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Fernandez-Fuertes B. Review: The role of male reproductive tract secretions in ruminant fertility. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100773. [PMID: 37567680 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Male fertility largely depends on the ability to produce sperm that can transmit the paternal information onto the next generation. However, the factors that are critical for sperm function and the subsequent development of healthy offspring are still not completely understood in ruminants. Importantly, sperm function is not completely encoded by germ cell DNA, but rather, depends on sequential acquisition, loss, and modification of elements through interaction with secretions from the testes, epididymides, and accessory glands (collectively termed seminal plasma). In addition, these secretions can play a role in the inheritance of paternal environmental effects by progeny. This is likely achieved directly, by the regulation of sperm epigenetic effectors, and indirectly, by altering the female environment in which the individual develops. This review will provide an overview of the different organs that contribute to seminal plasma in ruminants, and summarise how their secretions shape sperm function and modulate the female reproductive tract. Finally, some consideration will be given to the potential of paternal factors to affect embryo development and offspring health in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
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2
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Testis-Specific Isoform of Na+-K+ ATPase and Regulation of Bull Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147936. [PMID: 35887284 PMCID: PMC9317330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
An advanced understanding of sperm function is relevant for evidence-based male fertility prediction and addressing male infertility. A standard breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) merely identifies gross abnormalities in bulls, whereas selection based on single nucleotide polymorphisms and genomic estimated breeding values overlooks sub-microscopic differences in sperm. Molecular tools are important for validating genomic selection and advancing knowledge on the regulation of male fertility at an interdisciplinary level. Therefore, research in this field is now focused on developing a combination of in vitro sperm function tests and identifying biomarkers such as sperm proteins with critical roles in fertility. The Na+-K+ ATPase is a ubiquitous transmembrane protein and its α4 isoform (ATP1A4) is exclusively expressed in germ cells and sperm. Furthermore, ATP1A4 is essential for male fertility, as it interacts with signaling molecules in both raft and non-raft fractions of the sperm plasma membrane to regulate capacitation-associated signaling, hyperactivation, sperm-oocyte interactions, and activation. Interestingly, ATP1A4 activity and expression increase during capacitation, challenging the widely accepted dogma of sperm translational quiescence. This review discusses the literature on the role of ATP1A4 during capacitation and fertilization events and its prospective use in improving male fertility prediction.
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3
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Perspectives on Potential Fatty Acid Modulations of Motility Associated Human Sperm Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073718. [PMID: 35409078 PMCID: PMC8998313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human spermatozoan ion channels are specifically distributed in the spermatozoan membrane, contribute to sperm motility, and are associated with male reproductive abnormalities. Calcium, potassium, protons, sodium, and chloride are the main ions that are regulated across this membrane, and their intracellular concentrations are crucial for sperm motility. Fatty acids (FAs) affect sperm quality parameters, reproductive pathologies, male fertility, and regulate ion channel functions in other cells. However, to date the literature is insufficient to draw any conclusions regarding the effects of FAs on human spermatozoan ion channels. Here, we aimed to discern the possible effects of FAs on spermatozoan ion channels and direct guidance for future research. After investigating the effects of FAs on characteristics related to human spermatozoan motility, reproductive pathologies, and the modulation of similar ion channels in other cells by FAs, we extrapolated polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) to have the highest potency in modulating sperm ion channels to increase sperm motility. Of the PUFAs, the ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids have the greatest effect. We speculate that saturated and monounsaturated FAs will have little to no effect on sperm ion channel activity, though the possible effects could be opposite to those of the PUFAs, considering the differences between FA structure and behavior.
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4
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Sperm Lipid Markers of Male Fertility in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168767. [PMID: 34445473 PMCID: PMC8395862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm plasma membrane lipids are essential for the function and integrity of mammalian spermatozoa. Various lipid types are involved in each key step within the fertilization process in their own yet coordinated way. The balance between lipid metabolism is tightly regulated to ensure physiological cellular processes, especially referring to crucial steps such as sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction or fusion. At the same time, it has been shown that male reproductive function depends on the homeostasis of sperm lipids. Here, we review the effects of phospholipid, neutral lipid and glycolipid homeostasis on sperm fertilization function and male fertility in mammals.
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5
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Pal P, Biswas S, Mukhopadhyay PK. Molecular perspective concerning fluoride and arsenic mediated disorders on epididymal maturation of spermatozoa: A concise review. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:2025-2038. [PMID: 34085563 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211021474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epididymis is a complex tubular structure of male reproductive system where spermatozoa undergo maturation and gain the fertilizing ability. Epididymal pseudostratified columnar epithelium with different cell types play imperative role by their secretory properties and enrich the luminal microenvironment necessary for achieving spermatozoal motility. During epididymal transit several secretory proteins like P26h, SPAG11, HSPD1 and many others are deposited on spermatozoal surface. At the same time spermatozoal proteins are also modified in this intraluminal milieu, which include cyritestin, fertilin, CE9 and others. Natural and anthropogenic activities disclose various environmental pollutants which affect different physiological systems of animals and human being. Likewise, reproductive system is also being affected. Fluoride causes structural alterations of caput and cauda segments of epididymis. Redox homeostasis and functional integrity are also altered due to diminished activities of SOD1, GR, Crisp2, Lrp2 and other important proteins. On the contrary arsenic affects mostly on cauda segment. Redox imbalance and functional amendment in epididymis have been observed with arsenic revelation as evidenced by altered genomic appearance of SOD, GST, catalase, Ddx3Y, VEGF and VEGFR2. This review is dealt with structure-function interplay in normal epididymal spermatozoal maturation along with subsequent complications developed under fluoride and arsenic toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyankar Pal
- 568916Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sagnik Biswas
- 568916Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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6
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Walters JL, Gadella BM, Sutherland JM, Nixon B, Bromfield EG. Male Infertility: Shining a Light on Lipids and Lipid-Modulating Enzymes in the Male Germline. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E327. [PMID: 31979378 PMCID: PMC7073900 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of male factor infertility, most cases are defined as idiopathic, thus limiting treatment options and driving increased rates of recourse to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Regrettably, our current armory of ARTs does not constitute therapeutic treatments for male infertility, thus highlighting an urgent need for novel intervention strategies. In our attempts to fill this void, we have come to appreciate that the production of pathological levels of oxygen radicals within the male germline are a defining etiology of many idiopathic infertility cases. Indeed, an imbalance of reactive oxygen species can precipitate a cascade of deleterious sequelae, beginning with the peroxidation of membrane lipids and culminating in cellular dysfunction and death. Here, we shine light on the importance of lipid homeostasis, and the impact of lipid stress in the demise of the male germ cell. We also seek to highlight the utility of emerging lipidomic technologies to enhance our understanding of the diverse roles that lipids play in sperm function, and to identify biomarkers capable of tracking infertility in patient cohorts. Such information should improve our fundamental understanding of the mechanistic causes of male infertility and find application in the development of efficacious treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L.H. Walters
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Environmental and Life Sciences and Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Bart M. Gadella
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jessie M. Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Environmental and Life Sciences and Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Environmental and Life Sciences and Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Environmental and Life Sciences and Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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7
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Adya AK, Canetta E. Nanotechnology and its applications to animal biotechnology. Anim Biotechnol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-811710-1.00014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Cunha ATM, Silva LP, Carvalho JO, Dode MAN. Shape and size of epididymal sperm from Gir bulls using atomic force microscopy: A nanoscale characterization of epididymal sperm. Reprod Biol 2019; 20:37-41. [PMID: 31899131 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As epididymal sperm (EP) are not exposed to seminal plasma, they are physiologically different from ejaculated spermatozoa (EJ). Therefore, the aim of this study was to morphologically characterize the head of EP recovered from the epididymis tail, and to evaluate if the physiological differences between EP and EJ were also expressed in the head's shape and size. EP and EJ were recovered from seven Gir bulls and were individually assessed. Sperm cells were washed, fixed, and 20 cells from each animal were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The images were acquired through contact mode. Then, an off-line processing software was used and the images acquired were manually segmented using digital zoom of the original images. Twenty-four structural features were assessed including one, two, and three dimensional parameters, and also shape descriptors which were calculated based on the one and two dimensional parameters. Data were compared by t-test, then, a collective analysis was performed using principal component analysis (PCA). The EP group presented higher roughness and elongation (P ≤ 0.05), and smaller form factor and circularity rate than that of the EJ group (P ≤ 0.05). For the other parameters no differences (P ≥ 0.05) were observed. In addition, in the PCA analysis no differences among EP and EJ were observed either (P ≤ 0.05). This study showed that EP and EJ collected from the same sire presented similar characteristics in nineteen of the twenty-four parameters evaluated, indicating that absence of seminal plasma does not affect the morphology of EP.
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9
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Mortimer D. The functional anatomy of the human spermatozoon: relating ultrastructure and function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:567-592. [PMID: 30215807 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Internet, magazine articles, and even biomedical journal articles, are full of cartoons of spermatozoa that bear minimal resemblance to real spermatozoa, especially human spermatozoa, and this had led to many misconceptions about what spermatozoa look like and how they are constituted. This review summarizes the historical and current state of knowledge of mammalian sperm ultrastructure, with particular emphasis on and relevance to human spermatozoa, combining information obtained from a variety of electron microscopic (EM) techniques. Available information on the composition and configuration of the various ultrastructural components of the spermatozoon has been related to their mechanistic purpose and roles in the primary aspects of sperm function and fertilization: motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
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10
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Zhou W, Stanger SJ, Anderson AL, Bernstein IR, De Iuliis GN, McCluskey A, McLaughlin EA, Dun MD, Nixon B. Mechanisms of tethering and cargo transfer during epididymosome-sperm interactions. BMC Biol 2019; 17:35. [PMID: 30999907 PMCID: PMC6474069 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0653-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian epididymis is responsible for the provision of a highly specialized environment in which spermatozoa acquire functional maturity and are subsequently stored in preparation for ejaculation. Making important contributions to both processes are epididymosomes, small extracellular vesicles released from the epididymal soma via an apocrine secretory pathway. While considerable effort has been focused on defining the cargo transferred between epididymosomes and spermatozoa, comparatively less is known about the mechanistic basis of these interactions. To investigate this phenomenon, we have utilized an in vitro co-culture system to track the transfer of biotinylated protein cargo between mouse epididymosomes and recipient spermatozoa isolated from the caput epididymis; an epididymal segment that is of critical importance for promoting sperm maturation. RESULTS Our data indicate that epididymosome-sperm interactions are initiated via tethering of the epididymosome to receptors restricted to the post-acrosomal domain of the sperm head. Thereafter, epididymosomes mediate the transfer of protein cargo to spermatozoa via a process that is dependent on dynamin, a family of mechanoenzymes that direct intercellular vesicle trafficking. Notably, upon co-culture of sperm with epididymosomes, dynamin 1 undergoes a pronounced relocation between the peri- and post-acrosomal domains of the sperm head. This repositioning of dynamin 1 is potentially mediated via its association with membrane rafts and ideally locates the enzyme to facilitate the uptake of epididymosome-borne proteins. Accordingly, disruption of membrane raft integrity or pharmacological inhibition of dynamin both potently suppress the transfer of biotinylated epididymosome proteins to spermatozoa. CONCLUSION Together, these data provide new mechanistic insight into epididymosome-sperm interactions with potential implications extending to the manipulation of sperm maturation for the purpose of fertility regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.,Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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11
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Romarowski A, Velasco Félix ÁG, Torres Rodríguez P, Gervasi MG, Xu X, Luque GM, Contreras-Jiménez G, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Ramírez-Gómez HV, Krapf D, Visconti PE, Krapf D, Guerrero A, Darszon A, Buffone MG. Super-resolution imaging of live sperm reveals dynamic changes of the actin cytoskeleton during acrosomal exocytosis. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.218958. [PMID: 30301778 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.218958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous actin (F-actin) is a key factor in exocytosis in many cell types. In mammalian sperm, acrosomal exocytosis (denoted the acrosome reaction or AR), a special type of controlled secretion, is regulated by multiple signaling pathways and the actin cytoskeleton. However, the dynamic changes of the actin cytoskeleton in live sperm are largely not understood. Here, we used the powerful properties of SiR-actin to examine actin dynamics in live mouse sperm at the onset of the AR. By using a combination of super-resolution microscopy techniques to image sperm loaded with SiR-actin or sperm from transgenic mice containing Lifeact-EGFP, six regions containing F-actin within the sperm head were revealed. The proportion of sperm possessing these structures changed upon capacitation. By performing live-cell imaging experiments, we report that dynamic changes of F-actin during the AR occur in specific regions of the sperm head. While certain F-actin regions undergo depolymerization prior to the initiation of the AR, others remain unaltered or are lost after exocytosis occurs. Our work emphasizes the utility of live-cell nanoscopy, which will undoubtedly impact the search for mechanisms that underlie basic sperm functions.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Romarowski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Ángel G Velasco Félix
- Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Paulina Torres Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Xinran Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, 1301 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Gastón Contreras-Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Claudia Sánchez-Cárdenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Héctor V Ramírez-Gómez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, 1301 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe S2000EZP, Argentina
| | - Adán Guerrero
- Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
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12
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Tanphaichitr N, Kongmanas K, Faull KF, Whitelegge J, Compostella F, Goto-Inoue N, Linton JJ, Doyle B, Oko R, Xu H, Panza L, Saewu A. Properties, metabolism and roles of sulfogalactosylglycerolipid in male reproduction. Prog Lipid Res 2018; 72:18-41. [PMID: 30149090 PMCID: PMC6239905 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG, aka seminolipid) is selectively synthesized in high amounts in mammalian testicular germ cells (TGCs). SGG is an ordered lipid and directly involved in cell adhesion. SGG is indispensable for spermatogenesis, a process that greatly depends on interaction between Sertoli cells and TGCs. Spermatogenesis is disrupted in mice null for Cgt and Cst, encoding two enzymes essential for SGG biosynthesis. Sperm surface SGG also plays roles in fertilization. All of these results indicate the significance of SGG in male reproduction. SGG homeostasis is also important in male fertility. Approximately 50% of TGCs become apoptotic and phagocytosed by Sertoli cells. SGG in apoptotic remnants needs to be degraded by Sertoli lysosomal enzymes to the lipid backbone. Failure in this event leads to a lysosomal storage disorder and sub-functionality of Sertoli cells, including their support for TGC development, and consequently subfertility. Significantly, both biosynthesis and degradation pathways of the galactosylsulfate head group of SGG are the same as those of sulfogalactosylceramide (SGC), a structurally related sulfoglycolipid important for brain functions. If subfertility in males with gene mutations in SGG/SGC metabolism pathways manifests prior to neurological disorder, sperm SGG levels might be used as a reporting/predicting index of the neurological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nongnuj Tanphaichitr
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Kessiri Kongmanas
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Division of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Research, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Kym F Faull
- Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Julian Whitelegge
- Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Federica Compostella
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Saldini 50, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Naoko Goto-Inoue
- Department of Marine Science and Resources, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - James-Jules Linton
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brendon Doyle
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hongbin Xu
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luigi Panza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Arpornrad Saewu
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Bhoumik A, Saha S, Payghan PV, Ghosh P, Dungdung SR. Localization of MIF-II on mammalian spermatozoa: A study revealing its structure, function and motility inhibitory pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 116:633-647. [PMID: 29723624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.04.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Motility of spermatozoa is a crucial factor for determining semen quality. Here we report motility inhibitory factor (MIF-II) from goat epididymal plasma, revealing its structure, function, localization and motility inhibitory pathway. Structural characterization with MALDI revealed novelty of this protein while circular dichroism data confirmed its alpha helical nature. Higher dilutions of MIF-II antibody increased cauda sperm motility and induced immature/immotile caput sperm motility as tested microscopically. Higher number of sperm cells and lower dilutions of antibody induced agglutination in cauda sperm showing surface localization. Indirect immuno-fluorescence showed MIF-II localization throughout the caput sperm surface which relocated more towards acrosomal region with maturation. ELISA assay revealed gradual increase and decrease in concentration of MIF-II in epididymal plasma and plasma membrane respectively from caput to cauda. Signaling cascade that leads to sperm motility inhibition elevates nitric oxide levels through cAMP dependent pathway. MIF-II treatment doesn't alter sperm surface morphology. Expression pattern of MIF-II during epididymal maturation goes hand-in-hand with gaining motility potential as well as dormancy of spermatozoa before ejaculation. Both MIF-II and its antibody inhibit fertilization in-vitro thus expected to open new gateway for future male infertility and contraceptive development research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Bhoumik
- Sperm Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata - 700032, India
| | - Sudipta Saha
- Sperm Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata - 700032, India
| | - Pavan V Payghan
- Structural Biology and Bio-Informatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata - 700032, India
| | - Prasanta Ghosh
- Sperm Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata - 700032, India
| | - Sandhya Rekha Dungdung
- Sperm Biology Laboratory, Cell Biology and Physiology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata - 700032, India.
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14
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Ghosh P, Mukherjee S, Bhoumik A, Dungdung SR. A novel epididymal quiescence factor inhibits sperm motility by modulating NOS activity and intracellular NO-cGMP pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4345-4359. [PMID: 29150942 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mature and potentially motile spermatozoa stored in cauda epididymis in an inactive state for approximately 30 days; however, during ejaculation they regain motility. To understand the actual molecular mechanism of the sperm quiescence during caudal stay, a proteinaceous quiescence factor (QF) has been purified from caprine epididymal plasma to apparent homogeneity. In the present study complete purification, detailed characterization as well as mechanistic pathway of QF has been described. QF is purified to 215-fold with 45% activity recovery. It is a 59 kDa monomeric protein with isoelectric point 5.8 and optimally active at pH 7.5. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy study confirm its α-helical secondary structure and globular tertiary conformation. QF is a thermo-stable protein as higher temperature does not alter its helical structure. N-terminal amino acid sequencing and MALDI analysis of QF did not find 100% similarity with any available protein of the database, proved its novelty. QF at 2 μM dose inhibits sperm progressive forward motility within 10 min. This motility inhibitory activity of QF is mediated by reducing NOS enzyme activity and subsequently decreasing the intracellular NO and cGMP concentration. It does not modulate intracellular Ca++ and cAMP concentration. QF has no adverse effect on DNA integrity and morphology of spermatozoa. Motility inhibitory action of QF is reversible. Thus, the role of QF in maintaining energy saving quiescence state of mature cauda spermatozoa and its reactive nitrogen species reducing activity may lead to a new direction for storage of spermatozoa and idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanta Ghosh
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, Sperm Biology Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sandipan Mukherjee
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, Sperm Biology Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Arpita Bhoumik
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, Sperm Biology Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sandhya R Dungdung
- Cell Biology and Physiology Division, Sperm Biology Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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15
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García-Herreros M. Sperm subpopulations in avian species: a comparative study between the rooster ( Gallus domesticus) and Guinea fowl ( Numida meleagris). Asian J Androl 2017; 18:889-894. [PMID: 27751988 PMCID: PMC5109881 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.188448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aims of this research were to study possible differences in objective morphometric sperm characteristics, establish normative sperm morphometry standards, and evaluate the presumed different subpopulation distribution of avian spermatozoa from the rooster (Gallus domesticus) and Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) as model avian species. Seventy-two ejaculates (36 per species studied) were obtained manually, following a training period involving gently combined dorso-abdominal and lumbo-sacral massage of the birds. Ejaculates were processed for volume, sperm concentration, viability, motility, and morphology. Moreover, samples were submitted for sperm morphometric assessment using objective Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis for Morphometry (CASA-Morph) methods, with sperm morphometric descriptors evaluated by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and multivariate clustering analyses. There were several differences observed between the avian species in values obtained for ejaculate volume and sperm concentration (P < 0.001). Irrespective of species, PCA revealed two Principal Components (PCs) explaining more than 80% of the variance. In addition, the number of subpopulations differed with species (three and five subpopulations for rooster and Guinea fowl, respectively). Moreover, the distribution of the sperm subpopulations was found to be structurally different between species. In conclusion, our findings from using CASA-Morph methods indicate pronounced sperm morphometric variation between these two avian species. Because of the strong differences observed in morphometric parameter values and their subpopulation distribution, these results suggest that application of objective analytical methods such as CASA-Morph could substantially improve the reliability of comparative studies and help establish valid normative sperm morphological values for avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel García-Herreros
- National Secretariat of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENESCYT), Quito, Ecuador
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16
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Li CJ, Wang D, Zhou X. Sperm proteome and reproductive technologies in mammals. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 173:1-7. [PMID: 27576173 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sperm is highly differentiated cell that can be easily obtained and purified. Mature sperm is considered to be transcriptionally and translationally silent and incapable of protein synthesis. Recently, a large number of proteins have been identified in sperm from different species by using the proteomic approaches. Clinically, sperm proteins can be used as markers for male infertility due to different protein profiles identified in sperm from fertile and infertile male animals. Recent evidences have shown that the conditions of sperm preservation in vitro can also change the sperm protein profiles. This paper reviews the recent scientific publications available to address sperm proteome and their relationship with sperm cryopreservation, capacitation, fertilization, and separation of X and Y sperm. Future directions in the application of sperm proteomics to develop or optimize reproductive technologies in mammals are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Jin Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, 5333 Xian Road, Changchun 130062, PR China
| | - Dong Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture of China, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, 5333 Xian Road, Changchun 130062, PR China.
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17
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Schröter F, Jakop U, Teichmann A, Haralampiev I, Tannert A, Wiesner B, Müller P, Müller K. Lipid dynamics in boar sperm studied by advanced fluorescence imaging techniques. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2015; 45:149-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s00249-015-1084-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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18
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Águila L, Arias ME, Vargas T, Zambrano F, Felmer R. Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin Improves Sperm Capacitation Status Assessed by Flow Cytometry Analysis and Zona Pellucida-Binding Ability of Frozen/Thawed Bovine Spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:931-8. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Águila
- Laboratory of Reproduction; Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN); Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
| | - ME Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction; Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN); Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
| | - T Vargas
- Laboratory of Reproduction; Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN); Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
| | - F Zambrano
- Laboratory of Reproduction; Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN); Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
| | - R Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction; Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN); Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
- Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry; Universidad de La Frontera; Temuco Chile
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19
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The acrosome of eutherian mammals. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:147-157. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2238-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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20
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Reid AT, Anderson AL, Roman SD, McLaughlin EA, McCluskey A, Robinson PJ, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 regulates acrosomal exocytosis in mouse spermatozoa via dynamin phosphorylation. FASEB J 2015; 29:2872-82. [PMID: 25808536 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-265553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The dynamin family of GTPases has been implicated as novel regulators of the acrosome reaction, a unique exocytotic event that is essential for fertilization. Dynamin activity during the acrosome reaction is accompanied by phosphorylation of key serine residues. We now tested the hypothesis that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is the protein kinase responsible for dynamin phosphorylation at these phosphosites in mouse spermatozoa. Pharmacologic inhibition of GSK3 in mature mouse spermatozoa (CHIR99021: IC50 = 6.7 nM) led to a significant reduction in dynamin phosphorylation (10.3% vs. 27.3%; P < 0.001), acrosomal exocytosis (9.7% vs. 25.7%; P < 0.01), and in vitro fertilization (53% vs. 100%; P < 0.01). GSK3 was shown to be present in developing germ cells where it colocalized with dynamin in the peri-acrosomal domain. However, additional GSK3 was acquired by maturing mouse spermatozoa within the male reproductive tract, via a novel mechanism involving direct interaction of sperm heads with extracellular structures known as epididymal dense bodies. These data reveal a novel mode for the cellular acquisition of a protein kinase and identify a key role for GSK3 in the regulation of sperm maturation and acrosomal exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Reid
- *School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Chemistry, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; and Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- *School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Chemistry, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; and Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- *School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Chemistry, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; and Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- *School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Chemistry, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; and Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- *School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Chemistry, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; and Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip J Robinson
- *School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Chemistry, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; and Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- *School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Chemistry, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; and Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- *School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, and School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Chemistry, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; and Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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21
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Busso D, Oñate-Alvarado MJ, Balboa E, Castro J, Lizama C, Morales G, Vargas S, Härtel S, Moreno RD, Zanlungo S. Spermatozoa from mice deficient in Niemann-Pick disease type C2 (NPC2) protein have defective cholesterol content and reduced in vitro fertilising ability. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:609-21. [PMID: 24709320 DOI: 10.1071/rd12059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholesterol content of the sperm membrane is regulated during both maturation in the epididymis and capacitation in the female tract, two processes required for the spermatozoa to acquire their fertilising ability. Because Niemann-Pick disease, type C2 (NPC2) protein is one of the most abundant components of the epididymal fluid and contains a functional cholesterol-binding site that can transfer cholesterol between membranes, it has been suggested for years that NPC2 could be involved in the regulation of cholesterol levels in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. In the present study, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses demonstrated significant levels of NPC2 in the mouse epididymal epithelium. Epididymal spermatozoa obtained from NPC2(-/-) mice were morphologically normal and had normal motility parameters, but had a reduced cholesterol content compared with that of wild-type (WT) spermatozoa, as determined by both biochemical and by flow cytometry analyses. These results suggest that NPC2 could be involved in regulating cholesterol levels in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. To understand the relevance of epididymal NPC2 for sperm function, the ability of spermatozoa to undergo events influenced by epididymal maturation, such as capacitation and fertilisation, were compared between WT and NPC2(-/-) mice. Capacitated NPC2(-/-) spermatozoa exhibited defective tyrosine phosphorylation patterns and a reduced ability to fertilise cumulus-oocyte complexes compared with WT spermatozoa, supporting the relevance of mouse epididymal NPC2 for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Busso
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - María José Oñate-Alvarado
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Elisa Balboa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Castro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Lizama
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriela Morales
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Susana Vargas
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis (SCIAN-Lab), Program of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Independencia 1027. 8389100 Santiago, Chile
| | - Steffen Härtel
- Laboratory for Scientific Image Analysis (SCIAN-Lab), Program of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Avda. Independencia 1027. 8389100 Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo D Moreno
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
| | - Silvana Zanlungo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica. Avda. Bernardo O'Higgins 340. 8331150 Santiago, Chile
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22
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Bustamante-Filho IC, Rosa AP, Van der Linden LS, Pederzolli CD, Neves AP, Dutra-Filho CS, Jobim MIM, Mattos RC. Enzymatic scavengers in the epididymal fluid: comparison between pony and miniature breed stallions. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 151:164-8. [PMID: 25459078 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The use of stallion semen collected from cauda epididymis for AI has increased due to the new protocols available for cryopreservation. Preserving the genetic material from valuable males that suffer sudden death or other events that prematurely end the stallion's reproductive life is an important strategy for Stud breeding management. While protecting spermatozoa from oxidative stress and infectious agents, the epididymis promotes the enhancement of sperm cell morphology and changes in membrane protein profile, increasing its fertility potential. The epididymal fluid must be a balanced redox environment to allow sperm preservation and protein-protein and protein-lipids interactions to quantify. The aim of this study was quantify the enzymatic ROS scavengers in epididymal fluid of pony and miniature breed stallions. Epididymides from 8 pony stallions and 12 miniature breed stallions were dissected and fluid from caput, corpus and cauda epididymis collected. Spermatozoa were separated of epididymal fluid by 2-step centrifugation. The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured and compared between stallion groups and epididymal regions. The three enzymes were present in all epididymal regions tested, with higher activities of catalase and SOD in cauda epididymis in miniature breed stallions (P<0.05). GPx activity was higher in caput epididymis in pony stallions (P<0.05), however with no difference to fluid from cauda epididymis of both breeds. These results show a difference in antioxidant enzymatic scavengers between pony and miniature breed stallions. Also, our data confirm the protective role of cauda epididymis, preserving spermatozoa integrity from oxidative damage. As glutathione peroxidase is involved in several signaling pathways, its constant activity during epididymal transit corroborates the importance of this enzyme for spermatozoa maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea P Rosa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcellos, 2600, Anexo, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Liana S Van der Linden
- REPROLAB, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carolina D Pederzolli
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcellos, 2600, Anexo, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Adriana P Neves
- Universidade Federal do Pampa, Rua 21 de Abril, 80, Dom Pedrito, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos S Dutra-Filho
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcellos, 2600, Anexo, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês M Jobim
- REPROLAB, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C Mattos
- REPROLAB, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, 91540-000 Porto Alegre, Brazil
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24
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Mouse sperm acquire a new structure on the apical hook during epididymal maturation. Asian J Androl 2013; 15:523-8. [PMID: 23728587 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2013.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa emerging from the testis undergo a maturation process in the epididymis during which they change morphologically, biochemically and physiologically to gain motility and the ability to fertilize ova. We examined mouse epididymal sperm with immunostaining and transmission electron microscopy (EM) and identified a previously unknown structure on the apical hook. The structure has a coiled configuration around 11 nm in thickness and is present at the tip of each corner of the triangular-rod shaped perforatorium. Surveying sperm isolated from various regions of the epididymis indicated that mouse sperm acquire the hook rim (HR) structure during its passage through the proximal two-thirds of the caput epididymidis. The structure withstands vigorous sonication and harsh chemical treatments and remains intact after the acrosome reaction. Its location and sturdiness suggest a function in protecting the apical hook from mechanical wear during fertilization. Our EM images of epididymal sperm also revealed additional novel structures as well as lateral asymmetry of the sperm head, indicating that mouse sperm head has a structure more complex than previously recognized.
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25
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Nanoscale differences in the shape and size of X and Y chromosome-bearing bovine sperm heads assessed by atomic force microscopy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59387. [PMID: 23527178 PMCID: PMC3602057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm dimensions and the question of whether X and Y chromosome-bearing sperm differ in size or shape has been of great interest, especially for the development of alternative methods to sort or classify sperm cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible differences in the shape and size of the sperm head between X and Y chromosome-bearing sperm by atomic force microscopy (AFM). One ejaculate per bull (n = 4) was used. Each ejaculate was separated into four fractions: non-sexed (NS), sexed for X-sperm (SX), sexed for Y-sperm (SY) and a pooling of SX and SY samples (SXY). Using AFM, 400 sperm heads per group were measured. Twenty three structural features were assessed including one-, two- and three-dimensional parameters and shape descriptors. These measurements determine the micro- to nanoscale features of X- and Y-bearing chromosomes in sperm cells. No differences were observed for any individual variables between SX and SY groups. Next, a simultaneous evaluation of all features using statistical discriminant analysis was performed to determine if it was possible to distinguish to which group belong each individual cells. This analysis clearly showed, a distinct separation of NS, SXY, SX and SY groups. The recognition of this structural possibility to distinguish between X and Y sperm cell might improve the understanding of sperm cells biology. These results indicated that the associations of several structural measurements of the sperm cell head are promising candidates for development of a new method of sperm sexing.
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26
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López Armengol M, Jurado S, Pelufo V, Aisen E. A quantitative ultramorphological approach for systematic assessment of sperm head regions: An example in rams. Cryobiology 2012; 64:223-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Revised: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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27
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Meyer D, Voigt A, Widmayer P, Borth H, Huebner S, Breit A, Marschall S, de Angelis MH, Boehm U, Meyerhof W, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I. Expression of Tas1 taste receptors in mammalian spermatozoa: functional role of Tas1r1 in regulating basal Ca²⁺ and cAMP concentrations in spermatozoa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32354. [PMID: 22427794 PMCID: PMC3303551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During their transit through the female genital tract, sperm have to recognize and discriminate numerous chemical compounds. However, our current knowledge of the molecular identity of appropriate chemosensory receptor proteins in sperm is still rudimentary. Considering that members of the Tas1r family of taste receptors are able to discriminate between a broad diversity of hydrophilic chemosensory substances, the expression of taste receptors in mammalian spermatozoa was examined. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The present manuscript documents that Tas1r1 and Tas1r3, which form the functional receptor for monosodium glutamate (umami) in taste buds on the tongue, are expressed in murine and human spermatozoa, where their localization is restricted to distinct segments of the flagellum and the acrosomal cap of the sperm head. Employing a Tas1r1-deficient mCherry reporter mouse strain, we found that Tas1r1 gene deletion resulted in spermatogenic abnormalities. In addition, a significant increase in spontaneous acrosomal reaction was observed in Tas1r1 null mutant sperm whereas acrosomal secretion triggered by isolated zona pellucida or the Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187 was not different from wild-type spermatozoa. Remarkably, cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels in freshly isolated Tas1r1-deficient sperm were significantly higher compared to wild-type cells. Moreover, a significantly higher basal cAMP concentration was detected in freshly isolated Tas1r1-deficient epididymal spermatozoa, whereas upon inhibition of phosphodiesterase or sperm capacitation, the amount of cAMP was not different between both genotypes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Since Ca²⁺ and cAMP control fundamental processes during the sequential process of fertilization, we propose that the identified taste receptors and coupled signaling cascades keep sperm in a chronically quiescent state until they arrive in the vicinity of the egg - either by constitutive receptor activity and/or by tonic receptor activation by gradients of diverse chemical compounds in different compartments of the female reproductive tract.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Calcium/metabolism
- Cyclic AMP/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Luminescent Proteins/genetics
- Luminescent Proteins/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, 129 Strain
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Models, Biological
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/physiology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sperm Head/metabolism
- Spermatozoa/metabolism
- Testis/cytology
- Testis/metabolism
- Red Fluorescent Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorke Meyer
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Voigt
- German Institute of Nutrition,
Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Germany
- Institute for Neural Signal Transduction,
Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Widmayer
- Institute of Physiology, University of
Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Heike Borth
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Huebner
- German Institute of Nutrition,
Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Germany
| | - Andreas Breit
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Susan Marschall
- Institute of Experimental Genetics,
Helmholtz-Zentrum, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Boehm
- Institute for Neural Signal Transduction,
Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ingrid Boekhoff
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Escoffier J, Pierre VJ, Jemel I, Munch L, Boudhraa Z, Ray PF, De Waard M, Lambeau G, Arnoult C. Group X secreted phospholipase A₂ specifically decreases sperm motility in mice. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:2601-9. [PMID: 21792918 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Different mammalian secreted phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2) s) are expressed in male reproductive organs and/or in sperm cells but their cellular functions are still not fully characterized. Because several reports indicate a link between cellular lipids and sperm motility, we have investigated the effect of mouse group IIA, IID, IIE, V, and X sPLA(2) s on sperm motility. Among these enzymes, only mouse group X sPLA(2) (mGX sPLA(2) ) acts as a potent inhibitor of sperm motility that decreases track speed (VCL) and lateral displacement of the head (ALH) of both noncapacitated and capacitated sperm. The inhibitory effect of mGX sPLA(2) is dependent on its enzymatic activity because (i) both the proenzyme form of mGX sPLA(2) (pro-mGX) and the H48Q mutant of mGX sPLA(2) have very weak enzymatic activity and are unable to modulate sperm motility and (ii) LY329722, a specific inhibitor of sPLA(2) s, blocks the inhibitory effect of mGX sPLA(2) . Moreover, mGX sPLA(2) exerts a gradual potency on sperm subpopulations with different velocities, an effect which may be linked to the heterogeneity of lipid composition in these sperm subpopulations. Finally, we found that endogenous mGX sPLA(2) released during spontaneous acrosome reaction modulates sperm motility of capacitated sperm. Together, our results suggest a new role of sPLA(2) in sperm physiology where the sPLA2 selects a sperm subpopulation for fertilization based on its effect on sperm motility.
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Impact of epididymal maturation, ejaculation and in vitro capacitation on tyrosine phosphorylation patterns exhibited of boar (Sus domesticus) spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1356-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Nixon B, Mitchell LA, Anderson AL, Mclaughlin EA, O'bryan MK, Aitken RJ. Proteomic and functional analysis of human sperm detergent resistant membranes. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:2651-65. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Fàbrega A, Guyonnet B, Dacheux JL, Gatti JL, Puigmulé M, Bonet S, Pinart E. Expression, immunolocalization and processing of fertilins ADAM-1 and ADAM-2 in the boar (Sus domesticus) spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:96. [PMID: 21718510 PMCID: PMC3141649 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilin alpha (ADAM-1) and beta (ADAM-2) are integral membrane proteins of the ADAM family that form a fertilin complex involved in key steps of the sperm-oocyte membrane interaction. In the present work, we analyzed the presence of ADAM-1 and ADAM-2 mRNAs, the spermatozoa proteins' processing and their sub-cellular localization in epididymal samples from adult boars. ADAM-1 and ADAM-2 mRNAs were highly produced in the testis, but also in the vas efferens and the epididymis. On immunoblots of sperm extracts, ADAM-1 subunit appeared as a main reactive band of ~50-55 kDa corresponding to occurrence of different isoforms throughout the epididymal duct, especially in the corpus region where isoforms ranged from acidic to basic pI. In contrast, ADAM-2 was detected as several bands of ~90 kDa, ~75 kDa, ~50-55 kDa and ~40 kDa. The intensity of high molecular mass bands decreased progressively in the distal corpus where lower bands were also transiently observed, and only the ~40 kDa was observed in the cauda. The presence of bands of different molecular weights likely results from a proteolytic processing occurring mainly in the testis for ADAM-1, and also throughout the caput epididymis for ADAM-2. Immunolocalization showed that fertilin migrates from the acrosomal region to the acrosomal ridge during the sperm transit from the distal corpus to the proximal cauda. This migration is accompanied by an important change in the extractability of a part of ADAM-1 from the sperm membrane. This suggests that the fertilin surface migration may be triggered by the biochemical changes induced by the epididymal post-translational processing of both ADAM1 and ADAM-2. Different patterns of fertilin immunolocalization then define several populations of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis. Characterization of such fertilin complex maturation patterns is an important step to develop fertility markers based on epididymal maturation of surface membrane proteins in domestic mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fàbrega
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, s/n, 17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Benoît Guyonnet
- Gamètes Males et Fertilité, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 6175 INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Jean-Louis Dacheux
- Gamètes Males et Fertilité, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 6175 INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Jean-Luc Gatti
- Gamètes Males et Fertilité, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 6175 INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- ESIM, UMR 1301 IBSV INRA-CNRS-Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, 400 route des Chappes, 06903 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Marta Puigmulé
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, s/n, 17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, s/n, 17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, s/n, 17071 Girona, Spain
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Reid AT, Redgrove K, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Cellular mechanisms regulating sperm-zona pellucida interaction. Asian J Androl 2010; 13:88-96. [PMID: 21042304 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For mammalian spermatozoa to exhibit the ability to bind the zona pellucida (ZP) they must undergo three distinct phases of maturation, namely, spermatogenesis (testis), epididymal maturation (epididymis) and capacitation (female reproductive tract). An impressive array of spermatozoa surface remodeling events accompany these phases of maturation and appear critical for recognition and adhesion of the outer vestments of the oocyte, a structure known as the ZP. It is becoming increasingly apparent that species-specific zona adhesion is not mediated by a single receptor. Instead, compelling evidence now points toward models implicating a multiplicity of receptor-ligand interactions. This notion is in keeping with emerging research that has shown that there is a dynamic aggregation of proteins believed to be important in sperm-ZP recognition to the regions of sperm that mediate this binding event. Such remodeling may in turn facilitate the assembly of a multimeric zona recognition complex (MZRC). Though formation of MZRCs raises questions regarding the nature of the block to polyspermy, formation and assembly of such a structure would no doubt explain the strenuous maturation process that sperm endure on their sojourn to functional maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Reid
- Reproductive Science Group, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Liu M, Hamilton DW, Barany G. Solid-phase synthesis and evaluation of glycopeptide fragments from rat epididymal cysteine-rich secretory protein-1 (Crisp-1). Molecules 2010; 15:6399-410. [PMID: 20877231 PMCID: PMC6257669 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15096399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Revised: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Three 18-residue peptides with the sequence Glp-Asp-Thr-Thr-Asp-Glu-Trp-Asp-Arg-Asp-Leu-Glu-Asn-Leu-Ser-Thr-Thr-Lys, taken from the N-terminus of the rat epididymal cysteine-rich secretory protein (Crisp-1) that is important in the fertilization process, were prepared by Fmoc solid-phase synthesis using a convergent strategy. These peptides were the parent sequence, plus two possible α-O-linked TN antigen-containing glycopeptides with a Thr(α-D-GalNAc) residue in place of either Thr3 or Thr4. During chain assembly, two deletion peptides [des-Asp2 and des-Thr(Ac3-α-D-GalNAc)] and one terminated peptide [N-acetylated 14-mer] arose, as did several peptides in which aspartimide formation had occurred at each of the four possible positions in the sequence. These by-products totaled ~20% of the desired product; they were recognized by HPLC and ESI-MS and removed during the intermediate purifications. Final products, obtained in 15–21% overall yields, were characterized by HPLC purities and ESI-MS. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra for all three purified peptides, recorded in pure water and in trifluoroethanol−H2O (1:1), revealed that the presence of a sugar moiety does not significantly impact the sampled conformations. Future biological evaluation could elucidate the nature and locus of sugar modification of Crisp-1, and provide insight as to why Crisp-1 protein E binds sperm irreversibly, in contrast to protein D that lacks a sugar near the N-terminus and only binds sperm loosely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David W. Hamilton
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - George Barany
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-612-625-1028; Fax: +1-612-626-7541
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Escoffier J, Jemel I, Tanemoto A, Taketomi Y, Payre C, Coatrieux C, Sato H, Yamamoto K, Masuda S, Pernet-Gallay K, Pierre V, Hara S, Murakami M, De Waard M, Lambeau G, Arnoult C. Group X phospholipase A2 is released during sperm acrosome reaction and controls fertility outcome in mice. J Clin Invest 2010; 120:1415-28. [PMID: 20424324 DOI: 10.1172/jci40494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ejaculated mammalian sperm must undergo a maturation process called capacitation before they are able to fertilize an egg. Several studies have suggested a role for members of the secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) family in capacitation, acrosome reaction (AR), and fertilization, but the molecular nature of these enzymes and their specific roles have remained elusive. Here, we have demonstrated that mouse group X sPLA2 (mGX) is the major enzyme present in the acrosome of spermatozoa and that it is released in an active form during capacitation through spontaneous AR. mGX-deficient male mice produced smaller litters than wild-type male siblings when crossed with mGX-deficient females. Further analysis revealed that spermatozoa from mGX-deficient mice exhibited lower rates of spontaneous AR and that this was associated with decreased in vitro fertilization (IVF) efficiency due to a drop in the fertilization potential of the sperm and an increased rate of aborted embryos. Treatment of sperm with sPLA2 inhibitors and antibodies specific for mGX blocked spontaneous AR of wild-type sperm and reduced IVF success. Addition of lysophosphatidylcholine, a catalytic product of mGX, overcame these deficiencies. Finally, recombinant mGX triggered AR and improved IVF outcome. Taken together, our results highlight a paracrine role for mGX during capacitation in which the enzyme primes sperm for efficient fertilization and boosts premature AR of a likely phospholipid-damaged sperm subpopulation to eliminate suboptimal sperm from the pool available for fertilization.
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Desantis S, Ventriglia G, Zizza S, Nicassio M, Valentini L, Di Summa A, Lacalandra GM. Lectin-binding sites on ejaculated stallion sperm during breeding and non-breeding periods. Theriogenology 2010; 73:1146-53. [PMID: 20172596 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Stallion sperm from semen collected in Southern Italy during the breeding (June-July) and non-breeding (December-January) periods were analyzed by means of twelve lectins to evaluate the glycoconjugate pattern and to verify whether there are any seasonal differences in the glycosylation pattern of the sperm glycocalyx. The acrosomal cap showed reactivity for Maackia amurensis (MAL II), Sambucus nigra (SNA), Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Glycine max (SBA), Helix pomatia (HPA), Canavalia ensiformis (Con A) Triticum vulgaris (WGA), and Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin II (GSA II) in breeding and non-breeding ejaculated sperm, suggesting the presence of oligosaccharides terminating with Neu5Ac alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc, Neu5Ac alpha 2,6Gal/GalNAc, with Gal beta 1,3GalNAc, alpha/beta GalNAc and glycans with terminal/internal alpha Man and GlcNAc. During the non-breeding period, the acrosomal cap expressed oligosaccharides terminating with Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc (Ricinus communis(120) affinity) (RCA(120)) and L-Fuc alpha 1,2Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc beta (Ulex europaeus affinity) (UEA I). The equatorial segment placed between the acrosomal cap and post-acrosomal region did not display glycans terminating with GalNAc, GlcNAc, and alpha L-Fuc. The post-acrosomal region of sperm collected in the breeding and non-breeding periods bound Con A, MAL II, SNA, and SBA, thus showing the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides from high-Man content, terminating with Neu5Ac alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc, Neu5Ac alpha 2,6Gal/GalNAc and GalNAc. In winter, the post-acrosomal region also expressed oligosaccharides terminating with alpha GalNAc, GlcNAc, and L-Fuc alpha 1,2Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc beta (HPA, GSA II, and UEA I staining). The tail of sperm from semen collected during the breeding and non-breeding periods showed a lectin binding pattern similar to the post-acrosomal region, except for the absence of HPA staining in sperm collected during the winter season. These results indicate that the surface of stallion sperm contains different glycocalyx domains and that the glycosylation pattern undergoes changes during the breeding and non-breeding periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Desantis
- Department of Animal Health and Well-being, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Italy.
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Nixon B, Aitken RJ. The biological significance of detergent-resistant membranes in spermatozoa. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 83:8-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.06.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Revised: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Borg CL, Wolski KM, Gibbs GM, O'Bryan MK. Phenotyping male infertility in the mouse: how to get the most out of a 'non-performer'. Hum Reprod Update 2009; 16:205-24. [PMID: 19758979 PMCID: PMC2816191 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional male gametes are produced through complex processes that take place within the testis, epididymis and female reproductive tract. A breakdown at any of these phases can result in male infertility. The production of mutant mouse models often yields an unexpected male infertility phenotype. It is with this in mind that the current review has been written. The review aims to act as a guide to the ‘non-reproductive biologist’ to facilitate a systematic analysis of sterile or subfertile mice and to assist in extracting the maximum amount of information from each model. METHODS This is a review of the original literature on defects in the processes that take a mouse spermatogonial stem cell through to a fully functional spermatozoon, which result in male infertility. Based on literature searches and personal experience, we have outlined a step-by-step strategy for the analysis of an infertile male mouse line. RESULTS A wide range of methods can be used to define the phenotype of an infertile male mouse. These methods range from histological methods such as electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry, to hormone analyses and methods to assess sperm maturation status and functional competence. CONCLUSION With the increased rate of genetically modified mouse production, the generation of mouse models with unexpected male infertility is increasing. This manuscript will help to ensure that the maximum amount of information is obtained from each mouse model and, by extension, will facilitate the knowledge of both normal fertility processes and the causes of human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Borg
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, The School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
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Druart X, Gatti JL, Huet S, Dacheux JL, Humblot P. Hypotonic resistance of boar spermatozoa: sperm subpopulations and relationship with epididymal maturation and fertility. Reproduction 2009; 137:205-13. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hypotonic resistance of boar spermatozoa was investigated by measuring the ratio of live/dead spermatozoa (SYBR-14/propidium iodide) by flow cytometry after hypotonic stress. The survival rate of ejaculated spermatozoa incubated in hypotonic solutions ranging from 3 to 330 mmol/kg followed a sigmoid curve that fitted a simple logistic model. The critical osmolality value (Osmcrit) at which 50% of spermatozoa died was determined with this model. Hypotonic resistance of spermatozoa increased with temperature between 15 and 39 °C and decreased after hydrogen superoxide treatment, but was not modified during 8 days of preservation in Beltsville thawing solution. Hypotonic resistance markedly decreased during epididymal maturation and after ejaculation as Osmcritat 15 °C was 54.7±3.2, 68.5±10.6, 116.7±2.1 and 194.3±3.7 mmol/kg for the caput, corpus, cauda and ejaculated spermatozoa respectively. Hypo-osmotic stress of 100 mmol/kg revealed a sperm subpopulation exhibiting increased hypotonic resistance compared with the whole ejaculate (Osmcrit=67.8±2.1 mmol/kg). Consistent differences were observed between lean and standard breeds (Pietrain versus Large White) and between boars within the same breed. According to data collected by artificial insemination centers during a large-scale field trial, hypotonic resistance of ejaculates was found to be positively correlated within vivofertility.
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Miranda PV, Allaire A, Sosnik J, Visconti PE. Localization of low-density detergent-resistant membrane proteins in intact and acrosome-reacted mouse sperm. Biol Reprod 2009; 80:897-904. [PMID: 19144954 PMCID: PMC2804839 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.075242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm become fertile after completing capacitation, a process associated with cholesterol loss and changes in the biophysical properties of the sperm membranes that prepares the sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction. Different laboratories have hypothesized that cholesterol efflux can influence the extent and/or movement of lipid raft microdomains. In a previous study, our laboratory investigated the identity of sperm proteins putatively associated with rafts. After extraction with Triton X-100 and ultracentrifugation in sucrose gradients, proteins distributing to the light buoyant-density fractions were cored from polyacrylamide gels and microsequenced. In this study, a subset of these proteins (TEX101, basigin, hexokinase 1, facilitated glucose transporter 3, IZUMO, and SPAM1) and other molecules known to be enriched in membrane rafts (caveolin 2, flotillin 1, flotillin 2, and the ganglioside GM3) were selected to investigate their localization in the sperm and their behavior during capacitation and the acrosome reaction. These molecules localize to multiple sperm domains, including the acrosomal cap (IZUMO, caveolin 2, and flotillin 2), equatorial segment (GM3), cytoplasmic droplet (TEX101), midpiece (basigin, facilitated glucose transporter 3, and flotillin 2), and principal piece (facilitated glucose transporter 3). Some of these markers modified their immunofluorescence pattern after sperm incubation under capacitating conditions, and these changes correlated with the occurrence of the acrosome reaction. While GM3 and caveolin 2 were not detected after the acrosome reaction, flotillin 2 was found in the equatorial segment of acrosome-reacted sperm, and IZUMO distributed along the sperm head, reaching the post- and para-acrosomal areas. Taking into consideration the requirement of the acrosome reaction for sperm to become fusogenic, these results suggest that membrane raft dynamics may have a role in sperm-egg membrane interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Miranda
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The epididymis performs an important role in the maturation of spermatozoa including their acquisition of progressive motility and fertilizing ability. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern these maturational events are still poorly defined. This review focuses on recent progress in our understanding of epididymal function including its development, role of the luminal microenvironment in sperm maturation, regulation and novel mechanisms the epididymis utilizes to carry out some of its functions. METHODS A systematic search of Pubmed was carried out using the search term 'epididymis'. Articles that were published in the English language until the end of August 2008 and that focused on the specific topics described above were included. Additional papers cited in the primary reference were also included. RESULTS While the majority of these findings were the result of studies in animal models, recent studies in the human epididymis are also presented including gene profiling studies to examine regionalized expression in normal epididymides as well as in those from vasectomized patients. CONCLUSIONS Significant progress has been made in our understanding of epididymal function providing new insights that ultimately could improve human health. The data also indicate that the human epididymis plays an important role in sperm maturation but has unique properties compared with animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail A Cornwall
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, 79430, USA.
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Nixon B, Bielanowicz A, Mclaughlin EA, Tanphaichitr N, Ensslin MA, Aitken RJ. Composition and significance of detergent resistant membranes in mouse spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2009; 218:122-34. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Colas C, James P, Howes L, Jones R, Cebrian-Perez JA, Muiño-Blanco T. Cyclic-AMP initiates protein tyrosine phosphorylation independent of cholesterol efflux during ram sperm capacitation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2008; 20:649-58. [PMID: 18671912 DOI: 10.1071/rd08023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike most other species, ram spermatozoa are difficult to capacitate in vitro. Bicarbonate and Ca(2+) are necessary, whereas bovine serum albumin does not appear to be obligatory. In the present investigation we have assessed (1) the ability of the cholesterol-sequestering agent, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (M-beta-CD), to initiate protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and (2) the importance of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in controlling the levels of cAMP. Results show that despite removing significant amounts of membrane cholesterol, as assessed by filipin staining, M-beta-CD treatment did not stimulate major increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Addition of a cocktail of PDE inhibitors (theophylline and caffeine), a phosphatase inhibitor (okadaic acid) and dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP), however, stimulated specific tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins between 30 and 120 kDa. On their own, none of the above reagents were effective but a combination of db-cAMP + PDE inhibitors was sufficient to achieve a maximal response. H-89, a protein kinase-A inhibitor, suppressed tyrosine phosphorylation significantly. Immunofluorescence revealed that the newly-phosphorylated proteins localised mainly in the sperm tail. These findings suggest that in ram spermatozoa cAMP levels are too low to initiate tyrosine phosphorylation of flagellar proteins that are indicative of the capacitation state and that this is caused by unusually high levels of intracellular PDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Colas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, Saragossa, Spain
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The roles of the epididymis and prostasomes in the attainment of fertilizing capacity by stallion sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 107:237-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Hunnicutt GR, Koppel DE, Kwitny S, Cowan AE. Cyclic 3',5'-AMP causes ADAM1/ADAM2 to rapidly diffuse within the plasma membrane of guinea pig sperm. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:999-1007. [PMID: 18667756 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.067058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Because sperm cannot synthesize new proteins as they journey to the egg, they use multiple mechanisms to modify the activity of existing proteins, including changes in the diffusion coefficient of some membrane proteins. Previously, we showed that during capacitation the guinea pig heterodimeric membrane protein ADAM1/ADAM2 (fertilin) transforms from a stationary state to one of rapid diffusion within the lipid bilayer. The cause for this biophysical change, however, was unknown. In this study we examined whether an increase in cAMP, such as occurs during capacitation, could trigger this change. We incubated guinea pig cauda sperm with the membrane-permeable cAMP analog dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP) and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor papaverine and first tested for indications of capacitation. We observed hypermotility and acrosome-reaction competence. We then used fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching (FRAP) to measure the lateral mobility of ADAM1/ADAM2 after the db-cAMP treatment. We observed that db-cAMP caused roughly a 12-fold increase in lateral mobility of ADAM1/ADAM2, yielding diffusion similar to that observed for sperm capacitated in vitro. When we repeated the FRAP on testicular sperm incubated in db-cAMP, we found only a modest increase in lateral mobility of ADAM1/ADAM2, which underwent little redistribution. Interestingly, testicular sperm also cannot be induced to undergo capacitation. Together, the data suggest that the release of ADAM1/ADAM2 from its diffusion constraints results from a cAMP-induced signaling pathway that, like others of capacitation, is established during epididymal sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary R Hunnicutt
- population council, center for biomedical research, rockefeller university, new york, ny 10065, USA.
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Venditti JJ, Bean BS. Stabilization of membrane-associated alpha-L-fucosidase by the human sperm equatorial segment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 32:556-62. [PMID: 18522672 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00897.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Previous reports from this laboratory documented the existence of two novel isoforms of alpha-L-fucosidase in human semen and showed that membrane-associated alpha-L-fucosidase is cryptically held within the acrosomal compartment and enriched within the sperm equatorial segment. The occurrence of these novel isoforms is provocative. Sperm proteins potentially involved in sperm-egg interactions must maintain their functional integrity as they travel through the female reproductive tract. The goal of this project was to investigate the stability of membrane-associated alpha-L-fucosidase in human sperm. Whole seminal plasma and Percoll purified sperm cell populations were incubated for 72 h at 37 degrees C, with 5% CO(2) or ambient air. At various times during prolonged incubation, sperm cells were permeabilized with 0.1% Triton X-100 and enzyme assays using the fluorogenic substrate 4-MU-fuc were performed to evaluate the stability of both the seminal plasma and membrane-associated alpha-L-fucosidase. Here, we report seminal plasma alpha-L-fucosidase activity rapidly decreased within 24 h. Conversely, alpha-L-fucosidase activity from Percoll purified sperm cell populations persisted up to 72 h. Data from these experiments support the notions that (i) membrane-associated alpha-L-fucosidase is stable for extended periods of time, consistent with a possible role in sperm-egg interaction and (ii) membrane domains and compartmentalization within the human sperm are key to preserving protein integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Venditti
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA.
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