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Zhang F, Li J, Liang Z, Chen X, Zheng H, Wu J, Chen W, Li L. Splicing Mutation in DNALI1 Causes Male Infertility with Severe Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in Humans. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1610-1616. [PMID: 38212584 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01451-1] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT), which is a common cause of male infertility, can be caused by genetic factors. This study reports on a case of a male patient suffering from infertility concomitant with OAT. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) confirmed the presence of a homozygous variant (NM_003462: c.464-1G > A) in the DNALI1 gene via Sanger sequencing. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the DNALI1 signal was nearly undetectable in the patient's sperm. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that this mutation could reverse the splicing of the exon 4 acceptor splice site. A minigene experiment was performed to verify the mutation and the results confirmed that the mutation disrupted the splicing. Our findings show that this rare mutation in DNALI1 contributes to male infertility and OAT in humans, thereby expanding our understanding of the causes and pathogenesis of male infertility. This knowledge facilitates genetic counseling, clinical diagnosis, and therapeutic development of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengbin Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jingping Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhongyan Liang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaopan Chen
- Department of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Huimei Zheng
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinggen Wu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Weikang Chen
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lejun Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Parkes R, Garcia TX. Bringing proteomics to bear on male fertility: key lessons. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:181-203. [PMID: 38536015 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2327553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a major public health concern globally. Proteomics has revolutionized our comprehension of male fertility by identifying potential infertility biomarkers and reproductive defects. Studies comparing sperm proteome with other male reproductive tissues have the potential to refine fertility diagnostics and guide infertility treatment development. AREAS COVERED This review encapsulates literature using proteomic approaches to progress male reproductive biology. Our search methodology included systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles up to 2023. Keywords used included 'male fertility proteomics,' 'spermatozoa proteome,' 'testis proteomics,' 'epididymal proteomics,' and 'non-hormonal male contraception.' Inclusion criteria were robust experimental design, significant contributions to male fertility, and novel use of proteomic technologies. EXPERT OPINION Expert analysis shows a shift from traditional research to an integrative approach that clarifies male reproductive health's molecular intricacies. A gap exists between proteomic discoveries and clinical application. The expert opinions consolidated here not only navigate the current findings but also chart the future proteomic applications for scientific and clinical breakthroughs. We underscore the need for continued investment in proteomic research - both in the technological and collaborative arenas - to further unravel the secrets of male fertility, which will be central to resolving fertility issues in the coming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Parkes
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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Greither T, Dejung M, Behre HM, Butter F, Herlyn H. The human sperm proteome-Toward a panel for male fertility testing. Andrology 2023; 11:1418-1436. [PMID: 36896575 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although male factor accounts for 40%-50% of unintended childlessness, we are far from fully understanding the detailed causes. Usually, affected men cannot even be provided with a molecular diagnosis. OBJECTIVES We aimed at a higher resolution of the human sperm proteome for better understanding of the molecular causes of male infertility. We were particularly interested in why reduced sperm count decreases fertility despite many normal-looking spermatozoa and which proteins might be involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS Applying mass spectrometry analysis, we qualitatively and quantitatively examined the proteomic profiles of spermatozoa from 76 men differing in fertility. Infertile men had abnormal semen parameters and were involuntarily childless. Fertile subjects exhibited normozoospermia and had fathered children without medical assistance. RESULTS We discovered proteins from about 7000 coding genes in the human sperm proteome. These were mainly known for involvements in cellular motility, response to stimuli, adhesion, and reproduction. Numbers of sperm proteins showing at least threefold deviating abundances increased from oligozoospermia (N = 153) and oligoasthenozoospermia (N = 154) to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (N = 368). Deregulated sperm proteins primarily engaged in flagellar assembly and sperm motility, fertilization, and male gametogenesis. Most of these participated in a larger network of male infertility genes and proteins. DISCUSSION We expose 31 sperm proteins displaying deviant abundances under infertility, which already were known before to have fertility relevance, including ACTL9, CCIN, CFAP47, CFAP65, CFAP251 (WDR66), DNAH1, and SPEM1. We propose 18 additional sperm proteins with at least eightfold differential abundance for further testing of their diagnostic potential, such as C2orf16, CYLC1, SPATA31E1, SPATA31D1, SPATA48, EFHB (CFAP21), and FAM161A. CONCLUSION Our results shed light on the molecular background of the dysfunctionality of the fewer spermatozoa produced in oligozoospermia and syndromes including it. The male infertility network presented may prove useful in further elucidating the molecular mechanism of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Proteomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Meng L, Liu Q, Tan C, Xu X, He W, Hu T, Tu C, Li Y, Du J, Zhang Q, Lu G, Fan LQ, Lin G, Nie H, Zhang H, Tan YQ. Novel homozygous variants in TTC12 cause male infertility with asthenoteratozoospermia owing to dynein arm complex and mitochondrial sheath defects in flagella. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1184331. [PMID: 37325566 PMCID: PMC10267457 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1184331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Tracing the genetic causes for male infertility due to asthenoteratozoospermia has revealed at least 40 causative genes, which provides valuable reference for the genetic testing of asthenoteratozoospermia in clinical practice. To identify deleterious variants in the human tetratricopeptide repeat domain 12 (TTC12) gene in a large cohort of infertile Chinese males with asthenoteratozoospermia. Methods: A total of 314 unrelated asthenoteratozoospermia-affected men were recruited for whole exome sequencing. The effects of the identified variants were evaluated by in silico analysis, and confirmed by in vitro experiments. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was used to evaluate the efficiency of assisted reproduction technique therapy. Results and Discussion: Novel homozygous TTC12 variants (c.1467_1467delG (p.Asp490Thrfs*14), c.1139_1139delA (p.His380Profs*4), and c.1117G>A (p.Gly373Arg)) were identified in three (0.96%) of the 314 cases. Three mutants were indicated to be damaging using in silico prediction tools, and were further confirmed by in vitro functional analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and ultrastructural observation of the spermatozoa revealed multiple morphological abnormalities of flagella, with the absence of outer and inner dynein arms. Notably, significant mitochondrial sheath malformations were also observed in the sperm flagella. Immunostaining assays indicated that TTC12 is present throughout the flagella, and was strongly concentrated in the mid-piece in control spermatozoa. However, spermatozoa from TTC12-mutated individuals exhibited almost no staining intensity of TTC12 and outer and inner dynein arms components. The three men accepted ICSI treatment using their ejaculated spermatozoa, and two female partners successfully delivered healthy babies. Our findings provide direct genetic evidence that homozygous variants in TTC12 cause male infertility with asthenoteratozoospermia by causing dynein arm complex defects and mitochondrial sheath malformations in the flagellar. We also demonstrated that TTC12 deficiency-mediated infertility could be overcome by ICSI technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Meng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xilin Xu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenbin He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tongyao Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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