1
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Míčková K, Jelínek V, Tomášek O, Stopková R, Stopka P, Albrecht T. Proteomic analysis reveals dynamic changes in cloacal fluid composition during the reproductive season in a sexually promiscuous passerine. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14259. [PMID: 38902251 PMCID: PMC11190206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptic female choice (CFC) is a component of postcopulatory sexual selection that allows females to influence the fertilization success of sperm from different males. While its precise mechanisms remain unclear, they may involve the influence of the protein composition of the female reproductive fluids on sperm functionality. This study maps the protein composition of the cloacal fluid across different phases of female reproductive cycle in a sexually promiscuous passerine, the barn swallow. Similar to mammals, the protein composition in the female reproductive tract differed between receptive (when females copulate) and nonreceptive phases. With the change in the protein background, the enriched gene ontology terms also shifted. Within the receptive phase, distinctions were observed between proteomes sampled just before and during egg laying. However, three proteins exhibited increased abundance during the entire receptive phase compared to nonreceptive phases. These proteins are candidates in cryptic female choice, as all of them can influence the functionality of sperm or sperm-egg interaction. Our study demonstrates dynamic changes in the cloacal environment throughout the avian breeding cycle, emphasizing the importance of considering these fluctuations in studies of cryptic female choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristýna Míčková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Jelínek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Tomášek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
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2
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Krueger SK, Williams SC, O’Keefe JM, Zirkle GA, Haase CG. White-nose syndrome, winter duration, and pre-hibernation climate impact abundance of reproductive female bats. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298515. [PMID: 38669238 PMCID: PMC11051637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an infectious disease that disrupts hibernation in bats, leading to premature exhaustion of fat stores. Though we know WNS does impact reproduction in hibernating female bats, we are unsure how these impacts are exacerbated by local climate factors. We compiled data from four southeastern U.S. states and used generalized linear mixed effects models to compare effects of WNS, pre-hibernation climate variables, and winter duration on the number of reproductive females in species across the range of WNS susceptibility. We predicted we would see a decline in the number of reproductive females in WNS-susceptible species, with the effect exaggerated by longer winter durations and pre-hibernation climate variables that lead to reductions in foraging. We found that the number of reproductive females in WNS-susceptible species was positively correlated with pre-hibernation local climate conditions conducive to foraging; however, WNS-susceptible species experienced an overall decline with the presence of WNS and as winter duration increased. Our long-term dataset provides evidence that pre-hibernation climate, specifically favorable summer weather conditions for foraging, greatly influences the reproduction, regardless of WNS status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Krueger
- Department of Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sarah C. Williams
- Environmental Division, US Army Fort Campbell, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Joy M. O’Keefe
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gene A. Zirkle
- Environmental Division, US Army Fort Campbell, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Catherine G. Haase
- Department of Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee, United States of America
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3
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Miller DJ. Sperm in the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract: Surfing Through the Tract to Try to Beat the Odds. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:301-319. [PMID: 37906840 PMCID: PMC11149062 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-040629] [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] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are deposited in the vagina or the cervix/uterus at coitus or at artificial insemination, and the fertilizing sperm move through the female reproductive tract to the ampulla of the oviduct, the site of fertilization. But the destination of most sperm is not the oviduct. Most sperm are carried by retrograde fluid flow to the vagina, are phagocytosed, and/or do not pass barriers on the pathway to the oviduct. The sperm that reach the site of fertilization are the exceptions and winners of one of the most stringent selection processes in nature. This review discusses the challenges sperm encounter and how the few sperm that reach the site of fertilization overcome them. The sperm that reach the goal must navigate viscoelastic fluid, swim vigorously and cooperatively along the walls of the female tract, avoid the innate immune system, and respond to potential cues to direct their movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
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4
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Zelinger E, Brumfeld V, Rechav K, Waiger D, Kossovsky T, Heifetz Y. Three-dimensional correlative microscopy of the Drosophila female reproductive tract reveals modes of communication in seminal receptacle sperm storage. Commun Biol 2024; 7:155. [PMID: 38321098 PMCID: PMC10847118 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05829-y] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In many taxa, females store sperm in specialized storage organs. Most insect sperm storage organs have a tubular structure, typically consisting of a central lumen surrounded by epithelial cells. These specialized tubules perform the essential tasks of transporting sperm through the female reproductive tract and supporting long-term sperm survival and function. Little is known about the way in which female sperm storage organs provide an environment conducive to sperm survival. We address this using a combined light microscopy, micro computed tomography (microCT), and Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) approach for high-resolution correlative three-dimensional imaging to advance our understanding of sperm-female interactions in Drosophila melanogaster. Using this multimodal approach, we were able to scan the lower female reproductive tract and distal portion of the seminal receptacle at low magnification, and to subsequently zoom in for further analysis on an ultrastructural level. Our findings highlight aspects of the way in which the seminal receptacle keeps sperm viable in the lumen, and set the stage for further studies. The methods developed are suitable not only for Drosophila but also for other organisms with soft, delicate tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Zelinger
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
- Center for Scientific Imaging, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Vlad Brumfeld
- Chemical Research Support Department, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Katya Rechav
- Chemical Research Support Department, Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daniel Waiger
- Center for Scientific Imaging, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tally Kossovsky
- Center for Scientific Imaging, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yael Heifetz
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.
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5
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Hughes JR, McMorrow KJ, Bovin N, Miller DJ. An oviduct glycan increases sperm lifespan by diminishing the production of ubiquinone and reactive oxygen species†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:356-366. [PMID: 37427962 PMCID: PMC10502565 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad074] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm storage by females after mating for species-dependent periods is used widely among animals with internal fertilization to allow asynchrony between mating and ovulation. Many mammals store sperm in the lower oviduct where specific glycans on oviduct epithelial cells retain sperm to form a reservoir. Binding to oviduct cells suppresses sperm intracellular Ca2+ and increases sperm longevity. We investigated the mechanisms by which a specific oviduct glycan, 3-O-sulfated Lewis X trisaccharide (suLeX), prolongs the lifespan of porcine sperm. Using targeted metabolomics, we found that binding to suLeX diminishes the abundance of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, the precursor to ubiquinone (also known as Coenzyme Q), 30 min after addition. Ubiquinone functions as an electron acceptor in the electron transport chain (ETC). 3-O-sulfated Lewis X trisaccharide also suppressed the formation of fumarate. A component of the citric acid cycle, fumarate is synthesized by succinate-coenzyme Q reductase, which employs ubiquinone and is also known as Complex II in the ETC. Consistent with the reduced activity of the ETC, the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) was diminished. The enhanced sperm lifespan in the oviduct may be because of suppressed ROS production because high ROS concentrations have toxic effects on sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Hughes
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Katie J McMorrow
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Nicolai Bovin
- Department of Chemical Biology of Glycans and Lipids, Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - David J Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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6
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Degueldre F, Aron S. Long-term sperm storage in eusocial Hymenoptera. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:567-583. [PMID: 36397639 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12919] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In internally fertilizing species, sperm transfer is not always immediately followed by egg fertilization, and female sperm storage (FSS) may occur. FSS is a phenomenon in which females store sperm in a specialized organ for periods lasting from a few hours to several years, depending on the species. Eusocial hymenopterans (ants, social bees, and social wasps) hold the record for FSS duration. In these species, mating takes place during a single nuptial flight that occurs early in adult life for both sexes; they never mate again. Males die quickly after copulation but survive posthumously as sperm stored in their mates' spermathecae. Reproductive females, also known as queens, have a much longer life expectancy, up to 20 years in some species. Here, we review what is currently known about the molecular adaptations underlying the remarkable FSS capacities in eusocial hymenopterans. Because sperm quality is crucial to the reproductive success of both sexes, we also discuss the mechanisms involved in sperm storage and preservation in the male seminal vesicles prior to ejaculation. Finally, we propose future research directions that should broaden our understanding of this unique biological phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félicien Degueldre
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, CP 160/12, Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Serge Aron
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, CP 160/12, Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Kashef NS, Stafford DM, Sogard SM, Garza JC, Field JC, Gilbert-Horvath EA. Multiple-brooding rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) can utilize stored sperm from individual sires to fertilize consecutive broods. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2023; 102:952-961. [PMID: 36752196 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15341] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Viviparous rockfishes (Sebastes spp., family Scorpaenidae) mate and store sperm in the ovaries for several months prior to fertilization, as oocytes develop for the parturition season. Although multiple paternity has been documented in single-brooding rockfishes, paternity in consecutive broods of multiple-brooding species has not been studied. Analyses of multilocus microsatellite genotypes in both residual larvae left in the ovary from a previous parturition and upcoming fertilized broods in the same ovary demonstrated evidence of the same sires in consecutive broods in chilipepper (Sebastes goodei) and speckled (Sebastes ovalis) rockfishes. One S. goodei mother showed evidence of multiple paternity from the same two sires in both consecutive broods. The ability to retain sperm, even after a parturition event, for use in subsequent broods, confers an advantage to ensure fertilization and allows for extension of the parturition season. This life-history strategy provides a bet-hedging advantage in the California Current system, an environmentally dynamic ecosystem where larval survivorship and subsequent recruitment to adult populations can vary temporally by orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neosha S Kashef
- Fisheries Collaborative Program, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Fisheries Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - David M Stafford
- Fisheries Collaborative Program, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Fisheries Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Susan M Sogard
- Fisheries Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - John C Garza
- Fisheries Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - John C Field
- Fisheries Collaborative Program, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Fisheries Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Gilbert-Horvath
- Fisheries Collaborative Program, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
- Fisheries Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Santa Cruz, California, USA
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8
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Akef MS. Reproductive and Morphological Characteristics of Hemidactylus turcicus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) and Tarentola annularis (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) in Southern Egypt. ICHTHYOLOGY & HERPETOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1643/h2021109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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9
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Yang YF, Wu JH, Lin RL, Yin SJ, Qian GY, Wang W, Park YD. Seasonal spermatogenesis, epididymal storage, and creatine kinase expression in Pelodiscus sinensis. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 249:107198. [PMID: 36791599 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, is an important economic aquaculture species. Its reproduction exhibits seasonality; however, there is a lack of systematic studies focused on sperm maturation and epididymal storage. The testes and epididymides of P. sinensis were sampled from March to December. The seasonal reproduction and maturation of the spermatozoa were examined by anatomy, hematoxylin and eosin staining, AB-PAS staining, and immunohistochemistry. Spermatogenesis exhibited obvious seasonality in P. sinensis. It was found that the spermatogenic epithelium was most active during June to September, whereas the diameter of the epididymal tubules was smallest during June to October. As key enzymes of ATP metabolism, creatine kinases were highly expressed in the epididymal tubule epithelium during the breeding season, which may be important for the regulation of sperm maturation. In addition, the epididymal tubule epithelium changed with the season in June to September, the epididymal tubule epithelium proliferated to form villous structures, and secreted a large number of glycoproteins, which may be related to the rapid maturation of sperm during the breeding season. In conclusion, this study provided insights into the spermatogenesis of P. sinensis through histological analysis and enriched our understanding of reproduction in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fei Yang
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jia-Hao Wu
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Run-Lan Lin
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Shang-Jun Yin
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Guo-Ying Qian
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China.
| | - Yong-Doo Park
- College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Wanli University, Ningbo 315100, Zhejiang, PR China; Skin Diseases Research Center, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing 314006, Zhejiang, PR China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing 314006, Zhejiang, PR China.
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10
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Hughes JR, McMorrow KJ, Bovin N, Miller DJ. An oviduct glycan increases sperm lifespan by diminishing ubiquinone and production of reactive oxygen species. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.08.523174. [PMID: 36712093 PMCID: PMC9881936 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.08.523174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Sperm storage by females after mating for species-dependent periods is used widely among animals with internal fertilization to allow asynchrony between mating and ovulation. Many mammals store sperm in the lower oviduct where specific glycans on epithelial cells retain sperm to form a reservoir. Binding to oviduct cells suppresses sperm intracellular Ca 2+ and increases sperm longevity. We investigated the mechanisms by which a specific oviduct glycan, 3-O-sulfated Lewis X trisaccharide (suLe X ), prolongs the lifespan of porcine sperm. Using targeted metabolomics, we report that binding to suLe X diminishes the abundance of the precursor to ubiquinone and suppresses formation of fumarate, a specific citric acid cycle component, diminishing the activity of the electron transport chain and reducing the production of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). The enhanced sperm lifespan in the oviduct may be due to suppressed ROS production as many reports have demonstrated toxic effects of high ROS concentrations on sperm.
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11
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Shankar G, Gagan TA, Kumari TRS, Marathe GK. Sperm storage by females across the animal phyla: A survey on the occurrence and biomolecules involved in sperm storage. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2022; 340:283-297. [PMID: 36581603 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Long-term sperm storage by females in various regions of the oviduct is documented across many invertebrate and vertebrate species. Although, many reports emphasize on the histology, histochemistry and ultrastructural features of sperm storage, very little is known about the mechanisms underlying the sperm storage. The current review documents the occurrence of sperm storage by females in a wide array of invertebrate and vertebrate species. This review also provides an insight on the presence of various molecular factors of the sperm storage tubules presumably responsible for the prolonged sperm storage with an emphasis on a model reptile, the Indian garden lizard, Calotes versicolor which contains a unique approximately 55-kDa protein in its utero-vaginal lavage and found to inhibit washed epididymal sperm motility in a concentration and time-dependent manner in a reversible fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goutham Shankar
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Thumbala A Gagan
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India.,Department of Zoology, St. Philomena's College, Bannimantap, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Titus R S Kumari
- Department of Zoology, St. Philomena's College, Bannimantap, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Gopal K Marathe
- Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India.,Department of Studies in Molecular Biology, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India
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12
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Hankison S, Gangloff EJ, Fry B, Arnold A, Lashway AJ, Betts JM, Otap SD, Walter K, Juergens MY, Crawford A. Effects of reliance on stored sperm on reproduction in the sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2022; 101:1628-1633. [PMID: 36134581 PMCID: PMC10091790 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of relying on stored sperm were evaluated in the sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna. Females reliant on stored sperm had fewer offspring compared to remated females, but offspring size and short-term growth rate did not differ. Thus, females may use stored sperm in cases such as previous mating with a preferred male, lack of access to mating opportunities during a reproductive cycle, or to maximize egg fertilization. Females do not compensate for producing fewer offspring however, by allocating more resources to offspring relative to their size or initial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shala Hankison
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareOhioUSA
| | - Eric J. Gangloff
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareOhioUSA
| | - Breanna Fry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareOhioUSA
| | - Alena Arnold
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareOhioUSA
| | - A. J. Lashway
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareOhioUSA
| | - Jenell M. Betts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareOhioUSA
| | - Sandra D. Otap
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareOhioUSA
| | - Katherine Walter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareOhioUSA
| | | | - Alax Crawford
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Wesleyan UniversityDelawareOhioUSA
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13
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Comparative oxidative metabolism in mammalian sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107095. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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14
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Discovery of 16-Androstenes (Androstenone and Androstenol), Their Synthesis Pathway, and Possible Role in Reproduction of Mouse Deer (Moschiola indica). Cells 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/cells11233837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We discovered odorous 16-androstenes (Androstenone and Androstenol) in endangered mouse deer during a captive breeding program. This study examined the molecular characteristics, their synthesis pathway, and the possible functional role of these compounds in the reproduction of mouse deer. CYP17A1 and CYB5 genes were cloned and expressed in HEK-293, COS-7 cell lines, and gonads of mouse deer to investigate the CYP17A1 gene’s andien-β-synthase activity towards the synthesis of 16-androstenes in mouse deer. An enzyme immunoassay was further developed and standardized to measure fecal androstenone during the reproductive cycles of mouse deer. Results showed that the mouse deer CYP17A1 gene possesses andien-β-synthase activity and could transform pregnenolone into 5,16-androstadien-3β-ol. The expression of the CYP17A1 gene upregulated in the testis and ovary compared to other tissues in mouse deer. Significantly elevated androstenone and estrogens were recorded prior to delivery and postpartum estrus/mating in mouse deer. Further, there were weak correlations between fecal androstenone and estrogens/androgens in mouse deer during the breeding season. These findings suggest that androstenone probably plays a role in the reproductive activities of mouse deer. This knowledge can be used for captive breeding programs of mouse deer in India and elsewhere.
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15
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Kahrl AF, Snook RR, Fitzpatrick JL. Fertilization mode differentially impacts the evolution of vertebrate sperm components. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6809. [PMID: 36357384 PMCID: PMC9649735 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34609-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental change frequently drives morphological diversification, including at the cellular level. Transitions in the environment where fertilization occurs (i.e., fertilization mode) are hypothesized to be a driver of the extreme diversity in sperm morphology observed in animals. Yet how fertilization mode impacts the evolution of sperm components-head, midpiece, and flagellum-each with different functional roles that must act as an integrated unit remains unclear. Here, we test this hypothesis by examining the evolution of sperm component lengths across 1103 species of vertebrates varying in fertilization mode (external vs. internal fertilization). Sperm component length is explained in part by fertilization mode across vertebrates, but how fertilization mode influences sperm evolution varies among sperm components and vertebrate clades. We also identify evolutionary responses not influenced by fertilization mode: midpieces evolve rapidly in both external and internal fertilizers. Fertilization mode thus influences vertebrate sperm evolution through complex component- and clade-specific evolutionary responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel F Kahrl
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 18B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY, USA.
| | - Rhonda R Snook
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 18B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John L Fitzpatrick
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 18B, SE-10691, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Kelly CL, Schwarzkopf L, Gordon IJ, Pople A, Kelly DL, Hirsch BT. Dancing to a different tune: changing reproductive seasonality in an introduced chital deer population. Oecologia 2022; 200:285-294. [PMID: 35962285 PMCID: PMC9675656 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Male and female reproductive behaviour is typically synchronised. In species such as those in the family Cervidae, reproductive timing is often cued by photoperiod, although in females, it can be dependent on body condition. When a species is introduced to a novel environment, the environment changes, or responses of the sexes to such cues differ, asynchronous reproductive behaviour between males and females may occur. We investigated the seasonality of reproductive behaviour in introduced chital deer in northern Queensland by examining male antler phase in relation to female conception rates. We then analysed the influence of different variables likely to affect the timing of male and female reproductive physiology. The lowest percentage of chital in hard antler in any 1 month in this study was 35% (Fig. 1), but the average value was closer to 50%, thus there was a seasonal peak in antler phase linked with photoperiod. Females conceived at any time of year, but were strongly influenced by the amount of rainfall 3 months prior to conception. This resulted in varying conception peaks year-to-year that often did not correspond to the male’s peak in hard antler. In this system, a proportion of males and females were physiologically and behaviourally ready to mate at any time of the year. We predict that differences in the timing of the peaks between the males and females will lead to increased reproductive skew (variation in reproductive success among individual males). This pattern may select for different mating strategies or physiological mechanisms to increase reproductive success.The average percentage of male chital deer in hard antler by month from 2014 to 2019 in north Queensland. Values above the bars indicate the total number of males that were sampled in each month and the error bars indicate the standard error. In the month with the lowest % males in hard antler in the entire study (November, 2017), 35% of males were in hard antler ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine L Kelly
- Division of Tropical Environments and Societies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.
| | - Lin Schwarzkopf
- Division of Tropical Environments and Societies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Iain J Gordon
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, UK.,CSIRO, Australian Tropical Science and Innovation Precinct, Douglas Campus, Townsville, Australia.,Central Queensland University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony Pople
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David L Kelly
- Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Ben T Hirsch
- Division of Tropical Environments and Societies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama, Panama
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17
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Hunt KE, Buck CL, Ferguson SH, Fernández Ajo A, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Matthews CJD. Male Bowhead Whale Reproductive Histories Inferred from Baleen Testosterone and Stable Isotopes. Integr Org Biol 2022; 4:obac014. [PMID: 35617113 PMCID: PMC9125798 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synopsis
Male mammals of seasonally reproducing species typically have annual testosterone (T) cycles, with T usually peaking during the breeding season, but occurrence of such cycles in male mysticete whales has been difficult to confirm. Baleen, a keratinized filter-feeding apparatus of mysticetes, incorporates hormones as it grows, such that a single baleen plate can record years of endocrine history with sufficient temporal resolution to discern seasonal patterns. We analyzed patterns of T every 2 cm across the full length of baleen plates from nine male bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) to investigate occurrence and regularity of T cycles and potential inferences about timing of breeding season, sexual maturation, and reproductive senescence. Baleen specimens ranged from 181–330 cm in length, representing an estimated 11 years (smallest whale) to 22 years (largest whale) of continuous baleen growth, as indicated by annual cycles in stable isotopes. All baleen specimens contained regularly spaced areas of high T content (T peaks) confirmed by time series analysis to be cyclic, with periods matching annual stable isotope cycles of the same individuals. In 8 of the 9 whales, T peaks preceded putative summer isotope peaks by a mean of 2.8 months, suggesting a mating season in late winter / early spring. The only exception to this pattern was the smallest and youngest male, which had T peaks synchronous with isotope peaks. This smallest, youngest whale also did not have T peaks in the first half of the plate, suggesting initiation of T cycling during the period of baleen growth. Linear mixed effect models suggest that whale age influences T concentrations, with the two largest and oldest males exhibiting a dramatic decline in T peak concentration across the period of baleen growth. Overall, these patterns are consistent with onset of sexual maturity in younger males and possible reproductive senescence in older males. We conclude that adult male bowheads undergo annual T cycles, and that analyses of T in baleen may enable investigation of reproductive seasonality, timing of the breeding season, and life history of male whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Hunt
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation & Department of Biology, George Mason University, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 617 S. Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Steven H Ferguson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Arctic Aquatic Research Division, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Alejandro Fernández Ajo
- Marine Mammal Institute, Fisheries and Wildlife Department, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | | | - Cory J D Matthews
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Arctic Aquatic Research Division, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
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18
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Walsh BS, Parratt SR, Snook RR, Bretman A, Atkinson D, Price TA. Female fruit flies cannot protect stored sperm from high temperature damage. J Therm Biol 2022; 105:103209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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19
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Halley AC. The Tempo of Mammalian Embryogenesis: Variation in the Pace of Brain and Body Development. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2022; 97:96-107. [PMID: 35189619 PMCID: PMC9187598 DOI: 10.1159/000523715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Why do some species develop rapidly, while others develop slowly? Mammals are highly variable in the pace of growth and development over every stage of ontogeny, and this basic variable - the pace of ontogeny - is strongly associated with a wide range of phenotypes in adults, including allometric patterns of brain and body size, as well as the pace of neurodevelopment. This analysis describes variation in the pace of embryonic development in eutherian mammals, drawing on a collected dataset of embryogenesis in fifteen species representing rodents, carnivores, ungulates, and primates. Mammals vary in the pace of every stage of embryogenesis, including stages of early zygote differentiation, blastulation and implantation, gastrulation, neurulation, somitogenesis, and later stages of basic limb, facial, and brain development. This comparative review focuses on the general variation of rapid vs. slow mammalian embryogenesis, with a focus on the pace of somite formation, brain vs. somatic development, and how embryonic pacing predicts later features of ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Halley
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
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20
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Sperm Motility Regulation in Male and Female Bird Genital Tracts. J Poult Sci 2022; 59:1-7. [PMID: 35125908 PMCID: PMC8791776 DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.0200105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm drastically change their flagellar movement in response to the surrounding physical and chemical environment. Testicular sperm are immotile; however, they gain the competence to initiate motility during passage through the male reproductive tract. Once ejaculated, the sperm are activated and promptly initiate motility. Unlike mammals, ejaculated sperm in birds are stored in specialized tubular invaginations referred to as sperm storage tubules (SSTs), located between the vagina and uterus, before fertilization. The resident sperm in the SSTs are in a quiescent state and then re-activated after release from the SSTs. It is thought that avian sperm can undergo motility change from quiescent to active state twice; however, the molecular mechanism underlying sperm motility regulation is poorly understood. In this short review, we summarize the current understanding of sperm motility regulation in male and female bird reproductive tracts. We also describe signal transduction, which regulates sperm motility, mainly derived from in vitro studies.
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21
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Krietsch J, Cragnolini M, Kuhn S, Lanctot RB, Saalfeld ST, Valcu M, Kempenaers B. Extrapair paternity in a sequentially polyandrous shorebird: limited evidence for the sperm storage hypothesis. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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22
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Comizzoli P, Holt WV. Recent Progress in Spermatology Contributing to the Knowledge and Conservation of Rare and Endangered Species. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:469-490. [PMID: 34758275 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-020420-040600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There is a remarkable diversity in the animal kingdom regarding mechanisms underlying the production, maturation, structure, and function of sperm cells. Spermatology studies contribute to the knowledge of species diversity and also provide information about individual or population fitness. Furthermore, this fundamental research is required before collected spermatozoa can be used for conservation breeding, including assisted reproduction and cryobanking. This article aims to (a) review the most recent knowledge on sperm morphology and function in wild animal species, (b) analyze how this knowledge can be used to save species in their natural habitat or ex situ, and (c) propose future scientific directions in wildlife spermatology that could positively impact animal conservation. Variations in sperm structure and performance within and between species have multiple origins and significance. This collective body of knowledge enables the design and implementation of conservation strategies and action plans that integrate several disciplines. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA;
| | - William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom;
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23
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Riley JL, Stow A, Bolton PE, Dennison S, Byrne RW, Whiting MJ. Sperm Storage in a Family-Living Lizard, the Tree Skink (Egernia striolata). J Hered 2021; 112:526-534. [PMID: 34409996 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esab048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to produce viable offspring without recently mating, either through sperm storage or parthenogenesis, can provide fitness advantages under a suite of challenging ecological scenarios. Using genetic analysis, we demonstrate that 3 wild-caught female Tree Skinks (Egernia striolata) reproduced in captivity with no access to males for over a year, and that this is best explained by sperm storage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time female sperm storage has been documented in any monogamous family-living reptile, including social Australian egerniine skinks (from the subfamily Egerniinae). Furthermore, by using paternal reconstruction of genotypes we show that captive-born offspring produced by the same females in the preceding year, presumably without sperm storage, were sired by different males. We qualitatively compared aspects of these females' mates and offspring between years. The parents of each litter were unrelated, but paternal and offspring genotypes from litters resulting from stored sperm were more heterozygous than those inferred to be from recent matings. Family-living egerniine skinks generally have low rates of multiple paternity, yet our study suggests that female sperm storage, potentially from outside social partners, offers the real possibility of benefits. Possible benefits include increasing genetic compatibility of mates and avoiding inbreeding depression via cryptic female choice. Sperm storage in Tree Skinks, a family-living lizard with a monogamous mating system, suggests that females may bet-hedge through extra-pair copulation with more heterozygous males, reinforcing the idea that females could have more control on reproductive outcomes than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Riley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Adam Stow
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peri E Bolton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Siobhan Dennison
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard W Byrne
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Martin J Whiting
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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24
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Cai W, Chen W, Wang Y, Bu X, Xia X, Nie L. Sperm storage in the oviduct of the Chinese pond turtle Mauremys reevesii depends on oestrogen-based suppression of the TLR2/4 immune pathway. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:736-745. [PMID: 34602123 DOI: 10.1071/rd20341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-term storage of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract is limited by the innate immune system. Oestrogen plays a role in regulating the innate immune system. Thus, exploring the expression of genes in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/4 pathway and oestrogen receptors in the oviduct of Mauremys reevesii could contribute to our understanding of the mechanism of sperm storage. In this study, three parts of the oviduct (isthmus, uterus and vagina) in three mated and unmated female turtles were used to perform immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Immunohistochemistry revealed that the TLR2/4 protein was mainly distributed in epithelial tissues and glandular cell membranes, and that TLR2/4 levels in the oviduct were significantly decreased in mated compared with unmated turtles. Real-time qPCR indicated that TLR2/4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), interleukin 1 receptor associated kinase 4 (IRAK4), TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and interleukin 6 (IL6) mRNA expression was significantly higher in the oviduct of unmated than mated turtles, whereas the opposite was true for the expression of oestrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR). These results indicate that when spermatozoa are stored in the oviduct, an increase in oestrogen suppresses the immune response induced by the TLR2/4 pathway so that spermatozoa are not removed as a foreign substance, but stored until fertilisation. The findings of this study are relevant to our understanding of the relationship between sperm storage and the innate immune system in the oviduct of reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Cai
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Xingjiang Bu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, Anhui, China; and Corresponding author.
| | - Xingquan Xia
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Liuwang Nie
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, Anhui, China
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25
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Verdú Ricoy J, Mashinini P, Goedhals J, Heideman N. Reproduction, sexual dimorphism and predation in Mochlus sundevallii in southern Africa (Reptilia: Sauria, Scincidae). AFRICAN ZOOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2021.1976077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Verdú Ricoy
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Phomolo Mashinini
- Department of Herpetology, Ditsong Museum of Natural History, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jacqueline Goedhals
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of the Free State and National Health Laboratory Service, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Neil Heideman
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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26
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McDonough-Goldstein CE, Whittington E, McCullough EL, Buel SM, Erdman S, Pitnick S, Dorus S. Pronounced Postmating Response in the Drosophila Female Reproductive Tract Fluid Proteome. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100156. [PMID: 34597791 PMCID: PMC9357439 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility depends on the progression of complex and coordinated postmating processes within the extracellular environment of the female reproductive tract (FRT). Molecular interactions between ejaculate and FRT proteins regulate many of these processes, including sperm motility, migration, storage, and modification, along with concurrent changes in the female. Although extensive progress has been made in the proteomic characterization of the male-derived components of sperm and seminal fluid, investigations into the FRT have remained more limited. To achieve a comparable level of knowledge regarding female-derived proteins that comprise the reproductive environment, we utilized semiquantitative MS-based proteomics to study the composition of the FRT tissue and, separately, the luminal fluid, before and after mating in Drosophila melanogaster. Our approach leveraged whole-fly isotopic labeling to delineate female proteins from transferred male ejaculate proteins. Our results revealed several characteristics that distinguish the FRT fluid proteome from the FRT tissue proteome: (1) the fluid proteome is encoded by genes with higher overall levels of FRT gene expression and tissue specificity, including many genes with enriched expression in the fat body, (2) fluid-biased proteins are enriched for metabolic functions, and (3) the fluid exhibits pronounced postmating compositional changes. The dynamic mating-induced proteomic changes in the FRT fluid inform our understanding of secretory mechanisms of the FRT, serve as a foundation for establishing female contributions to the ejaculate-female interactions that regulate fertility, and highlight the importance of applying proteomic approaches to characterize the composition and dynamics of the FRT environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Whittington
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Erin L McCullough
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Sharleen M Buel
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Scott Erdman
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Scott Pitnick
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Steve Dorus
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
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27
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Diemer J, Hahn J, Goldenbogen B, Müller K, Klipp E. Sperm migration in the genital tract-In silico experiments identify key factors for reproductive success. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009109. [PMID: 34264927 PMCID: PMC8282070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm migration in the female genital tract controls sperm selection and, therefore, reproductive success as male gametes are conditioned for fertilization while their number is dramatically reduced. Mechanisms underlying sperm migration are mostly unknown, since in vivo investigations are mostly unfeasible for ethical or practical reasons. By presenting a spatio-temporal model of the mammalian female genital tract combined with agent-based description of sperm motion and interaction as well as parameterizing it with bovine data, we offer an alternative possibility for studying sperm migration in silico. The model incorporates genital tract geometry as well as biophysical principles of sperm motion observed in vitro such as positive rheotaxis and thigmotaxis. This model for sperm migration from vagina to oviducts was successfully tested against in vivo data from literature. We found that physical sperm characteristics such as velocity and directional stability as well as sperm-fluid interactions and wall alignment are critical for success, i.e. sperms reaching the oviducts. Therefore, we propose that these identified sperm parameters should be considered in detail for conditioning sperm in artificial selection procedures since the natural processes are normally bypassed in reproductive in vitro technologies. The tremendous impact of mucus flow to support sperm accumulation in the oviduct highlights the importance of a species-specific optimum time window for artificial insemination regarding ovulation. Predictions from our extendable in silico experimental system will improve assisted reproduction in humans, endangered species, and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorin Diemer
- Theoretical Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Hahn
- Theoretical Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Karin Müller
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edda Klipp
- Theoretical Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
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28
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Exceptional long-term sperm storage by a female vertebrate. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252049. [PMID: 34086677 PMCID: PMC8177532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Females of many vertebrate species have the capacity to store sperm within their reproductive tracts for prolonged periods of time. Termed long-term sperm storage, this phenomenon has many important physiological, ecological, and evolutionary implications, particularly to the study of mating systems, including male reproductive success and post-copulatory sexual selection. Reptiles appear particularly predisposed to long-term sperm storage, with records in most major lineages, with a strong emphasis on turtles and squamates (lizards, snakes, but not the amphisbaenians). Because facultative parthenogenesis is a competing hypothesis to explain the production of offspring after prolonged separation from males, the identification of paternal alleles through genetic analysis is essential. However, few studies in snakes have undertaken this. Here, we report on a wild-collected female Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, maintained in isolation from the time of capture in September 1999, that produced two healthy litters approximately one and six years post capture. Genetic analysis of the 2005 litter, identified paternal contribution in all offspring, thus rejecting facultative parthenogenesis. We conclude that the duration of long-term sperm storage was approximately 6 years (71 months), making this the longest period over which a female vertebrate has been shown to store sperm that resulted in the production of healthy offspring.
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29
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Effect of sperm surface oligosaccharides in sperm passage into sperm storage tubules in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 227:106731. [PMID: 33676322 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In birds, the ejaculated spermatozoa do not directly pass to the site of fertilization but rather are stored initially in specialized structures, referred to as sperm storage tubules (SSTs), located in the utero-vaginal junction (UVJ) of the oviduct. The fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa in the SSTs is maintained for an extended period (i.e., several days to months). Although many studies have been conducted to ascertain the mechanisms involved in sperm storage, the understanding of the phenomenon is limited. In this study, there was investigation of the effects of sperm surface oligosaccharides in sperm passage into SSTs in Japanese quail. Results from lectin staining of ejaculated spermatozoa indicated galactose/N-Acetylgalactosamine (Gal/GalNAc), N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) or mannose/glucose (Man/Glc) moieties were present on the sperm surface, indicating the presence of glycoproteins/glycolipids containing these oligosaccharides. When ejaculated spermatozoa were co-incubated with UVJ explants, the lectins derived from Agaricus bisporus and Canavalia ensiformis had marked inhibitory effects on sperm passage into SSTs. Preincubation of UVJ explants with these lectins, however, had no effect indicating there were no effects of UVJ oligosaccharides in this process. Furthermore, none of these lectin had effects on values of sperm motility variables. These results indicate that O-glycans with terminal β-Gal or GalNAc and N-glycans with terminal α-D-Man or α-D-Glc may have functions in the process of sperm passage into SSTs.
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30
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Sperm maturation, migration, and localization before and after copulation in black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). Theriogenology 2021; 166:83-89. [PMID: 33711650 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sebastes schlegelii is a typical viviparous teleost with six months sperm storage duration from November to April. In this study, spermatozoa morphological and physiological characteristics and sperm location in the female ovary were investigated by electron microscopy, computer-assisted sperm analyzer and histologic analysis, respectively. During copulation, we observed that spermatozoa in the testis had mature structure with rod-shaped head, a short midpiece, and a long flagellum. And further verified sperm swam freely at a high speed in the ovary fluid. After copulation, we only found swimming sperm in the ovary fluid at the early storage stage (November to December) and the majority of sperm were scattered randomly in the ovary cavity and partially concentrated in the crypt between the oocyte and stalk of follicle. Thereafter, the ovarian epithelium around the oocytes proliferated rapidly and wrapping spermatozoa outside of the follicular layer and formed a lot of crypts outside of the follicular layer which served as the sperm storage site until fertilization. The present findings would be useful for further understanding the mechanism of long-term sperm storage in viviparous teleost.
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31
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Gilbert SF. Evolutionary developmental biology and sustainability: A biology of resilience. Evol Dev 2021; 23:273-291. [PMID: 33400344 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary developmental biology, and especially ecological developmental biology, is essential for discussions of sustainability and the responses to global climate change. First, this paper explores examples of animals that have successfully altered their development to accommodate human-made changes to their environments. We next document the ability of global warming to disrupt the development of those organisms with temperature-dependent sex-determination or with phenologies coordinating that organism's development with those of other species. The thermotolerance of Homo sapiens is also related to key developmental factors concerning brain development and maintenance, and the development of corals, the keystone organisms of tropical reefs, is discussed in relation to global warming as well as to other anthropogenic changes. While teratogenic and endocrine-disrupting compounds are not discussed in this essay, the ability of glyphosate herbicides to block insect development is highlighted. Last, the paper discusses the need to creatively integrate developmental biology with ecological, political, religious, and economic perspectives, as the flourishing of contemporary species may require altering the ways that Western science has considered the categories of nature, culture, and self.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott F Gilbert
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, USA
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32
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Souza E, Almeida‐Santos SM. Reproduction in the bushmaster (
Lachesis muta
): Uterine muscular coiling and female sperm storage. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eletra Souza
- Departamento de Ecologia Instituto de Biociências Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” São José do Rio Preto Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução Instituto Butantan São Paulo Brazil
| | - Selma Maria Almeida‐Santos
- Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” São José do Rio Preto Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução Instituto Butantan São Paulo Brazil
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33
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Yang L, Li S, Mo C, Zhou B, Fan S, Shi F, Wei X, Zhao Q, Yang G, Li S, Mou C. Transcriptome analysis and identification of age-associated fertility decreased genes in hen uterovaginal junction. Poult Sci 2020; 100:100892. [PMID: 33516476 PMCID: PMC7936153 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian sperm storage tubules (SSTs), which are located in the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) of the oviduct, are primary sperm storage sites after mating or artificial insemination. The mechanism underlying reduced sperm storage efficiency of SSTs which is highly correlated with decreased fertility rates in aged laying breeders remains largely unclear. Here, comparative transcriptomic analysis between the aged and young White Leghorn hens (120 vs. 30 wk) was applied to identify gene expression changes of UVJs containing SSTs. Bioinformatics analysis revealed 567 upregulated and 1998 downregulated differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology analysis was highly enriched in terms of immune system, cell adhesion, and cytoskeleton proteins. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed 5 significant (P < 0.05) pathways including inositol phosphate and glycerophospholipid metabolism. β-Galactosidase staining of chicken UVJ sections suggested increased cell senescence via aging. Oil Red O staining and immunohistochemistry detection of ADFP both confirmed distribution of lipid droplets in SST cells with increased intensity in aged breeders. The lipid synthesis and metabolism-related genes represented by TFAP2 and PLD1 were differentially expressed in aged laying breeders. The upregulation of IL15 and downregulation of a large number of immune-related genes in aged breeders indicate altered immune homeostasis in UVJs and SSTs. The increased accumulation of lipids, and altered immunity homeostasis, combined with other factors (TJP1, MYL9, AFDN, and RPL13, etc.) are potentially dominant effectors to decrease the sperm storage efficiency and egg fertility in aged laying breeders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liubin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070 China
| | - Shaomei Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070 China
| | - Changhuan Mo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070 China
| | - Baogui Zhou
- Department of Poultry Breeding, Beijing Huadu Yukou Poultry Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing 100000 China
| | - Shijie Fan
- Department of Poultry Breeding, Beijing Huadu Yukou Poultry Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing 100000 China
| | - Fengying Shi
- Department of Poultry Breeding, Beijing Huadu Yukou Poultry Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing 100000 China
| | - Xiaoran Wei
- Department of Poultry Breeding, Beijing Huadu Yukou Poultry Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing 100000 China
| | - Qianqian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070 China
| | - Ge Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070 China
| | - Shijun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070 China
| | - Chunyan Mou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070 China.
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34
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Carleial R, McDonald GC, Spurgin LG, Fairfield EA, Wang Y, Richardson DS, Pizzari T. Temporal dynamics of competitive fertilization in social groups of red junglefowl ( Gallus gallus) shed new light on avian sperm competition. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20200081. [PMID: 33070718 PMCID: PMC7661449 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies of birds have made a fundamental contribution to elucidating sperm competition processes, experimentally demonstrating the role of individual mechanisms in competitive fertilization. However, the relative importance of these mechanisms and the way in which they interact under natural conditions remain largely unexplored. Here, we conduct a detailed behavioural study of freely mating replicate groups of red junglefowl, Gallus gallus, to predict the probability that competing males fertilize individual eggs over the course of 10-day trials. Remating frequently with a female and mating last increased a male's probability of fertilization, but only for eggs ovulated in the last days of a trial. Conversely, older males, and those mating with more polyandrous females, had consistently lower fertilization success. Similarly, resistance to a male's mating attempts, particularly by younger females, reduced fertilization probability. After considering these factors, male social status, partner relatedness and the estimated state of male extragonadal sperm reserves did not predict sperm competition outcomes. These results shed new light on sperm competition dynamics in taxa such as birds, with prolonged female sperm storage and staggered fertilizations. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rômulo Carleial
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Grant C. McDonald
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
- Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest 1077, Hungary
| | - Lewis G. Spurgin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | | | - Yunke Wang
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - David S. Richardson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Tommaso Pizzari
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
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35
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Dhillon A, Chowdhury T, Morbey YE, Moehring AJ. Reproductive consequences of an extra long-term sperm storage organ. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:159. [PMID: 33256600 PMCID: PMC7706275 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01704-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm storage plays a key role in the reproductive success of many sexually-reproducing organisms, and the capacity of long-term sperm storage varies across species. While there are theoretical explanations for why such variation exists, to date there are no controlled empirical tests of the reproductive consequences of additional long-term sperm storage. While Dipterans ancestrally have three long-term sperm organs, known as the spermathecae, Drosophila contain only two. Results We identified a candidate gene, which we call spermathreecae (sp3), in which a disruption cause the development of three functional spermathecae rather than the usual two in Drosophila. We used this disruption to test the reproductive consequences of having an additional long-term sperm storage organ. Compared to females with two spermathecae, females with three spermathecae store a greater total number of sperm and can produce offspring a greater length of time. However, they did not produce a greater total number of offspring. Conclusions Thus, additional long-term sperm storage in insects may increase female fitness through extending the range of conditions where she produces offspring, or through increasing the quality of offspring via enhanced local sperm competition at fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akashdeep Dhillon
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | | | - Yolanda E Morbey
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Amanda J Moehring
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada.
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36
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Nixon B, Cafe SL, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Dun MD. Molecular insights into the divergence and diversity of post-testicular maturation strategies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 517:110955. [PMID: 32783903 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Competition to achieve paternity has coerced the development of a multitude of male reproductive strategies. In one of the most well-studied examples, the spermatozoa of all mammalian species must undergo a series of physiological changes as they transit the male (epididymal maturation) and female (capacitation) reproductive tracts prior to realizing their potential to fertilize an ovum. However, the origin and adaptive advantage afforded by these intricate processes of post-testicular sperm maturation remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we review literature pertaining to the nature and the physiological role of epididymal maturation and subsequent capacitation in comparative vertebrate taxa including representative species from the avian, reptilian, and mammalian lineages. Such insights are discussed in terms of the framework they provide for helping to understand the evolutionary significance of post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
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37
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Friesen CR, Kahrl AF, Olsson M. Sperm competition in squamate reptiles. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20200079. [PMID: 33070739 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple paternity is ubiquitous within the polyphyletic group called 'reptiles', especially within the lizards and snakes. Therefore, the probability of sperm competition occurring, and being intense, is high. Squamates exhibit a diversity of tactics to ensure fertilization success in the face of sperm competition. The duration of female sperm storage, which can be many months and even years in some species, remains an enigma. Here, we emphasize some mechanisms that might affect patterns of paternity, the source and function of ejaculates and features of the female reproductive tract that may aid in long-term sperm storage. In doing so, we present a new analysis of the relationship between sperm size, the strength of sperm competition and the duration of female sperm storage. Lizards and snakes are a diverse group that has provided many excellent models for the study of an array of life-history strategies. However, when it comes to postcopulatory sexual selection, there is much left to discover. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Friesen
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Ariel F Kahrl
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Olsson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.,Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Gothenburg, Goteborg, Sweden
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38
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Levine BA, Schuett GW, Clark RW, Repp RA, Herrmann HW, Booth W. No evidence of male-biased sexual selection in a snake with conventional Darwinian sex roles. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:201261. [PMID: 33204479 PMCID: PMC7657906 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Decades of research on sexual selection have demonstrated that 'conventional' Darwinian sex roles are common in species with anisogamous gametes, with those species often exhibiting male-biased sexual selection. Yet, mating system characteristics such as long-term sperm storage and polyandry have the capacity to disrupt this pattern. Here, these ideas were explored by quantifying sexual selection metrics for the western diamond-backed rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). A significant standardized sexual selection gradient was not found for males (β SS = 0.588, p = 0.199) or females (β SS = 0.151, p = 0.664), and opportunities for sexual selection (Is ) and selection (I) did not differ between males (Is = 0.069, I = 0.360) and females (Is = 0.284, I = 0.424; both p > 0.05). Furthermore, the sexes did not differ in the maximum intensity of precopulatory sexual selection (males: s' max = 0.155, females: s' max = 0.080; p > 0.05). Finally, there was no evidence that male snout-vent length, a trait associated with mating advantage, is a target of sexual selection (p > 0.05). These results suggest a lack of male-biased sexual selection in this population. Mating system characteristics that could erode male-biased sexual selection, despite the presence of conventional Darwinian sex roles, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna A. Levine
- Department of Biological Science, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
- The Chiricahua Desert Museum, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Gordon W. Schuett
- The Chiricahua Desert Museum, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Rulon W. Clark
- The Chiricahua Desert Museum, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Roger A. Repp
- National Optical Astronomy Observatory, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Hans-Werner Herrmann
- The Chiricahua Desert Museum, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Warren Booth
- Department of Biological Science, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
- The Chiricahua Desert Museum, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
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39
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Dean R, Yamaguchi N. Does the combination of embryonic diapause and superfoetation occur in the stoat
Mustela erminea
? A reinterpretation of existing data. Mamm Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nobuyuki Yamaguchi
- Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development University Malaysia Terengganu Kuala Nerus21030Malaysia
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40
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Cardozo G, Devigili A, Antonelli P, Pilastro A. Female sperm storage mediates post-copulatory costs and benefits of ejaculate anticipatory plasticity in the guppy. J Evol Biol 2020; 33:1294-1305. [PMID: 32614995 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Males of many species evolved the capability of adjusting their ejaculate phenotype in response to social cues to match the expected mating conditions. When females store sperm for a prolonged time, the expected fitness return of plastic adjustments of ejaculate phenotype may depend on the interval between mating and fertilization. Although prolonged female sperm storage (FSS) increases the opportunity for sperm competition, as a consequence of the longer temporal overlap of ejaculates from several males, it may also create variable selective forces on ejaculate phenotype, for example by exposing trade-offs between sperm velocity and sperm survival. We evaluated the relationship between the plasticity of ejaculate quality and FSS in the guppy, Poecilia reticulata, a polyandrous live-bearing fish in which females store sperm for several months and where stored sperm contribute significantly to a male's lifelong reproductive success. In this species, males respond to the perception of future mating opportunities by increasing the quantity (number) and quality (swimming velocity) of ready-to-use sperm (an anticipatory response called 'sperm priming'). Here we investigated (a) the effect of sperm priming on in vitro sperm viability at stripping and its temporal decline (as an estimate of sperm survival), and (b) the in vivo competitive fertilization success in relation to female sperm storage using artificial insemination. As expected, sperm-primed males produced more numerous and faster sperm, but with a reduced in vitro sperm viability at stripping and after 4 hr, compared with their counterparts. Artificial insemination revealed that the small (nonsignificant) advantage of primed sperm when fertilization immediately follows insemination is reversed when eggs are fertilized by female-stored sperm, weeks after insemination. By suggesting a plastic trade-off between sperm velocity and viability, these results demonstrate that prolonged female sperm storage generates divergent selection pressures on ejaculate phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Cardozo
- Laboratorio de Biología del Comportamiento, Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal (IDEA), CONICET-UNC and Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Devigili
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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41
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Fiorillo BF, da Silva BR, Menezes FA, Marques OAV, Martins M. Composition and Natural History of Snakes from Etá Farm region, Sete Barras, south-eastern Brazil. Zookeys 2020; 931:115-153. [PMID: 32405243 PMCID: PMC7205842 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.931.46882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 140 snake species are known to occur in the Atlantic Forest with nearly half being endemic to this ecoregion. However, the Atlantic forest is one of the most threatened tropical ecoregions, with only 16% of its original area remaining as forest. This extensive habitat loss must have had a negative effect on its snake fauna. Indeed, 53% of the threatened snakes of Brazil occur in the Atlantic forest. Therefore, basic natural history information that can potentially contribute to the conservation of Atlantic forest snakes are urgently needed. Here the natural history of a snake assemblage at Etá Farm region, Sete Barras municipality, south-eastern Brazil is described, and a visual guide and an identification key provided that can be used by researchers and local people to identify snakes from this region. Most of the species found in the field use both open areas and forests, are primarily terrestrial, present diurnal activity, and include frogs in their diet. A higher number of enlarged follicles, eggs, and/or embryos were recorded during the warm and rainy season. Seventeen different types of defensive tactics were recorded in the species found in the field. This study provides useful information for understanding the structure of snake assemblages of the Atlantic Forest and is potentially useful for conservation assessments and for designing conservation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F Fiorillo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Aplicada, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo. CEP 13418900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno R da Silva
- Laboratório de Coleções Zoológicas. Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Frederico Alcântara Menezes
- Departamento de Biologia Animal. Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Avenida P.H. Rolfs, s/n°, Campus Universitário, CEP 36571-000, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Otavio A V Marques
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução. Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Marcio Martins
- Departamento de Ecologia. Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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42
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Pitnick S, Wolfner MF, Dorus S. Post-ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS). Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:365-392. [PMID: 31737992 PMCID: PMC7643048 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm must spend a minimum period of time within a female reproductive tract to achieve the capacity to fertilize oocytes. This phenomenon, termed sperm 'capacitation', was discovered nearly seven decades ago and opened a window into the complexities of sperm-female interaction. Capacitation is most commonly used to refer to a specific combination of processes that are believed to be widespread in mammals and includes modifications to the sperm plasma membrane, elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP levels, induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, hyperactivation of motility, and, eventually, the acrosome reaction. Capacitation is only one example of post-ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS) that are widespread throughout the animal kingdom. Although PEMS are less well studied in non-mammalian taxa, they likely represent the rule rather than the exception in species with internal fertilization. These PEMS are diverse in form and collectively represent the outcome of selection fashioning complex maturational trajectories of sperm that include multiple, sequential phenotypes that are specialized for stage-specific functionality within the female. In many cases, PEMS are critical for sperm to migrate successfully through the female reproductive tract, survive a protracted period of storage, reach the site of fertilization and/or achieve the capacity to fertilize eggs. We predict that PEMS will exhibit widespread phenotypic plasticity mediated by sperm-female interactions. The successful execution of PEMS thus has important implications for variation in fitness and the operation of post-copulatory sexual selection. Furthermore, it may provide a widespread mechanism of reproductive isolation and the maintenance of species boundaries. Despite their possible ubiquity and importance, the investigation of PEMS has been largely descriptive, lacking any phylogenetic consideration with regard to divergence, and there have been no theoretical or empirical investigations of their evolutionary significance. Here, we (i) clarify PEMS-related nomenclature; (ii) address the evolutionary origin, maintenance and divergence in PEMS in the context of the protracted life history of sperm and the complex, selective environment of the female reproductive tract; (iii) describe taxonomically widespread types of PEMS: sperm activation, chemotaxis and the dissociation of sperm conjugates; (iv) review the occurence of PEMS throughout the animal kingdom; (v) consider alternative hypotheses for the adaptive value of PEMS; (vi) speculate on the evolutionary implications of PEMS for genomic architecture, sexual selection, and reproductive isolation; and (vii) suggest fruitful directions for future functional and evolutionary analyses of PEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Pitnick
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syacuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Steve Dorus
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syacuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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43
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Riou C, Brionne A, Cordeiro L, Harichaux G, Gargaros A, Labas V, Gautron J, Gérard N. Avian uterine fluid proteome: Exosomes and biological processes potentially involved in sperm survival. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:454-470. [PMID: 32350983 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fluid is an aqueous milieu to which sperm are exposed during their storage and ascent. In this study, a bottom-up proteomic strategy and bioinformatic analysis of hen uterine fluid was performed to improve the understanding of this fluid and its potential role in sperm survival mechanisms. The proteomic data were submitted to ProteomeXchange. Among the 913 proteins identified, 160 are known to be secreted and 640 are referenced in exosomes databases. We isolated exosomes from the avian uterine fluid, analyzed them using electron microscopy, and targeted several exosomes markers (ANXA1/2/4/5, VCP, HSP90A, HSPA8, PARK7, and MDH1) using immunoblotting. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry were also used to analyze uterovaginal junctions for the exosomal proteins ANXA4, VCP, and PARK7. Exosomes were observed both at the surface epithelium and inside sperm storage tubules. Our data were compared with two previously published studies on proteomic of hen uterine fluid, and with one study describing the proteomic content of rooster seminal plasma and sperm. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that avian uterine fluid contains exosomes. These may play a key role in preserving sperm functions within the female genital tract. Their presence in the sperm storage tubules may represent an important mechanism regarding interaction between the female genital tract and sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Riou
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France.,ALLICE, Station de Phénotypage, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Luiz Cordeiro
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France.,Federal University of Semi Arid Region, Mossoro, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Grégoire Harichaux
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France.,INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, BIANIM, Nouzilly, France
| | - Audrey Gargaros
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France.,INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, BIANIM, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France.,INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, BIANIM, Nouzilly, France
| | - Joël Gautron
- INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, Nouzilly, France
| | - Nadine Gérard
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
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44
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Abstract
Seminal fluid is often assumed to have just one function in mammalian reproduction, delivering sperm to fertilize oocytes. But seminal fluid also transmits signaling agents that interact with female reproductive tissues to facilitate conception and .pregnancy. Upon seminal fluid contact, female tissues initiate a controlled inflammatory response that affects several aspects of reproductive function to ultimately maximize the chances of a male producing healthy offspring. This effect is best characterized in mice, where the female response involves several steps. Initially, seminal fluid factors cause leukocytes to infiltrate the female reproductive tract, and to selectively target and eliminate excess sperm. Other signals stimulate ovulation, induce an altered transcriptional program in female tract tissues that modulates embryo developmental programming, and initiate immune adaptations to promote receptivity to implantation and placental development. A key result is expansion of the pool of regulatory T cells that assist implantation by suppressing inflammation, mediating tolerance to male transplantation antigens, and promoting uterine vascular adaptation and placental development. Principal signaling agents in seminal fluid include prostaglandins and transforming growth factor-β. The balance of male signals affects the nature of the female response, providing a mechanism of ‟cryptic female choiceˮ that influences female reproductive investment. Male-female seminal fluid signaling is evident in all mammalian species investigated including human, and effects of seminal fluid in invertebrates indicate evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. Understanding the female response to seminal fluid will shed new light on infertility and pregnancy disorders and is critical to defining how events at conception influence offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Schjenken
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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45
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Durrant KL, Reader T, Symonds MRE. Pre- and post-copulatory traits working in concert: sexual dichromatism in passerines is associated with sperm morphology. Biol Lett 2020; 16:20190568. [PMID: 31937213 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Passerine birds produce costly traits under intense sexual selection, including elaborate sexually dichromatic plumage and sperm morphologies, to compete for fertilizations. Plumage and sperm traits vary markedly among species, but it is unknown if this reflects a trade-off between pre- and post-copulatory investment under strong sexual selection producing negative trait covariance, or variation in the strength of sexual selection among species producing positive covariance. Using phylogenetic regression, we analysed datasets describing plumage and sperm morphological traits for 278 passerine species. We found a significant positive relationship between sperm midpiece length and male plumage elaboration and sexual dichromatism. We did not find a relationship between plumage elaboration and testes mass. Our results do not support a trade-off between plumage and sperm traits, but may be indicative of variance among species in the strength of sexual selection to produce both brightly coloured plumage and costly sperm traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Durrant
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Tom Reader
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Matthew R E Symonds
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
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46
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Machado SA, Sharif M, Wang H, Bovin N, Miller DJ. Release of Porcine Sperm from Oviduct Cells is Stimulated by Progesterone and Requires CatSper. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19546. [PMID: 31862909 PMCID: PMC6925244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55834-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm storage in the female reproductive tract after mating and before ovulation is a reproductive strategy used by many species. When insemination and ovulation are poorly synchronized, the formation and maintenance of a functional sperm reservoir improves the possibility of fertilization. In mammals, the oviduct regulates sperm functions, such as Ca2+ influx and processes associated with sperm maturation, collectively known as capacitation. A fraction of the stored sperm is released by unknown mechanisms and moves to the site of fertilization. There is an empirical association between the hormonal milieu in the oviduct and sperm detachment; therefore, we tested directly the ability of progesterone to induce sperm release from oviduct cell aggregates. Sperm were allowed to bind to oviduct cells or an immobilized oviduct glycan and then challenged with progesterone, which stimulated the release of 48% of sperm from oviduct cells or 68% of sperm from an immobilized oviduct glycan. The effect of progesterone on sperm release was specific; pregnenolone and 17α-OH-progesterone did not affect sperm release. Ca2+ influx into sperm is associated with capacitation and development of hyperactivated motility. Progesterone increased sperm intracellular Ca2+, which was abrogated by blocking the sperm–specific Ca2+ channel CatSper with NNC 055-0396. NNC 055-0396 also blocked the progesterone-induced sperm release from oviduct cells or immobilized glycan. An inhibitor of the non-genomic progesterone receptor that activates CatSper similarly blocked sperm release. This is the first report indicating that release of sperm from the sperm reservoir is induced by progesterone action through CatSper channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Machado
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Western Santa Catarina University, Xanxere, Brazil
| | - Momal Sharif
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Huijing Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nicolai Bovin
- Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - David J Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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47
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Liao WB, Zhong MJ, Lüpold S. Sperm quality and quantity evolve through different selective processes in the Phasianidae. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19278. [PMID: 31848414 PMCID: PMC6917726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55822-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm competition is often considered the primary selective force underlying the rapid and diversifying evolution of ejaculate traits. Yet, several recent studies have drawn attention to other forms of selection with the potential of exceeding the effects of sperm competition. Since ejaculates are complex, multivariate traits, it seems plausible that different ejaculate components vary in their responses to different selective pressures. Such information, however, is generally lacking as individual ejaculate traits tend to be studied in isolation. Here, we studied the macroevolutionary patterns of ejaculate volume, sperm number, sperm length and the proportion of viable normal sperm in response to varying levels of sperm competition, body size and the duration of female sperm storage in pheasants and allies (Phasianidae). Ejaculate volume, sperm number and sperm viability were all relatively higher in polygamous than in monogamous mating systems. However, whereas ejaculate volume additionally covaried with body size, sperm number instead increased with the female sperm-storage duration, in conjunction with a decrease in sperm length. Overall, our results revealed important details on how different forms of selection can jointly shape ejaculates as complex, composite traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Bo Liao
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637009, China. .,Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China.
| | - Mao Jun Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Artificial Propagation and Utilization in Anurans of Nanchong City, China West Normal University, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637009, China.,Institute of Eco-adaptation in Amphibians and Reptiles, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, Sichuan, China
| | - Stefan Lüpold
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich-Irchel, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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48
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Silva KMP, Barros VA, Rojas CA, Almeida-Santos SM. Infundibular sperm storage and uterine muscular twisting in the Amazonian lancehead, Bothrops atrox. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:3145-3154. [PMID: 31674144 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although knowledge about the reproduction of snakes of the genus Bothrops has increased recently, many questions remain regarding sperm storage by these neotropical pitvipers. The relationship between two known sperm storage sites-the nonglandular uterus and the infundibulum-has yet to be detailed for Bothrops. In addition, the formation of uterine muscular twisting (UMT) and its function in sperm storage in the nonglandular uterus have been questioned. This article presents data on both sperm storage sites (posterior infundibulum and nonglandular uterus) in the Amazonian lancehead, Bothrops atrox, aiming to address the role of UMT in bothropoid reproduction considering female reproductive stages, timing of sperm storage, and morphology and histochemistry of sperm receptacles. The oviduct of B. atrox is composed of the infundibulum (anterior and posterior), the glandular uterus, the nonglandular uterus and the pouch. Sperm storage occurs in the posterior infundibulum and nonglandular uterus in vitellogenic females. In the posterior infundibulum sperm is stored in receptacles, while in the nonglandular uterus it is stored in crypts in the UMT of vitellogenic females. Both sperm storage sites possess granules testing positive for neutral mucopolysaccharides in the presence of spermatozoa, possibly favoring the conditions for spermatozoa surveillance during sperm storage in the reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina M P Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Verônica A Barros
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio A Rojas
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Selma M Almeida-Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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49
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Effects of condition and sperm competition risk on sperm allocation and storage in neriid flies. Behav Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arz178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractEjaculate traits can be sexually selected and often exhibit heightened condition-dependence. However, the influence of sperm competition risk in tandem with condition-dependent ejaculate allocation strategies is relatively unstudied. Because ejaculates are costly to produce, high-condition males may be expected to invest more in ejaculates when sperm competition risk is greater. We examined the condition-dependence of ejaculate size by manipulating nutrient concentration in the juvenile (larval) diet of the neriid fly Telostylinus angusticollis. Using a fully factorial design we also examined the effects of perceived sperm competition risk (manipulated by allowing males to mate first or second) on the quantity of ejaculate transferred and stored in the three spermathecae of the female reproductive tract. To differentiate male ejaculates, we fed males nontoxic rhodamine fluorophores (which bind to proteins in the body) prior to mating, labeling their sperm red or green. We found that high-condition males initiated mating more quickly and, when mating second, transferred more ejaculate to both of the female’s posterior spermathecae. This suggests that males allocate ejaculates strategically, with high-condition males elevating their ejaculate investment only when facing sperm competition. More broadly, our findings suggest that ejaculate allocation strategies can incorporate variation in both condition and perceived risk of sperm competition.
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50
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Magdanz V, Boryshpolets S, Ridzewski C, Eckel B, Reinhardt K. The motility-based swim-up technique separates bull sperm based on differences in metabolic rates and tail length. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223576. [PMID: 31600297 PMCID: PMC6786571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Swim-up is a sperm purification method that is being used daily in andrology labs around the world as a simple step for in vitro sperm selection. This method accumulates the most motile sperm in the upper fraction and leaves sperm with low or no motility in the lower fraction. However, the underlying reasons are not fully understood. In this article, we compare metabolic rate, motility and sperm tail length of bovine sperm cells of the upper and lower fraction. The metabolic assay platform reveals oxygen consumption rates and extracellular acidification rates simultaneously and thereby delivers the metabolic rates in real time. Our study confirms that the upper fraction of bull sperm has not only improved motility compared to the cells in the lower fraction but also shows higher metabolic rates and longer flagella. This pattern was consistent across media of two different levels of viscosity. We conclude that the motility-based separation of the swim-up technique is also reflected in underlying metabolic differences. Metabolic assays could serve as additional or alternative, label-free method to evaluate sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Magdanz
- Chair of Applied Zoology, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg, Dresden, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Sergii Boryshpolets
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrosensors Zátiší 728/II, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Clara Ridzewski
- Chair of Applied Zoology, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara Eckel
- Chair of Applied Zoology, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaus Reinhardt
- Chair of Applied Zoology, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg, Dresden, Germany
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