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Nong C, Chen Y, Yang H, Chen N, Tian C, Li S, Chen H. Phenotypic sorting of individual male and female intersex Cherax quadricarinatus and analysis of molecular differences in the gonadal transcriptome. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 49:101194. [PMID: 38246110 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Cherax quadricarinatus exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males outpacing females in size specification and growth rate. However, there is limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sex determination and sex differentiation in crustaceans. To study the differences between intersex individuals and normal individuals, this study counted the proportion of intersex individuals in the natural population, collected the proportion of 7 different phenotypes in 200 intersex individuals, and observed the differences in tissue sections. RNA-seq was used to study the different changes in the transcriptome of normal and intersex gonads. The results showed that: the percentage of intersex in the natural population was 1.5 %, and the percentage of different types of intersex ranged from 0.5 % to 22.5 %; the sections revealed that the development of normal ovaries was stagnant at the primary oocyte stage when intersex individuals with ovaries were present; We screened for pathways and genes that may be associated with gonadal development and sex, including ovarian steroid synthesis, estrogen signaling pathway, oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, etc. Relevant genes including tra2a, dmrta2, ccnb2, foxl2, and smad4. This study provides an important molecular basis for sex determination, sex-controlled breeding, and unisex breeding in red crayfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuntai Nong
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yibin Chen
- Guangdong Evergreen Feed Industry Co., Ltd., Evergreen Tower, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Nanxiong Chen
- Guangdong Evergreen Feed Industry Co., Ltd., Evergreen Tower, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Changxu Tian
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Sedong Li
- Guangdong Evergreen Feed Industry Co., Ltd., Evergreen Tower, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.; Zhanjiang Ocean and Fishery Development Research Center, Zhanjiang, China.
| | - Huapu Chen
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Havwii agriculture group Co., Ltd, Zhanjiang 524266, China.
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Mele E, D’Auria R, Scafuro M, Marino M, Fasano S, Viggiano A, Pierantoni R, Santoro A, Meccariello R. Differential Expression of Kisspeptin System and Kisspeptin Receptor Trafficking during Spermatozoa Transit in the Epididymis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020295. [PMID: 35205340 PMCID: PMC8871750 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus–pituitary–testis axis controls the production of spermatozoa, and the kisspeptin system, comprising Kiss1 and Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1R), is the main central gatekeeper. The activity of the kisspeptin system also occurs in testis and spermatozoa, but currently the need of peripheral kisspeptin to produce gametes is not fully understood. Hence, we characterized kisspeptin system in rat spermatozoa and epididymis caput and cauda and analyzed the possible presence of Kiss1 in the epididymal fluid. The presence of Kiss1 and Kiss1R in spermatozoa collected from epididymis caput and cauda was evaluated by Western blot; significant high Kiss1 levels in the caput (p < 0.001 vs. cauda) and constant levels of Kiss1R proteins were observed. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the localization of Kiss1R in sperm head shifts from the posterior region in the epididymis caput to perforatorium in the epididymis cauda. In spermatozoa-free epididymis, Western blot revealed higher expression of Kiss1 and Kiss1R in caput (p < 0.05 vs. cauda). Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that Kiss1 and Kiss1R proteins were mainly localized in the secretory epithelial cell types and in contractile myoid cells, respectively. Finally, both dot blot and Elisa revealed the presence of Kiss1 in the epididymal fluid collected from epididymis cauda and caput, indicating that rat epididymis and spermatozoa possess a complete kisspeptin system. In conclusion, we reported for the first time in rodents Kiss1R trafficking in spermatozoa during the epididymis transit and Kiss1 measure in the epididymal fluid, thus suggesting a possible role for the system in spermatozoa maturation and storage within the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mele
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellness, University of Naples Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (R.D.); (M.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Marika Scafuro
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Marianna Marino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (R.D.); (M.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinpoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (R.D.); (M.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinpoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (R.D.); (M.M.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellness, University of Naples Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.M.)
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3
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Wang F, Kong S, Hu X, Li X, Xu B, Yue Q, Fu K, Ye L, Bai S. Dnajb8, a target gene of SOX30, is dispensable for male fertility in mice. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10582. [PMID: 33391882 PMCID: PMC7759119 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The DNAJ family of molecular chaperones maintains protein homeostasis in mitotic and postmeiotic cells, especially germ cells. Recently, we found that the transcription factor SOX30 initiates transcription of Dnajb8 during late meiosis and spermiogenesis in mouse testes. Methods We used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate Dnajb8 mutant mice and analyze the phenotype of the Dnajb8 mutants. Results AlthoughDnajb8 is an evolutionarily conserved gene, it is not essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. We provide this phenotypic information, which could prevent duplicative work by other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengsong Wang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuai Kong
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuechun Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuling Yue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Kaiqiang Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shun Bai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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4
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Gomes C, Soh J. DnaJC18, a Novel Type III DnaJ Family Protein, is Expressed Specifically in Rat Male Germ Cells. Dev Reprod 2017; 21:237-247. [PMID: 29082339 PMCID: PMC5651690 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2017.21.3.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis occurs in a precise and coordinated manner in the
seminiferous tubules. One of the attempts to understand the detailed biological
process during mammalian spermatogenesis at the molecular level has been to
identify the testis specific genes followed by study of the testicular
expression pattern of the genes. From the subtracted cDNA library of rat testis
prepared using representational difference analysis (RDA) method, a
complimentary DNA clone encoding type III member of a DnaJ family protein,
DnaJC18, was cloned (GenBank Accession No. DQ158861). The full-length DnaJC18
cDNA has the longest open reading frame of 357 amino acids. Tissue and
developmental Northern blot analysis revealed that the DnaJC18
gene was expressed specifically in testis and began to express from postnatal
week 4 testis, respectively. In situ hybridization studies
showed that DnaJC18 mRNA was expressed only during the
maturation stages of late pachy- tene, round and elongated spermatids of adult
rat testis. Western blot analysis with DnaJC18 antibody revealed that 41.2 kDa
DnaJC18 protein was detected only in adult testis. Immunohistochemistry study
further confirmed that DnaJC18 protein, was expressed in developing germ cells
and the result was in concert with the in situ hybridization
result. Confocal microscopy with GFP tagged DnaJC18 protein revealed that it was
localized in the cytoplasm of cells. Taken together, these results suggested
that testis specific DnaJC18, a member of the type III DnaJ protein family,
might play a role during germ cell maturation in adult rat testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Gomes
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Jaemog Soh
- Hormone Research Center, School of Bioloical Sciences and Technology, College of Natural Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
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Carapito C, Duek P, Macron C, Seffals M, Rondel K, Delalande F, Lindskog C, Fréour T, Vandenbrouck Y, Lane L, Pineau C. Validating Missing Proteins in Human Sperm Cells by Targeted Mass-Spectrometry- and Antibody-based Methods. J Proteome Res 2017; 16:4340-4351. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.7b00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Carapito
- Laboratoire
de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique (LSMBO), IPHC, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7178, 25 Rue Becquerel, Strasbourg F-67087, France
| | - Paula Duek
- CALIPHO
Group, SIB-Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, CMU, rue Michel-Servet
1, CH-1211 Geneva
4, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Macron
- Laboratoire
de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique (LSMBO), IPHC, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7178, 25 Rue Becquerel, Strasbourg F-67087, France
| | - Marine Seffals
- H2P2
Core facility, UMS BioSit, University of Rennes 1, Rennes F-35040, France
| | - Karine Rondel
- Protim,
Inserm U1085, Irset, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes F-35042, France
| | - François Delalande
- Laboratoire
de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique (LSMBO), IPHC, Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7178, 25 Rue Becquerel, Strasbourg F-67087, France
| | - Cecilia Lindskog
- Department
of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas Fréour
- Service de
Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Nantes, 38 boulevard
Jean Monnet, Nantes F-44093, France
- Inserm UMR1064, Nantes F-44093, France
| | - Yves Vandenbrouck
- CEA, DRF, BIG,
Laboratoire de Biologie à Grande Echelle, 17, rue des Martyrs, Grenoble F-38054, France
- Inserm U1038, Grenoble F-38054, France
- Grenoble-Alpes University, Grenoble F-38054, France
| | - Lydie Lane
- CALIPHO
Group, SIB-Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, CMU, rue Michel-Servet
1, CH-1211 Geneva
4, Switzerland
- Department
of Human Protein Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1, rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Charles Pineau
- Protim,
Inserm U1085, Irset, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes F-35042, France
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Heat Shock Protein A2 (HSPA2): Regulatory Roles in Germ Cell Development and Sperm Function. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2017; 222:67-93. [PMID: 28389751 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-51409-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Among the numerous families of heat shock protein (HSP) that have been implicated in the regulation of reproductive system development and function, those belonging to the 70 kDa HSP family have emerged as being indispensable for male fertility. In particular, the testis-enriched heat shock 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2) has been shown to be critical for the progression of germ cell differentiation during spermatogenesis in the mouse model. Beyond this developmentally important window, mounting evidence has also implicated HSPA2 in the functional transformation of the human sperm cell during their ascent of the female reproductive tract. Specifically, HSPA2 appears to coordinate the remodelling of specialised sperm domains overlying the anterior region of the sperm head compatible with their principle role in oocyte recognition. The fact that levels of the HSPA2 protein in mature spermatozoa tightly correlate with the efficacy of oocyte binding highlight its utility as a powerful prognostic biomarker of male fertility. In this chapter, we consider the unique structural and biochemical characteristics of HSPA2 that enable this heat shock protein to fulfil its prominent roles in orchestrating the morphological differentiation of male germ cells during spermatogenesis as well as their functional transformation during post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Suresh B, Lee J, Hong SH, Kim KS, Ramakrishna S. The role of deubiquitinating enzymes in spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4711-20. [PMID: 26350476 PMCID: PMC11113867 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2030-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process through which spermatogonial stem cells undergo mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation to generate mature spermatozoa. During this process, male germ cells experience several translational modifications. One of the major post-translational modifications in eukaryotes is the ubiquitination of proteins, which targets proteins for degradation; this enables control of the expression of enzymes and structural proteins during spermatogenesis. It has become apparent that ubiquitination plays a key role in regulating every stage of spermatogenesis starting from gonocytes to differentiated spermatids. It is understood that, where there is ubiquitination, deubiquitination by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) also exists to counterbalance the ubiquitination process in a reversible manner. Normal spermatogenesis is dependent on the balanced actions of ubiquitination and deubiquitination. This review highlights the current knowledge of the role of DUBs and their essential regulatory contribution to spermatogenesis, especially during progression into meiotic phase, acrosome biogenesis, quality sperm production, and apoptosis of germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharathi Suresh
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junwon Lee
- Department of Physiology and Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Kye-Seong Kim
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
- College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
- College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Molecular chaperones, cochaperones, and ubiquitination/deubiquitination system: involvement in the production of high quality spermatozoa. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:561426. [PMID: 25045686 PMCID: PMC4089148 DOI: 10.1155/2014/561426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process in which mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation events coexist. The need to guarantee the production of qualitatively functional spermatozoa has evolved into several control systems that check spermatogenesis progression/sperm maturation and tag aberrant gametes for degradation. In this review, we will focus on the importance of the evolutionarily conserved molecular pathways involving molecular chaperones belonging to the superfamily of heat shock proteins (HSPs), their cochaperones, and ubiquitination/deubiquitination system all over the spermatogenetic process. In this respect, we will discuss the conserved role played by the DNAJ protein Msj-1 (mouse sperm cell-specific DNAJ first homologue) and the deubiquitinating enzyme Ubpy (ubiquitin-specific processing protease-y) during the spermiogenesis in both mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates.
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Fang DA, Wang Q, He L, Wang J, Wang Y. Characterization of heat shock protein 70 in the red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus): evidence for its role in regulating spermatogenesis. Gene 2011; 492:138-47. [PMID: 22037606 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2011.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a member of molecular chaperones and is important for reproductive biological processes in eukaryotes. In this regard, a full length HSP70 comprised of 2366 nucleotides from the red claw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (CqHSP70) was characterized, which with an open-reading frame of 1959 bp encoded 652 amino acid residues. Its mRNA transcript expression in the testes was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. CqHSP70 mRNA transcripts were detected in all organs especially high in the testes. Furthermore, the greatest transcript levels were found during the spermatogonial preparation phase, while the lowest levels were found during the resting stage of the reproductive cycle. In addition, its distribution in the testes was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Western blot results revealed a single immunoreactive band with an estimated molecular mass of 70 kDa in different phases of testes development. The strongest immunolabeling positive signal was found in spermatogonia, with lower positive staining in secondary spermatocytes, and weak or absent level in the mature sperm. Interestingly, CqHSP70 was mainly located in the cytoplasm of sperm cells. Thus, our results indicate that CqHSP70 is an essential protein in spermatogenesis, with a crucial reproductive function during sperm maturation in invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di-An Fang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
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10
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 3: developmental changes in spermatid flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet and interaction of sperm with the zona pellucida and egg plasma membrane. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:320-63. [PMID: 19941287 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis constitutes the steps involved in the metamorphosis of spermatids into spermatozoa. It involves modification of several organelles in addition to the formation of several structures including the flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet. The flagellum is composed of a neck region and middle, principal, and end pieces. The axoneme composed of nine outer microtubular doublets circularly arranged to form a cylinder around a central pair of microtubules is present throughout the flagellum. The middle and principal pieces each contain specific components such as the mitochondrial sheath and fibrous sheath, respectively, while outer dense fibers are common to both. A plethora of proteins are constituents of each of these structures, with each playing key roles in functions related to the fertility of spermatozoa. At the end of spermiogenesis, a portion of spermatid cytoplasm remains associated with the released spermatozoa, referred to as the cytoplasmic droplet. The latter has as its main feature Golgi saccules, which appear to modify the plasma membrane of spermatozoa as they move down the epididymal duct and hence may be partly involved in male gamete maturation. The end product of spermatogenesis is highly streamlined and motile spermatozoa having a condensed nucleus equipped with an acrosome. Spermatozoa move through the female reproductive tract and eventually penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the egg plasma membrane. Many proteins have been implicated in the process of fertilization as well as a plethora of proteins involved in the development of spermatids and sperm, and these are high lighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
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11
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Chianese R, Scarpa D, Berruti G, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Fasano S, Meccariello R. Expression and localization of the deubiquitinating enzyme mUBPy in wobbler mouse testis during spermiogenesis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 166:289-95. [PMID: 19800341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 09/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mouse ubiquitin-specific processing protease (mUBPy) is a deubiquitinating enzyme highly expressed in both brain and testis. In testis, it interacts with the DnaJ protein, MSJ-1; both mUBPy and MSJ-1 are located on the cytoplasmic surface of the developing acrosome and in the centrosomal region during spemiogenesis. Present data show the first appearance in testis of mUbpy mRNA and protein at 10 days post-partum (d.p.p.). In addition, to investigate on a possible role of mUBPy in sperm formation, we took advantage of mutant wr/wr (wobbler) mice characterized by male infertility, which is likely due to the lack of a real, functional acrosome. RT-PCR and Northern blot analyses show that mUbpy is up-regulated in adult wobbler testis. Furthermore, in wild-type testis mUBPy protein is primarily detected by Western blot in the soluble (cytosolic/nuclear) fraction during the first round of spermatogenesis and in the adult. By contrast, mUBPy is primarily detected in membranous/insoluble protein fraction when wobbler phenotype is clearly shown (30 d.p.p.) and in adult wobbler testis. By immunohistochemistry, whereas in wild-type animals mUBPy marks the profile of the acrosomic vesicle in differentiating spermatids, in wobbler mice only a detergent pre-treatment procedure allows to detect mUBPy immunoreactivity, which results in diffuse spotted granules inside the cytoplasm and around the nuclear shape. In conclusion, in wobbler testis expression of mUbpy is up-regulated, while a differential sorting of the protein characterizes wobbler spermatids where acrosome formation is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Italy
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12
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Kaushal N, Bansal MP. Diminished reproductive potential of male mice in response to selenium-induced oxidative stress: involvement of HSP70, HSP70-2, and MSJ-1. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2009; 23:125-36. [PMID: 19367646 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.20276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The oxidative stress imposed by nutritional variations in selenium (Se) has plausible role in reproductive toxicology and affects the reproductive potential. Also, the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) is a highly regulated event throughout the process of spermatogenesis and is modulated by stressful stimuli. This prompted us to investigate the possibility that Se-induced oxidative stress may affect the fertility status by altering the expressions of the constitutive and inducible HSP70 proteins, having crucial role in spermatogenesis. Different Se status-deficient, adequate, and excess, male Balb/c mice were created by feeding yeast-based Se-deficient diet (group I) and deficient diet supplemented with Se as sodium selenite at 0.2 and 1 ppm Se (group II and III) for a period of 8 weeks. After completion of the diet-feeding schedule, a significant decrease in the Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels was observed in the Se-deficient group (I), whereas Se-excess group (III) demonstrated an increase. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and alterations in the redox status in both groups I and III indicated oxidative-stressed conditions. There was an overall reduced fertility status in mice supplemented with Se-deficient and Se-excess diet. The mRNA and protein expression of HSP70 was found to be elevated in these two groups, whereas the expression patterns of HSP70-2 and MSJ-1 demonstrated a reverse trend. In vitro CDC2 kinase assay showed reduced kinase activity in group I and group III. These findings suggest that Se-induced oxidative stress by differentially regulating various HSP70s can affect its downstream factors having crucially important role in differentiation of germ cells and completion of spermatogenesis. Therefore, it can provide an insight into the mechanism(s) by which the oxidative stress-induced reproductive toxicity can lead to increased apoptosis/growth arrest and infertility. This will thus add new dimensions to the molecular mechanism underlying the human male infertility and open new vistas in the development of various chemo-preventive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kaushal
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India
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13
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Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Cacciola G, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S. Testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone activity, progression of spermatogenesis, and sperm transport in vertebrates. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1163:279-91. [PMID: 19456349 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03617.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Since the end of the 1970s, studies have shown that, besides the endocrine route, a chemical mediator may also act through autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms. This has opened new frontiers for research as a result of a redefinition of what endocrinology represents. Apart from androgens within the male gonad, testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone, estrogens, molecular chaperones, proto-oncogenes, and, very recently, the endocannabinoid system have been shown to play important roles. Their activities to regulate spermatogenesis, including spermiogenesis and sperm maturation, will be discussed from the comparative viewpoint to describe adaptive phenomena and to speculate on evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy.
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14
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Vydra N, Winiarski B, Rak-Raszewska A, Piglowski W, Mazurek A, Scieglinska D, Widlak W. The expression pattern of the 70-kDa heat shock protein Hspa2 in mouse tissues. Histochem Cell Biol 2009; 132:319-30. [PMID: 19462178 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-009-0605-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The highest expression level of a 70-kDa heat shock protein family member Hspa2 is detected specifically in meiotic and post-meiotic male germ cells, which is reflected by original name of this protein, i.e., testis-specific Hsp70. However, this chaperon protein could be also detected in certain somatic tissues. Here, the extra-testicular expression pattern of mouse Hspa2 was analyzed. We found expression of Hspa2 in various epithelial cells including lining of bronchioles and oviduct, columnar epithelium of endometrium, epithelial reticular cells of thymus, transitional epithelium of the urinary bladder, or ependymal cells covering walls of the ventricular system of the brain. Surprisingly, Hspa2 was a putative secretory protein in intestine, endometrial glands and subcommissural organ. Hspa2 was detected in central and peripheral nervous system: in neuron's bodies and fiber tracts, in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles, in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, in enteric ganglia of the gastrointestinal tract. Hspa2 was also expressed in smooth muscles and at low level in immune system (in germinal centers associated with B-lymphocyte production). In addition to somatic tissues listed above, Hspa2 was detected in oocytes arrested at diplotene of the first meiotic division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Vydra
- Department of Tumor Biology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, 44-101, Gliwice, Poland
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15
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Guan J, Yuan L. A heat-shock protein 40, DNAJB13, is an axoneme-associated component in mouse spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 75:1379-86. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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16
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Meccariello R, Berruti G, Chianese R, De Santis R, Di Cunto F, Scarpa D, Cobellis G, Zucchetti I, Pierantoni R, Altruda F, Fasano S. Structure of msj-1 gene in mice and humans: a possible role in the regulation of male reproduction. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 156:91-103. [PMID: 18184612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2007] [Revised: 11/20/2007] [Accepted: 11/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Msj-1 gene encodes a DnaJ protein highly expressed in spermatids and spermatozoa of both rodents and amphibians, possibly involved in vesicle fusion and protein quality control by means of interaction with heat shock proteins. We isolated and characterized the entire murine msj-1 gene and searched for putative msj-1-like genes into the human genome. Furthermore, ultrastructural localization of MSJ-1 was analyzed in mouse germ cells by immunogold electron microscopy. The analysis of murine msj-1 genomic sequence reveals that it is an intron less gene. Putative promoter region was predicted within the 600 bp upstream the transcription start site. In mouse, msj-1 maps on chromosome 1, into an intronic region of UDP glucuronosyl-transferase 1 family cluster. At ultrastructural level, MSJ-1 marks the developing acrosomic vesicle and the sperm centriolar region. A blast search against the human genome database revealed two closed regions (Ha and Hb) on human chromosome 2 having high nucleotide identity with murine msj-1 coding region. Similarly to mouse, in human both regions map into an intronic region of UDP glycosyl-transferase 1 family polypeptide A cluster (ugt1a@). A significant ORF encoding a putative DnaJ protein of 145 aa was predicted from Ha. Finally, expression analysis, conducted by RT-PCR in human sperm cells, demonstrated that Ha mRNA is effectively present in humans; by Western blot, a specific MSJ-1 band of approximately 30kDa was detected in human sperm. Taken together, these data suggest that msj-1 gene might be conserved among vertebrates and might exert fundamental functions in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Studi delle Istituzioni e dei Sistemi Territoriali, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy
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17
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Bruzzone F, Vallarino M, Berruti G, Angelini C. Expression of the deubiquitinating enzyme mUBPy in the mouse brain. Brain Res 2007; 1195:56-66. [PMID: 18206859 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2007] [Revised: 11/29/2007] [Accepted: 12/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mouse UBPy (mUBPy) is an ubiquitin-specific protease which belongs to a family of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) implicated in several cellular processes related to both cell growth and differentiation. Previously, Northern blot analysis revealed an important expression of mUBPy in the testis and brain. However, a more comprehensive map of mUBPy localization in the central nervous system (CNS) is still lacking. In this study, we mapped the distribution of mUBPy in the mouse brain using nonradioactive in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical techniques. In general, transcript and protein showed a similar and widespread distribution. In particular, mUBPy was strongly expressed in the hippocampal formation, septal region, ventral pallidum, preoptic nucleus, periventricular nucleus of hypothalamus, compact part of the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, cochlear nucleus and granular cell layer of cerebellum. A moderate expression of mUBPy was found in the amygdaloid complex, supraoptic nucleus, arcuate and ventromedial nuclei of hypothalamus, lateral hypothalamic area and lateral and reticular part of the substantia nigra. Double labelling with the mUBPy antiserum and antisera against specific cell markers showed that the enzyme is generally expressed in neurons and, in specific regions, also in oligodendrocytes. Moreover, by using antisera to TH and mUBPy we found that mUBPy is localized in dopaminergic neurons. The different distribution of mUBPy in the distinct regions of the brain suggests that it could be related to different deubiquitinating processes; in particular, in the areas where it is expressed at high levels, mUBPy could exert a specialized function through its interaction with specific protein substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bruzzone
- Department of Biology, University of Genova, V.le Benedetto XV, 5 16132 Genova, Italy
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18
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Meccariello R, Chianese R, Scarpa D, Berruti G, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. UBPy/MSJ-1 system during male germ cell progression in the frog, Rana esculenta. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2007; 153:275-9. [PMID: 17187787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2006.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2006] [Revised: 10/19/2006] [Accepted: 10/21/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
mUBPy (mouse ubiquitin specific processing protease) is a de-ubiquitinating enzyme expressed in mouse testis and brain. In testis, it interacts with the DnaJ protein MSJ-1 (mouse sperm cell specific DnaJ first homologue), a molecular chaperone expressed in spermatids and spermatozoa. Since MSJ-1 is conserved among vertebrates, to demonstrate an evolutionarily conserved function of UBPy/MSJ-1 system, we assayed mUBPy presence in the anuran amphibian, the frog, Rana esculenta, during the annual sexual cycle. By Western blot we have detected a specific signal of 126kDa in testis and isolated spermatozoa. During the annual sexual cycle, the signal gradually increases as soon as spermatogenesis resumes after the winter stasis. Using immunocytochemistry, we have localized the protein in spermatids and spermatozoa. In conclusion, UBPy/MSJ-1 system is available in R. esculenta testis suggesting a conserved fundamental function in spermatogenesis and sperm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Studi delle Istituzioni e dei Sistemi Territoriali, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
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19
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Doiguchi M, Kaneko T, Urasoko A, Nishitani H, Iida H. Identification of a heat-shock protein Hsp40, DjB1, as an acrosome- and a tail-associated component in rodent spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2007; 74:223-32. [PMID: 16955402 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Iba1 is a 17-kDa EF-hand protein highly expressed in the cytoplasm of elongating spermatids in testis. Using Iba1 as a bait, we performed yeast Two-hybrid screening and isolated a heat-shock protein Hsp40, DjB1, from cDNA library of mouse testis. To characterize DjB1 that is encoded by Dnajb1 gene, we carried out immunoblot analyses, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Immunoblot analyses showed that DjB1was constitutively expressed in mouse testis and that its expression level was not changed by heat shock. Dnajb1 mRNA was exclusively expressed in spermatocytes and round spermatids in mouse testis, and Dnajb1 protein DjB1 was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm of spermatocytes, round spermatids, and elongating spermatids. In mature mouse spermatozoa, DjB1 was localized in the middle and the end pieces of flagella as well as in association with the head (acrosomal region). Association of DjB1 with the acrosomal region in sperm head was also observed in rat spermatozoa. These data suggested that DjB1, which was constitutively expressed in postmeiotic spermatogenic cells in testis, was integrated into spermatozoa as at least two components, that is, sperm head and tail of rodent spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamichi Doiguchi
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Higashiku Hakozaki, Fukuoka, Japan
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20
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Aivatiadou E, Mattei E, Ceriani M, Tilia L, Berruti G. Impaired fertility and spermiogenetic disorders with loss of cell adhesion in male mice expressing an interfering Rap1 mutant. Mol Biol Cell 2007; 18:1530-42. [PMID: 17314400 PMCID: PMC1838989 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e06-10-0902] [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] Open
Abstract
The guanosine trisphosphatase Rap1 serves as a critical player in signal transduction, somatic cell proliferation and differentiation, and cell-cell adhesion by acting through distinct mechanisms. During mouse spermiogenesis, Rap1 is activated and forms a signaling complex with its effector, the serine-threonine kinase B-Raf. To investigate the functional role of Rap1 in male germ cell differentiation, we generated transgenic mice expressing an inactive Rap1 mutant selectively in differentiating spermatids. This expression resulted in a derailment of spermiogenesis due to an anomalous release of immature round spermatids from the seminiferous epithelium within the tubule lumen and in low sperm counts. These spermiogenetic disorders correlated with impaired fertility, with the transgenic males being severely subfertile. Because mutant testis exhibited perturbations in ectoplasmic specializations (ESs), a Sertoli-germ cell-specific adherens junction, we searched for expression of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), an adhesion molecule regulated by Rap1, in spermatogenic cells of wild-type and mutant mice. We found that germ cells express VE-cadherin with a timing strictly related to apical ES formation and function; immature, VE-cadherin-positive spermatids were, however, prematurely released in the transgenic testis. In conclusion, interfering with Rap1 function during spermiogenesis leads to reduced fertility by impairment of germ-Sertoli cell contacts; our transgenic mouse provides an in vivo model to study the regulation of ES dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Aivatiadou
- *Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mattei
- Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00143 Rome, Italy; and
| | - Michela Ceriani
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Leila Tilia
- Institute of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00143 Rome, Italy; and
| | - Giovanna Berruti
- *Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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21
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Nagamori I, Yomogida K, Ikawa M, Okabe M, Yabuta N, Nojima H. The testes-specific bZip type transcription factor Tisp40 plays a role in ER stress responses and chromatin packaging during spermiogenesis. Genes Cells 2006; 11:1161-71. [PMID: 16999736 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2006.01013.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that the spermatid-specific transcription factor Tisp40 functions through UPRE and CRE. To investigate Tisp40 function in vivo, we generated TISP40(-/-) mice. TISP40(-/-) mice were born at expected ratios, were healthy, and mutant males bred normally. However, the ER stress-response protein Grp78/BiP accumulated in the TISP40(-/-) testis and RAMP4 (Ribosome-associated membrane protein 4) mRNA level was up-regulated. Disruption of TISP40 caused ER stress and activation of caspase 12 but not caspase 9, leading to apoptosis of meiotic/postmeiotic germ cells. On the other hand, DAPI staining and electron microscopy revealed that epididymal sperm nuclei were abnormally relaxed in the TISP40(-/-) testis, a phenotype that was independent of the expression and maturation of transition proteins and protamines but due to abnormally retained histones. Histones localized to the cytoplasm as well as to the nucleus and were also retained in epididymal sperm. Histones H2A and H4 were dramatically up-regulated and the acetylation of H2A, H2B and H4 was also enhanced in the TISP40(-/-) testis. Taken together, we conclude that Tisp40 plays an important role in the unfolded protein response of the testis and in regulating the maturation of sperm head nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ippei Nagamori
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 3-1, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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22
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Rupik W, Stawierej A, Stolarczyk I, Widłak W. Promoter of the heat shock testis-specific Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene is active in nervous system during embryonic development of mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 211:631-8. [PMID: 17047988 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-006-0125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene is a unique member of the 70 kDa heat shock proteins multigene family whose activity is regulated developmentally; in adult mice and rats its expression is restricted mostly to meiotic and postmeiotic male germ cells. In aim to analyze activity of the Hsp70.2/Hst70 promoter in developing embryos we have constructed transgenic mice expressing EGFP reporter gene under control of the rat Hst70 promoter. The appearance of EGFP fluorescence coincides with series of major developmental events, such as extra-embryonic membranes formation, axial rotation, formation of neural tube and the primordium of central nervous system, formation of differentiated somites, extensive remodeling of the heart, development of fingers and toes, and sensory organs formation. Activity of the Hst70 promoter localizes mostly inside nervous system indicating the role of Hsp70.2/Hst70 gene in development of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Rupik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Silesian University, 9 Bankowa Str., 40-007, Katowice, Poland.
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23
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Meccariello R, Tedeschi G, Monsurrò MR, Chianese R, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. Structure of msj-1 gene: a comparative analysis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1040:406-9. [PMID: 15891074 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1327.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Msj-1 gene encodes a DnaJ protein highly expressed in spermatids and spermatozoa of both rodents and amphibians. We isolated and characterized the msj-1 gene in mice. A bioinformatic approach was then used to predict the putative promoter region, chromosomal localization, and its presence in the human genome. The analysis of msj-1 genomic sequence revealed that msj-1 is an intronless gene. Interestingly, two regions (A and B, separated by 10,682 bp) on human chromosome 2 having respectively 78% and 77% nucleotide identity with the murine msj-1 coding region were identified. This suggests the existence of an msj-1-like gene also in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Meccariello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Italy
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24
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Yang C, Miao S, Zong S, Koide SS, Wang L. Identification and characterization of rDJL, a novel member of the DnaJ protein family, in rat testis. FEBS Lett 2005; 579:5734-40. [PMID: 16225871 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.09.046] [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] [Received: 08/07/2005] [Revised: 09/02/2005] [Accepted: 09/11/2005] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Applying the method of segmentation of seminiferous tubules combined with DDRT-PCR and cDNA library screening, a novel DnaJ homologue, rDJL was identified in rat testis. The reading frame encodes a protein of 223 amino acid residues containing J domain in the NH2 terminal region. rDJL gene is expressed mainly in testis and rDJL protein was immunolocalized notably in the acrosome region of spermatozoa. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that rDJL interacted with Hsc70 and clathrin protein. When CHO cells were treated with EGF, rDJL and clathrin protein were found to be colocalized and be concentrated as endosome vesicles. The present findings suggest that rDJL functions as co-chaperone to Hsc70, participates in vesicular trafficking and may play an important role in acrosomogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chumbo Yang
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing
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25
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Nixon B, Asquith KL, John Aitken R. The role of molecular chaperones in mouse sperm-egg interactions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2005; 240:1-10. [PMID: 16043280 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2005.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2005] [Revised: 06/20/2005] [Accepted: 06/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization is a unique and exquisitely choreographed cellular interaction between the male and female gamete that results in the creation of a genetically unique individual. Despite the fundamental importance of fertilization, there remains a dearth of information about the basic biochemical mechanisms that underpin this process. One of the key issues that remain unresolved is the molecular basis of sperm-egg recognition. From the female perspective, it is well established that the sperm recognition sites reside in the zona pellucida (ZP), an acellular coat that surrounds the oocyte. In contrast, numerous studies into the cognate zona receptors residing on the sperm surface have failed to shed significant light on the biochemical identity of these molecules. Such difficulties may, in part, have arisen because investigations have traditionally been based on the precept that the zona receptor represents a single molecular entity that is constitutively expressed on the sperm surface. While such a view holds obvious appeal, it fails to account for growing evidence that gamete interaction is not mediated by a simple lock-and-key mechanism. In this review, we present a novel hypothesis in which the zona recognition site is portrayed as a multimeric molecular structure that is assembled into a functional complex during a maturation process known as 'capacitation'. Furthermore, we consider the possibility that this previously cryptic complex is assembled and delivered to the outer surface of the sperm plasma membrane through the concerted action of several members of the molecular chaperone family of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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26
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Meccariello R, Cobellis G, Scarpa D, Fienga G, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. Detection of msj-1 gene expression in the frog, Rana esculenta testis, brain, and spinal cord. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 68:149-58. [PMID: 15095335 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
MSJ-1 is member of the DnaJ/heat shock protein (Hsp) 40 chaperone protein family. It is present in mouse testis and spinal cord. In particular, MSJ-1 is localized in post-meiotic cells and in motoneurones of the ventral horns. To assess whether the role of this protein is evolutionarily conserved, we have investigated if msj-1 gene is expressed in the frog, Rana esculenta. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), a msj-1-like transcript was detected in testis, brain, and spinal cord. Homology ranging from 42.3 to 46.0% was found as compared with the mammalian counterparts. Muscle did not show any signal. By Western blot analysis, a signal of the predicted size of 30 kDa was evidenced in testis, brain, and spinal cord but not in ovary, heart, liver, kidney, and muscle. MSJ-1 fluctuations in the testis reveal that it appeared in concomitance with post-meiotic events during the annual sexual cycle, as shown in a previous study. The protein is localized in spermatids and is still retained in mature spermatozoa, where it has perinuclear and centriolar localization. MSJ-1 levels did not change in brain and spinal cord. Furthermore, in the brain MSJ-1 was mainly present in diencephalon and mesencephalon, while in spinal cord MSJ-1 was localized into several motoneurones of the cervical and thoracic tract. A putative role in vesicle trafficking is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, II Università di Napoli, via Constantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
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27
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Berruti G, Martegani E. The Deubiquitinating Enzyme mUBPy Interacts with the Sperm-Specific Molecular Chaperone MSJ-1: The Relation with the Proteasome, Acrosome, and Centrosome in Mouse Male Germ Cells1. Biol Reprod 2005; 72:14-21. [PMID: 15342353 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.030866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse USP8/mUBPy gene codifies a deubiquitinating enzyme expressed preferentially in testis and brain. While the ubiquitin-specific processing proteases (UBPs) are known to be important for the early development in invertebrate organisms, their specific functions remain still unclear in mammals. Using specific antibodies, raised against a recombinant mUBPy protein, we studied mUBPy in mouse testis. The mUBPy is expressed exclusively by the germ cell component and is maintained in epididymal spermatozoa. The enzyme is functionally active, being able to detach ubiquitin moieties from endogenous protein substrates. Protein interaction assays showed that sperm UBPy interacts with MSJ-1, the sperm-specific DnaJ protein evolutionarily conserved for spermiogenesis. Immunocytochemistry revealed that mUBPy shares with MSJ-1 the intracellular localization during spermatid cell differentiation; intriguingly, we show here that the proteasomes also locate in mUBPy/MSJ-1-positive sites, such as the cytoplasmic surface of the developing acrosome and the centrosomal region. These colocalization sites are maintained in epididymal spermatozoa. The demonstration of a protein interaction between a deubiquitinating enzyme and a molecular chaperone and the documentation on the proteasomes in both differentiating and mature mouse male germ cells suggest that members of the chaperone and ubiquitin/proteasome systems could cooperate in the fine control of protein quality to yield functional spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Berruti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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28
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Satouh Y, Padma P, Toda T, Satoh N, Ide H, Inaba K. Molecular characterization of radial spoke subcomplex containing radial spoke protein 3 and heat shock protein 40 in sperm flagella of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. Mol Biol Cell 2004; 16:626-36. [PMID: 15563603 PMCID: PMC545899 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e04-09-0784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the heat-shock protein (HSP)40 regulate the protein folding activity of HSP70 proteins and help the functional specialization of this molecular chaperone system in various types of cellular events. We have recently identified Hsp40 as a component of flagellar axoneme in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, suggesting a correlation between Hsp40 related chaperone system and flagellar function. In this study, we have found that Ciona 37-kDa Hsp40 is extracted from KCl-treated axonemes with 0.5 M KI solution and comigrates with radial spoke protein (RSP)3 along with several proteins as a complex through gel filtration and ion exchange columns. Peptide mass fingerprinting with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight/mass spectrometry revealed that other proteins in the complex include a homolog of sea urchin spokehead protein (homolog of RSP4/6), a membrane occupation and recognition nexus repeat protein with sequence similarity with meichroacidin, and a functionally unknown 33-kDa protein. A spoke head protein, LRR37, is not included in the complex, suggesting that the complex constructs the stalk of radial spoke. Immunoelectron microscopy indicates that Hsp40 is localized in the distal portion of spoke stalk, possibly at the junction between spoke head and the stalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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29
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Rossi P, Dolci S, Sette C, Capolunghi F, Pellegrini M, Loiarro M, Di Agostino S, Paronetto MP, Grimaldi P, Merico D, Martegani E, Geremia R. Analysis of the gene expression profile of mouse male meiotic germ cells. Gene Expr Patterns 2004; 4:267-81. [PMID: 15053975 DOI: 10.1016/j.modgep.2003.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2003] [Revised: 11/07/2003] [Accepted: 11/18/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Wide genome analysis of difference in gene expression between spermatogonial populations from 7-day-old mice and pachytene spermatocytes from 18-day-old mice was performed using Affymetrix gene chips representing approximately 12,500 mouse known genes or EST sequences, spanning approximately 1/3rd of the mouse genome. To delineate differences in the profile of gene expression between mitotic and meiotic stages of male germ cell differentiation, expressed genes were grouped in functional clusters. The analysis confirmed the previously described pre-meiotic or meiotic expression for several genes, in particular for those involved in the regulation of the mitotic and meiotic cell cycle, and for those whose transcripts are accumulated during the meiotic stages to be translated later in post-meiotic stages. Differential expression of several additional genes was discovered. In few cases (pro-apoptotic factors Bak, Bad and Bax), data were in conflict with the previously published stage-dependent expression of genes already known to be expressed in male germ cells. Northern blot analysis of selected genes confirmed the results obtained with the microarray chips. Six of these were novel genes specifically expressed in pachytene spermatocytes: a chromatin remodeling factor (chrac1/YCL1), a homeobox gene (hmx1), a novel G-coupled receptor for an unknown ligand (Gpr19), a glycoprotein of the intestinal epithelium (mucin 3), a novel RAS activator (Ranbp9), and the A630056B21Rik gene (predicted to encode a novel zinc finger protein). These studies will help to delineate the global patterns of gene expression characterizing male germ cell differentiation for a better understanding of regulation of spermatogenesis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pellegrino Rossi
- Dipartimento di Sanita Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Sezione di Anatomia, Universita di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. Intratesticular signals for progression of germ cell stages in vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2003; 134:220-8. [PMID: 14636628 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-6480(03)00281-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the complexity of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis have deeply been studied in recent years. Transgenic animals, gene-targeting techniques, and lower vertebrate animal models have led to the discovery of some of the intratesticular signals involved in germ cell progression. This review wish to give the state of the art about it with particular emphasis on the comparative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, II Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Naples, Italy
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Boillée S, Berruti G, Meccariello R, Grannec G, Razan F, Pierantoni R, Fasano S, Junier MP. Early defect in the expression of mouse sperm DNAJ 1, a member of the DNAJ/heat shock protein 40 chaperone protein family, in the spinal cord of the wobbler mouse, a murine model of motoneuronal degeneration. Neuroscience 2002; 113:825-35. [PMID: 12182889 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(02)00235-x] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prevention of protein misfolding is ensured by chaperone proteins, including the heat shock proteins (HSP) of the DNAJ/HSP40 family. Detection of abnormal protein aggregates in various neurodegenerative diseases has led to the proposal that altered chaperone activity contributes to neurodegeneration. Msj-1, a DNAJ/HSP40 protein located around the spermatozoa acrosome, was recently found to be down-regulated in the testis of wobbler mutant mice. Wobbler is an unidentified recessive mutation which triggers progressive motoneuron degeneration with abnormal intracellular protein accumulations, and defective spermatozoa maturation. Here, we examined Msj-1 expression in the spinal cord of the mutants and their controls. Msj-1 transcripts were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from mutant and wild-type spinal cord RNA. Sequencing of Msj-1 coding region revealed no change in the mutant. In contrast, decreased Msj-1 mRNA levels were observed in five to six-week-old wobbler mice spinal cord, when motoneuron degeneration is at its apex, as compared to controls. A similar decrease was observed in two-week-old wobbler spinal cord, when the number of motoneurons is still unaltered, indicating that the decreased mRNA content is intrinsic to the mutant and not simply related to the loss of cells expressing Msj-1. Assays of Msj-1 protein levels yielded similar results. Immunofluorescent labeling revealed numerous Msj-1-ir motoneurons in five-week-old control spinal cord while no signal was observed in age-matched wobbler. Our results show, therefore, that Msj-1 expression is down-regulated in both organs affected by the wobbler mutation, the CNS and the testis, and that this defect precedes the first histological signs of motoneuron degeneration. These results provide the first example of an association between transcriptional repression of a chaperone protein and a neurodegenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Boillée
- INSERM Unité 421, IM3, Faculté de Médecine, U421, Créteil, France
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Berruti G, Martegani E. mUBPy and MSJ-1, a deubiquitinating enzyme and a molecular chaperone specifically expressed in testis, associate with the acrosome and centrosome in mouse germ cells. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 973:5-7. [PMID: 12485825 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04597.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Berruti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Abstract
In the present study, two gonad cDNA libraries from zebrafish testes and ovaries were constructed and a total of 1025 expressed sequence tag (EST) clones were generated from the two libraries: 501 from the testis library and 524 from the ovary library. A total of 641 of the EST clones were identified to share significant sequence identity with known sequences in GenBank, representing at least 478 different zebrafish genes. In order to understand the molecular compositions of the two gonad organs, the expression profiles of the identified clones in these two gonad cDNA libraries were analyzed. Both gonad libraries have a higher portion of clones for nuclear proteins and a lower portion for proteins in translational machinery, cytoskeleton and mitochondria than our previously characterized whole-adult cDNA library. Most abundant cDNA clones in the two gonad libraries were identified and over 10% of ovary clones were found to encode egg membrane proteins (zona pellucida or ZP proteins). Furthermore, the testis library showed a more even distribution of cDNA clones with relatively fewer abundant clones that tend to contribute redundant clones in EST projects; thus, the testis library can supply more unique and novel cDNA sequences in a zebrafish EST project. Another aim of this study is to identify cDNA clones that can be used as molecular markers for the analysis of the gonad development in zebrafish. Eleven potential clones were selected to analyze their expression patterns by Northern blot hybridization. Most of them showed a specific or predominant expression in the expected testis or ovary tissue. At last, four of the clones were found, by section in situ hybridization, to be expressed specifically in the germ cells of the testis or ovary and thus they are suitable molecular markers for analyses of spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zeng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Meccariello R, Cobellis G, Berruti G, Junier MP, Ceriani M, Boilée S, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. Mouse sperm cell-specific DnaJ first homologue: an evolutionarily conserved protein for spermiogenesis. Biol Reprod 2002; 66:1328-35. [PMID: 11967194 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod66.5.1328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Msj-1 (mouse sperm cell-specific DnaJ first homologue) is a gene specifically expressed in germ cells at haploid stages. The protein first appears in round spermatids, accumulates in the periacrosomal region of elongating spermatids, and is maintained in spermatozoa. The msj-1 expression pattern is consistent with a role for this DnaJ protein in the spermiogenesis process. In this study, we used two experimental models, the anuran amphibian Rana esculenta and the wobbler mutant mouse, to explore the role of MSJ-1 during spermatogenesis, with a focus on spermiogenesis. Mice homozygous for the recessive mutation wobbler (wr/wr), a mutation of unknown identity, produce sperm cells characterized by a missing acrosome. In Rana esculenta testis, detection of high levels of MSJ-1 protein coincided with the appearance of postmeiotic germ cells during the annual sexual cycle. Conversely, elimination of the meiotic and postmeiotic stages, through gonadotropin administration at low temperature, abolished the MSJ-1 immunoreactive signal. In 20-day-old mice, when postmeiotic germ cells appeared for the first time, MSJ-1 mRNA and protein were observed in +/+ testis but were barely detectable in wr/wr testis. In adult testis, reduced MSJ-1 protein levels were observed in both +/wr and wr/wr testis, as compared with +/+ controls. Similarly, numbers of spermatids that stained by immunofluorescence for MSJ-1 appeared to be progressively reduced in adult +/+, +/wr, and wr/wr mouse testes, respectively. Characterization of the endocrine status of wobbler testis revealed reduced transcript levels of estrogen receptor alpha and reduced intratesticular androgen levels. However, androgen treatment did not affect MSJ-1 protein levels in either frogs or mice. In conclusion, our data in Rana esculenta and the wobbler mouse demonstrate a tight correlation between MSJ-1 protein expression and postmeiotic stages. In particular, the findings in the wobbler testis suggest a role for this protein in acrosomogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. F. Bottazzi, II Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
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