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Samano-Barbosa GA, López-Trinidad BP, Rodríguez-Tobón A, Chávez-Zamora JC, Cortés-Barberena E, León-Galván MA, Rodríguez-Tobón E, Arenas-Ríos E. Participation of apoptotic markers in the process of maturation and elimination of spermatozoa in the epididymis of the Corynorhinus mexicanus bat. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:749-757. [PMID: 37565711 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The Corynorhinus mexicanus bat is characterized by a specific form of reproductive asynchrony between males and females. After mating, some sperm remain in the male's epididymis, the organ where the sperm had matured. It has not yet been determined if apoptotic markers participate in the process of the maturation and/or elimination of these cells, so studying this topic is essential for our understanding of this species. Male bats were collected during three stages: Before mating; during the Mating phase; After mating and the final phase, which we call, Storage. Their epididymides were removed, weighed and measured. Sperm were extracted and the following sperm parameters were evaluated: active caspases, phosphatidylserine externalization, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Sperm from the testes enter the epididymis during Before mating, causing the organ to grow. During Mating phase, spermatozoa present a large amount of active caspases with externalization of phosphatidyl serine, even while still alive. This suggests that these two markers could participate in maturation and elimination, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gihovani Ademir Samano-Barbosa
- Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, México
- Maestría en Biología de la Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, México
| | | | - Ahiezer Rodríguez-Tobón
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, México
| | - Julio Cesar Chávez-Zamora
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Edith Cortés-Barberena
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Citometría de Flujo, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, México
| | - Miguel Angel León-Galván
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, México
| | - Ernesto Rodríguez-Tobón
- Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, México
| | - Edith Arenas-Ríos
- Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, México
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2
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Shum W, Zhang BL, Cao AS, Zhou X, Shi SM, Zhang ZY, Gu LY, Shi S. Calcium Homeostasis in the Epididymal Microenvironment: Is Extracellular Calcium a Cofactor for Matrix Gla Protein-Dependent Scavenging Regulated by Vitamins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827940. [PMID: 35252193 PMCID: PMC8893953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the male reproductive tract, the epididymis is an essential organ for sperm maturation, in which sperm cells acquire mobility and the ability to fertilize oocytes while being stored in a protective microenvironment. Epididymal function involves a specialized luminal microenvironment established by the epithelial cells of epididymal mucosa. Low-calcium concentration is a unique feature of this epididymal luminal microenvironment, its relevance and regulation are, however, incompletely understood. In the rat epididymis, the vitamin D-related calcium-dependent TRPV6-TMEM16A channel-coupler has been shown to be involved in fluid transport, and, in a spatially complementary manner, vitamin K2-related γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX)-dependent carboxylation of matrix Gla protein (MGP) plays an essential role in promoting calcium-dependent protein aggregation. An SNP in the human GGCX gene has been associated with asthenozoospermia. In addition, bioinformatic analysis also suggests the involvement of a vitamin B6-axis in calcium-dependent MGP-mediated protein aggregation. These findings suggest that vitamins interact with calcium homeostasis in the epididymis to ensure proper sperm maturation and male fertility. This review article discusses the regulation mechanisms of calcium homeostasis in the epididymis, and the potential role of vitamin interactions on epididymal calcium homeostasis, especially the role of matrix calcium in the epididymal lumen as a cofactor for the carboxylated MGP-mediated scavenging function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Shum
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Winnie Shum,
| | - Bao Li Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Reproduction and Development Institution, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Albert Shang Cao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Su Meng Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze Yang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lou Yi Gu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Shi
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Influence of the Season and Region Factor on Phosphoproteome of Stallion Epididymal Sperm. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123487. [PMID: 34944263 PMCID: PMC8697920 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epididymal maturation can be defined as a scope of changes occurring during epididymal transit that prepare spermatozoa to undergo capacitation. One of the most common post-translational modifications involved in the sperm maturation process and their ability to fertilise an oocyte is the phosphorylation of sperm proteins. The aim of this study was to compare tyrosine, serine, and threonine phosphorylation patterns of sperm proteins isolated from three subsequent segments of the stallion epididymis, during and out of the breeding season. Intensities of phosphorylation signals and phosphoproteins profiles varied in consecutive regions of the epididymis. However, significant differences in the phosphorylation status were demonstrated in case of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone BiP (75 and 32 kDa), protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (50 kDa), nesprin-1 (23 kDa), peroxiredoxin-5 (17 kDa), and protein bicaudal D homolog (15 kDa) for season x type of phosphorylated residues variables. Significant differences in the phosphorylation status were also demonstrated in case of endoplasmic reticulum chaperone BiP and albumin (61 kDa), protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (50 kDa), and protein bicaudal D homolog (15 kDa) for region x type of phosphorylated residues variables.
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4
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López-Trinidad BP, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Konigsberg M, Ávalos-Rodríguez A, Rodríguez-Tobón A, Cortés-Barberena E, Arteaga-Silva M, Arenas-Ríos E. Alterations in epididymal sperm maturation caused by ageing. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:855-864. [PMID: 34844664 DOI: 10.1071/rd21081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is an organ that performs all the biochemical changes responsible for sperm maturation. During ageing, histological alterations in the epididymis and decreased protein synthesis have been found. This might affect the sperm maturation process. The aim of this study was to determine if the changes in the epididymis during ageing might cause alterations in sperm maturation. Wistar rats of 3-4months old (young) and 18-21months old (old) were used. The testosterone concentration was determined and the epididymides were dissected and divided in three regions: caput, corpus, and cauda. The tissues were used for histological processing and sperm extraction. Testosterone concentration decreased 34% in the old animals compared to the young ones. The distribution of mannose, sialic acid, and N-acetylglucosamine in the glycocalyx of the sperm membrane of old animals was different from that of young animals. The same occurred with phosphatidylserine externalisation and protein phosphorylation at tyrosine residues. Epididymis histology in old animals showed tubular and cellular degeneration. Our results suggest that ageing affects maturational markers, likely due to alterations in the epididymis as a result of the testosterone decrease associated with ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P López-Trinidad
- Doctorado en Biología Experimental. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa. Ciudad de México, México; and Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa. Ciudad de México, México
| | - R M Vigueras-Villaseñor
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M Konigsberg
- Laboratorio de Bioenergética y envejecimiento Celular, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa. Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Ávalos-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Xochimilco. Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Rodríguez-Tobón
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Biología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa. Ciudad de México, México; and Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa. Ciudad de México, México
| | - E Cortés-Barberena
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Citometría de Flujo, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa. Ciudad de México, México
| | - M Arteaga-Silva
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología Reproductiva, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa. Ciudad de México, México
| | - E Arenas-Ríos
- Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa. Ciudad de México, México
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5
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Li X, Li Y, Song W, Xie D, Zhu F, Yang M, Li Y. cDNA cloning, expression and bioinformatical analysis of Tssk genes in tree shrews. Comput Biol Chem 2021; 92:107474. [PMID: 33765466 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2021.107474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tree shrews are more closely related to primate animals than rodents in many aspects. In addition, they also possess several advantageous characteristics including small body size, high brain-to-body mass ratio, low cost of feeding and maintenance, short reproductive cycle and life span, which make them promising novel laboratory animals to replace more precious larger primate animals. Testis-specific serine/threonine kinase (Tssk) plays important roles in spermatogenesis and/or the regulation of sperm function. However, studies on Tssk in tree shrews have not been reported yet. In the present study, the full-length sequences of five members of the Tssk family in tree shrews were cloned and their CDS region sequences were analyzed by basic bioinformatics. The phylogenetic tree and prokaryotic protein expression system of Tssk gene of tree shrews were constructed. The mRNA expressions of Tssk genes in 11 tissues/organs from tree shrews were studied. The results showed that: 1. the length of the CDS region of tree shrew Tssk gene for Tssk1B, Tssk2, Tssk3 (variant X1 / X2), Tssk4 (variant X1 / X2) and Tssk6 is 1080bp, 1077bp, 867 / 807bp, 1014 / 984bp, 822bp, respectively, encoding 359, 358, 288/268, 337/327 and 273 amino acids, respectively; the cloned sequences of Tssk genes have been submitted to GenBank with the following accession numbers: KX091161(Tssk1B), KX091162(Tssk2), KX091163(Tssk3 variant X1)/KX091164(Tssk3 variant X2), KX091165(Tssk4variant X1)/KX091166(Tssk4variant X2), KX091160(Tssk6). 2. All tree shrew Tssk proteins distribute in cytoplasm, indicating that they are hydrophilic and non-secretory proteins, with multiple phosphorylation sites of serine and/or threonine. In addition, they are all mixed proteins with similar tertiary structures sharing a highly conserved functional domain of S_TKc (Serine/Threonine protein kinases, catalytic domain). 3.The molecular phylogenetic tree of five Tssk genes in tree shrews indicates that they are neither rodent nor primate animal, but are closely related to primate animals. 4. Five members of the Tssk recombinant proteins in tree shrews were successfully obtained using the constructed prokaryotic protein expression system. 5. Five Tssk genes are specifically expressed in the testis and/or sperm of tree shrews. Additionally, small amount of Tssk1B was expressed in several tissues other than testis and sperm. Limited mRNA levels of Tssk2 and Tssk4 were expressed in the brain, while mRNA of Tssk3 or Tssk6 could only be detected in the testis and sperm. This study will provide fundamental data on reproductive biology of tree shrews, which paves a way for further studying Tssk's biological function in this novel model animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yuanji Li
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Wenfei Song
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; Institute of Sericultural and Apiculture, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mengzi, 661101, China
| | - Daohao Xie
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Fangfang Zhu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Minghua Yang
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Yahui Li
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
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6
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Rodríguez-Tobón E, Fierro R, González-Márquez H, García-Vázquez FA, Arenas-Ríos E. Boar sperm incubation with reduced glutathione (GSH) differentially modulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation patterns and reorganization of calcium in sperm, in vitro fertilization, and embryo development depending on concentrations. Res Vet Sci 2020; 135:386-396. [PMID: 33153763 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The sperm in the female's reproductive tract undergo changes to fertilize the oocyte (sperm capacitation). These changes are regulated by redox system. However, some assisted reproductive technologies require sperm capacitation under in vitro conditions, though this increases the generation of ROS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GSH as an antioxidant agent during the capacitation of boar sperm [evaluated by calcium compartmentalization, tyrosine phosphorylation (Tyr-P), motility, viability, and acrosomal integrity], in vitro fertilization (evaluated by penetration, monospermy, and efficiency %), and later embryo development (evaluated by cleavage and blastocyst rates, total number of cells per blastocyst and blastocyst diameter). Four experimental groups with different GSH concentrations (0-control, 0.5, 1, and 5 mM) were formed. When 1-GSH was added to the medium, the percentage of capacitated sperm increased after 4 h of incubation; the localization of Tyr-P was modified at 1 h and 4 h of incubation depending on the GSH concentration. Percentages of total and progressive sperm motility also increased at 4 h of incubation, but only in the 5-GSH group compared to control. Viability, acrosomal integrity, and general Tyr-P (Western blot) not differ among the experimental groups. The addition of GSH during gamete interaction increased penetration, monospermy, and efficiency rates in the 1-GSH group compared to the others. However, the effect of GSH was not observed in cleavage and blastocyst rates compared to the control. In conclusion, adding GSH modulates sperm capacitation (by means of calcium compartmentalization and tyrosine phosphorilation pattern) depending on its concentration, and improves IVF output at 1-GSH during gamete interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Rodríguez-Tobón
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Reyna Fierro
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad Iztapalapa, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Humberto González-Márquez
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad Iztapalapa, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Francisco A García-Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus Internacional de Excelencia para la educación superior e investigación "Campus Mare Nostrum", Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain; Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
| | - Edith Arenas-Ríos
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Unidad Iztapalapa, CDMX, Mexico.
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Soriano-Úbeda C, Avilés-López K, García-Vázquez FA, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Matás C. Epididymal and ejaculated sperm functionality is regulated differently by periovulatory oviductal fluid in pigs. Andrology 2020; 9:426-439. [PMID: 32920990 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current results of in vitro reproduction techniques in pigs, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo development, show high performance with both epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa. However, the results using ejaculated spermatozoa are even better. Ejaculated spermatozoa are exposed to the secretions of the accessory seminal glands: the seminal plasma (SP). It has been reported that exposure of spermatozoa to reproductive fluids, such as SP or periovulatory oviductal fluid (pOF), modulates sperm functionality both in vivo and in vitro. But whether or not this modulating effect of pOF depends on the origin of the spermatozoa being epididymal or ejaculated, is still unknown. OBJECTIVES To determine and compare the effect of pOF on epididymal and ejaculated sperm functionality. MATERIAL AND METHODS The effects of incubating spermatozoa from the epididymis and ejaculate with pOF in capacitating conditions were investigated by analyzing sperm motility, phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates and proteins in tyrosine (pPKAs and pTyr, respectively), the interaction of the spermatozoa with the oocyte in IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and, finally, the spermatozoa chromatin condensation status. RESULTS The pOF modified events related to capacitation in epididymal spermatozoa by decreasing motility, pPKAs and pTyr. In the interaction with the oocyte after sperm capacitation, pOF regulated the epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa differently. While pOF decreased the number of spermatozoa bound to the zona pellucida (Spz/ZP) and increased oocyte activation after ICSI with epididymal spermatozoa, with the ejaculated spermatozoa, it decreased the mean number penetrating each oocyte (Spz/O). Additionally, pOF significantly increased the nuclear decondensation of the epididymal spermatozoa after the fertilization of the oocyte. CONCLUSION The modulation of sperm functionality by pOF is conditioned by the origin of the spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Karen Avilés-López
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco A García-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Jon Romero-Aguirregomezcorta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Carmen Matás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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8
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Pini T, de Graaf SP, Druart X, Tsikis G, Labas V, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Gadella BM, Leahy T. Binder of Sperm Proteins 1 and 5 have contrasting effects on the capacitation of ram spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:765-775. [PMID: 29415221 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Binder of Sperm Proteins (BSPs) are the most abundant seminal plasma protein family in the ram and bull. They have been extensively studied in the bull but less is known about their function in ovine seminal plasma and current knowledge suggests that BSPs may have different effects in these two species. In the bull, they facilitate capacitation and destabilize the sperm membrane during in vitro handling, whereas in the ram, they appear to stabilize the sperm membrane and prevent cryopreservation-induced capacitation-like changes. Further investigation into the effects of BSPs on ram spermatozoa under capacitating conditions is required to further clarify their physiological roles in the ram. We investigated the effects of Binder of Sperm Proteins 1 and 5 on epididymal ram spermatozoa in conditions of low, moderate, and high cAMP. BSPs had minimal effects on sperm function in low-cAMP conditions, but caused significant changes under cAMP upregulation. BSP1 stabilized the membrane and qualitatively reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation, but significantly increased cholesterol efflux and induced spontaneous acrosome reactions. BSP5 slightly increased spontaneous acrosome reactions and caused sperm necrosis. However, BSP5 had minimal effects on membrane lipid order and cholesterol efflux and did not inhibit protein tyrosine phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that under maximal cAMP upregulation, BSP1 affected ram spermatozoa in a manner comparable to bull spermatozoa, while BSP5 did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Pini
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xavier Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Francais du Cheval et de L'Equitation, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Francais du Cheval et de L'Equitation, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valerie Labas
- Plate-forme de Chirurgie et Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement, Pôle d'Analyse et d'Imagerie des Biomolécules, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ana Paula Teixeira-Gomes
- Plate-forme de Chirurgie et Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement, Pôle d'Analyse et d'Imagerie des Biomolécules, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Barend M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health and Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Leahy
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Evaluation of protein phosphorylation in bull sperm during their maturation in the epididymis. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 371:365-373. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2705-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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10
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Posttranslational Modifications in Spermatozoa and Effects on Male Fertility and Sperm Viability. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 21:245-256. [DOI: 10.1089/omi.2016.0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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11
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Björkgren I, Alvarez L, Blank N, Balbach M, Turunen H, Laajala TD, Toivanen J, Krutskikh A, Wahlberg N, Huhtaniemi I, Poutanen M, Wachten D, Sipilä P. Targeted inactivation of the mouse epididymal beta-defensin 41 alters sperm flagellar beat pattern and zona pellucida binding. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 427:143-54. [PMID: 26987518 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
During epididymal maturation, sperm acquire the ability to swim progressively by interacting with proteins secreted by the epididymal epithelium. Beta-defensin proteins, expressed in the epididymis, continue to regulate sperm motility during capacitation and hyperactivation in the female reproductive tract. We characterized the mouse beta-defensin 41 (DEFB41), by generating a mouse model with iCre recombinase inserted into the first exon of the gene. The homozygous Defb41(iCre/iCre) knock-in mice lacked Defb41 expression and displayed iCre recombinase activity in the principal cells of the proximal epididymis. Heterozygous Defb41(iCre/+) mice can be used to generate epididymis specific conditional knock-out mouse models. Homozygous Defb41(iCre/iCre) sperm displayed a defect in sperm motility with the flagella primarily bending in the pro-hook conformation while capacitated wild-type sperm more often displayed the anti-hook conformation. This led to a reduced straight line motility of Defb41(iCre/iCre) sperm and weaker binding to the oocyte. Thus, DEFB41 is required for proper sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Björkgren
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku Doctoral Programme of Biomedical Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - Luis Alvarez
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nelli Blank
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Minerva Research Group Molecular Physiology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Melanie Balbach
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Minerva Research Group Molecular Physiology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Heikki Turunen
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku Doctoral Programme of Biomedical Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - Teemu Daniel Laajala
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Toivanen
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anton Krutskikh
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (Caesar), Minerva Research Group Molecular Physiology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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12
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Reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant enzyme activity during epididymal sperm maturation in Corynorhinus mexicanus bats. Reprod Biol 2016; 16:78-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Kunkitti P, Bergqvist AS, Sjunnesson Y, Axnér E. The ability of feline spermatozoa in different epididymal regions to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction. Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 161:64-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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14
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Baker MA. Proteomics of post-translational modifications of mammalian spermatozoa. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:279-287. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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15
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Rodríguez-Tobón A, Fierro R, León-Galván MA, Rosado A, Cortés-Barberena E, Arenas-Ríos E. Tyrosine phosphorylation as evidence of epididymal cauda participation in the sperm maturation process ofCorynorhinus mexicanusbat. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahiezer Rodríguez-Tobón
- Doctorado en Biología Experimental; Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa; Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina CP 09340 Iztapalapa DF México
| | - Reyna Fierro
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud; Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa; Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina CP 09340 Iztapalapa DF México
| | - Miguel Angel León-Galván
- Departamento de Biología; Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa; Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina CP 09340 Iztapalapa DF México
| | - Adolfo Rosado
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción; Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa; Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina CP 09340 Iztapalapa DF México
| | - Edith Cortés-Barberena
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud; Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa; Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina CP 09340 Iztapalapa DF México
| | - Edith Arenas-Ríos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción; Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa; Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina CP 09340 Iztapalapa DF México
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Tulake K, Wang X, Chen Y, Yu C, Jing B, Li H. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation in sperm of a rare red deer, Tarim wapiti (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis). Anim Reprod Sci 2015; 154:68-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Wang J, Qi L, Huang S, Zhou T, Guo Y, Wang G, Guo X, Zhou Z, Sha J. Quantitative phosphoproteomics analysis reveals a key role of insulin growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) tyrosine kinase in human sperm capacitation. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 14:1104-12. [PMID: 25693802 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m114.045468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important changes during sperm capacitation is the enhancement of tyrosine phosphorylation. However, the mechanisms of protein tyrosine phosphorylation during sperm capacitation are not well studied. We used label-free quantitative phosphoproteomics to investigate the overall phosphorylation events during sperm capacitation in humans and identified 231 sites with increased phosphorylation levels. Motif analysis using the NetworKIN algorithm revealed that the activity of tyrosine phosphorylation kinases insulin growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R)/insulin receptor is significantly enriched among the up-regulated phosphorylation substrates during capacitation. Western blotting further confirmed inhibition of IGF1R with inhibitors GSK1904529A and NVP-AEW541, which inhibited the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation levels during sperm capacitation. Additionally, sperm hyperactivated motility was also inhibited by GSK1904529A and NVP-AEW541 but could be up-regulated by insulin growth factor 1, the ligand of IGF1R. Thus, the IGF1R-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation pathway may play important roles in the regulation of sperm capacitation in humans and could be a target for improvement in sperm functions in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Lin Qi
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shaoping Huang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Gaigai Wang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zuomin Zhou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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Harayama H. Roles of intracellular cyclic AMP signal transduction in the capacitation and subsequent hyperactivation of mouse and boar spermatozoa. J Reprod Dev 2014; 59:421-30. [PMID: 24162806 PMCID: PMC3934125 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is not until accomplishment of a variety of molecular changes during the transit
through the female reproductive tract that mammalian spermatozoa are capable of
exhibiting highly activated motility with asymmetric whiplash beating of the flagella
(hyperactivation) and undergoing acrosomal exocytosis in the head (acrosome
reaction). These molecular changes of the spermatozoa are collectively termed
capacitation and promoted by bicarbonate, calcium and cholesterol acceptors. Such
capacitation-promoting factors can stimulate intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) signal
transduction in the spermatozoa. Meanwhile, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction
are essential to sperm fertilization with oocytes and are apparently triggered by a
sufficient increase of intracellular Ca2+ in the sperm flagellum and head,
respectively. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the relationship between cAMP
signal transduction and calcium signaling cascades in the spermatozoa for the purpose
of understanding the molecular basis of capacitation. In this review, I cover updated
insights regarding intracellular cAMP signal transduction, the acrosome reaction and
flagellar motility in mammalian spermatozoa and then account for possible roles of
intracellular cAMP signal transduction in the capacitation and subsequent
hyperactivation of mouse and boar spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Harayama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
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19
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Dacheux JL, Dacheux F. New insights into epididymal function in relation to sperm maturation. Reproduction 2014; 147:R27-42. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Testicular spermatozoa acquire fertility only after 1 or 2 weeks of transit through the epididymis. At the end of this several meters long epididymal tubule, the male gamete is able to move, capacitate, migrate through the female tract, bind to the egg membrane and fuse to the oocyte to result in a viable embryo. All these sperm properties are acquired after sequential modifications occurring either at the level of the spermatozoon or in the epididymal surroundings. Over the last few decades, significant increases in the understanding of the composition of the male gamete and its surroundings have resulted from the use of new techniques such as genome sequencing, proteomics combined with high-sensitivity mass spectrometry, and gene-knockout approaches. This review reports and discusses the most relevant new results obtained in different species regarding the various cellular processes occurring at the sperm level, in particular, those related to the development of motility and egg binding during epididymal transit.
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Role of posttranslational protein modifications in epididymal sperm maturation and extracellular quality control. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 759:159-80. [PMID: 25030764 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0817-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The epididymal lumen is a complex microenvironment in which spermatozoa acquire motility and fertility. Spermatozoa are synthetically inactive and therefore the maturation process requires their interaction with proteins that are synthesized and secreted in a highly regionalized manner by the epididymal epithelium. In addition to the integration of epididymal secretory proteins, posttranslational modifications of existing sperm proteins are important for sperm maturation and acquisition of fertilizing potential. Phosphorylation, glycosylation, and processing are several of the posttranslational modifications that sperm proteins undergo during epididymal transit resulting in changes in protein function and localization ultimately leading to mature spermatozoa. In addition to these well-characterized modifications, protein aggregation and cross-linking also occur within the epididymal lumen and may represent unique mechanisms for controlling protein function including that for maturation as well as for extracellular quality control.
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21
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Sati L, Cayli S, Delpiano E, Sakkas D, Huszar G. The pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation in human sperm in response to binding to zona pellucida or hyaluronic acid. Reprod Sci 2013; 21:573-81. [PMID: 24077441 DOI: 10.1177/1933719113504467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian species, acquisition of sperm fertilization competence is dependent on the phenomenon of sperm capacitation. One of the key elements of capacitation is protein tyrosine phosphorylation (TP) in various sperm membrane regions. In previous studies performed, the pattern of TP was examined in human sperm bound to zona pellucida of oocytes. In the present comparative study, TP patterns upon sperm binding to the zona pellucida or hyaluronic acid (HA) were investigated in spermatozoa arising from the same semen samples. Tyrosine phosphorylation, visualized by immunofluorescence, was localized within the acrosomal cap, equatorial head region, neck, and the principal piece. Tyrosine phosphorylation has increased in a time-related manner as capacitation progressed, and the phosphorylation pattern was identical within the principal piece and neck, regardless of the sperm bound to the zona pellucida or HA. Thus, the data demonstrated that the patterns of sperm activation-related TP were similar regardless of the spermatozoa bound to zona pellucida or HA. Further, sperm with incomplete development, as detected by excess cytoplasmic retention, failed to exhibit TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Sati
- 1Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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22
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Correia S, Oliveira PF, Guerreiro PM, Lopes G, Alves MG, Canario AVM, Cavaco JE, Socorro S. Sperm parameters and epididymis function in transgenic rats overexpressing the Ca2+-binding protein regucalcin: a hidden role for Ca2+ in sperm maturation? Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:581-9. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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23
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Fiedler SE, Dudiki T, Vijayaraghavan S, Carr DW. Loss of R2D2 proteins ROPN1 and ROPN1L causes defects in murine sperm motility, phosphorylation, and fibrous sheath integrity. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:41. [PMID: 23303679 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.105262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The fibrous sheath (FS) is a flagellar cytoskeletal structure unique to sperm that surrounds the outer dense fibers and axoneme. Its primary components are A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) 3 and 4, which suggests that the FS affects flagellar beating via the scaffolding of signaling pathways necessary for motility. Sperm proteins ROPN1 and ROPN1L bind AKAP3. To determine the role of ROPN1 and ROPN1L in sperm function, we created mice deficient in ROPN1 (RKO), mice deficient in ROPN1L (RLKO), and double knockout mice (DKO). All three strains of mice had normal testicular morphology and spermatogenesis. Only the DKOs had obvious defects in sperm morphology (thinning and shredding of the principal piece), which was accompanied by a reduction in AKAP3 levels. RLKO mice had slightly reduced sperm motility and increased levels of ROPN1. RKO mice had moderately impaired motility and increased levels of ROPN1L. DKO sperm were immotile. We have previously determined that RKO male mice are subfertile, and DKO males are infertile. Together these data indicate that ROPN1L and ROPN1 compensate for each other in the absence of the opposing protein, possibly to maintain AKAP3 incorporation in the FS. Sperm from mice lacking ROPN1L exhibited reductions in both cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) phosphorylation of a 270-kDa protein (perhaps FSCB), and in capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Sperm from mice lacking ROPN1 had reduced levels of FSCB and increased tyrosine phosphorylation of noncapacitated sperm. These data demonstrate that mutations in ROPN1 and ROPN1L can cause defects in FS integrity, sperm motility, and PKA-dependent signaling processes, leading to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Fiedler
- Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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24
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Protein-tyrosine kinase signaling in the biological functions associated with sperm. JOURNAL OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION 2012; 2012:181560. [PMID: 23209895 PMCID: PMC3503396 DOI: 10.1155/2012/181560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In sexual reproduction, two gamete cells (i.e., egg and sperm) fuse (fertilization) to create a newborn with a genetic identity distinct from those of the parents. In the course of these developmental processes, a variety of signal transduction events occur simultaneously in each of the two gametes, as well as in the fertilized egg/zygote/early embryo. In particular, a growing body of knowledge suggests that the tyrosine kinase Src and/or other protein-tyrosine kinases are important elements that facilitate successful implementation of the aforementioned processes in many animal species. In this paper, we summarize recent findings on the roles of protein-tyrosine phosphorylation in many sperm-related processes (from spermatogenesis to epididymal maturation, capacitation, acrosomal exocytosis, and fertilization).
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25
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Impact of epididymal maturation, ejaculation and in vitro capacitation on tyrosine phosphorylation patterns exhibited of boar (Sus domesticus) spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1356-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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26
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Protein tyrosine phosphorylation and zona binding ability of in vitro capacitated and cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2011; 75:1630-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Revised: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 01/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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27
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Mariappa D, Aladakatti RH, Dasari SK, Sreekumar A, Wolkowicz M, van der Hoorn F, Seshagiri PB. Inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm flagellar proteins, outer dense fiber protein-2 and tektin-2, is associated with impaired motility during capacitation of hamster spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:182-93. [PMID: 19953638 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, acquisition of fertilization competence of spermatozoa is dependent on the phenomenon of sperm capacitation. One of the critical molecular events of sperm capacitation is protein tyrosine phosphorylation. In a previous study, we demonstrated that a specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin-A47, inhibited hamster sperm capacitation, accompanied by a reduced sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Interestingly, a high percentage of tyrphostin-A47-treated spermatozoa exhibited circular motility, which was associated with a distinct hypo-tyrosine phosphorylation of flagellar proteins, predominantly of Mr 45,000-60,000. In this study, we provide evidence on the localization of capacitation-associated tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins to the nonmembranous, structural components of the sperm flagellum. Consistent with this, we show their ultrastructural localization in the outer dense fiber, axoneme, and fibrous sheath of spermatozoa. Among hypo-tyrosine phosphorylated major proteins of tyrphostin-A47-treated spermatozoa, we identified the 45 kDa protein as outer dense fiber protein-2 and the 51 kDa protein as tektin-2, components of the sperm outer dense fiber and axoneme, respectively. This study shows functional association of hypo-tyrosine-phosphorylation status of outer dense fiber protein-2 and tektin-2 with impaired flagellar bending of spermatozoa, following inhibition of EGFR-tyrosine kinase, thereby showing the critical importance of flagellar protein tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation and hyperactivation of hamster spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mariappa
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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28
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Chatterjee M, Nandi P, Ghosh S, Sen PC. Regulation of tyrosine kinase activity during capacitation in goat sperm. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 336:39-48. [PMID: 19802524 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a key event accompanying sperm capacitation. Although this signaling cascade generates an array of tyrosine-phosphorylated polypeptides, their molecular characterization is still limited. It is necessary to differentiate the localization of the tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in spermatozoa to understand the link between the different phosphorylated proteins and the corresponding regulated sperm function. cAMP plays a pivotal role in the regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation. The intracellular cAMP levels were raised in goat spermatozoa by the addition of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX in conjugation with caffeine. Tyrosine phosphorylation was significantly up-regulated following treatment with these two reagents. Treatment of caudal spermatozoa with IBMX and caffeine, time dependent up-regulated phosphorylation of the protein of molecular weights 50 and 200 kDa was observed. Increased phosphorylation was observed with a combination of IBMX and caffeine treatment. Tyrosine phosphorylation in caput spermatozoa was not affected significantly under these conditions. The expression level of tyrosine kinase in sperm was examined with specific inhibitors and with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. The indirect immunofluorescence staining was carried out on ethanol permeabilized sperm using anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. Western blot analysis was done using two separate PKA antibodies: anti-PKA catalytic and anti-PKA RIalpha. Almost no difference was found in the intracellular presence of the PKA RIalpha and RIIalpha subunits in caput and caudal epididymal spermatozoa. However, the catalytic subunit seemed to be present in higher amount in caudal spermatozoa. The results show that caprine sperm displays an enhancement of phosphorylation in the tyrosine residues of specific proteins under in vitro capacitation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumouli Chatterjee
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, C.I.T. Scheme, VII-M, Kolakata, 700054, India
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29
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Cervantes MI, Arenas-Ríos E, Miguel Ángel LG, Ricardo LW, Demetrio A, Adolfo R. Spermatozoa Epididymal Maturation in the Mexican Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus Mexicanus). Syst Biol Reprod Med 2009; 54:196-204. [DOI: 10.1080/19396360802334466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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30
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Colas C, James P, Howes L, Jones R, Cebrian-Perez JA, Muiño-Blanco T. Cyclic-AMP initiates protein tyrosine phosphorylation independent of cholesterol efflux during ram sperm capacitation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2008; 20:649-58. [PMID: 18671912 DOI: 10.1071/rd08023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike most other species, ram spermatozoa are difficult to capacitate in vitro. Bicarbonate and Ca(2+) are necessary, whereas bovine serum albumin does not appear to be obligatory. In the present investigation we have assessed (1) the ability of the cholesterol-sequestering agent, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (M-beta-CD), to initiate protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and (2) the importance of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in controlling the levels of cAMP. Results show that despite removing significant amounts of membrane cholesterol, as assessed by filipin staining, M-beta-CD treatment did not stimulate major increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Addition of a cocktail of PDE inhibitors (theophylline and caffeine), a phosphatase inhibitor (okadaic acid) and dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP), however, stimulated specific tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins between 30 and 120 kDa. On their own, none of the above reagents were effective but a combination of db-cAMP + PDE inhibitors was sufficient to achieve a maximal response. H-89, a protein kinase-A inhibitor, suppressed tyrosine phosphorylation significantly. Immunofluorescence revealed that the newly-phosphorylated proteins localised mainly in the sperm tail. These findings suggest that in ram spermatozoa cAMP levels are too low to initiate tyrosine phosphorylation of flagellar proteins that are indicative of the capacitation state and that this is caused by unusually high levels of intracellular PDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Colas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, Saragossa, Spain
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31
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Ding Z, Qu F, Guo W, Ying X, Wu M, Zhang Y. Identification of sperm forward motility-related proteins in human seminal plasma. Mol Reprod Dev 2007; 74:1124-31. [PMID: 17393427 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma, an amorphous material that exists in semen, contains proteins related to sperm forward motility. Employing affinity chromatography with ConA beads and protein ultrafiltration, we isolated and concentrated proteins from heated human seminal plasma. Results of computer-assisted semen analyses (CASA) demonstrated that the forward motility index of bovine spermatozoa from the epididymal caput, incubated with proteins and theophylline, was significantly different from that of spermatozoa incubated with theophylline alone (P < 0.01). The electrophoreses revealed that the protein bands with high molecular weights in the gel of PAGE changed into low molecular weights in the gel of SDS-PAGE. Furthermore, proteins from a separated portion of the PAGE gel were still able to stimulate spermatozoa from the epididymal caput to gain forward motility. Two-dimensional (2D)-gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry indicated that spots focused on the portion seemed, according to their amino acid sequences, to be like human alpha-1-antitrypsin and zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) precursors. Western blot analysis showed the presence of these two proteins in seminal plasma. These proteins, related to the forward motility of spermatozoa in human seminal plasma, may play important roles during maturation of spermatozoa, from the epididymis through fertilization in the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhide Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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32
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Mor V, Das T, Bhattacharjee M, Chatterjee T. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation of a heparin-binding sperm membrane mitogen (HBSM) is associated with capacitation and acrosome reaction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 352:404-9. [PMID: 17126299 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2006] [Accepted: 11/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation in spermatozoa is associated with epididymal maturation and though to be central for attainment of a capacitated state and expression of hyperactivated motility. Heparin, the most highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans, was also the most potent at stimulating the acrosomal reaction in bovine epididymal spermatozoa. Studies using radiolabeled inorganic phosphate showed 11-fold increase (32)Pi incorporation in heparin-binding sperm membrane protein (HBSM) during spermatozoal capacitation, and the phosphorylation occurs at the tyrosine residue. Epididymal spermatozoa were induced to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction by 70% when the cells were incubated in BWW medium supplemented with heparin. The spermatozoa pre-treated with anti-HBSM antibody showed 46% reduction in the hyperactivated motility and lowers the acrosome reaction. This was confirms by measuring the hydrolysis of benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ether (BAEE) by the acrosomal enzyme; acrosin. The preliminary finding suggests that HBSM may play an important role in the sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Visesato Mor
- Gamete Immunology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, W.B., India
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Wysocki P, Strzezek J. Isolation and biochemical characteristics of a molecular form of epididymal acid phosphatase of boar seminal plasma. Theriogenology 2006; 66:2152-9. [PMID: 16919323 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2005] [Revised: 07/04/2006] [Accepted: 07/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The fluid of boar epididymis is characterized by a high activity of acid phosphatase (AcP), which occurs in three molecular forms. An efficient procedure was developed for the purification of a molecular form of epididymal acid phosphatase from boar seminal plasma. We focused on the epididymal molecular form, which displayed the highest electrophoretic mobility. The purification procedure (dialysis, ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography and hydroxyapatite chromatography) used in this study gave more than 7000-fold purification of the enzyme with a yield of 50%. The purified enzyme was homogeneous by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The purified molecular form of the enzyme is a thermostable 50kDa glycoprotein, with a pI value of 7.1 and was highly resistant to inhibitors of acid phosphatase when p-nitrophenyl phosphate was used as the substrate. Hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate by the purified enzyme was maximally active at pH of 4.3; however, high catalytic activity of the enzyme was within the pH range of 3.5-7.0. Kinetic analysis revealed that the purified enzyme exhibited affinity for phosphotyrosine (K(m)=2.1x10(-3)M) and was inhibited, to some extent, by sodium orthovanadate, a phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of boar epididymal acid phosphatase is ELRFVTLVFR, which showed 90% homology with the sequence of human, mouse or rat prostatic acid phosphatase. The purification procedure described allows the identification of the specific biochemical properties of a molecular form of epididymal acid phosphatase, which plays an important role in the boar epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Wysocki
- University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland.
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Lin M, Lee YH, Xu W, Baker MA, Aitken RJ. Ontogeny of Tyrosine Phosphorylation-Signaling Pathways During Spermatogenesis and Epididymal Maturation in the Mouse1. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:588-97. [PMID: 16790687 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.052712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to map the ontogeny of tyrosine phosphorylation signal transduction pathways during germ cell development and to determine their association with the differentiation of a functional gamete. Until testicular germ cells differentiate into spermatozoa, cAMP-induced tyrosine phosphorylation is not detectable. Entry of these cells into the epididymis is accompanied by sudden activation of the tyrosine phosphorylation pathway, initially in the principal piece of the cell and subsequently in the midpiece. In the caput and corpus epididymides, the potential to express this pathway is inhibited by the presence of calcium in the extracellular medium. However, calcium has no effect on the expression of this pathway in caudal epididymal sperm. The competence of these cells to phosphorylate the entire sperm tail, from the neck to the tail-end piece, is accompanied by a capacity to exhibit hyperactivated motility on stimulation with cAMP. A distinctly different pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation, involving the acrosomal domain of the sperm head, is invoked as spermatozoa enter the caput epididymis, and phosphorylation remains high until these cells enter the distal corpus and cauda. The proportion of cells exhibiting this form of tyrosine phosphorylation is not affected by extracellular calcium or cAMP but is negatively correlated (R2 = 0.99) with their ability to acrosome-react. However, this relationship is not causative. Our findings indicate that the development of functional spermatozoa is accompanied by carefully orchestrated changes in tyrosine phosphorylation, controlled by independent regulatory mechanisms in distinct subcellular compartments of these highly specialized cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Lin
- Centre for Reproductive Science and Australian Research Council (ARC), School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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35
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Abstract
The epididymis is essential for sperm development and maturation, and, subsequently, the ability of spermatozoa to penetrate and fertilize the female gamete. Functional differences in segments of the long tubule are reflected by histological differences among epididymal regions. The feline epididymis can be divided into six different regions according to their histological differences. A marked increase in sperm concentration occurs between regions 2 and 3, indicating resorption of fluid in region 2, a concept supported by the histological characteristics of the epithelium. At the transition between regions 4 and 5, located between the caput and corpus epididymides, histological characteristics change from being that of a maturation function to being typical of a storage function. Migration of the cytoplasmic droplet and induction of motility occur in this same region. Proteins are secreted from epithelial cells in the feline epididymis by merocrine and apocrine secretion, although the functions of different feline epididymal proteins have not been determined. Hypotaurine, taurine and, probably, alkaline phosphatase are produced by the feline epididymis. During epididymal transit the percentage of immature, unviable and morphologically abnormal spermatozoa decreases, indicating the existence of a mechanism that removes abnormal spermatozoa. In contrast, the percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal tails increases slightly during epididymal transit. Most of the distal droplets present on spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis are lost at or after ejaculation. Additional knowledge of the feline epididymis should be beneficial for developing sperm preservation protocols and advance the prospects for effective male contraceptive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Axnér
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Comparative Reproduction, Obstetrics and Udder Health, Center for Reproductive Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Yuan H, Liu A, Zhang L, Zhou H, Wang Y, Zhang H, Wang G, Zeng R, Zhang Y, Chen Z. Proteomic Profiling of Regionalized Proteins in Rat Epididymis Indicates Consistency between Specialized Distribution and Protein Functions. J Proteome Res 2006; 5:299-307. [PMID: 16457595 DOI: 10.1021/pr050324s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The epididymis is a key structure of the male reproductive system; its function is to mature, transport, and store sperm. Most of the research examining the epididymis to date has been limited to the study of the secreted proteins involved in the maturation of spermatozoa. However, it is also very important to understand the protein components, regulation and function of the tissue itself since these are the basis for all of its physiological processes. We investigated the differential expression of proteins among the caput, corpus, and cauda regions of rat epididymis and considered the possible links between the localization of these proteins and the different functions of these epididymal regions. High-resolution 2-D gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry (MS) revealed 28 distinct proteins whose expression levels varied from the caput to the cauda epididymis. Sixteen of them were reported for first time to be expressed in the epididymis. Expression patterns of some proteins were validated by Northern blot or Western blot. Immunohistochemistry revealed that inducible carbonyl reductase (iCR), an important enzyme in the anti-oxidative system, exhibits primary and cell-type specific distribution in the distal cauda region. Moreover, analysis of iCR transcription in castrated animals showed that its expression is androgen-dependent. Together with its known functions, iCR may also be involved in androgen metabolism and maintaining a steady microenvironment in the duct of epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
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37
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Arenas-Ríos E, León-Galván MA, Mercado PE, Rosado A. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase during epididymal maturation and prolonged storage of spermatozoa in the Mexican big-eared bat (Corynorhinus mexicanus). CAN J ZOOL 2005. [DOI: 10.1139/z05-152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We studied the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes during epididymal spermatozoon maturation and storage in Corynorhinus mexicanus (G.M. Allen, 1916), a vespertilionid bat that stores spermatozoa in the epididymides for several months after regression of the testes. Depending on the phase of the epididymal reproductive cycle, two different patterns of antioxidant enzyme activities were observed in C. mexicanus. Catalase activity is clearly present in both caput and cauda epididymides throughout the entire annual reproductive cycle, being particularly high during the post-testicular phase of epididymal function. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, present during the testicular phase of epididymal transport and maturation of spermatozoa, is almost completely absent or inhibited in both epididymal segments during the post-testicular epididymal storage period. GPx activity is low during the testicular phase of epididymal spermatozoon maturation and is high in both epididymal segments during the storage phase of epididymal function. From our results, we postulate that (i) the pattern of epididymal antioxidant enzyme activities in C. mexicanus is significantly different from the pattern that is proposed to be unique for mammals; (ii) epididymal function in these species of bats can be clearly divided into two phases, a testicular-dependent phase that is related to the spermatozoon maturation function of the epididymides and a testicular-independent phase that is related to the long-term spermatozoon storage function observed in these mammals; (iii) the study of the regulation of the redox potential of the microenvironment, associated with mammalian spermatozoa as they transit through the epididymides, must be particularly focused on the anatomical region where ROS generation scavenging and spermatozoon maturation storage processes take place.
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Bennetts LE, Aitken RJ. A comparative study of oxidative DNA damage in mammalian spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 71:77-87. [PMID: 15736137 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Alkaline gel electrophoresis, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, and quantitative PCR analyses (QPCR) of the nuclear (nDNA) and mitochondrial (mtDNA) genomes were used to assess DNA integrity in the spermatozoa of three species exposed to oxidative stress. In human and murine spermatozoa, the mtDNA was significantly more susceptible to H2O2-mediated damage than nDNA. In both eutherian species, exposure to 250 microM H2O2 induced around 0.6 lesions/10 kb of mtDNA. The mtDNA of human spermatozoa was particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress; 0.25, 1, and 5 mM H2O2 inducing DNA damage equivalent to 0.62, 1.34, and 1.42 lesions/10 kb, respectively. Such results emphasize the diagnostic significance of mtDNA as a biomarker of oxidative stress in the male germ line. In contrast, no damage could be detected by QPCR in the nDNA of either eutherian species, on exposure to H2O2 at doses as high as 5 mM. However, electrophoretic analysis indicated that severe oxidative stress could induce detectable nDNA fragmentation in human, but not murine spermatozoa. The mtDNA of tammar wallaby spermatozoa was relatively resistant to oxidative stress, only exhibiting damage (0.6 lesions/10 kb DNA) on exposure to 5 mM H2O2. By contrast, the nDNA of wallaby spermatozoa was significantly more susceptible to this oxidant than the other species. Such vulnerability is consistent with the lack of disulfide cross-linking in marsupial sperm chromatin and suggests that chromatin condensation during epididymal maturation may be important in establishing the resistance of these cells to the genotoxic effects of reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liga E Bennetts
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Naz RK, Rajesh PB. Role of tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm capacitation / acrosome reaction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2004; 2:75. [PMID: 15535886 PMCID: PMC533862 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-2-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2004] [Accepted: 11/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Capacitation is an important physiological pre-requisite before the sperm cell can acrosome react and fertilize the oocyte. Recent reports from several laboratories have amply documented that the protein phosphorylation especially at tyrosine residues is one of the most important events that occur during capacitation. In this article, we have reviewed the data from our and other laboratories, and have constructed a heuristic model for the mechanisms and molecules involved in capacitation/acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Preeti B Rajesh
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio, USA
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40
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Seligman J, Zipser Y, Kosower NS. Tyrosine Phosphorylation, Thiol Status, and Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase in Rat Epididymal Spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2004; 71:1009-15. [PMID: 15151929 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.028035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm thiol oxidation and the ability to undergo protein tyrosine phosphorylation are associated with the acquisition of sperm motility and fertilizing ability during passage of spermatozoa through the epididymis. Phosphotyrosine levels in various cells are controlled by tyrosine kinase versus phosphatase, with the latter known to be inhibited by oxidation. In the present paper we examine whether changes in thiol status during sperm maturation affect rat sperm protein phosphotyrosine levels and protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity. Tyrosine phosphorylation, as demonstrated by immunoblotting (IB), was significantly increased in several sperm tail proteins during maturation in the epididymis. Sperm thiol oxidation with diamide enhanced tail protein phosphorylation; reduction of disulfides with dithiothreitol diminished phosphorylation. In the sperm head, a moderate increase in tyrosine phosphorylation was accompanied by altered localization of phosphotyrosine proteins during maturation. Blocking of thiols and PTP activity with N-ethylmaleimide led to increased tyrosine phosphorylation of protamine in caput sperm heads. Several PTP bands were identified by IB. In the caput spermatozoa, a prominent level of the 50 kDa band was present, whereas in the cauda spermatozoa a very low level of the 50 kDa band was found. PTP activity, measured by using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as a substrate, was significantly higher in the caput spermatozoa (high thiol content) than in the cauda spermatozoa (low thiol content). Our results show that PTP activity is correlated with sperm thiol status and suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins during sperm maturation is promoted by thiol oxidation and diminished PTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Seligman
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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41
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Ecroyd H, Asquith KL, Jones RC, Aitken RJ. The development of signal transduction pathways during epididymal maturation is calcium dependent. Dev Biol 2004; 268:53-63. [PMID: 15031104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2003.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2003] [Revised: 11/10/2003] [Accepted: 12/15/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Capacitation has been correlated with the activation of a cAMP-PKA-dependent signaling pathway leading to protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The ability to exhibit this response to cAMP matures during epididymal maturation in concert with the ability of the spermatozoa to capacitate. In this study, we have addressed the mechanisms by which spermatozoa gain the potential to activate this signaling pathway during epididymal maturation. In a modified Tyrode's medium containing 1.7 mM calcium, caput spermatozoa had significantly higher [Ca2+]i than caudal cells and could not tyrosine phosphorylate in response to cAMP. However, in calcium-depleted medium both caput and caudal cells could exhibit a cAMP-dependent phosphorylation response. The inhibitory effect of calcium on tyrosine phosphorylation was also observed in caudal spermatozoa using thapsigargin, a Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor that increased [Ca2+]i and precipitated a corresponding decrease in phosphotyrosine expression. We also demonstrate that despite the activation of tyrosine phosphorylation in caput spermatozoa, these cells remain nonfunctional in terms of motility, sperm-egg recognition and acrosomal exocytosis. These results demonstrate that the signaling pathway leading to tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse spermatozoa is negatively regulated by [Ca2+]i, and that maturation mechanisms that control [Ca2+]i within the spermatozoon are critically important during epididymal transit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heath Ecroyd
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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42
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Da Ros VG, Munuce MJ, Cohen DJ, Marín-Briggiler CI, Busso D, Visconti PE, Cuasnicú PS. Bicarbonate Is Required for Migration of Sperm Epididymal Protein DE (CRISP-1) to the Equatorial Segment and Expression of Rat Sperm Fusion Ability1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:1325-32. [PMID: 14711787 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.022822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that sperm capacitation is a bicarbonate-dependent process. In the rat, capacitation has not been studied as much as in other species, mainly because of the difficulties in carrying out functional assays with this animal model. In the present study, we have examined the influence of bicarbonate in the overall rat sperm capacitation process by analyzing involvement of the anion in 1) protein tyrosine phosphorylation, 2) migration of epididymal protein DE (also known as CRISP-1) from the dorsal region to the equatorial segment of the sperm head that occurs during capacitation, and 3) ability of sperm to fuse with the egg. Incubation of sperm under capacitating conditions produced a time-dependent increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. This phosphorylation did not occur in the absence of HCO3- and rapidly increased by either exposure of sperm to HCO3- or replacement of the anion by a cAMP analog (dibutyryl-cAMP) and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (pentoxifylline). The absence of HCO3- also produced a significant decrease in the percentage of cells showing migration of DE to the equatorial segment. This parameter was completely restored by addition of the anion, but dibutyryl-cAMP and pentoxifylline were not sufficient to overcome the decrease in DE migration. Sperm capacitated in the absence of HCO3- were unable to penetrate zona-free eggs independent of the presence of the anion during gamete coincubation. Exposure of these sperm to bicarbonate, or replacement of the anion by dibutyryl-cAMP and pentoxifylline, only partially restored the sperm fusion ability. Altogether, these results indicate that, in addition to its influence on protein tyrosine phosphorylation, bicarbonate is required to support other rat sperm capacitation- associated events, such as migration of DE to the equatorial segment, and expression of the ability of sperm to fuse with the egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina.
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43
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Bennetts L, Lin M, Aitken RJ. Cyclic AMP-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation in tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) spermatozoa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 301:118-30. [PMID: 14743511 DOI: 10.1002/jez.a.20020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating eutherian sperm function, there is a paucity of such knowledge for the Metatheria. In eutherian spermatozoa, the attainment of functional competence is associated with a redox-regulated, cAMP-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation cascade, activated during capacitation. In this report we investigate whether tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) spermatozoa possess a similar signal transduction pathway. Western blot analysis of phosphotyrosine expression in caudal and ejaculated populations of tammar spermatozoa revealed that elevation of intracellular cAMP levels, but not exposure to oxidants or NADPH, induced a dramatic increase in the overall level of tyrosine phosphorylation. Washed, ejaculated spermatozoa exhibited more pronounced increases in tyrosine phosphorylation than unwashed sperm populations. Localisation of tyrosine phosphorylation by immunocytochemistry showed that phosphotyrosine residues were principally located along the tammar sperm flagellum, and occasionally at a small region of the sperm head, adjacent to the acrosome. Associated with the tyrosine phosphorylation of tammar spermatozoa, was a change in sperm head conformation to a T-shaped orientation, further implying the importance of these pathways to normal tammar sperm function. Redox activity, as detected by lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence, was stimulated by NADPH in caudal sperm preparations but not ejaculated spermatozoa. However, neither sperm population responded to treatment with NADPH with changes in intracellular cAMP or tyrosine phosphorylation. In conclusion, tammar spermatozoa possess the same cAMP-mediated, tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction cascade that has been associated with capacitation in eutherian spermatozoa. However in Metatherian spermatozoa we could find no evidence that this pathway was redox regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liga Bennetts
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
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44
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Abstract
The notion of transmembrane electron transport is usually associated with mitochondria and chloroplasts. However, since the early 1970s, it has been known that this phenomenon also occurs at the level of the plasma membrane. Ever since, evidence has accumulated for the existence of a plethora of transplasma membrane electron transport enzymes. In this review, we discuss the various enzymes known, their molecular characteristics and their biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Ly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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45
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Baker MA, Lewis B, Hetherington L, Aitken RJ. Development of the signalling pathways associated with sperm capacitation during epididymal maturation. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 64:446-57. [PMID: 12589657 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
As spermatozoa mature within the epididymis they acquire the potential for capacitation and ultimately fertilization. In biochemical terms, the former is reflected in the progressive activation of a signal transduction pathway characterized by cAMP-mediated induction of phosphotyrosine expression on the sperm tail. In this study, we have examined the cellular mechanisms controlling this maturational event. Caput epididymal spermatozoa exhibited tyrosine phosphorylation on the sperm head that was largely unresponsive to cAMP and not significantly impaired by removal of extracellular HCO(3) (-). In contrast, caudal epididymal spermatozoa exhibited low levels of phosphorylation on the sperm head, yet responded dramatically to cAMP by phosphorylating a new set of proteins on the sperm tail via mechanisms that were highly dependent on extracellular HCO(3) (-). The impact of extracellular HCO(3) (-) depletion on caudal cells was not associated with a significant change in the redox regulation of cAMP but could be fully reversed by buffering the intracellular pH with N-Tris[Hydroxymethyl]methyl-3-amino-propanesulfonic acid (TAPS). The pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation was also profoundly influenced by the presence or absence of added extracellular calcium. In the presence of this cation, only caudal spermatozoa could respond to increased extracellular cAMP with tyrosine phosphorylation of the sperm tail. However, in calcium-depleted medium, this difference completely disappeared. Under these conditions, caput and caudal spermatozoa were equally competent to exhibit phosphotyrosine expression on the sperm tail in response to cAMP. These results emphasize the pivotal role played by calcium and HCO(3) (-) in modulating the changes in tyrosine phosphorylation observed during epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Baker
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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46
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Geussova G, Kalab P, Peknicova J. Valosine containing protein is a substrate of cAMP-activated boar sperm tyrosine kinase. Mol Reprod Dev 2002; 63:366-75. [PMID: 12237953 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Previously we reported that treatment of boar sperm with cAMP-elevating drugs induces tyrosine phosphorylation of a triton-insoluble 93 kDa protein (p93). We have isolated p93 by preparative SDS electrophoresis and blotting from urea-extracted boar sperm and identified it as a valosine containing protein (VCP) by mass spectrometry and microsequencing. With the use of antibodies to VCP and phosphotyrosine (pY) we found that both p93 and VCP are poorly extractable with triton and are solubilized in > 6 M urea. Furthermore, VCP and p93 overlap on one and two dimensional (1 and 2D) electrophoretic gels, supporting the identity of p93 as a tyrosine-phosphorylated population of VCP. According to immunofluorescence, VCP is localized along the entire sperm tail, in the posterior ring, distal equatorial segment, and postacrosome. In addition, 9-12% sperm contained VCP in the acrosome. The cAMP-elevating treatment did not alter VCP localization but induced tail tyrosine phosphorylation in 15% sperm cells. In those sperm, VCP and pY colocalized in connecting piece and posterior ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizela Geussova
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry of Fertilization, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska, Prague, Czech Republic
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47
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Miki K, Willis WD, Brown PR, Goulding EH, Fulcher KD, Eddy EM. Targeted disruption of the Akap4 gene causes defects in sperm flagellum and motility. Dev Biol 2002; 248:331-42. [PMID: 12167408 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.2002.0728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) tether cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases and thereby localize phosphorylation of target proteins and initiation of signal-transduction processes triggered by cyclic AMP. AKAPs can also be scaffolds for kinases and phosphatases and form macromolecular complexes with other proteins involved in signal transduction. Akap4 is transcribed only in the postmeiotic phase of spermatogenesis and encodes the most abundant protein in the fibrous sheath, a novel cytoskeletal structure present in the principal piece of the sperm flagellum. Previous studies indicated that cyclic AMP-dependent signaling processes are important in the regulation of sperm motility, and gene targeting was used here to test the hypothesis that AKAP4 is a scaffold for protein complexes involved in regulating flagellar function. Sperm numbers were not reduced in male mice lacking AKAP4, but sperm failed to show progressive motility and male mice were infertile. The fibrous sheath anlagen formed, but the definitive fibrous sheath did not develop, the flagellum was shortened, and proteins usually associated with the fibrous sheath were absent or substantially reduced in amount. However, the other cytoskeletal components of the flagellum were present and appeared fully developed. We conclude that AKAP4 is a scaffold protein required for the organization and integrity of the fibrous sheath and that effective sperm motility is lost in the absence of AKAP4 because signal transduction and glycolytic enzymes fail to become associated with the fibrous sheath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Miki
- Gamete Biology Section, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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