1
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Park SH, Kim YP, Lee JM, Park DW, Seo JT, Gye MC. Regulation of Phosphorylation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3α and the Correlation with Sperm Motility in Human. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:373-383. [PMID: 37635337 PMCID: PMC10949033 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To unravel the mechanism regulating the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and the correlation between the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3α and sperm motility in human. MATERIALS AND METHODS The phosphorylation and priming phosphorylated substrate-specific kinase activity of GSK3 were examined in human spermatozoa with various motility conditions. RESULTS In human spermatozoa, GSK3α/β was localized in the head, midpiece, and principal piece of tail and p-GSK3α(Ser21) was enriched in the midpiece. The ratio of p-GSK3α(Ser21)/GSK3α was positively coupled with normal sperm motility criteria of World Health Organization. In high-motility spermatozoa, p-GSK3α(Ser21) phosphotyrosine (p-Tyr) proteins but p-GSK3α(Tyr279) markedly increased together with decreased kinase activity of GSK3 after incubation in Ca2+ containing medium. In high-motility spermatozoa, p-GSK3α(Ser21) levels were negatively coupled with kinase activity of GSK3, and which was deregulated in low-motility spermatozoa. In high-motility spermatozoa, 6-bromo-indirubin-3'-oxime, an inhibitor of kinase activity of GSK3 increased p-GSK3α(Ser21) and p-Tyr proteins. p-GSK3α(Ser21) and p-Tyr protein levels were decreased by inhibition of PKA and Akt. Calyculin A, a protein phosphatase-1/2A inhibitor, markedly increased the p-GSK3α(Ser21) and p-Tyr proteins, and significantly increased the motility of low-motility human spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Down regulation of kinase activity of GSK3α by inhibitory phosphorylation was positively coupled with human sperm motility, and which was regulated by Ca2+, PKA, Akt, and PP1. Small-molecule inhibitors of GSK3 and PP1 can be considered to potentiate human sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyun Park
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Pil Kim
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Min Lee
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Wook Park
- Graduate School of Global Pharmaceutical Industry and Clinical Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Ju Tae Seo
- JTS Urology Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung Chan Gye
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
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2
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Mohanty G, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Paudel B, Tourzani DA, Salicioni AM, Santi CM, Gervasi MG, Pilsner JR, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Differential role of bovine serum albumin and HCO3- in the regulation of GSK3 alpha during mouse sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae007. [PMID: 38341666 PMCID: PMC10914453 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To become fertile, mammalian sperm are required to undergo capacitation in the female tract or in vitro in defined media containing ions (e.g. HCO3 -, Ca2+, Na+, and Cl-), energy sources (e.g. glucose, pyruvate) and serum albumin (e.g. bovine serum albumin (BSA)). These different molecules initiate sequential and concomitant signaling pathways, leading to capacitation. Physiologically, capacitation induces changes in the sperm motility pattern (e.g. hyperactivation) and prepares sperm for the acrosomal reaction (AR), two events required for fertilization. Molecularly, HCO3 - activates the atypical adenylyl cyclase Adcy10 (aka sAC), increasing cAMP and downstream cAMP-dependent pathways. BSA, on the other hand, induces sperm cholesterol release as well as other signaling pathways. How these signaling events, occurring in different sperm compartments and with different kinetics, coordinate among themselves is not well established. Regarding the AR, recent work has proposed a role for glycogen synthase kinases (GSK3α and GSK3β). GSK3α and GSK3β are inactivated by phosphorylation of residues Ser21 and Ser9, respectively, in their N-terminal domain. Here, we present evidence that GSK3α (but not GSK3β) is present in the anterior head and that it is regulated during capacitation. Interestingly, BSA and HCO3 - regulate GSK3α in opposite directions. While BSA induces a fast GSK3α Ser21 phosphorylation, HCO3 - and cAMP-dependent pathways dephosphorylate this residue. We also show that the HCO3--induced Ser21 dephosphorylation is mediated by hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential (Em) and by intracellular pH alkalinization. Previous reports indicate that GSK3 kinases mediate the progesterone-induced AR. Here, we show that GSK3 inhibition also blocks the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin-induced AR, suggesting a role for GSK3 kinases downstream of the increase in intracellular Ca2+ needed for this exocytotic event. Altogether, our data indicate a temporal and biphasic GSK3α regulation with opposite actions of BSA and HCO3 -. Our results also suggest that this regulation is needed to orchestrate the AR during sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Claudia Sanchez-Cardenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Bidur Paudel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Darya A Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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3
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Park SH, Gye MC. Dibutyl phthalate disrupts glycogen synthase kinase 3α essential for sperm motility. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115977. [PMID: 38242044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115977] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
To unravel the toxic mechanism of phthalate ester plasticizer endocrine disruptor in spermatozoa, we examined the effect of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on the stability and inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3α (GSK3α), a protein kinase crucial for sperm motility in mice. In DBP-treated spermatozoa, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxide were significantly increased. In computer-assisted sperm analysis, DBP at concentrations of 10 - 100 μg/mL significantly decreased total motility and progressive motility of spermatozoa. On western blots, DBP decreased p-GSK3α(Ser21) and increased p-GSK3α(Tyr279) in spermatozoa. Similarly, hydrogen peroxide decreased p-GSK3α(Ser21) but not p-GSK3α(Tyr279) in spermatozoa. Immunofluorescent labeling demonstrated that DBP markedly decreased immunoreactivities of GSK3α and p-GSK3α(Ser21) but increased immunoreactivity of p-GSK3α(Tyr279) in spermatozoa. DBP at a concentration of 100 μg/mL significantly increased phosphatase activity in spermatozoa. Calyculin A, a protein phosphatase 1 and 2 A inhibitor, markedly increased p-GSK3α(Ser21) and sperm motility and attenuated a DBP-induced decrease of p-GSK3α(Ser21) and sperm motility. On western blot, 1-100 μg/mL DBP decreased GSK3α in spermatozoa. On immunoprecipitation western blot, DBP at 10 - 100 μg/mL increased polyubiquitinated sperm proteins including GSK3α. The MG115, proteasome inhibitor attenuated degradation of GSK3α in DBP-treated spermatozoa. Hydrogen peroxide at 10 μM increased polyubiquitinated sperm proteins, suggesting that DBP may increase ubiquitination of GSK3α via ROS induction. Together, DBP may decrease the cellular amount of GSK3α through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and p-GSK3α(Ser21) through ROS generation and activation of protein phosphatases, impairing sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyun Park
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Chan Gye
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Park SH, Xu Y, Park YS, Seo JT, Gye MC. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Isoform Variants and Their Inhibitory Phosphorylation in Human Testes and Spermatozoa. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:215-226. [PMID: 36047078 PMCID: PMC9826905 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To clarify (phospho-) glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) isoform variants in the germline and soma of human testes and spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS GSK3 isoform variants in normospermatogenic and Sertoli cell-only (SCO) testicular biopsies and spermatozoa were examined. RESULTS In normospermatogenic testes, GSK3α and GSK3β variants 1 and 2 different in low complexity region (LCR) were expressed and their levels were decreased in SCO testes. GSK3β variant 3 was only expressed in SCO testes. GSK3β as well as GSK3α, the dominant isoforms in testes were decreased in SCO testes. In normospermatogenic testes, GSK3β were found in spermatogonia and markedly decreased in meiotic germ cells in which GSK3α was dominant. p-GSK3α/β were marginal in spermatogonia and early spermatocytes. In SCO testes, GSK3α/β immunoreactivity in seminiferous epithelia was weaker than those of normospermatogenic testes whereas p-GSK3α/β(Ser) immunoreactivity was visibly increased in Sertoli cells. GSK3α was dominant in ejaculated spermatozoa in which GSK3α and p-GSK3α(Ser) were found in the head, midpiece, and tail. In acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, GSK3α was found in the equatorial region of head, midpiece, and tail, and p-GSK3α(Ser) was only found in midpiece. During sperm capacitation, p-GSK3α(Ser) was significantly increased together with phosphotyrosine proteins and motility. CONCLUSIONS In human male germ cells, GSK3 isoforms different in LCRs switch from GSK3β to GSK3α during meiotic entry, suggesting the isoform-specific roles of GSK3α and GSK3β in meiosis and stemness or proliferation of spermatogonia, respectively. In dormant Sertoli cells of SCO testes kinase activity of GSK3 might be downregulated via inhibitory phosphorylation. In spermatozoa, inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3α might be coupled with activation of motility during capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hyun Park
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Seog Park
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju Tae Seo
- Department of Urology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Myung Chan Gye
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
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5
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Exogenous Albumin Is Crucial for Pig Sperm to Elicit In Vitro Capacitation Whereas Bicarbonate Only Modulates Its Efficiency. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111105. [PMID: 34827098 PMCID: PMC8615011 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In this work, we addressed if the presence of exogenous bicarbonate required for pig sperm capacitation, which is a necessary step to acquire fertilizing ability. While sperm incubated in media without BSA or BSA/bicarbonate did not achieve in vitro capacitation, those incubated with BSA reached that status under any bicarbonate concentration, even when bicarbonate was absent. Interestingly, there were differences related to the concentration of bicarbonate, since sperm incubated in media with BSA and with no bicarbonate or 5 mM bicarbonate showed lower overall efficiency in achieving in vitro capacitation than those incubated in the presence of BSA and higher concentration of bicarbonate. Additionally, at the end of the experiment, sperm incubated in the presence of BSA and 38 mM bicarbonate showed lower motility and plasma membrane integrity than those incubated in media with BSA and lower concentrations of bicarbonate. In conclusion, BSA is crucial in for pig sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation and trigger the subsequent progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis. In contrast, although exogenous bicarbonate does not appear to be indispensable, it shortens the time needed to reach that capacitated status. Abstract This work sought to address whether the presence of exogenous bicarbonate is required for pig sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation and further progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis. For this purpose, sperm were either incubated in a standard in vitro capacitation medium or a similar medium with different concentrations of bicarbonate (either 0 mM, 5 mM, 15 mM or 38 mM) and BSA (either 0 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL). The achievement of in vitro capacitation and progesterone-induced acrosomal exocytosis was tested through the analysis of sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and lipid disorder, acrosome exocytosis, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondria membrane potential, O2 consumption rate and the activities of both glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha (GSK3α) and protein kinase A (PKA). While sperm incubated in media without BSA or BSA/bicarbonate, they did not achieve in vitro capacitation; those incubated in media with BSA achieved the capacitated status under any bicarbonate concentration, even when bicarbonate was absent. Moreover, there were differences related to the concentration of bicarbonate, since sperm incubated in media with BSA and with no bicarbonate or 5 mM bicarbonate showed lower overall efficiency in achieving in vitro capacitation than those incubated in the presence of BSA and 15 mM or 38 mM bicarbonate. Additionally, at the end of the experiment, sperm incubated in the presence of BSA and 38 mM bicarbonate showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of motility and plasma membrane integrity than those incubated in media with BSA and lower concentrations of bicarbonate. In conclusion, BSA is instrumental for pig sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation and trigger the subsequent progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis. Furthermore, while exogenous bicarbonate does not seem to be essential to launch sperm capacitation, it does modulate its efficiency.
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6
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A multiplier peroxiporin signal transduction pathway powers piscine spermatozoa. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2019346118. [PMID: 33674382 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019346118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary task of a spermatozoon is to deliver its nuclear payload to the egg to form the next-generation zygote. With polyandry repeatedly evolving in the animal kingdom, however, sperm competition has become widespread, with the highest known intensities occurring in fish. Yet, the molecular controls regulating spermatozoon swimming performance in these organisms are largely unknown. Here, we show that the kinematic properties of postactivated piscine spermatozoa are regulated through a conserved trafficking mechanism whereby a peroxiporin ortholog of mammalian aquaporin-8 (Aqp8bb) is inserted into the inner mitochondrial membrane to facilitate H2O2 efflux in order to maintain ATP production. In teleosts from more ancestral lineages, such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio) and the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), in which spermatozoa are activated in freshwater, an intracellular Ca2+-signaling directly regulates this mechanism through monophosphorylation of the Aqp8bb N terminus. In contrast, in more recently evolved marine teleosts, such the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), in which spermatozoa activation occurs in seawater, a cross-talk between Ca2+- and oxidative stress-activated pathways generate a multiplier regulation of channel trafficking via dual N-terminal phosphorylation. These findings reveal that teleost spermatozoa evolved increasingly sophisticated detoxification pathways to maintain swimming performance under a high osmotic stress, and provide insight into molecular traits that are advantageous for postcopulatory sexual selection.
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7
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Trigg NA, Stanger SJ, Zhou W, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Sipilä P, Dun MD, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG, Roman SD, Nixon B. A novel role for milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 protein (MFGE8) in the mediation of mouse sperm-extracellular vesicle interactions. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000079. [PMID: 33792189 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa transition to functional maturity as they are conveyed through the epididymis, a highly specialized region of the male excurrent duct system. Owing to their transcriptionally and translationally inert state, this transformation into fertilization competent cells is driven by complex mechanisms of intercellular communication with the secretory epithelium that delineates the epididymal tubule. Chief among these mechanisms are the release of extracellular vesicles (EV), which have been implicated in the exchange of varied macromolecular cargo with spermatozoa. Here, we describe the optimization of a tractable cell culture model to study the mechanistic basis of sperm-extracellular vesicle interactions. In tandem with receptor inhibition strategies, our data demonstrate the importance of milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFGE8) protein in mediating the efficient exchange of macromolecular EV cargo with mouse spermatozoa; with the MFGE8 integrin-binding Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) tripeptide motif identified as being of particular importance. Specifically, complementary strategies involving MFGE8 RGD domain ablation, competitive RGD-peptide inhibition and antibody-masking of alpha V integrin receptors, all significantly inhibited the uptake and redistribution of EV-delivered proteins into immature mouse spermatozoa. These collective data implicate the MFGE8 ligand and its cognate integrin receptor in the mediation of the EV interactions that underpin sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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8
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The Presence of Seminal Plasma during Liquid Storage of Pig Spermatozoa at 17 °C Modulates Their Ability to Elicit In Vitro Capacitation and Trigger Acrosomal Exocytosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124520. [PMID: 32630462 PMCID: PMC7350249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although seminal plasma is essential to maintain sperm integrity and function, it is diluted/removed prior to liquid storage and cryopreservation in most mammalian species. This study sought to evaluate, using the pig as a model, whether storing semen in the presence of seminal plasma affects the sperm ability to elicit in vitro capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis. Upon collection, seminal plasma was separated from sperm samples, which were diluted in a commercial extender, added with seminal plasma (15% or 30%), and stored at 17 °C for 48 or 72 h. Sperm cells were subsequently exposed to capacitating medium for 4 h, and then added with progesterone to induce acrosomal exocytosis. Sperm motility, acrosome integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular Ca2+ levels, mitochondrial activity, and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3)α/β were determined after 0, 2, and 4 h of incubation, and after 5, 30, and 60 min of progesterone addition. Results showed that storing sperm at 17 °C with 15% or 30% seminal plasma led to reduced percentages of viable spermatozoa exhibiting an exocytosed acrosome, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular Ca2+ levels stained by Fluo3, and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of GSK3α/β after in vitro capacitation and progesterone-induced acrosomal exocytosis. Therefore, the direct contact between spermatozoa and seminal plasma during liquid storage at 17 °C modulated their ability to elicit in vitro capacitation and undergo acrosomal exocytosis, via signal transduction pathways involving Ca2+ and Tyr phosphorylation of GSK3α/β. Further research is required to address whether such a modulating effect has any impact upon sperm fertilizing ability.
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9
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Mihalas BP, Redgrove KA, Bernstein IR, Robertson MJ, McCluskey A, Nixon B, Holt JE, McLaughlin EA, Sutherland JM. Dynamin 2-dependent endocytosis is essential for mouse oocyte development and fertility. FASEB J 2020; 34:5162-5177. [PMID: 32065700 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902184r] [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: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
During folliculogenesis, oocytes are dependent on metabolic and molecular support from surrounding somatic cells. Here, we examined the role of the dynamin (DNM) family of mechanoenzymes in mediating endocytotic uptake into growing follicular oocytes. We found DNM1 and DNM2 to be highly expressed in growing follicular oocytes as well as in mature germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) stage oocytes. Moreover, oocyte-specific conditional knockout (cKO) of DNM2 (DNM2Δ) led to complete sterility, with follicles arresting at the preantral stage of development. In addition, DNM2Δ ovaries were characterized by disrupted follicular growth as well as oocyte and follicle apoptosis. Further, the loss of DNM activity, either through DNM2 cKO or through pharmacological inhibition (Dyngo 6a) led to the impairment of endocytotic pathways in preantral oocytes as well as in mature GV and MII oocytes, respectively. Loss of DNM activity resulted in the redistribution of endosomes and the misslocalization of clathrin and actin, suggesting dysfunctional endocytosis. Notably, there was no observable effect on the fertility of DNM1Δ females. Our study has provided new insight into the complex and dynamic nature of oocyte growth during folliculogenesis, suggesting a role for DNM2 in mediating the endocytotic events that are essential for oocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina P Mihalas
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medial Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate A Redgrove
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medial Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medial Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark J Robertson
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medial Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Janet E Holt
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medial Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medial Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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10
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Zhu Z, Li R, Wang L, Zheng Y, Hoque SAM, Lv Y, Zeng W. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Regulates Sperm Motility and Acrosome Reaction via Affecting Energy Metabolism in Goats. Front Physiol 2019; 10:968. [PMID: 31417426 PMCID: PMC6682598 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation and acrosome reaction of sperm are pre-requisite steps for fertilization. However, the hyperactivation and acrosome reaction are critically controlled through the phosphorylation of specific proteins. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3), a serine/threonine kinase with two different isoforms (α and β), is involved in biochemical signaling pathways. This study was aimed to investigate whether the GSK3α/β is present in goat sperm and its regulatory role in sperm motility and acrosome reaction. GSK3α/β was detected with immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Sperm motility, membrane integrity, acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential, phospho-Ser21-GSK3α and phospho-Ser9-GSK3β were analyzed. The ATP production and activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were measured. It was observed that the GSK3α/β was expressed in goat sperm, especially in the peri-acrosomal, mid-piece and principal piece of the tail. The abundance of GSK3α/β in sperm was increased during transit along the epididymis. Addition of either 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) or CHIR99021 significantly increased the sperm motility patterns and GSK3α/β phosphorylation. Interestingly, the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, activities of LDH, MDH and SDH were observed to be increased in the CHIR99021 treatment. The results suggested that GSK3α/β regulates sperm motility and acrosome reaction via phospho-ser21-GSK3α and phospho-ser9-GSK3β that involved in the regulation of sperm energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Rongnan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - S A Masudul Hoque
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Yinghua Lv
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.,College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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11
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Chen Z, Shu N, Wang Y, Yang Y, Shao Z, Tian F, Xia M, Wang Z, Wang X, Feng X, Huang X, Li W, Yu H, Diao H. Tideglusib, a prospective alternative to nonoxynol-9 contraceptive. Contracept X 2019; 1:100007. [PMID: 32550526 PMCID: PMC7286178 DOI: 10.1016/j.conx.2019.100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We aimed to evaluate the antifertility activity and vaginal irritation effects of tideglusib in vivo using rabbit models and to evaluate the cytotoxical effects of tideglusib to sperm, vaginal cells and vaginal bacteria (L. acidophilus) in vitro. Study design We treated female rabbits with vaginal tideglusib 1 mM, nonoxynol-9 (N-9) or vehicle control (Poloxamer 407). In experiment 1, we sacrificed females (n = 6 each) after 10 days of daily administration and assessed vaginal histological changes using Eckstein irritation score. In experiment 2, females (n = 9 each) received estradiol benzoate to induce ovulation 24 h prior to vaginal treatment followed by introduction of a fertile male. These females underwent necropsy at the 21st day to assess pregnancy status. In experiment 3, we used an HTM-TOX IVOS sperm motility analyzer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the effect of tideglusib on human sperm samples. In experiment 4, we evaluated the effect of tideglusib on lactobacillus and vaginal cell growth in vitro. Results The total irritation score of tideglusib vs. N-9 was 3.4 ± 2.07 vs. 7.8 ± 3.82, p <.05. The pregnancy rate of tideglusib, N-9 and control group was 11.1%, 0% and 88.9%, respectively. Tideglusib exhibited a dose-dependent spermostatic/spermicidal activity, and the minimum effective concentrations of tideglusib and N-9 were 8.724 ± 3.047 μM and 219.75 ± 41.78 μM, respectively. SEM and transmission electron microscopy revealed acrosomal membrane impairments caused by tideglusib. Tideglusib was much less toxic to vaginal cells and L. acidophilus than N-9 in vitro. Conclusions Evaluation using rabbit models indicated that tideglusib is a prospective spermicidal contraceptive with low vaginal irritation effects. Implications Tideglusib or tideglusib analogues may be a contraceptive with perspective to replace N-9. It is possible for a spermicide to balance spermicidal activity and vaginal/cervical irritation effects very well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiting Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Niyan Shu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyu Shao
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Tian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minjie Xia
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhikai Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Hospital of Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research
| | - Xin Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Hospital of Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research
| | - Xing Feng
- Hospital of Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research
| | - Xianliang Huang
- Hospital of Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research
| | - Weihua Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Heguo Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Diao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Nixon B, De Iuliis GN, Hart HM, Zhou W, Mathe A, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Jamaluddin MFB, Almazi JG, Bromfield EG, Larsen MR, Dun MD. Proteomic Profiling of Mouse Epididymosomes Reveals their Contributions to Post-testicular Sperm Maturation. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:S91-S108. [PMID: 30213844 PMCID: PMC6427233 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional maturation of spermatozoa that is necessary to achieve fertilization occurs as these cells transit through the epididymis, a highly specialized region of the male reproductive tract. A defining feature of this maturation process is that it occurs in the complete absence of nuclear gene transcription or de novo, protein translation in the spermatozoa. Rather, it is driven by sequential interactions between spermatozoa and the complex external milieu in which they are bathed within lumen of the epididymal tubule. A feature of this dynamic microenvironment are epididymosomes, small membrane encapsulated vesicles that are secreted from the epididymal soma. Herein, we report comparative proteomic profiling of epididymosomes isolated from different segments of the mouse epididymis using multiplexed tandem mass tag (TMT) based quantification coupled with high resolution LC-MS/MS. A total of 1640 epididymosome proteins were identified and quantified via this proteomic method. Notably, this analysis revealed pronounced segment-to-segment variation in the encapsulated epididymosome proteome. Thus, 146 proteins were identified as being differentially accumulated between caput and corpus epididymosomes, and a further 344 were differentially accumulated between corpus and cauda epididymosomes (i.e., fold change of ≤ -1.5 or ≥ 1.5; p, < 0.05). Application of gene ontology annotation revealed a substantial portion of the epididymosome proteins mapped to the cellular component of extracellular exosome and to the biological processes of transport, oxidation-reduction, and metabolism. Additional annotation of the subset of epididymosome proteins that have not previously been identified in exosomes revealed enrichment of categories associated with the acquisition of sperm function (e.g., fertilization and binding to the zona pellucida). In tandem with our demonstration that epididymosomes are able to convey protein cargo to the head of maturing spermatozoa, these data emphasize the fundamental importance of epididymosomes as key elements of the epididymal microenvironment responsible for coordinating post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Hanah M Hart
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Andrea Mathe
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - M Fairuz B Jamaluddin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Juhura G Almazi
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Martin R Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
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13
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Zhou W, Sipilä P, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Nixon B. Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 30199011 DOI: 10.3791/58308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian epididymis generates one of the most complex intraluminal fluids of any endocrine gland in order to support the post-testicular maturation and storage of spermatozoa. Such complexity arises due to the combined secretory and absorptive activity of the lining epithelial cells. Here, we describe the techniques for the analysis of epididymal protein synthesis and secretion by focusing on the model protein family of dynamin (DNM) mechanoenzymes; large GTPases that have the potential to regulate bi-directional membrane trafficking events. For the study of protein expression in epididymal tissue, we describe robust methodology for immunofluorescence labeling of target proteins in paraffin-embedded sections and the subsequent detection of the spatial distribution of these proteins via immunofluorescence microscopy. We also describe optimized methodology for the isolation and characterization of exosome like vesicles, known as epididymosomes, which are secreted into the epididymal lumen to participate in intercellular communication with maturing sperm cells. As a complementary approach, we also describe the immunofluorescence detection of target proteins in an SV40-immortalized mouse caput epididymal epithelial (mECap18) cell line. Moreover, we discuss the utility of the mECap18 cell line as a suitable in vitro model with which to explore the regulation of epididymal secretory activity. For this purpose, we describe the culturing requirements for the maintenance of the mECap18 cell line and the use of selective pharmacological inhibition regimens that are capable of influencing their secretory protein profile. The latter are readily assessed via harvesting of conditioned culture medium, concentration of secreted proteins via trichloroacetic acid/acetone precipitation and their subsequent analysis via SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. We contend that these combined methods are suitable for the analysis of alternative epididymal protein targets as a prelude to determining their functional role in sperm maturation and/or storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle; Hunter Medical Research Institute
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle; Hunter Medical Research Institute
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Hunter Medical Research Institute; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle; Hunter Medical Research Institute;
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14
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Zhou W, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Nixon B. Characteristics of the Epididymal Luminal Environment Responsible for Sperm Maturation and Storage. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:59. [PMID: 29541061 PMCID: PMC5835514 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The testicular spermatozoa of all mammalian species are considered functionally immature owing to their inability to swim in a progressive manner and engage in productive interactions with the cumulus-oocyte complex. The ability to express these key functional attributes develops progressively during the cells' descent through the epididymis, a highly specialized ductal system that forms an integral part of the male reproductive tract. The functional maturation of the spermatozoon is achieved via continuous interactions with the epididymal luminal microenvironment and remarkably, occurs in the complete absence of de novo gene transcription or protein translation. Compositional analysis of the luminal fluids collected from the epididymis of a variety of species has revealed the complexity of this milieu, with a diversity of inorganic ions, proteins, and small non-coding RNA transcripts having been identified to date. Notably, both the quantitative and qualitative profile of each of these different luminal elements display substantial segment-to-segment variation, which in turn contribute to the regionalized functionality of this long tubule. Thus, spermatozoa acquire functional maturity in the proximal segments before being stored in a quiescent state in the distal segment in preparation for ejaculation. Such marked division of labor is achieved via the combined secretory and absorptive activity of the epithelial cells lining each segment. Here, we review our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that exert influence over the unique intraluminal environment of the epididymis, with a particular focus on vesicle-dependent mechanisms that facilitate intercellular communication between the epididymal soma and maturing sperm cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Research Program, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
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15
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Zhou W, Anderson AL, Turner AP, De Iuliis GN, McCluskey A, McLaughlin EA, Nixon B. Characterization of a novel role for the dynamin mechanoenzymes in the regulation of human sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:657-673. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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16
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Belenky M, Breitbart H. Role and regulation of Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta in bovine spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 84:8-18. [PMID: 27864906 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a master switch that regulates a multitude of cellular pathways, including the acrosome reaction in sperm. In epididymal sperm cells, for example, GSK-3 activity correlates with inhibition of motility-yet no direct pathways connecting GSK-3 activation with loss of motility have been described. Indeed, the details of how GSK-3 is regulated during sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction remains obscure. To this end, we addressed the involvement of the GSK-3 beta isoform in several known pathways that contribute to motility and the acrosome reaction. We established that Protein kinase A (PKA) is the main regulator of GSK-3β in sperm, as pre-treatment of cells with a GSK-3 inhibitor prior to addition of H89, an inhibitor of PKA, attenuated the motility loss induced by blocking PKA activity. Both induced and spontaneous acrosome reactions also occurred less frequently in sperm treated with GSK-3 inhibitors. Finally, we observed a slow decline in phosphorylation of GSK-3β on Ser 9, which represents an inhibited state, during sperm capacitation; this phenotype is reversed during the induced acrosome reaction, in parallel to activation of Protein phosphatase 1. These results suggest that maintenance of sperm motility and acrosome reaction timing are mediated by PKA through the regulation of GSK-3 beta activity. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 8-18, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Belenky
- The Mina Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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17
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Redgrove KA, Bernstein IR, Pye VJ, Mihalas BP, Sutherland JM, Nixon B, McCluskey A, Robinson PJ, Holt JE, McLaughlin EA. Dynamin 2 is essential for mammalian spermatogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35084. [PMID: 27725702 PMCID: PMC5057128 DOI: 10.1038/srep35084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamin family of proteins play important regulatory roles in membrane remodelling and endocytosis, especially within brain and neuronal tissues. In the context of reproduction, dynamin 1 (DNM1) and dynamin 2 (DNM2) have recently been shown to act as key mediators of sperm acrosome formation and function. However, little is known about the roles that these proteins play in the developing testicular germ cells. In this study, we employed a DNM2 germ cell-specific knockout model to investigate the role of DNM2 in spermatogenesis. We demonstrate that ablation of DNM2 in early spermatogenesis results in germ cell arrest during prophase I of meiosis, subsequent loss of all post-meiotic germ cells and concomitant sterility. These effects become exacerbated with age, and ultimately result in the demise of the spermatogonial stem cells and a Sertoli cell only phenotype. We also demonstrate that DNM2 activity may be temporally regulated by phosphorylation of DNM2 via the kinase CDK1 in spermatogonia, and dephosphorylation by phosphatase PPP3CA during meiotic and post-meiotic spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Redgrove
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Victoria J Pye
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Bettina P Mihalas
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- School of Biomedical Sciences &Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Phillip J Robinson
- Cell Signalling Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Janet E Holt
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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18
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Characterisation of mouse epididymosomes reveals a complex profile of microRNAs and a potential mechanism for modification of the sperm epigenome. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31794. [PMID: 27549865 PMCID: PMC4994100 DOI: 10.1038/srep31794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has shown that the sperm epigenome is vulnerable to dynamic modifications arising from a variety of paternal environment exposures and that this legacy can serve as an important determinant of intergenerational inheritance. It has been postulated that such exchange is communicated to maturing spermatozoa via the transfer of small non-protein-coding RNAs (sRNAs) in a mechanism mediated by epididymosomes; small membrane bound vesicles released by the soma of the male reproductive tract (epididymis). Here we confirm that mouse epididymosomes encapsulate an impressive cargo of >350 microRNAs (miRNAs), a developmentally important sRNA class, the majority (~60%) of which are also represented by the miRNA signature of spermatozoa. This includes >50 miRNAs that were found exclusively in epididymal sperm and epididymosomes, but not in the surrounding soma. We also documented substantial changes in the epididymosome miRNA cargo, including significant fold changes in almost half of the miRNAs along the length of the epididymis. Finally, we provide the first direct evidence for the transfer of several prominent miRNA species between mouse epididymosomes and spermatozoa to afford novel insight into a mechanism of intercellular communication by which the sRNA payload of sperm can be selectively modified during their post-testicular maturation.
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19
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Data on the concentrations of etoposide, PSC833, BAPTA-AM, and cycloheximide that do not compromise the vitality of mature mouse oocytes, parthenogencially activated and fertilized embryos. Data Brief 2016; 8:1215-20. [PMID: 27547800 PMCID: PMC4982922 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2016.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
These data document the vitality of mature mouse oocytes (Metaphase II (MII)) and early stage embryos (zygotes) following exposure to the genotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, etoposide, in combination with PSC833, a selective inhibitor of permeability glycoprotein. They also illustrate the vitality of parthenogenetically activated and fertilized embryos following incubation with the calcium chelator BAPTA-AM (1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane- N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetrakis (acetoxymethyl ester)), cycloheximide (an antibiotic that is capable of inhibiting protein synthesis), and hydrogen peroxide (a potent reactive oxygen species). Finally, they present evidence that permeability glycoprotein is not represented in the proteome of mouse spermatozoa. Our interpretation and discussion of these data feature in the article “Identification of a key role for permeability glycoprotein in enhancing the cellular defense mechanisms of fertilized oocytes” (Martin et al., in press) [1].
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