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Frintrop L, Wiesehöfer C, Stoskus A, Hilken G, Dubicanac M, von Ostau NE, Rode S, Elgeti J, Dankert JT, Wennemuth G. cAMP and the Fibrous Sheath Protein CABYR (Ca2+-Binding Tyrosine-Phosphorylation-Regulated Protein) Is Required for 4D Sperm Movement. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810607. [PMID: 36142535 PMCID: PMC9502204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A new life starts with successful fertilization whereby one sperm from a pool of millions fertilizes the oocyte. Sperm motility is one key factor for this selection process, which depends on a coordinated flagellar movement. The flagellar beat cycle is regulated by Ca2+ entry via CatSper, cAMP, Mg2+, ADP and ATP. This study characterizes the effects of these parameters for 4D sperm motility, especially for flagellar movement and the conserved clockwise (CW) path chirality of murine sperm. Therefore, we use detergent-extracted mouse sperm and digital holographic microscopy (DHM) to show that a balanced ratio of ATP to Mg2+ in addition with 18 µM cAMP and 1 mM ADP is necessary for controlled flagellar movement, induction of rolling along the long axis and CW path chirality. Rolling along the sperm’s long axis, a proposed mechanism for sperm selection, is absent in sea urchin sperm, lacking flagellar fibrous sheath (FS) and outer-dense fibers (ODFs). In sperm lacking CABYR, a Ca2+-binding tyrosine-phosphorylation regulated protein located in the FS, the swim path chirality is preserved. We conclude that specific concentrations of ATP, ADP, cAMP and Mg2+ as well as a functional CABYR play an important role for sperm motility especially for path chirality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Frintrop
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Caroline Wiesehöfer
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Aura Stoskus
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Gero Hilken
- Central Animal Laboratory, University Hospital Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Marko Dubicanac
- Central Animal Laboratory, University Hospital Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Rode
- Theoretical Soft Matter and Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jens Elgeti
- Theoretical Soft Matter and Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jaroslaw Thomas Dankert
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Vickram AS, Anbarasu K, Gulothungan G, Thanigaivel S, Nanmaran R, Palanivelu J. Characterization of human prostasomes protein Clusterin (macromolecule) – a novel biomarker for male infertility diagnosis and prognosis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:3979-3988. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1852960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. S. Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K. Anbarasu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, VISTAS, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G. Gulothungan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S. Thanigaivel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R. Nanmaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyanthi Palanivelu
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M, Bonet S, Pinart E. A Review on the Role of Bicarbonate and Proton Transporters during Sperm Capacitation in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116333. [PMID: 35683013 PMCID: PMC9180951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkalinization of sperm cytosol is essential for plasma membrane hyperpolarization, hyperactivation of motility, and acrosomal exocytosis during sperm capacitation in mammals. The plasma membrane of sperm cells contains different ion channels implicated in the increase of internal pH (pHi) by favoring either bicarbonate entrance or proton efflux. Bicarbonate transporters belong to the solute carrier families 4 (SLC4) and 26 (SLC26) and are currently grouped into Na+/HCO3− transporters and Cl−/HCO3− exchangers. Na+/HCO3− transporters are reported to be essential for the initial and fast entrance of HCO3− that triggers sperm capacitation, whereas Cl−/HCO3− exchangers are responsible for the sustained HCO3− entrance which orchestrates the sequence of changes associated with sperm capacitation. Proton efflux is required for the fast alkalinization of capacitated sperm cells and the activation of pH-dependent proteins; according to the species, this transport can be mediated by Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE) belonging to the SLC9 family and/or voltage-gated proton channels (HVCN1). Herein, we discuss the involvement of each of these channels in sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-972-419-514
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Ledesma A, Zalazar L, Buchelly Imbachi F, Pastore JI, Brown P, Eddy EM, Hozbor F, Cesari A. Recombinant peptide reverses cryo-capacitation in ram sperm and improves in vitro fertilization. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 207:61-72. [PMID: 31208850 PMCID: PMC10699541 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation is a very important technique for assisted reproduction; however, the cryopreservation process is harmful because it results in a reduction in sperm motility and viability, and leads to premature signals of capacitation, resulting in lesser than desirable fertility rates after artificial insemination. A fraction of seminal plasma, enriched in proteins that contain type II fibronectin domains (FNII) can reverse molecular indicators of cryo-capacitation. The beneficial effects of these proteins, however, depend on the relative abundance in seminal plasma. To create a safe additive for improving frozen sperm functionality, in the present study there was cloning and expression of a recombinant peptide containing four FNII domains (named TrxA-FNIIx4-His6) and evaluation of its effect after addition to frozen/thawed ram sperm. The cDNA for this protein was expressed in E. coli and after denaturation and re-naturalization of the protein, toxicity and binding capacity were assessed. By fluorescent labelling assessment, there was binding of the protein to the thawed sperm. At the two doses used (0.15 and 0.3 μM), TrxA-FNIIx4-His6 had the capacity to reverse the molecular indicators of cryo-capacitation as indicated by the reduction on phosphorylated substrates of PKA. Furthermore, the supplementation with this protein resulted in a normal capacitation process as evidenced by the increase in the in vitro fertilization rate when the greatest concentration of the protein was evaluated (73.25 ± 2.95; 40.13 ± 11.82 for 0.3 μM and control, respectively). There was no effect of protein supplementation on sperm objective motility compared to untreated sperm. In conclusion, the use of TrxA-FNIIx4-His6 is a promising biotechnological approach for cryopreserving ram sperm and maintaining sperm viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Ledesma
- Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Producción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Lucía Zalazar
- Biología de Microorganismos y Gametas, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3250, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Juan Ignacio Pastore
- Laboratorio de Procesamiento de Imágenes ICYTE UNMDP - CONICET, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Paula Brown
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Edward Mitch Eddy
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Federico Hozbor
- Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Producción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Andreina Cesari
- Biología de Microorganismos y Gametas, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3250, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
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Wu K, Mei C, Chen Y, Guo L, Yu Y, Huang D. C-type natriuretic peptide regulates sperm capacitation by the cGMP/PKG signalling pathway via Ca 2+ influx and tyrosine phosphorylation. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:289-299. [PMID: 30655075 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the effect of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) on human sperm capacitation in vitro and what is the mechanism of this effect? DESIGN CNP/NPR-B expression in the female rat genital tract was examined by immunohistochemistry and western blot assay, and then the role of CNP in human sperm capacitation was determined. The signal transduction pathway of CNP in the process was determined to elucidate the regulation mechanism of CNP by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS Both CNP and NPR-B were expressed in the genital tract of female rats, especially in the mucosa epithelium cell of the oviduct; the CNP level in the rat oviduct was higher than that in the cervix. Both CNP and NPR-B level in the rat oviduct varied during the oestrus cycle, maximal expression being observed at proestrus. Furthermore, intracellular cGMP level in spermatozoa was significantly enhanced by CNP (P < 0.01). PKG activity was detected in the spermatozoa, and it can be activated by the CNP and 8-Br-cGMP (cGMP analogue). The PKG inhibitor KT5823 inhibited the effect of CNP on sperm hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction. Finally, Ca2+ and tyrosine phosphorylation levels in spermatozoa were markedly improved by CNP and 8-Br-cGMP but significantly inhibited by the addition of KT5823 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CNP secreted by the female genital tract might bind to NPR-B on the spermatozoa. It successively stimulated intracellular cGMP/PKG signalling, increased Ca2+ and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, promoted hyperactivation and induced the acrosome reaction, which ultimately facilitated sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejia Wu
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chunlei Mei
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Reproductive Medicine Centre of Jingzhou Central Hospital, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Lidan Guo
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuejin Yu
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Puga Molina LC, Pinto NA, Torres NI, González-Cota AL, Luque GM, Balestrini PA, Romarowski A, Krapf D, Santi CM, Treviño CL, Darszon A, Buffone MG. CFTR/ENaC-dependent regulation of membrane potential during human sperm capacitation is initiated by bicarbonate uptake through NBC. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9924-9936. [PMID: 29743243 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To fertilize an egg, sperm must reside in the female reproductive tract to undergo several maturational changes that are collectively referred to as capacitation. From a molecular point of view, the HCO3--dependent activation of the atypical soluble adenylyl cyclase (ADCY10) is one of the first events that occurs during capacitation and leads to the subsequent cAMP-dependent activation of protein kinase A (PKA). Capacitation is also accompanied by hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane. We previously reported that PKA activation is necessary for CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel) activity and for the modulation of membrane potential (Em). However, the main HCO3- transporters involved in the initial transport and the PKA-dependent Em changes are not well known nor characterized. Here, we analyzed how the activity of CFTR regulates Em during capacitation and examined its relationship with an electrogenic Na+/HCO3- cotransporter (NBC) and epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs). We observed that inhibition of both CFTR and NBC decreased HCO3- influx, resulting in lower PKA activity, and that events downstream of the cAMP activation of PKA are essential for the regulation of Em. Addition of a permeable cAMP analog partially rescued the inhibitory effects caused by these inhibitors. HCO3- also produced a rapid membrane hyperpolarization mediated by ENaC channels, which contribute to the regulation of Em during capacitation. Altogether, we demonstrate for the first time, that NBC cotransporters and ENaC channels are essential in the CFTR-dependent activation of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and Em regulation during human sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lis C Puga Molina
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás A Pinto
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás I Torres
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana L González-Cota
- the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina, and
| | - Celia M Santi
- the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- the Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- the Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- From the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), C1425FQB Buenos Aires, Argentina,
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Xie ZD, Guo YM, Ren MJ, Yang J, Wang SF, Xu TH, Chen LM, Liu Y. The Balance of [Formula: see text] Secretion vs. Reabsorption in the Endometrial Epithelium Regulates Uterine Fluid pH. Front Physiol 2018; 9:12. [PMID: 29422866 PMCID: PMC5788990 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fluid contains a high concentration of HCO3- which plays an essential role in sperm capacitation and fertilization. In addition, the HCO3- concentration in uterine fluid changes periodically during the estrous cycle. It is well-known that the endometrial epithelium contains machineries involving the apical SLC26 family anion exchangers for secreting HCO3- into the uterine fluid. In the present study, we find for the first time that the electroneutral Na+/HCO3- cotransporter NBCn1 is expressed at the apical membrane of the endometrial epithelium. The protein abundance of the apical NBCn1 and that of the apical SLC26A4 and SLC26A6 are reciprocally regulated during the estrous cycle in the uterus. NBCn1 is most abundant at diestrus, whereas SLC26A4/A6 are most abundant at proestrus/estrus. In the ovariectomized mice, the expression of uterine NBCn1 is inhibited by β-estradiol, but stimulated by progesterone, whereas that of uterine SLC26A4/A6 is stimulated by β-estradiol. In vivo perfusion studies show that the endometrial epithelium is capable of both secreting and reabsorbing HCO3-. Moreover, the activity for HCO3- secretion by the endometrial epithelium is significantly higher at estrus than it is at diestrus. The opposite is true for HCO3- reabsorption. We conclude that the endometrial epithelium simultaneously contains the activity for HCO3- secretion involving the apical SLC26A4/A6 and the activity for HCO3- reabsorption involving the apical NBCn1, and that the acid-base homeostasis in the uterine fluid is regulated by the finely-tuned balance of the two activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Dong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Biophysics and Molecular Physiology, School of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Min Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Biophysics and Molecular Physiology, School of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei-Juan Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Biophysics and Molecular Physiology, School of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jichun Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Shao-Fang Wang
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tong-Hui Xu
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Ming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Biophysics and Molecular Physiology, School of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Department of Biophysics and Molecular Physiology, School of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wandernoth PM, Mannowetz N, Szczyrba J, Grannemann L, Wolf A, Becker HM, Sly WS, Wennemuth G. Normal Fertility Requires the Expression of Carbonic Anhydrases II and IV in Sperm. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:29202-16. [PMID: 26487715 PMCID: PMC4705926 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.698597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HCO3 (-) is a key factor in the regulation of sperm motility. High concentrations of HCO3 (-) in the female genital tract induce an increase in sperm beat frequency, which speeds progress of the sperm through the female reproductive tract. Carbonic anhydrases (CA), which catalyze the reversible hydration of CO2 to HCO3 (-), represent potential candidates in the regulation of the HCO3 (-) homeostasis in sperm and the composition of the male and female genital tract fluids. We show that two CA isoforms, CAII and CAIV, are distributed along the epididymal epithelium and appear with the onset of puberty. Expression analyses reveal an up-regulation of CAII and CAIV in the different epididymal sections of the knockout lines. In sperm, we find that CAII is located in the principal piece, whereas CAIV is present in the plasma membrane of the entire sperm tail. CAII and CAIV single knockout animals display an imbalanced HCO3 (-) homeostasis, resulting in substantially reduced sperm motility, swimming speed, and HCO3 (-)-enhanced beat frequency. The CA activity remaining in the sperm of CAII- and CAIV-null mutants is 35% and 68% of that found in WT mice. Sperm of the double knockout mutant mice show responses to stimulus by HCO3 (-) or CO2 that were delayed in onset and reduced in magnitude. In comparison with sperm from CAII and CAIV double knockout animals, pharmacological loss of CAIV in sperm from CAII knockout animals, show an even lower response to HCO3 (-). These results suggest that CAII and CAIV are required for optimal fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra M Wandernoth
- From the Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Nadja Mannowetz
- From the Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Jaroslaw Szczyrba
- From the Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Laura Grannemann
- From the Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Anne Wolf
- the Department of Internal Medicine I, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrberger Straße, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Holger M Becker
- the Division of Zoology/Membrane Transport, Department of Biology, University of Kaiserslautern, Erwin-Schrödinger-Straße 13, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany, and
| | - William S Sly
- the Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- From the Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany,
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9
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Chan HC, Sun X. SLC26 anion exchangers in uterine epithelial cells and spermatozoa: clues from the past and hints to the future. Cell Biol Int 2013; 38:1-7. [PMID: 24115633 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The solute carrier 26 (SLC26) family emerges as a distinct class of anion transporters with its members SLC26A3 (Slc26a3) and SLC26A6 (Slc26a6) reported to be electrogenic Cl(-)/HCO3(-) exchangers. While it is known that uterine fluid has high HCO3(-) content and that HCO3(-) is essential for sperm capacitation, the molecular mechanisms underlying the transport of HCO3(-) across uterine epithelial cells and sperm have not been fully investigated. The present review re-examines the results from early reports studying anion transport, finding clues for the involvement of Cl(-)/HCO3(-) anion exchangers in electrogenic HCO3(-) transport across endometrial epithelium. We also summarise recent work on Slc26a3 and Slc26a6 in uterine epithelial cells and sperm, revealing their functional role in working closely with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) for HCO3(-) transport in these cells. The possible involvement of these anion exchangers in other HCO3(-) dependent reproductive processes and their implications for infertility are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao Chang Chan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
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10
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Mannowetz N, Naidoo NM, Choo SAS, Smith JF, Lishko PV. Slo1 is the principal potassium channel of human spermatozoa. eLife 2013; 2:e01009. [PMID: 24137539 PMCID: PMC3789364 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa gain competence to fertilize an oocyte as they travel through the female reproductive tract. This process is accompanied by an elevation of sperm intracellular calcium and a membrane hyperpolarization. The latter is evoked by K(+) efflux; however, the molecular identity of the potassium channel of human spermatozoa (hKSper) is unknown. Here, we characterize hKSper, reporting that it is regulated by intracellular calcium but is insensitive to intracellular alkalinization. We also show that human KSper is inhibited by charybdotoxin, iberiotoxin, and paxilline, while mouse KSper is insensitive to these compounds. Such unique properties suggest that the Slo1 ion channel is the molecular determinant for hKSper. We show that Slo1 is localized to the sperm flagellum and is inhibited by progesterone. Inhibition of hKSper by progesterone may depolarize the spermatozoon to open the calcium channel CatSper, thus raising [Ca(2+)] to produce hyperactivation and allowing sperm to fertilize an oocyte. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01009.001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Mannowetz
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Natasha M Naidoo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Seung-A Sara Choo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - James F Smith
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Polina V Lishko
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
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Ashrafzadeh A, Karsani SA, Nathan S. Mammalian sperm fertility related proteins. Int J Med Sci 2013; 10:1649-57. [PMID: 24151436 PMCID: PMC3804790 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.6395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is an important aspect of human and animal reproduction and still presents with much etiological ambiguity. As fifty percent of infertility is related to the male partner, molecular investigations on sperm and seminal plasma can lead to new knowledge on male infertility. Several comparisons between fertile and infertile human and other species sperm proteome have shown the existence of potential fertility markers. These proteins have been categorized into energy related, structural and other functional proteins which play a major role in sperm motility, capacitation and sperm-oocyte binding. The data from these studies show the impact of sperm proteome studies on identifying different valuable markers for fertility screening. In this article, we review recent development in unraveling sperm fertility related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ashrafzadeh
- 1. School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Saiful Anuar Karsani
- 2. Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- 1. School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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12
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Aalberts M, Sostaric E, Wubbolts R, Wauben MWM, Nolte-'t Hoen ENM, Gadella BM, Stout TAE, Stoorvogel W. Spermatozoa recruit prostasomes in response to capacitation induction. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2012; 1834:2326-35. [PMID: 22940639 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains various types of extracellular vesicles, including 'prostasomes'. Prostasomes are small vesicles secreted by prostatic epithelial cells that can be recruited by and fuse with sperm cells in response of progesterone that is released by oocyte surrounding cumulus cells. This delivers Ca(2+) signaling tools that allow the sperm cell to gain hypermotility and undergo the acrosome reaction. Conditions for binding of prostasomes to sperm cells are however unclear. We found that classically used prostasome markers are in fact heterogeneously expressed on distinct populations of small and large vesicles in seminal plasma. To study interactions between prostasomes and spermatozoa we used the stallion as a model organism. A homogeneous population of ~60nm prostasomes was first separated from larger vesicles and labeled with biotin. Binding of biotinylated prostasomes to individual live spermatozoa was then monitored by flow cytometry. Contrary to assumptions in the literature, we found that such highly purified prostasomes bound to live sperm only after capacitation had been initiated, and specifically at pH ≥7.5. Using fluorescence microscopy, we observed that prostasomes bound primarily to the head of live sperm. We propose that in vivo, prostasomes may bind to sperm cells in the uterus, to be carried in association with sperm cells into oviduct and to fuse with the sperm cell only during the final approach of the oocyte. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: An Updated Secretome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Aalberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.176, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.176, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
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13
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Mannowetz N, Wandernoth PM, Wennemuth G. Glucose is a pH-dependent motor for sperm beat frequency during early activation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41030. [PMID: 22911736 PMCID: PMC3401232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To reach the egg in the ampulla, sperm have to travel along the female genital tract, thereby being dependent on external energy sources and substances to maintain and raise the flagellar beat. The vaginal fluid is rich in lactate, whereas in the uterine fluid glucose is the predominant substrate. This evokes changes in the lactate content of sperm as well as in the intracellular pH (pH(i)) since sperm possess lactate/proton co-transporters. It is well documented that glycolysis yields ATP and that HCO(3)- is a potent factor in the increase of beat frequency. We here show for the first time a pathway that connects both parts. We demonstrate a doubling of beat frequency in the mere presence of glucose. This effect can reversibly be blocked by 2-deoxy-D-glucose, dichloroacetate and aminooxyacetate, strongly suggesting that it requires both glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidation of glycolytic end products. We show that the glucose-mediated acceleration of flagellar beat and ATP production are hastened by a pH(i) ≥7.1, whereas a pH(i) ≤7.1 leaves both parameters unchanged. Since we observed a diminished rise in beat frequency in the presence of specific inhibitors against carbonic anhydrases, soluble adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase, we suggest that the glucose-mediated effect is linked to CO(2) hydration and thus the production of HCO(3)- by intracellular CA isoforms. In summary, we propose that, in sperm, glycolysis is an additional pH(i)-dependent way to produce HCO(3)-, thus enhancing sperm beat frequency and contributing to fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Mannowetz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Petra M. Wandernoth
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Mannowetz N, Wandernoth P, Wennemuth G. Basigin interacts with both MCT1 and MCT2 in murine spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:2154-62. [PMID: 21792931 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Lactate is provided to spermatogenic cells by Sertoli cells as an energy substrate and its transport is regulated by H(+)-monocarboxylate co-transporters (MCTs). In the case of several cell types it is known that MCT1 is associated with basigin and MCT2 with embigin. Here we demonstrate co-localization and co-immunoprecipitation of basigin with both MCT1 and MCT2 in sperm, whereas no interaction with embigin was detectable. An investigation of the functional activity of MCT proteins revealed that it was mainly the application of L-lactate which resulted in a decrease in pH(i) . The pH(i) changes were blocked with α-cyano-4-OH cinnamate and the preference for L-lactate-as opposed to D-Lactate-was demonstrated by the determination of ATP after exposure to both lactate isomers. We propose that basigin interacts with MCT1 and MCT2 to locate them properly in the membrane of spermatogenic cells and that this may enable sperm to utilize lactate as an energy substrate contributing to cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Mannowetz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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15
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Chávez JC, Hernández-González EO, Wertheimer E, Visconti PE, Darszon A, Treviño CL. Participation of the Cl-/HCO(3)- exchangers SLC26A3 and SLC26A6, the Cl- channel CFTR, and the regulatory factor SLC9A3R1 in mouse sperm capacitation. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:1-14. [PMID: 21976599 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.094037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is required for fertilization and involves several ion permeability changes. Although Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) are essential for capacitation, the molecular entities responsible for their transport are not fully known. During mouse sperm capacitation, the intracellular concentration of Cl(-) ([Cl(-)](i)) increases and membrane potential (Em) hyperpolarizes. As in noncapacitated sperm, the Cl(-) equilibrium potential appears to be close to the cell resting Em, opening of Cl(-) channels could not support the [Cl(-)](i) increase observed during capacitation. Alternatively, the [Cl(-)](i) increase might be mediated by anion exchangers. Among them, SLC26A3 and SLC26A6 are good candidates, since, in several cell types, they increase [Cl(-)](i) and interact with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a Cl(-) channel present in mouse and human sperm. This interaction is known to be mediated and probably regulated by the Na(+)/H(+) regulatory factor-1 (official symbol, SLC9A3R1). Our RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and immunoprecipitation data indicate that SLC26A3, SLC26A6, and SLC9A3R1 are expressed in mouse sperm, localize to the midpiece, and interact between each other and with CFTR. Moreover, we present evidence indicating that CFTR and SLC26A3 are involved in the [Cl(-)](i) increase induced by db-cAMP in noncapacitated sperm. Furthermore, we found that inhibitors of SLC26A3 (Tenidap and 5099) interfere with the Em changes that accompany capacitation. Together, these findings indicate that a CFTR/SLC26A3 functional interaction is important for mouse sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C Chávez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
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