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Liu L, Lu X, Fan Z, Deng J, Zhang S, Zhang L, Zha X. TPCA-1 compound, inhibiting testis-specific serine/threonine protein kinase 3 for potential male sterile in Bombyx mori. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39073281 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein kinases are a type of transferase enzyme that catalyze the phosphorylation of protein substrates, including receptor proteins. Testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) are a highly conserved group of protein kinases found in various organisms. They play an essential role in male reproduction by influencing sperm development and function. RESULTS In this study, we report on the characterization of BmTSSK3, a TSSK from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. We found that BmTSSK3 is specifically expressed in the testis and localized to the sperm flagella, particularly in the sperm tail cyst. Furthermore, we developed BmTSSK3 inhibitors through molecular docking and binding assays. Small molecules 5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-ureidothiophene-3-carboxamide (TPCA-1) and Imidurea were identified to bind to BmTSSK3. Using site-specific mutation technology, we identified amino acid residues R134 and S184 as crucial binding sites for small molecules. RNA interference assay and Western blot analysis showed that knockdown of BmTSSK3 significantly decreased histone 3 phosphorylation. To confirm the inhibitory effect of these small molecules, we treated silkworm testes with TPCA-1 and observed a strong inhibitory effect. CONCLUSION TPCA-1 is an inhibitor of BmTSSK3, which raises its potential as a future candidate for male sterility of the silkworm. Thus, this study may offer a novel strategy for sterile silkworms as well as insects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiuping Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zeling Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Surui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingfu Zha
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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2
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Zhang X, Peng J, Wu M, Sun A, Wu X, Zheng J, Shi W, Gao G. Broad phosphorylation mediated by testis-specific serine/threonine kinases contributes to spermiogenesis and male fertility. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2629. [PMID: 37149634 PMCID: PMC10164148 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies elucidate a link between testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) and male infertility in mammals, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we identify a TSSK homolog in Drosophila, CG14305 (termed dTSSK), whose mutation impairs the histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis and causes multiple phenotypic defects in nuclear shaping, DNA condensation, and flagellar organization in spermatids. Genetic analysis demonstrates that kinase catalytic activity of dTSSK, which is functionally conserved with human TSSKs, is essential for male fertility. Phosphoproteomics identify 828 phosphopeptides/449 proteins as potential substrates of dTSSK enriched primarily in microtubule-based processes, flagellar organization and mobility, and spermatid differentiation and development, suggesting that dTSSK phosphorylates various proteins to orchestrate postmeiotic spermiogenesis. Among them, the two substrates, protamine-like protein Mst77F/Ser9 and transition protein Mst33A/Ser237, are biochemically validated to be phosphorylated by dTSSK in vitro, and are genetically demonstrated to be involved in spermiogenesis in vivo. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that broad phosphorylation mediated by TSSKs plays an indispensable role in spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedi Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Ju Peng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Menghua Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Angyang Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Wangfei Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanjun Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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3
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Nayyab S, Gervasi MG, Tourzani DA, Caraballo DA, Jha KN, Teves ME, Cui W, Georg GI, Visconti PE, Salicioni AM. TSSK3, a novel target for male contraception, is required for spermiogenesis. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:718-730. [PMID: 34623009 PMCID: PMC8961454 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that members of the family of testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) are post-meiotically expressed in testicular germ cells and in mature sperm in mammals. The restricted post-meiotic expression of TSSKs as well as the importance of phosphorylation in signaling processes strongly suggest that TSSKs have an important role in germ cell differentiation and/or sperm function. This prediction has been supported by the reported sterile phenotype of the TSSK6 knock-out (KO) mice and of the double TSSK1/TSSK2 KO. The aim of this study was to develop KO mouse models of TSSK3 and to validate this kinase as a target for the development of a male contraceptive. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate the TSSK3 KO allele on B6D2F1 background mice. Male heterozygous pups were used to establish three independent TSSK3 KO lines. After natural mating of TSSK3 KO males, females that presented a plug (indicative of mating) were monitored for the following 24 days and no pregnancies or pups were found. Sperm numbers were drastically reduced in all three KO lines and, remarkably, round spermatids were detected in the cauda epididymis of KO mice. From the small population of sperm recovered, severe morphology defects were detected. Our results indicate an essential role of TSSK3 in spermiogenesis and support this kinase as a suitable candidate for the development of novel nonhormonal male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Nayyab
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - María G. Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Darya A. Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Diego A. Caraballo
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (IEGEBA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Kula N. Jha
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research IV, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Animal Models Core Facility, Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Gunda I. Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Ana M. Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary & Animal Sciences and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA, USA
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4
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Salicioni AM, Gervasi MG, Sosnik J, Tourzani DA, Nayyab S, Caraballo DA, Visconti PE. Testis-specific serine kinase protein family in male fertility and as targets for non-hormonal male contraception†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:264-274. [PMID: 32337545 PMCID: PMC7401350 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Male contraception is a very active area of research. Several hormonal agents have entered clinical trials, while potential non-hormonal targets have been brought to light more recently and are at earlier stages of development. The general strategy is to target genes along the molecular pathways of sperm production, maturation, or function, and it is predicted that these novel approaches will hopefully lead to more selective male contraceptive compounds with a decreased side effect burden. Protein kinases are known to play a major role in signaling events associated with sperm differentiation and function. In this review, we focus our analysis on the testis-specific serine kinase (TSSK) protein family. We have previously shown that members of the family of TSSKs are postmeiotically expressed in male germ cells and in mature mammalian sperm. The restricted postmeiotic expression of TSSKs as well as the importance of phosphorylation in signaling processes strongly suggests that TSSKs have an important role in germ cell differentiation and/or sperm function. This prediction has been supported by the reported sterile phenotype of the Tssk6 knockout (KO) mice and of the double Tssk1 and Tssk2 KO mice and by the male subfertile phenotype observed in a Tssk4 KO mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
| | - Julian Sosnik
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darya A Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Saman Nayyab
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Diego A Caraballo
- IFIBYNE-CONICET, Department of Physiology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Integrated Sciences Building 427S, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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5
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Tian F, Wang J, Li Y, Yang C, Zhang R, Wang X, Ju Z, Jiang Q, Huang J, Wang C, Chen J, Sun Y. Integrated analysis of mRNA and miRNA in testis and cauda epididymidis reveals candidate molecular markers associated with reproduction in Dezhou donkey. Livest Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.103885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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6
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Shetty J, Sinville R, Shumilin IA, Minor W, Zhang J, Hawkinson JE, Georg GI, Flickinger CJ, Herr JC. Recombinant production of enzymatically active male contraceptive drug target hTSSK2 - Localization of the TSKS domain phosphorylated by TSSK2. Protein Expr Purif 2016; 121:88-96. [PMID: 26777341 PMCID: PMC4866589 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 2 (TSSK2) has been proposed as a candidate male contraceptive target. Development of a selective inhibitor for this kinase first necessitates the production of highly purified, soluble human TSSK2 and its substrate, TSKS, with high yields and retention of biological activity for crystallography and compound screening. Strategies to produce full-length, soluble, biologically active hTSSK2 in baculovirus expression systems were tested and refined. Soluble preparations of TSSK2 were purified by immobilized-metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) followed by gel filtration chromatography. The biological activities of rec.hTSSK2 were verified by in vitro kinase and mobility shift assays using bacterially produced hTSKS (isoform 2), casein, glycogen synthase peptide (GS peptide) and various TSKS peptides as target substrates. Purified recombinant hTSSK2 showed robust kinase activity in the in vitro kinase assay by phosphorylating hTSKS isoform 2 and casein. The ATP Km values were similar for highly and partially purified fractions of hTSSK2 (2.2 and 2.7 μM, respectively). The broad spectrum kinase inhibitor staurosporine was a potent inhibitor of rec.hTSSK2 (IC50 = 20 nM). In vitro phosphorylation experiments carried out with TSKS (isoform 1) fragments revealed particularly strong phosphorylation of a recombinant N-terminal region representing aa 1-150 of TSKS, indicating that the N-terminus of human TSKS is phosphorylated by human TSSK2. Production of full-length enzymatically active recombinant TSSK2 kinase represents the achievement of a key benchmark for future discovery of TSSK inhibitors as male contraceptive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagathpala Shetty
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rondedrick Sinville
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Igor A Shumilin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Wladek Minor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jianhai Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, China
| | - Jon E Hawkinson
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gunda I Georg
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Charles J Flickinger
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - John C Herr
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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7
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Jin X, Gou JY. A rapid and cost-effective fluorescence detection in tube (FDIT) method to analyze protein phosphorylation. PLANT METHODS 2016; 12:43. [PMID: 27822293 PMCID: PMC5094037 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-016-0143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein phosphorylation is one of the most important post-translational modifications catalyzed by protein kinases in living organisms. The advance of genome sequencing provided the information of protein kinase families in many organisms, including both model and non-model plants. The development of proteomics technologies also enabled scientists to efficiently reveal a large number of protein phosphorylations of an organism. However, kinases and phosphorylation targets are still to be connected to illustrate the complicated network in life. RESULTS Here we adapted Pro-Q® Diamond (Pro-Q® Diamond Phosphoprotein Gel Stain), a widely used phosphoprotein gel-staining fluorescence dye, to establish a rapid, economical and non-radioactive fluorescence detection in tube (FDIT) method to analyze phosphorylated proteins. Taking advantages of high sensitivity and specificity of Pro-Q® diamond, the FDIT method is also demonstrated to be rapid and reliable, with a suitable linear range for in vitro protein phosphorylation. A significant and satisfactory protein kinase reaction was detected as fast as 15 min from Wheat Kinase START 1.1 (WKS1.1) on a thylakoid ascorbate peroxidase (tAPX), an established phosphorylation target in our earlier study. CONCLUSION The FDIT method saves up to 95% of the dye consumed in a gel staining method. The FDIT method is remarkably quick, highly reproducible, unambiguous and capable to be scaled up to dozens of samples. The FDIT method could serve as a simple and sensitive alternative procedure to determine protein kinase reactions with zero radiation exposure, as a supplementation to other widely used radioactive and in-gel assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Jin-Ying Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Plant Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
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8
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Jenardhanan P, Mathur PP. Kinases as targets for chemical modulators: Structural aspects and their role in spermatogenesis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 4:e979113. [PMID: 26413395 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.979113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation events are crucial in deciding the fate of cells. They regulate cellular growth, differentiation and cell death, and kinases are the key players of these events. The members of ser/thr kinases and tyrosine kinases form the majority of protein kinase family, exerting their regulatory mechanism in almost all cells. In testis, they impact signal transduction events, regulate all stages of sperm development from mitosis through fertilization. Understanding the function of these kinases at the structural level and studying their interactions with inhibitors can help in understanding the machinery of spermatogenesis. In view of this, we have reviewed some of the prominent kinases that are known to play a role in spermatogenesis. A better understanding of the impacts of kinase inhibition on spermatogenesis should aid in the interpretation of lesions and hopefully further the development of more efficient and potent drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranitha Jenardhanan
- Centre for Bioinformatics; School of Life Sciences; Pondicherry University ; Puducherry, India
| | - Premendu P Mathur
- Centre for Bioinformatics; School of Life Sciences; Pondicherry University ; Puducherry, India ; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; School of Life Sciences; Pondicherry University ; Puducherry, India ; KIIT University ; Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India
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9
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Rodriguez D, Sanders EN, Farell K, Langenbacher AD, Taketa DA, Hopper MR, Kennedy M, Gracey A, De Tomaso AW. Analysis of the basal chordate Botryllus schlosseri reveals a set of genes associated with fertility. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:1183. [PMID: 25542255 PMCID: PMC4523013 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-1183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gonad differentiation is an essential function for all sexually reproducing species, and many aspects of these developmental processes are highly conserved among the metazoa. The colonial ascidian, Botryllus schlosseri is a chordate model organism which offers two unique traits that can be utilized to characterize the genes underlying germline development: a colonial life history and variable fertility. These properties allow individual genotypes to be isolated at different stages of fertility and gene expression can be characterized comprehensively. Results Here we characterized the transcriptome of both fertile and infertile colonies throughout blastogenesis (asexual development) using differential expression analysis. We identified genes (as few as 7 and as many as 647) regulating fertility in Botryllus at each stage of blastogenesis. Several of these genes appear to drive gonad maturation, as they are expressed by follicle cells surrounding both testis and oocyte precursors. Spatial and temporal expression of differentially expressed genes was analyzed by in situ hybridization, confirming expression in developing gonads. Conclusion We have identified several genes expressed in developing and mature gonads in B. schlosseri. Analysis of genes upregulated in fertile animals suggests a high level of conservation of the mechanisms regulating fertility between basal chordates and vertebrates. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-1183) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delany Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Erin N Sanders
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Kelsea Farell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Adam D Langenbacher
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Daryl A Taketa
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Michelle Rae Hopper
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Morgan Kennedy
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
| | - Andrew Gracey
- Department of Marine Environmental Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Anthony W De Tomaso
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA.
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Jha KN, Coleman AR, Wong L, Salicioni AM, Howcroft E, Johnson GR. Heat shock protein 90 functions to stabilize and activate the testis-specific serine/threonine kinases, a family of kinases essential for male fertility. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:16308-16320. [PMID: 23599433 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.400978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is characterized by a profound morphological differentiation of the haploid spermatid into spermatozoa. The testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) comprise a family of post-meiotic kinases expressed in spermatids, are critical to spermiogenesis, and are required for male fertility in mammals. To explore the role of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in regulation of TSSKs, the stability and catalytic activity of epitope-tagged murine TSSKs were assessed in 293T and COS-7 cells. TSSK1, -2, -4, and -6 (small serine/threonine kinase) were all found to associate with HSP90, and pharmacological inhibition of HSP90 function using the highly specific drugs 17-AAG, SNX-5422, or NVP-AUY922 reduced TSSK protein levels in cells. The attenuation of HSP90 function abolished the catalytic activities of TSSK4 and -6 but did not significantly alter the specific activities of TSSK1 and -2. Inhibition of HSP90 resulted in increased TSSK ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, indicating that HSP90 acts to control ubiquitin-mediated catabolism of the TSSKs. To study HSP90 and TSSKs in germ cells, a mouse primary spermatid culture model was developed and characterized. Using specific antibodies against murine TSSK2 and -6, it was demonstrated that HSP90 inhibition resulted in a marked decrease of the endogenous kinases in spermatids. Together, our findings demonstrate that HSP90 plays a broad and critical role in stabilization and activation of the TSSK family of protein kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kula N Jha
- Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
| | - Alyssa R Coleman
- Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Lily Wong
- Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Elizabeth Howcroft
- Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Gibbes R Johnson
- Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
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11
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Testis specific serine/threonine kinase 4 (Tssk4) maintains its kinase activity by phosphorylating itself at Thr-197. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 40:439-47. [PMID: 23054012 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2078-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The testis specific serine/threonine protein kinase family (Tssk) members play important roles in spermatogenesis and/or spermiogenesis. Similar to other Tssk family members, Tssk4 protein shows exclusive expression in testis, but its biochemical and biological functions are still largely unknown. In present work, we generate a polyclonal antibody which specifically recognizes Tssk4 but not the other three Tssk family members (Tssk1, Tssk2 and Tssk3). By using the qualified antibody, we show that Tssk4 protein is constantly expressed in testis from haploid round spermatids to morphological mature spermatozoa. Further experiments reveal that Tssk4 has autophosphorylation activity and self-association character in vitro. Importantly, we find that autophosphorylation of Tssk4 at Thr-197 in the T-loop region is essential to its kinase activity. Taken together, these findings suggest that autophosphorylation at Thr-197 plays a critical role in maintaining Tssk4 kinase activity, which might be involved in spermiogenesis.
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12
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Junaid MA, Kuizon S, Cardona J, Azher T, Murakami N, Pullarkat RK, Brown WT. Folic acid supplementation dysregulates gene expression in lymphoblastoid cells – Implications in nutrition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 412:688-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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13
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Wang L, Srivastava AK, Schwartz CE. Microarray data integration for genome-wide analysis of human tissue-selective gene expression. BMC Genomics 2010; 11 Suppl 2:S15. [PMID: 21047382 PMCID: PMC2975411 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-s2-s15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microarray gene expression data are accumulating in public databases. The expression profiles contain valuable information for understanding human gene expression patterns. However, the effective use of public microarray data requires integrating the expression profiles from heterogeneous sources. Results In this study, we have compiled a compendium of microarray expression profiles of various human tissue samples. The microarray raw data generated in different research laboratories have been obtained and combined into a single dataset after data normalization and transformation. To demonstrate the usefulness of the integrated microarray data for studying human gene expression patterns, we have analyzed the dataset to identify potential tissue-selective genes. A new method has been proposed for genome-wide identification of tissue-selective gene targets using both microarray intensity values and detection calls. The candidate genes for brain, liver and testis-selective expression have been examined, and the results suggest that our approach can select some interesting gene targets for further experimental studies. Conclusion A computational approach has been developed in this study for combining microarray expression profiles from heterogeneous sources. The integrated microarray data can be used to investigate tissue-selective expression patterns of human genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangjiang Wang
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
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14
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Li Y, Sosnik J, Brassard L, Reese M, Spiridonov NA, Bates TC, Johnson GR, Anguita J, Visconti PE, Salicioni AM. Expression and localization of five members of the testis-specific serine kinase (Tssk) family in mouse and human sperm and testis. Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 17:42-56. [PMID: 20729278 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (Tssk) family may have a role in sperm differentiation in the testis and/or fertilization. To gain insight into the functional relevance of these kinases, their expression was examined both at the mRNA and protein levels. Quantitative PCR analysis confirmed that all five Tssk mRNAs are almost exclusively expressed postmeiotically in the testis. Recombinant mouse and human Tssks were cloned and used for validation of an array of commercial and custom-made antibodies against Tssks. Immunolocalization in mouse testis, and in mouse and human sperm, showed that Tssk1, Tssk2, Tssk4 and Tssk6, but not Tssk3, were present in mouse sperm and in germ cells from mouse testis. TSSK1, TSSK2 and TSSK6 were also detected in human sperm, while TSSK3 was absent. In both mouse and human sperm, Tssk1 was partially soluble, while Tssk2, Tssk4 and Tssk6 were insoluble in non-ionic detergents. In vitro recombinant TSSK2 activity assays showed maximum enzymatic activity at 5 mM Mg(2+) and a Km for ATP of ∼10 µM. These, observations together with findings that the Tssk1/Tssk2 double knock-out as well as the Tssk6 null mice are sterile without presenting other detectable defects, suggest that these kinases could be used as targets for male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Li
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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15
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 3: developmental changes in spermatid flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet and interaction of sperm with the zona pellucida and egg plasma membrane. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:320-63. [PMID: 19941287 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis constitutes the steps involved in the metamorphosis of spermatids into spermatozoa. It involves modification of several organelles in addition to the formation of several structures including the flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet. The flagellum is composed of a neck region and middle, principal, and end pieces. The axoneme composed of nine outer microtubular doublets circularly arranged to form a cylinder around a central pair of microtubules is present throughout the flagellum. The middle and principal pieces each contain specific components such as the mitochondrial sheath and fibrous sheath, respectively, while outer dense fibers are common to both. A plethora of proteins are constituents of each of these structures, with each playing key roles in functions related to the fertility of spermatozoa. At the end of spermiogenesis, a portion of spermatid cytoplasm remains associated with the released spermatozoa, referred to as the cytoplasmic droplet. The latter has as its main feature Golgi saccules, which appear to modify the plasma membrane of spermatozoa as they move down the epididymal duct and hence may be partly involved in male gamete maturation. The end product of spermatogenesis is highly streamlined and motile spermatozoa having a condensed nucleus equipped with an acrosome. Spermatozoa move through the female reproductive tract and eventually penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the egg plasma membrane. Many proteins have been implicated in the process of fertilization as well as a plethora of proteins involved in the development of spermatids and sperm, and these are high lighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
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16
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Zhang L, Yan Y, Liu Z, Abliz Z, Liu G. Identification of peptide substrate and small molecule inhibitors of testis-specific serine/threonine kinase1 (TSSK1) by the developed assays. J Med Chem 2009; 52:4419-28. [PMID: 19530700 DOI: 10.1021/jm9002846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, a peptide substrate (Pep8) of TSSK1 is identified. Using Pep8 as a substrate, two homogeneous and efficient assays for TSSK1 inhibitors screening have been developed, including luminescent kinase assay and LC-MS-based high-throughput assay. Two classes of compounds were identified that are able to efficiently inhibit phosphorylation catalyzed by TSSK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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17
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Targeted deletion of Tssk1 and 2 causes male infertility due to haploinsufficiency. Dev Biol 2008; 319:211-22. [PMID: 18533145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2007] [Revised: 03/24/2008] [Accepted: 03/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Targeted deletion of Tssk1 and 2 resulted in male chimeras which produced sperm/spermatogenic cells bearing the mutant allele, however this allele was never transmitted to offspring, indicating infertility due to haploinsufficiency. Morphological defects in chimeras included failure to form elongated spermatids, apoptosis of spermatocytes and spermatids, and the appearance of numerous round cells in the epididymal lumen. Characterization of TSSK2 and its interactions with the substrate, TSKS, were further investigated in human and mouse. The presence of both kinase and substrate in the testis was confirmed, while persistence of both proteins in spermatozoa was revealed for the first time. In vivo binding interactions between TSSK2 and TSKS were established through co-immunoprecipitation of TSSK2/TSKS complexes from both human sperm and mouse testis extracts. A role for the human TSKS N-terminus in enzyme binding was defined by deletion mapping. TSKS immunoprecipitated from both mouse testis and human sperm extracts was actively phosphorylated. Ser281 was identified as a phosphorylation site in mouse TSKS. These results confirm both TSSK 2 and TSKS persist in sperm, define the critical role of TSKS' N-terminus in enzyme interaction, identify Ser 281 as a TSKS phosphorylation site and indicate an indispensable role for TSSK 1 and 2 in spermiogenesis.
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