar to other sperm domains. Together, our studies suggest the AM to be a dynamic and functional structure carrying out a variety of biological processes as implied by the presence of a diverse group of proteins including proteases, chaperones, hydrolases, transporters, enzyme modulators, transferases, cytoskeletal proteins, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Guyonnet
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Peña FJ, García BM, Samper JC, Aparicio IM, Tapia JA, Ferrusola CO. Dissecting the molecular damage to stallion spermatozoa: the way to improve current cryopreservation protocols? Theriogenology 2011; 76:1177-86. [PMID: 21835453 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We review recent developments in the technology of freezing stallion sperm, paying special attention to the molecular lesions that spermatozoa suffer during freezing and thawing, such as osmotic stress, oxidative damage, and apoptotic changes. We also discuss the applicability of colloidal centrifugation in stallion sperm cryobiology. Increased knowledge about the molecular injuries that occur during cryopreservation may lead to improved protective techniques and thus to further improvements in fertility in the current decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura Cáceres, Spain.
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Zigo M, Jonáková V, Maňásková-Postlerová P. Electrophoretic and zymographic characterization of proteins isolated by various extraction methods from ejaculated and capacitated boar sperms. Electrophoresis 2011; 32:1309-18. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201000558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Reid AT, Redgrove K, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Cellular mechanisms regulating sperm-zona pellucida interaction. Asian J Androl 2010; 13:88-96. [PMID: 21042304 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For mammalian spermatozoa to exhibit the ability to bind the zona pellucida (ZP) they must undergo three distinct phases of maturation, namely, spermatogenesis (testis), epididymal maturation (epididymis) and capacitation (female reproductive tract). An impressive array of spermatozoa surface remodeling events accompany these phases of maturation and appear critical for recognition and adhesion of the outer vestments of the oocyte, a structure known as the ZP. It is becoming increasingly apparent that species-specific zona adhesion is not mediated by a single receptor. Instead, compelling evidence now points toward models implicating a multiplicity of receptor-ligand interactions. This notion is in keeping with emerging research that has shown that there is a dynamic aggregation of proteins believed to be important in sperm-ZP recognition to the regions of sperm that mediate this binding event. Such remodeling may in turn facilitate the assembly of a multimeric zona recognition complex (MZRC). Though formation of MZRCs raises questions regarding the nature of the block to polyspermy, formation and assembly of such a structure would no doubt explain the strenuous maturation process that sperm endure on their sojourn to functional maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Reid
- Reproductive Science Group, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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14
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Signal transduction pathways that regulate sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Arch Biochem Biophys 2009; 485:72-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2009.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2008] [Revised: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 02/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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15
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Deppe M, Risopatrón J, Sánchez R. Trypsin and Chymotrypsin are Involved in the Progesterone-Induced Acrosome Reaction in Canine Spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 45:453-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01225.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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16
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17
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Volpe S, Galeati G, Bernardini C, Tamanini C, Mari G, Zambelli D, Seren E, Spinaci M. Comparative Immunolocalization of Heat Shock Proteins (Hsp)-60, -70, -90 in Boar, Stallion, Dog and Cat Spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43:385-92. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00918.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Cibulková E, Manásková P, Jonáková V, Tichá M. Preliminary characterization of multiple hyaluronidase forms in boar reproductive tract. Theriogenology 2007; 68:1047-54. [PMID: 17881045 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Revised: 06/27/2007] [Accepted: 08/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hyaluronidases play an important role in gamete interaction and fertility in mammals. The objectives of the present study were to investigate multiple forms of the enzyme in boar reproductive tract using electrophoretic methods. Two forms of hyaluronidase (EC 3.2.1.35) were detected in boar seminal plasma (relative molecular masses of 55,000 and 65,000) using hyaluronic acid-substrate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of SDS. These two forms can be separated by means of affinity chromatography on Heparin-Sepharose. They differ, besides their affinity to heparin, also in the pH optimum of their enzymatic activity. The form with relative molecular mass of 55,000 was active both at the acidic (pH 3.7) and the neutral pH (pH 7.4) and was bound to immobilized heparin. The second form (relative molecular mass 65,000) was active only at acidic pH and did not interact with heparin. The same acidic-active form (65,000) was found in seminal vesicle fluids. The hyaluronidase form which is active both at the acidic and the neutral pH (51,000) was detected in epididymal fluid. In the detergent extracts of boar sperm, three active forms of the enzyme were found (relative molecular masses 55,000, 70,000 and 80,000). The form of relative molecular mass 55,000 was active in a wide range of pH (pH 3-8). The forms of relative molecular masses 70,000 and 80,000 were active only at neutral pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Cibulková
- Laboratory of Diagnostics for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídenská 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
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Williams JM, Stokes JM, MacDonald MH, Benton HP. Evaluation of hyaluronidase activity in equine and bovine sera and equine synovial fluid samples by use of enzyme zymography. Am J Vet Res 2005; 66:984-90. [PMID: 16008220 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the activities of hyaluronidases in equine sera and synovial fluid samples and sera from fetal and adult bovids and evaluate the extent to which the degradation of hyaluronan is influenced by chondrocytes. SAMPLE POPULATION Commercial and noncommercial samples of equine (n = 6) and bovine (6) sera and 16 synovial fluid samples from horses. PROCEDURE Hyaluronidase activities in sera and synovial fluid samples were assessed via enzyme zymography (performed at pH 4, 5, 6, or 7). Chondrocytes were isolated from equine cartilage and cultured with or without hyaluronan (1 mg/mL); the degradation of hyaluronan was assessed via agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS [corrected] Hyaluronidase activity was detected in equine sera and synovial fluid samples at pH 4, but not at pH 7, and in bovine sera at both pH values. In all samples at pH 4, a major band of activity (molecular weight, approx 60 kd) and some additional higher molecular weight bands were detected; high- and low-molecular-weight activities were detected in bovine sera at pH 7 Hyaluronan in tissue culture medium with or without fetal calf serum was degraded in the presence, but not the absence, of equine chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hyaluronidase activity was detected in equine sera and synovial fluid at pH 4 and in bovine sera at pH 4 and 7. Primary chondrocytes in monolayer culture can degrade exogenous hyaluronan. Modulating native hyaluronidase activity may offer a new approach to improve the quantity and quality of hyaluronan in articular joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Williams
- Department of Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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21
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Fleming JS, Yu F, McDonald RM, Meyers SA, Montgomery GW, Smith JF, Nicholson HD. Effects of scrotal heating on sperm surface protein PH-20 expression in sheep. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 68:103-14. [PMID: 15039954 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Sperm surface protein PH-20 expression was studied during spermatogenesis in pubertal and adult sheep, using molecular and histological methods. The effects of 24 hr of insulation raising scrotal temperatures to 39 degrees C on PH-20 expression in ejaculated sheep sperm were also determined. A 282 nt cDNA fragment of ovine PH-20 was identified in total RNA extracts of sheep testes, which exhibited 76% identity at the nucleotide level with the equivalent region of the human sequence. Ovine PH-20 mRNA and immunoreactivity were identified only in adult ram testis and not in peri-pubertal ram testis tubules lacking round spermatids, nor in adult sheep brain, pituitary, heart, spleen, lung, liver, kidney, epididymis, or ovary. Ovine PH-20 protein was distributed predominantly on the postacrosomal membrane and was also present on the anterior membrane of the sperm head in fresh, unheated sheep semen. Scrotal heating caused a significant, transient decrease in the percentage of PH-20 immunoreactive sperm, but did not change the pattern of PH-20 staining on the sperm head. The results strongly suggest that ovine PH-20 is postmeiotically expressed in haploid germ cells in sheep testis and is arrayed on the membrane of the mature ovine spermatozoon. Scrotal heating appears to have few effects on PH-20 expression and distribution on ejaculated sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean S Fleming
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Otago School of Medical Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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22
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Tulsiani DRP, Abou-Haila A. Is sperm capacitation analogous to early phases of Ca2+-triggered membrane fusion in somatic cells and viruses? Bioessays 2004; 26:281-90. [PMID: 14988929 DOI: 10.1002/bies.20003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
An important feature of male fertility is the physiological priming of spermatozoa by a multifaceted process collectively referred to as capacitation. The end point of this evasive process is the hyperactivated spermatozoa capable of binding to terminal sugar residues on the egg's extracellular coat, the zona pellucida (ZP), and undergoing acrosomal exocytosis (i.e., induction of the acrosome reaction). The hydrolytic action of acrosomal enzymes released at the site of zona binding, along with the enhanced thrust generated by the hyperactivated beat pattern of the bound spermatozoa, are important factors that regulate the penetration of ZP and fertilization of the egg. Despite many advances in identifying sperm components that promote capacitation, the mechanism underlying the calcium-triggered process remains elusive. The purpose of this review article is to focus on new advances that have enhanced our understanding of in vivo/in vitro capacitation, a prerequisite event resulting from a dramatic modification and reorganization of the sperm membrane molecules. Special emphasis has been laid on accumulating evidence suggesting potential similarities between the sperm capacitation and early phases of calcium-triggered membrane fusion (i.e., tethering and docking) during secretory and endocytotic pathways among eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daulat R P Tulsiani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
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23
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Bozkurt T, Tanyildizi S, Türk G. Effects of levamisole on hyaluronidase activity and sperm characteristics in rams. Theriogenology 2004; 62:323-9. [PMID: 15159124 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2003.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2003] [Revised: 08/28/2003] [Accepted: 10/15/2003] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of levamisole on sperm characteristics and hyaluronidase activity of blood serum and semen. For this purpose, 12 Akkaraman rams (2-3 years old) were used. Levamisole hydrochloride was administered orally at a dose of 7.5mg/kg body weights once daily for 2 days. Serum and semen samples were collected from the rams at post-treatment 1, 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 216, 288 and 384 h and examined for sperm characteristics and hyaluronidase activity. The results showed that the use of levamisole caused significant (P < 0.01) increase in serum hyaluronidase activity at all times except the 72 h, and in semen hyaluronidase activity at 1, 2, 4, 24, 72, 96 and 120 h compared to the control group. In addition, the levamisole caused significant (P < 0.05) decreases in semen volume, sperm motility, concentration and total sperm number at all times. There was no correlation between semen hyaluronidase activity and the sperm characteristics. In conclusion, levamisole did not have any deleterious effect on hyaluronidase enzyme. However, the use of this drug in rams during the breeding season is harmful due to the decrease of sperm characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanzer Bozkurt
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119 Elaziğ, Turkey.
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24
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Suri A. Sperm specific proteins-potential candidate molecules for fertility control. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2004; 2:10. [PMID: 15012833 PMCID: PMC390271 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-2-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2003] [Accepted: 03/10/2004] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in population growth rate warrants the development of additional contraceptive methods that are widely acceptable, free from side effects and less expensive. Immunocontraception, and in particular the targeting of antibodies to gamete-specific antigens implicated in sperm egg binding and fertilization, offers an attractive approach to control fertility. The development of a contraceptive vaccine based on sperm antigen represents a promising approach to contraception. In mammals, fertilization is completed by the direct interaction of sperm and egg, a process mediated primarily by sperm surface proteins. Sperm have proteins that are unique, cell specific, immunogenic and accessible to antibodies. A few of the sperm specific proteins have been isolated and characterized. The antibodies raised against the sperm specific antigens have proved to be extremely effective at reducing sperm-egg interaction in vitro; fertility trials in sub-human primates would eventually prove the effectiveness of the sperm antigens in terms of contraceptive efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Suri
- Genes and Proteins Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India.
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25
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Abstract
Effects of diminazene aceturate and ceftriaxone disodium were evaluated on sperm quality of rams. Daily intramuscular injections of diminazene (6 mg/kg) or ceftriaxone (28.5 mg/kg) were given to each of seven Akkaraman rams assigned per drug for two days. Semen samples were collected from the rams at post-treatment 1, 4, 24, 48, 72, 144, 288 and 336 h and examined for sperm characteristics and hyaluronidase activity. Results showed that use of ceftriaxone and diminazene caused significant (P<0.01) decreases in sperm concentration, volume and motility compared to control group within 288 h post-treatment. In addition, hyaluronidase activity increased significantly (P<0.01) in semen of rams treated with ceftriaxone while remained unchanged in those received diminazene. In conclusion, diminazene aceturate and ceftriaxone disodium did not have any deleterious effect on hyaluronidase enzyme. However, both drugs caused impairment of sperm in rams during the 288 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadettin Tanyildizi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119 Elaziğ, Turkey.
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26
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Lasserre A, González-Echeverría F, Moules C, Tezón JG, Miranda PV, Vazquez-Levin MH. Identification of human sperm proteins involved in the interaction with homologous zona pellucida. Fertil Steril 2003; 79 Suppl 3:1606-15. [PMID: 12801567 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(03)00251-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify human sperm proteins involved in homologous zona pellucida (ZP) interaction. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTINGS Basic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Semen samples from normozoospermic donors, tissue sections from surgical pieces, and ZP from nonfertilized oocytes. INTERVENTION(S) Antibodies for sperm proteins (HSE; high salt extract) were developed (anti-HSE) and partially characterized. Participation of sperm proteins on ZP-interaction was tested with the hemizona assay (HZA). Antigens were immunolocalized in sperm and tissues. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Sperm and tissue immunostaining; Western blotting; and number of sperm bound to the ZP. RESULT(S) Anti-HSE antibodies recognized several polypeptides in HSE (9 to 200 kd). Specific antibodies for 49 and 66 kd proteins (p49, p66) were obtained. Both (anti-p49 and anti-p66) stained the head of ejaculated and capacitated sperm. In the HZA, sperm preincubation with a mixture of anti-p49 and anti-p66 (100 micro g/mL) resulted in a decrease in the number of spermatozoa bound to the ZP. Presence of p66 (10 micro g/mL) inhibited sperm-ZP interaction. In contrast, p49 did not alter sperm binding to the ZP. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that p66 is present in the epididymis. No staining was observed in testicular sections. CONCLUSION(S) We found that p66 is an epididymal protein that participates in human sperm interaction with homologous ZP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lasserre
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Abou-Haila A, Tulsiani DRP. Evidence for the capacitation-associated membrane priming of mouse spermatozoa. Histochem Cell Biol 2003; 119:179-87. [PMID: 12649732 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-003-0504-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2003] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
An important feature of male fertility is the physiological priming of mammalian spermatozoa by a multifaceted process referred to as capacitation. It is a prerequisite event before spermatozoa can bind to the egg's extracellular coat, the zona pellucida, and undergo a signal transduction cascade. The net result is the fusion of the plasma membrane (PM) and underlying outer acrosomal membrane at multiple sites and the release of acrosomal contents (i.e., glycohydrolases, proteinases, etc.) at the site of sperm-zona binding. In this study, we have used an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay and other staining approaches to examine capacitation-associated membrane priming of mouse spermatozoa. For IIF studies, we used affinity-purified antibodies against two glycohydrolases that cross-reacted with the acrosomal enzymes only when the uncapacitated spermatozoa were permeabilized. Incubation of spermatozoa in a medium that favors in vitro capacitation induced membrane priming that allowed the antibodies to cross-react with the acrosomal enzymes in capacitating acrosome-intact spermatozoa without permeabilization, as revealed by the appearance of several distinct fluorescent patterns, including an initial immunopositive lining over the acrosome cap to an intense immunopositive reaction throughout the acrosome. These early immunopositive patterns were followed by the appearance of intense fluorescent spots (droplets) that seem to establish contact with the PM in a time-dependent manner. Inclusion of calmodulin, a 17-kDa Ca(2+)-binding protein which promotes capacitation, in the incubation medium did not alter the overall rate of capacitation; however, its presence accelerated the initial stages of membrane priming. The potential similarities between sperm capacitation and early events of Ca(2+)-triggered membrane fusion among eukaryotes and among various stations of the secretory and endocytotic pathways are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Abou-Haila
- UFR Biomédicale, Université René Descartes, 45 Rue des Saints-Pères, Paris Cedex 06, France.
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28
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Tanghe S, Van Soom A, Nauwynck H, Coryn M, de Kruif A. Minireview: Functions of the cumulus oophorus during oocyte maturation, ovulation, and fertilization. Mol Reprod Dev 2002; 61:414-24. [PMID: 11835587 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Tanghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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29
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Gadella BM, Rathi R, Brouwers JF, Stout TA, Colenbrander B. Capacitation and the acrosome reaction in equine sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2001; 68:249-65. [PMID: 11744269 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(01)00161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
During sexual reproduction, the sperm and oocyte must fuse before the production of a diploid zygote can proceed. In mammals such as equids, fusion depends critically on complex changes in the plasma membrane of the sperm and, not surprisingly, this membrane differs markedly from that of somatic cells. After leaving the testes, sperm cease to synthesize plasma membrane lipids or proteins, and vesicle-mediated transport stops. When the sperm reaches the female reproductive tract, it is activated by so-called capacitation factors that initiate a delicate reorientation and modification of molecules within the plasma membrane. These surface changes enable the sperm to bind to the extracellular matrix of the egg (zona pellucida ZP) and the zona then primes the sperm to initiate the acrosome reaction, an exocytotic event required for the sperm to penetrate the zona. This paper will review the processes that occur at the sperm plasma membrane before and during successful penetration of the equine ZP. It is noted that while several methods have been described for detecting changes that occur during capacitation and the acrosome reaction in bovine and porcine sperm, relatively little has been documented for equine sperm. Special attention will therefore be dedicated to recent attempts to develop and implement new assays for the detection of the capacitation status of live, acrosome-intact and motile equine sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Gadella
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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30
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Abstract
The plasma membrane over the sperm head of several mammalian species has been shown to express a glycerolphosphatidylinositol-linked hyaluronidase known as PH-20. This protein has been associated with the sperm's interaction with the oocyte cumulus matrix and zona pellucida. The characteristics of PH-20 in equine sperm have not been clearly defined. In this study, ejaculated gel-free semen from five stallions and epididymal sperm from isolated epididymis from 10 stallions was used to characterize the PH-20 activity in equine sperm. Affinity purified anti-equine PH-20 polyclonal antibody was used to immunodetect sperm surface-associated PH-20 and immunolabel whole sperm. The intracellular calcium indicator, Fluo-3, was used to assess sperm intracellular calcium. Stallion sperm express a surface-associated hyaluronidase localized to the posterior sperm head region in ejaculated sperm. Following in vitro capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis, the inner acrosomal membrane (IAM) displays intense hyaluronidase fluorescence suggesting that the IAM and hyaluronidase plays a significant role in zona penetration by sperm. Sperm incubated in hyaluronan (HA)-containing capacitation medium display an elevated intracellular calcium concentration (P<0.01) that is associated with translocation of PH-20 antigenic sites on the sperm surface in addition to increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Caput- and cauda-derived sperm display developmentally unique PH-20 immunofluorescence expression patterns. These data suggest that the differential expression of PH-20 in ejaculated and epididymal sperm could be involved in cumulus penetration, sperm-egg recognition, and oolemmal fusion in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, One Shields Ave., University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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31
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Rutllant J, Meyers SA. Posttranslational processing of PH-20 during epididymal sperm maturation in the horse. Biol Reprod 2001; 65:1324-31. [PMID: 11673246 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod65.5.1324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that spermatozoa become functionally mature during epididymal transit. The objective of this study was to determine whether the cellular location of equine PH-20 is modified during epididymal transit and, if so, the mechanism for such modification. Sperm were isolated from caput and cauda epididymal regions from stallions undergoing castration (n = 7) and used as whole sperm cell or subjected to nitrogen cavitation for isolation of plasma membrane proteins. Both caput and cauda sperm and sperm protein extracts were subjected to N-deglycosylation, O-deglycosylation, or trypsinization. The SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis using a polyclonal anti-equine PH-20 IgG were performed in sperm extracts, and indirect immunofluorescence on whole sperm was also performed to determine the cellular distribution of plasma membrane PH-20 following similar treatments (deglycosylation or trypsinization). Hyaluronan substrate gel electrophoresis was performed to detect hyaluronidase activity in SDS-PAGE proteins. Western blots revealed significant differences in electrophoretic migration of PH-20 proteins from caput and cauda epididymal sperm. No effect was seen from deglycosylation treatments on the Western blot pattern; caput protein extracts exposed to trypsin showed the same band pattern as extracts from the cauda epididymis. N-deglycosylation resulted in the loss of hyaluronidase activity of sperm from both epididymal regions, whereas O-deglycosylation or trypsinization did not affect hyaluronidase activity. In caput epididymal sperm, the PH-20 protein is distributed over the entire sperm head; in cauda epididymal sperm, it is restricted to the postacrosomal region. No effect from deglycosylation on the cellular distribution of PH-20 was observed; however, treatment with trypsin changed the cellular distribution of PH-20 in caput sperm similar to that of the distribution of cauda sperm. These results suggest that PH-20 distribution during epididymal maturation is dependent on proteolytic trypsin-like mechanisms and, possibly, on complementary membrane-associated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rutllant
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
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32
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Lalancette C, Dorval V, Leblanc V, Leclerc P. Characterization of an 80-kilodalton bull sperm protein identified as PH-20. Biol Reprod 2001; 65:628-36. [PMID: 11466235 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod65.2.628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents the partial characterization and the identification of an 80-kDa protein detected in bull spermatozoa using a monoclonal antibody directed against a 16-amino acid long peptide from the N-terminal domain of the protooncogene p60(src) from the Rous Sarcoma Virus When subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis, this 80-kDa protein migrated as several isoforms, with an isoelectric point ranging from 7.4 to 8.2. Amino acid sequence analysis of a peptide obtained following trypsin digestion of the bull sperm protein showed homology to the PH-20/hyaluronidase precursor sperm protein. As for PH-20, this bull sperm 80-kDa protein is located at the plasma membrane surface in the postacrosomal region of the head. An increased immunolabeling in the anterior head region of fixed/permeabilized spermatozoa was observed when these cells were incubated under capacitating conditions, whereas most sperm cells challenged with the calcium ionophore A23187 to acrosome react lost their labeling almost completely. As for the PH-20 protein, the 80-kDa bull sperm protein possesses a hyaluronidase activity that is higher at pH 7.0 than at pH 4.0 in an in-gel assay. Unlike what has been observed in the guinea pig, mouse, and human PH-20, this 80-kDa protein was not released from the surface of bull spermatozoa by treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C or with trypsin. However, this protein was not sedimented by a 100,000 x g centrifugation after nitrogen cavitation, which suggests that the 80-kDa protein is loosely attached to the sperm membrane by a yet-unknown mechanism. These results suggest that the 80-kDa bull sperm protein shares many homologies with the sperm PH-20 protein reported in the literature and, most likely, is the bull sperm homologue of the PH-20.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lalancette
- Département d'Obstétrique/Gynécologie, Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHUQ and Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Quebec, Canada G1L 3L5
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33
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Toshimori K. Sperm Plasma Membrane Modifications Associated with Fertilization in Mammals. J Reprod Dev 2000. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.46.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kiyotaka Toshimori
- Department of Anatomy and Reproductive Cell Biology, Miyazaki Medical College, Kihara 5200, Kiyotake, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
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