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Goss DM, Vasilescu SA, Sacks G, Gardner DK, Warkiani ME. Microfluidics facilitating the use of small extracellular vesicles in innovative approaches to male infertility. Nat Rev Urol 2023; 20:66-95. [PMID: 36348030 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sperm are transcriptionally and translationally quiescent and, therefore, rely on the seminal plasma microenvironment for function, survival and fertilization of the oocyte in the oviduct. The male reproductive system influences sperm function via the binding and fusion of secreted epididymal (epididymosomes) and prostatic (prostasomes) small extracellular vesicles (S-EVs) that facilitate the transfer of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to sperm. Seminal plasma S-EVs have important roles in sperm maturation, immune and oxidative stress protection, capacitation, fertilization and endometrial implantation and receptivity. Supplementing asthenozoospermic samples with normospermic-derived S-EVs can improve sperm motility and S-EV microRNAs can be used to predict non-obstructive azoospermia. Thus, S-EV influence on sperm physiology might have both therapeutic and diagnostic potential; however, the isolation of pure populations of S-EVs from bodily fluids with current conventional methods presents a substantial hurdle. Many conventional techniques lack accuracy, effectiveness, and practicality; yet microfluidic technology has the potential to simplify and improve S-EV isolation and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale M Goss
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven A Vasilescu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- NeoGenix Biosciences pty ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gavin Sacks
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Majid E Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Gonzalez SN, Sulzyk V, Weigel Muñoz M, Cuasnicu PS. Cysteine-Rich Secretory Proteins (CRISP) are Key Players in Mammalian Fertilization and Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:800351. [PMID: 34970552 PMCID: PMC8712725 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.800351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a complex process involving a series of successive sperm-egg interaction steps mediated by different molecules and mechanisms. Studies carried out during the past 30 years, using a group of proteins named CRISP (Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins), have significantly contributed to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian gamete interaction. The CRISP family is composed of four members (i.e., CRISP1-4) in mammals, mainly expressed in the male tract, present in spermatozoa and exhibiting Ca2+ channel regulatory abilities. Biochemical, molecular and genetic approaches show that each CRISP protein participates in more than one stage of gamete interaction (i.e., cumulus penetration, sperm-ZP binding, ZP penetration, gamete fusion) by either ligand-receptor interactions or the regulation of several capacitation-associated events (i.e., protein tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome reaction, hyperactivation, etc.) likely through their ability to regulate different sperm ion channels. Moreover, deletion of different numbers and combination of Crisp genes leading to the generation of single, double, triple and quadruple knockout mice showed that CRISP proteins are essential for male fertility and are involved not only in gamete interaction but also in previous and subsequent steps such as sperm transport within the female tract and early embryo development. Collectively, these observations reveal that CRISP have evolved to perform redundant as well as specialized functions and are organized in functional modules within the family that work through independent pathways and contribute distinctly to fertility success. Redundancy and compensation mechanisms within protein families are particularly important for spermatozoa which are transcriptionally and translationally inactive cells carrying numerous protein families, emphasizing the importance of generating multiple knockout models to unmask the true functional relevance of family proteins. Considering the high sequence and functional homology between rodent and human CRISP proteins, these observations will contribute to a better understanding and diagnosis of human infertility as well as the development of new contraceptive options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Patricia S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Zhang T, Wang J, Niu W, Wang F, Liu J, Xing Y, Jia P, Ren X, Wang J, Zang W, Chen X. Bioinformatic prediction of the structure and characteristics of human sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 1 (hSAMP32) and evaluation of its antifertility function in vivo. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:1282-1292. [PMID: 33220718 DOI: 10.1071/rd20198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 1 (hSAMP32) plays an important role in the acrosome reaction, sperm-egg primary binding, secondary binding and fusion processes. However, its spatial structural and invivo antifertility function remain unknown. In this study, we first analysed the physical and chemical characteristics and antigenic epitopes of immunised mice using bioinformatics. Then, we constructed the prokaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-hSAMP32 to immunise BALB/c mice invivo. IgG antibodies in the serum were detected, and the litter size of female mice and the number of the hamster eggs penetrated were counted. hSAMP32 was found to contain six hydrophilic regions and a signal peptide beginning at amino acid position 29. The transmembrane region of hSAMP32 was located within amino acids 217-239 with α-helices and random coil structures. We predicted five antigenic epitopes. The molecular weight of hSAMP32 was 59 kDa. Moreover, the results of invivo studies revealed that 56 days after the first immunisation, the litter size was significantly smaller for female pcDNA-3.1(+)-hSAMP32-immunised (mean±s.d. 4.33±1.21) than control mice (9.50±0.55), indicating that the immunocontraception vaccine had an antifertility effect. This experiment presents a theoretical and experimental basis for in-depth study of the hSAMP32 mechanism within the sperm-egg fusing process and for the screening of antigenic epitopes with immunocontraceptive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianwu Zhang
- School of Computer Science, Henan University of Engineering, Xinzheng, Henan Province, 451191, China
| | - Junmin Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Wenbin Niu
- Reproductive Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Yinpei Xing
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Peijun Jia
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Xiuhua Ren
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, China; and Corresponding author.
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Luo J, Liu XL, Zhang Y, Wang YQ, Xu WM, Yang J. The Immunogenicity of CRISP1 Plasmid-Based Contraceptive Vaccine can be Improved When Using Chitosan Nanoparticles as the Carrier. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:643-53. [PMID: 27105782 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To evaluate the effectiveness and security of a contraceptive vaccine using plasmid DNA encoding mouse CRISP1 as antigen and chitosan nanoparticles as the carrier. METHOD OF STUDY Chitosan-pcDNA3.1-mCRISP1 Nanoparticles (CS-DNA NPs) were prepared and characterized in terms of morphology, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and binding capacity of pDNA. The cytotoxicity and gene transfer capability of CS-DNA NPs were assessed in COS-7 cells compared to Lipofectamine 2000(™) . Four groups of mice received three injections of 0.9% normal saline, pcDNA3.1 vector, pcDNA3.1-CRISP1, or CS-DNA NPs, respectively. ELISA was used to examine the immune responses. Fertility and mean litter size were analyzed by natural mating. RESULTS CS-DNA NPs have a spherical or elliptical shape with a mean diameter of 189.3 nm, positive zeta potential, and good DNA condensation. It also showed high DNAse resistance and good transfection efficiency without cell toxicity. The titers of anti-mCRISP1 antibodies from CS-DNA NP-immunized mice were significantly higher than that of pcDNA3.1-CRISP1 group. Male and female CS-DNA NP-immunized animals were recognized with a statistically significant reduction in their fertility compared with pcDNA3.1-CRISP1-immunized mice. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that using chitosan-DNA nanoparticles as the carrier can improve the immunogenicity of mCRISP1 DNA contraceptive vaccine with good security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Luo
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xue-Li Liu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ya-Qin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wang-Ming Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Swegen A, Aitken RJ. Prospects for immunocontraception in feral horse population control: exploring novel targets for an equine fertility vaccine. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:853-863. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Feral horses populate vast land areas and often induce significant ecological and economic damage throughout the landscape. Non-lethal population control methods are considered favourable in light of animal welfare, social and ethical considerations; however, no single effective, safe and species-specific contraceptive agent is currently available for use in free-ranging wild and feral horses. This review explores aspects of equine reproductive physiology that may provide avenues for the development of specific and long-lasting immunocontraceptive vaccines and some of the novel strategies that may be employed to facilitate appropriate antigen discovery in future research. Potential antigen targets pertaining to spermatozoa, the ovary and oocyte, as well as the early conceptus and its associated factors, are reviewed in the context of their suitability for immunocontraceptive vaccine development.
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Effect of immunization against prostate- and testis-expressed (PATE) proteins on sperm function and fecundity in the rat. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 110:117-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Yu Q, Mei XQ, Ding XF, Dong TT, Dong WW, Li HG. Construction of a catsper1 DNA vaccine and its antifertility effect on male mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127508. [PMID: 25993432 PMCID: PMC4436331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cation channel of sperm 1 (CATSPER1) is a unique sperm cation channel protein, and essential for sperm function and male fertility. CATSPER1 exclusively expresses in meiotic and postmeiotic spermatogenic cells, thus belongs to the spermatogenesis-specific antigen that escape central tolerance. We have previously demonstrated the immunocontraceptive potential of its transmembrane domains and pore region, and reported the antifertility effects of its B-cell epitopes on male mice. Aiming to develop DNA vaccine targeting CATSPER1 for male contraception, here the whole open reading frame of mouse Catsper1 was cloned into the plasmid pEGFP-N1 to obtain a DNA vaccine pEGFP-N1-Catsper1. The vaccine was confirmed to be transcribed and translated in mouse N2a cell in vitro and mouse muscle tissue in vivo. Intramuscular injection with the vaccine on male mice induced specific immune reaction and caused significant inhibition on sperm hyperactivated motility and progressive motility (P<0.001 for both), and consequently reduced male fertility. The fertility rate of experimental group was 40.9%, which was significant lower (P=0.012) than control group (81.8%). No significant change in mating behavior, sperm production and histology of testis/epididymis was observed. Given that Catsper1 exhibits a high degree of homology among different species, Catsper1 DNA vaccine might be a good strategy for developing an immunocontraceptive vaccine for human and animal use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Yu
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Mei
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Ding
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting-Ting Dong
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei-Wei Dong
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong-Gang Li
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
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Xu C, Li YC, Yang H, Long Y, Chen MJ, Qin YF, Xia YK, Song L, Gu AH, Wang XR. The preparation and application of N-terminal 57 amino acid protein of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor as a candidate male contraceptive vaccine. Asian J Androl 2014; 16:623-30. [PMID: 24713829 PMCID: PMC4104094 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.125910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 11/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), which is expressed only on Sertoli cells and plays a key role in spermatogenesis, has been paid attention for its potential in male contraception vaccine research and development. This study introduces a method for the preparation and purification of human FSHR 57-amino acid protein (FSHR-57aa) as well as determination of its immunogenicity and antifertility effect. A recombinant pET-28a(+)-FSHR-57aa plasmid was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21 Star TM (DE3) and the FSHR-57aa protein was separated and collected by cutting the gel and recovering activity by efficient refolding dialysis. The protein was identified by Western blot and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis with a band of nearly 7 kDa and a purity of 97.4%. Male monkeys were immunized with rhFSHR-57aa protein and a gradual rising of specific serum IgG antibody was found which reached a plateau on day 112 (16 weeks) after the first immunization. After mating of one male with three female monkeys, the pregnancy rate of those mated with males immunized against FSHR-57aa was significantly decreased while the serum hormone levels of testosterone and estradiol were not disturbed in the control or the FSHR-57aa groups. By evaluating pathological changes in testicular histology, we found that the blood-testis barrier remained intact, in spite of some small damage to Sertoli cells. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the rhFSHR-57aa protein might be a feasible male contraceptive which could affect sperm production without disturbing hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying-Chun Li
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Yangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Long
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min-Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan-Kai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Song
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing, China
| | - Ai-Hua Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin-Ru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing, China
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Gupta SK, Shrestha A, Minhas V. Milestones in contraceptive vaccines development and hurdles in their application. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 10:911-25. [PMID: 24262991 DOI: 10.4161/hv.27202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Contraceptive vaccines have been proposed for controlling the growing human population and wildlife population management. Multiple targets such as gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, gonadotropin receptors, sperm-specific proteins and zona pellucida glycoproteins have been exploited to develop contraceptive vaccine and their efficacy investigated and shown in various experimental animal models. Vaccines based on GnRH have found application in immuno-castration of male pigs for prevention of boar-taint. Vaccines based on zona pellucida glycoproteins have shown promising results for population management of wild horses and white-tailed deer. Phase II clinical trials in women with β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)-based contraceptive vaccine established proof of principle that these can be developed for human application. Block in fertility by β-hCG contraceptive vaccine was reversible. Further research inputs are required to establish the safety of contraceptive vaccines, improve their immunogenicity and to develop novel vaccine delivery platforms for providing long lasting immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; Aruna Asaf Ali Marg; New Delhi, India
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