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Garriga F, Maside C, Padilla L, Recuero S, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Yeste M. Heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70) is involved in the maintenance of pig sperm function throughout liquid storage at 17 °C. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13383. [PMID: 38862610 PMCID: PMC11166661 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, liquid storage is the most efficient method for pig semen preservation. This approach relies upon reducing sperm metabolism, allowing for the maintenance of cell lifespan. In this context, the study of proteins that could protect sperm during liquid storage is of high relevance. The 70 kDa Heat Shock Protein (HSP70) is an anti-apoptotic protein that has been reported to be relevant to sperm survival. Thus, we explored the role of HSP70 during prolonged storage of pig semen at 17 °C. Six semen pools were incubated with YM-1 (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 μM), an HSP70 inhibitor, and stored at 17 °C for 21 days. On days 0, 4, 10, 14 and 21, sperm quality and function were evaluated through flow cytometry and Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA), and HSP70 activity and chromatin condensation were also determined. While inhibition of HSP70 increased progressive motility, Ca2+ and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial activity during the first 10 days of storage, it had a detrimental effect on sperm motility after 14 and 21 days. In spite of this, sperm viability was not altered. We can conclude that HSP70 contributes to the liquid storage of pig semen because it keeps mitochondrial activity low, which is needed for the maintenance of sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Garriga
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Carolina Maside
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Lorena Padilla
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Joan E Rodríguez-Gil
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain.
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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Ali N, Amelkina O, Santymire RM, Koepfli KP, Comizzoli P, Vazquez JM. Semen proteome and transcriptome of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) show association with the environment and fertility outcome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7063. [PMID: 38528039 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57096-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The ex situ population of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) has been experiencing declines in reproductive success over the past 30 years of human-managed care. A potential cause may be environmental-dependent inbreeding depression with diet being one of the contributing factors since ferrets are not fed their natural diet of prairie dogs. Here, we generated and analyzed semen proteome and transcriptome data from both wild and ex situ ferrets maintained on various diets. We identified 1757 proteins across all samples, with 149 proteins unique to the semen of wild ferrets and forming a ribosomal predicted protein-protein interaction cluster. Wild ferrets also differed from ex situ ferrets in their transcriptomic profile, showing enrichment in ribosomal RNA processing and potassium ion transport. Successful fertility outcomes documented for ex situ ferrets showed the strongest association with the semen transcriptome, with enrichment in genes involved in translation initiation and focal adhesion. Fertility also synergized with the effect of diet on differentially expressed transcriptomes, mainly affecting genes enriched in mitochondrial function. Our data and functional networks are important for understanding the causes and mechanisms of declining fertility in the ex situ ferret population and can be used as a resource for future conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadya Ali
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Olga Amelkina
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington D.C., USA.
| | | | - Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington D.C., USA.
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, George Mason University, Front Royal, VA, USA.
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Juan M Vazquez
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA.
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Prochowska S, Napierkowska S, Czech B, Niżański W. Feline sperm head morphometry in relation to male pedigree and fertility. Theriogenology 2023; 208:119-125. [PMID: 37311263 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.006] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis is an advanced tool which allows to precise measure sperm head parameters like length, width, area, and perimeter. On the basis of these and calculated parameters, morphometric subpopulations of spermatozoa can be distinguished. In many species, the distribution of subpopulation within the ejaculate is related to male fertility. There is no information about such a relation for domestic cats; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether spermatozoa from non-pedigree and purebred domestic cats differ in morphometric parameters. The second aim was to check if there is a relationship between sperm morphometry and fertility. Urethral semen was collected from 27 tomcats, divided into three study groups: non-pedigree cats of unknown fertility, purebred infertile cats and purebred fertile cats. The morphometric assessment was performed by CASMA, followed by principal component analysis and clustering. The results revealed huge intra- and inter-individual variation in sperm head morphometric parameters and three sperm-head morphometric subpopulations were identified in feline semen. Neither mean values of morphometric parameters nor the distribution of spermatozoa between morphometric subpopulations differ between non-pedigree cats of unknown fertility and purebred infertile and fertile cats. We hypothesize that other factors, especially abnormalities of the midpiece and tail, and overall worse quality of the semen of infertile males could have masked the effect of subtle changes in the sperm head morphometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Prochowska
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Skarlet Napierkowska
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bartosz Czech
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Department of Genetics, Biostatistics Group, ul. Kożuchowska 7, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland
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4
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Graziano M, Palit S, Yethiraj A, Immler S, Gage MJG, Purchase CF. Frequency-dependent viscosity of salmon ovarian fluid has biophysical implications for sperm-egg interactions. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb244712. [PMID: 36511132 PMCID: PMC10086386 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gamete-level sexual selection of externally fertilising species is usually achieved by modifying sperm behaviour with mechanisms that alter the chemical environment in which gametes perform. In fish, this can be accomplished through the ovarian fluid, a substance released with the eggs at spawning. While the biochemical effects of ovarian fluid in relation to sperm energetics have been investigated, the influence of the physical environment in which sperm compete remains poorly explored. Our objective was therefore to gain insights on the physical structure of this fluid and potential impacts on reproduction. Using soft-matter physics approaches of steady-state and oscillatory viscosity measurements, we subjected wild Atlantic salmon ovarian fluids to variable shear stresses and frequencies resembling those exerted by sperm swimming through the fluid near eggs. We show that this fluid, which in its relaxed state is a gel-like substance, displays a non-Newtonian viscoelastic and shear-thinning profile, where the viscosity decreases with increasing shear rates. We concurrently find that this fluid obeys the Cox-Merz rule below 7.6 Hz and infringes it above this level, thus indicating a shear-thickening phase where viscosity increases provided it is probed gently enough. This suggests the presence of a unique frequency-dependent structural network with relevant implications for sperm energetics and fertilisation dynamics. This article has an associated ECR Spotlight interview with Marco Graziano.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Graziano
- Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Swomitra Palit
- Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Soft Matter Lab, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X7, Canada
| | - Anand Yethiraj
- Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Soft Matter Lab, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X7, Canada
| | - Simone Immler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J. G. Gage
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
- Deceased
| | - Craig F. Purchase
- Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9, Canada
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What is the importance of sperm subpopulations? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106844. [PMID: 34538510 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The study of sperm subpopulations spans three decades. The origin, meaning, and practical significance, however, are less clear. Current technology for assessing sperm morphology (CASA-Morph) and motility (CASA-Mot) has enabled the accurate evaluation of these features, and there are many options for data classification. Subpopulations could occur as a result of the stage of development of each spermatozoon in the subpopulation. Spermatogenesis might contribute to the production of these subpopulations. Insights from evolutionary biology and recent molecular research are indicative of the diversity among male gametes that could occur from unequal sharing of transcripts and other elements through cytoplasmic bridges between spermatids. Sperm cohorts exiting the gonads would contain different RNA and protein contents, affecting the spermatozoon physiology and associations with the surrounding environmental milieu. Subsequently, these differences could affect how spermatozoa interact with the environmental milieu (maturation, mixing with seminal plasma, and interacting with the environmental milieu, or female genital tract and female gamete). The emergence of sperm subpopulations as an outcome of evolution, related to the reproductive strategies of the species, genital tract structures, and copulatory and fertilization processes. This kind of approach in determining the importance of sperm subpopulations in fertilization capacity should have a practical impact for conducting reproductive technologies, inspiring and enabling new ways for the more efficient use of spermatozoa in the medical, animal breeding, and conservation fields. This manuscript is a contribution to the Special Issue in memory of Dr. Duane Garner.
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Kanno C, Sun-Sik K, Sakamoto KQ, Yanagawa Y, Katagiri S, Nagano M. Relationship between frame rates and subpopulation structure of bovine sperm divided by their motility analyzed by a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13796. [PMID: 36502272 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The authors investigated the relationship between frame rates and subpopulation structure of bovine sperm divided by their motility analyzed by a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Kinematic parameters of bovine sperm incubated in Brackett & Oliphant medium with and without calcium ionophore for 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min were evaluated by a CASA at 150 frames per second (fps) and analyzed structure of sperm motility subpopulation by cluster analysis. Then, we converted CASA data at 150 fps to 75, 50, and 30 fps and evaluated the structures of sperm motility subpopulation at different fps in each sperm by a discriminant analysis. As the results, the structure of sperm motility subpopulation was affected by frame rate. Sperm were divided into six clusters at 150, 75, and 50 fps; on the other hand, there were five clusters at 30 fps. Straight-line velocity was similar at all frame rates. However, as the frame rate became higher, curvilinear velocity and beat cross frequency of sperm head increased significantly, whereas lateral sperm head displacement decreased significantly. In conclusion, higher frame rate at 150 fps is recommended to capture the trajectory of sperm accurately by CASA in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Kanno
- Laboratory of Clinical Veterinary Medicine for Large Animal, Division of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Kang Sun-Sik
- Hanwoo Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science of Korea, Pyeongchang, Korea
| | - Kentaro Q Sakamoto
- Department of Marine Bioscience, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
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Yeste M, Recuero S, Maside C, Salas-Huetos A, Bonet S, Pinart E. Blocking NHE Channels Reduces the Ability of In Vitro Capacitated Mammalian Sperm to Respond to Progesterone Stimulus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312646. [PMID: 34884450 PMCID: PMC8657634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Few data exist about the presence and physiological role of Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) in the plasma membrane of mammalian sperm. In addition, the involvement of these channels in the ability of sperm to undergo capacitation and acrosomal reaction has not been investigated in any mammalian species. In the present study, we addressed whether these channels are implicated in these two sperm events using the pig as a model. We also confirmed the presence of NHE1 channels in the plasma membrane of ejaculated sperm by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. The function of NHE channels during in vitro capacitation was analyzed by incubating sperm samples in capacitating medium for 300 min in the absence or presence of a specific blocker (DMA; 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride) at different concentrations (1, 5, and 10 µM); acrosome exocytosis was triggered by adding progesterone after 240 min of incubation. Sperm motility and kinematics, integrity of plasma and acrosome membranes, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated after 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 250, 270, and 300 min of incubation. NHE1 localized in the connecting and terminal pieces of the flagellum and in the equatorial region of the sperm head and was found to have a molecular weight of 75 kDa. During the first 240 min of incubation, i.e., before the addition of progesterone, blocked and control samples did not differ significantly in any of the parameters analyzed. However, from 250 min of incubation, samples treated with DMA showed significant alterations in total motility and the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), acrosomal integrity, membrane lipid disorder, and MMP. In conclusion, while NHE channels are not involved in the sperm ability to undergo capacitation, they could be essential for triggering acrosome exocytosis and hypermotility after progesterone stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (S.R.); (C.M.); (A.S.-H.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (S.R.); (C.M.); (A.S.-H.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Carolina Maside
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (S.R.); (C.M.); (A.S.-H.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (S.R.); (C.M.); (A.S.-H.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (ciBeRobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (S.R.); (C.M.); (A.S.-H.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (S.R.); (C.M.); (A.S.-H.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-972-419-514
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Relationship between Fertility Traits and Kinematics in Clusters of Boar Ejaculates. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10070595. [PMID: 34203288 PMCID: PMC8301001 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Swine reproduction efficiency is determined by the fertility potential of the sow and sperm quality. The objective of this study is to compare boar sperm motility and kinematic features to evaluate their relationships with reproductive success after artificial insemination (AI). In this study, the movement patterns of boar ejaculates were analyzed by a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA)-Mot system, and the kinematic values of ejaculate clusters were assessed. The semen of the Pietrain boars showed more linear trajectory of the spermatozoa, while curvilinear velocity and oscillatory movement characterized the semen of the Duroc × Pietrain boars. The offspring of sows inseminated with Pietrain boars showed significantly lower number of stillbirths. In addition, ejaculate grouping into clusters did not have a predictive capacity on litter size variables. Nevertheless, the kinematic variables of the ejaculate may have a predictive, albeit reduced, capacity regarding litter size variables. The results of this study therefore open up possibilities for future assessments of fertility. Abstract The aim was to determine the relationship between kinematic parameters of boar spermatozoa and fertility rates of sow, as well as to assess the effect of sperm clusters on the fertility capacity of the ejaculate. Semen samples were collected from 11 sexually mature boars. Samples were analyzed by an ISAS®v1 CASA-Mot system for eight kinematic parameters. Ejaculate clusters were characterized using multivariate procedures, such as principal factors (PFs) analysis and clustering methods (the k-means model). Four different ejaculate clusters were identified from two kinematic PFs which involved linear trajectory and velocity. There were differences (p < 0.05) between the sperm kinematic variables by sire line. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between dam lines and ejaculate clusters in fertility variables. The discriminant ability of the different kinematics of sperm variables to predict litter size fertility was analyzed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and beat-cross frequency (BCF) showed significant, albeit limited, predictive capacity for litter size fertility variables (range: 0.55–0.58 area under curve, AUC). The kinematic analysis of the ejaculates in clusters did not have a predictive capacity for litter size variables.
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Terán E, Azcona F, Ramón M, Molina A, Dorado J, Hidalgo M, Ross P, Goszczynski D, Demyda-Peyrás S. Sperm morphometry is affected by increased inbreeding in the Retinta cattle breed: A molecular approach. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:416-426. [PMID: 34009693 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The effect of inbreeding depression on sperm motility is well documented, but its influence on sperm morphometry has been scarcely examined to date. Here, we combined the use of computer-assisted sperm morphometry analysis (CASMA) with a SNP-based genomic approach to determine and characterize the effect of inbreeding on the sperm shape of a highly inbred cattle population. We determined seven morphometric parameters on frozen-thawed sperm samples of 57 Retinta bulls: length (L, µm), width (W, µm), area (A, µm2 ), perimeter (P, µm), ellipticity (ELI; L/W), elongation (L-W)/(L + W) and perimeter-to-area shape factor (p2a; P2 /4 × π × A). The comparison of highly inbred (HI) and lowly inbreed (LI) individuals based on runs of homozygosity (ROH) inbreeding values (F ROH ) showed no differences between groups. An additional two-step unsupervised sperm subpopulation analysis based on morphometric parameters showed significant differences in the abundance of different sperm subpopulations between groups (p < 0.05). This analysis revealed that HI bulls harbored a higher percentage of narrow-head sperm as opposed to the higher percentage of large- and round-headed sperm detected in LI. A further genomic characterization revealed 23 regions differentially affected by inbreeding in both groups, detecting six genes (SPAG6, ARMC3, PARK7, VAMP3, DYNLRB2, and PHF7) previously related to different spermatogenesis-associated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Terán
- IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria, UNLP - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Universidad Nacional de la Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Universidad Nacional de la Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Azcona
- IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria, UNLP - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Universidad Nacional de la Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Manuel Ramón
- CERSYRA-Centro Regional de Selección y Reproducción Animal de Castilla-La Mancha, Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), Valdepeñas, España
| | - Antonio Molina
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España
| | - Jesús Dorado
- Grupo de Reproducción Veterinaria, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Grupo de Reproducción Veterinaria, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España
| | - Pablo Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Daniel Goszczynski
- Department of Animal Science, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sebastián Demyda-Peyrás
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNLP - CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Universidad Nacional de la Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Valverde A, Castro-Morales O, Madrigal-Valverde M, Camacho M, Barquero V, Soler C, Roldan ERS. Sperm kinematic subpopulations of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248270. [PMID: 33690716 PMCID: PMC7942986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been very limited use of computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) to evaluate reptile sperm. The aim of this study was to examine sperm kinematic variables in American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) semen samples and to assess whether sperm subpopulations could be characterized. Eight ejaculates (two ejaculates/male) from four sexually mature captive crocodiles were obtained. An ISAS®v1 CASA-Mot system, with an image acquisition rate of 50 Hz, and ISAS®D4C20 counting chambers were used for sperm analyses. The percentages of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa did not differ among animals (P > 0.05) but there was a significant animal effect with regards to kinematic variables (P < 0.05). Principal component (PC) analysis revealed that kinematic variables grouped into three components: PC1, related to velocity; PC2 to progressiveness and PC3 to oscillation. Subpopulation structure analysis identified four groups (P < 0.05), which represented, on average, 9.8%, 32.1%, 26.8%, and 31.3% of the total sperm population. Males differed in the proportion of sperm in each of the kinematic subpopulations. This new approach for the analysis of reptile sperm kinematic subpopulations, reflecting quantifiable parameters generated by CASA system technology, opens up possibilities for future assessments of crocodile sperm and will be useful in the future development of assisted reproduction for these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Valverde
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, Cartago, Alajuela, Costa Rica
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | | | | | - Marlen Camacho
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, Cartago, Alajuela, Costa Rica
| | - Vinicio Barquero
- Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, Cartago, Alajuela, Costa Rica
| | - Carles Soler
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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11
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Sun YH, Wang A, Song C, Shankar G, Srivastava RK, Au KF, Li XZ. Single-molecule long-read sequencing reveals a conserved intact long RNA profile in sperm. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1361. [PMID: 33649327 PMCID: PMC7921563 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21524-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm contributes diverse RNAs to the zygote. While sperm small RNAs have been shown to impact offspring phenotypes, our knowledge of the sperm transcriptome, especially the composition of long RNAs, has been limited by the lack of sensitive, high-throughput experimental techniques that can distinguish intact RNAs from fragmented RNAs, known to abound in sperm. Here, we integrate single-molecule long-read sequencing with short-read sequencing to detect sperm intact RNAs (spiRNAs). We identify 3440 spiRNA species in mice and 4100 in humans. The spiRNA profile consists of both mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, is evolutionarily conserved between mice and humans, and displays an enrichment in mRNAs encoding for ribosome. In sum, we characterize the landscape of intact long RNAs in sperm, paving the way for future studies on their biogenesis and functions. Our experimental and bioinformatics approaches can be applied to other tissues and organisms to detect intact transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu H Sun
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Anqi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Chi Song
- College of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Goutham Shankar
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Rajesh K Srivastava
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kin Fai Au
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Xin Zhiguo Li
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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12
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Kamiya J, Kang W, Yoshida K, Takagi R, Kanai S, Hanai M, Nakamura A, Yamada M, Miyamoto Y, Miyado M, Kuroki Y, Hayashi Y, Umezawa A, Kawano N, Miyado K. Suppression of Non-Random Fertilization by MHC Class I Antigens. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8731. [PMID: 33227981 PMCID: PMC7699254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hermaphroditic invertebrates and plants have a self-recognition system on the cell surface of sperm and eggs, which prevents their self-fusion and enhances non-self-fusion, thereby contributing to genetic variation. However, the system of sperm-egg recognition in mammals is under debate. To address this issue, we explored the role of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I, also known as histocompatibility 2-Kb or H2-Kb and H2-Db in mice) antigens by analyzing H2-Kb-/-H2-Db-/-β2-microglobulin (β2M)-/- triple-knockout (T-KO) male mice with full fertility. T-KO sperm exhibited an increased sperm number in the perivitelline space of wild-type (WT) eggs in vitro. Moreover, T-KO sperm showed multiple fusion with zona pellucida (ZP)-free WT eggs, implying that the ability of polyspermy block for sperm from T-KO males was weakened in WT eggs. When T-KO male mice were intercrossed with WT female mice, the percentage of females in progeny increased. We speculate that WT eggs prefer fusion with T-KO sperm, more specifically X-chromosome-bearing sperm (X sperm), suggesting the presence of preferential (non-random) fertilization in mammals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Kamiya
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Woojin Kang
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (Y.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Keiichi Yoshida
- Next-Generation Precision Medicine Research Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, Osaka 541-8567, Japan;
| | - Ryota Takagi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Seiya Kanai
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Maito Hanai
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Akihiro Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (M.Y.)
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (A.N.); (M.Y.)
| | - Yoshitaka Miyamoto
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (Y.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Mami Miyado
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
| | - Yoko Kuroki
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
| | - Yoshiki Hayashi
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan;
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (Y.M.); (A.U.)
| | - Natsuko Kawano
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan; (J.K.); (R.T.); (S.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (Y.M.); (A.U.)
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13
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Engel KM, Dzyuba V, Dzyuba B, Schiller J. Different glycolipids in sperm from different freshwater fishes - A high-performance thin-layer chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry study. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2020; 34:e8875. [PMID: 32621632 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Glycolipids play important roles in many physiological processes - despite their commonly low abundance. This study summarizes selected data on the (glyco)lipid composition of sperm from different fish species. METHODS Lipid extraction of fish sperm was performed according to the procedure by Bligh and Dyer. The lipid composition of the organic extracts was analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) and electrospray ionization ion trap (ESI-IT)MS coupled to high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). RESULTS It was shown that sperm from carp, northern pike, rainbow trout and burbot contain high amounts of neutral and acidic glycosphingolipids as well as sulfoglycolipids. These particular lipids are presumably involved in reproduction requirements. CONCLUSIONS Phospholipids and glycolipids in crude lipid extracts can be analyzed in parallel by MS coupled to TLC. The direct application of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) helps to elucidate the glycolipid structure. Thus, compositional analysis can be performed very rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin M Engel
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, Leipzig, 04107, Germany
| | - Viktoriya Dzyuba
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia, South Bohemian Research Centre for Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Borys Dzyuba
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia, South Bohemian Research Centre for Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Jürgen Schiller
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Härtelstr. 16-18, Leipzig, 04107, Germany
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14
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Ramón M, Martínez-Pastor F. Implementation of novel statistical procedures and other advanced approaches to improve analysis of CASA data. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:860-866. [PMID: 29681257 DOI: 10.1071/rd17479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) produces a wealth of data that is frequently ignored. The use of multiparametric statistical methods can help explore these datasets, unveiling the subpopulation structure of sperm samples. In this review we analyse the significance of the internal heterogeneity of sperm samples and its relevance. We also provide a brief description of the statistical tools used for extracting sperm subpopulations from the datasets, namely unsupervised clustering (with non-hierarchical, hierarchical and two-step methods) and the most advanced supervised methods, based on machine learning. The former method has allowed exploration of subpopulation patterns in many species, whereas the latter offering further possibilities, especially considering functional studies and the practical use of subpopulation analysis. We also consider novel approaches, such as the use of geometric morphometrics or imaging flow cytometry. Finally, although the data provided by CASA systems provides valuable information on sperm samples by applying clustering analyses, there are several caveats. Protocols for capturing and analysing motility or morphometry should be standardised and adapted to each experiment, and the algorithms should be open in order to allow comparison of results between laboratories. Moreover, we must be aware of new technology that could change the paradigm for studying sperm motility and morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ramón
- CERSYRA-IRIAF, Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Valdepeñas, Spain
| | - F Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL and Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
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15
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Amaral S, Da Costa R, Wübbeling F, Redmann K, Schlatt S. Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis of different sperm regions: a species comparison. Mol Hum Reprod 2019. [PMID: 29528451 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is Raman micro-spectroscopy a valid approach to assess the biochemical hallmarks of sperm regions (head, midpiece and tail) in four different species? SUMMARY ANSWER Non-invasive Raman micro-spectroscopy provides spectral patterns enabling the biochemical characterization of the three sperm regions in the four species, revealing however high similarities for each region among species. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Raman micro-spectroscopy has been described as an innovative method to assess sperm features having the potential to be used as a non-invasive selection tool. However, except for nuclear DNA, the identification and assignment of spectral bands in Raman-profiles to the different sperm regions is scarce and controversial. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION Raman spectra from head, midpiece and tail of four different species were obtained. Sperm samples were collected and smeared on microscope slides. Air dried samples were subjected to Raman analysis using previously standardized procedures. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sperm samples from (i) two donors attending the infertility clinic at the Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology; (ii) two C57BL/6 -TgN (ACTbEGFP) 1Osb adult mice; (iii) two adult Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and (iv) two sea urchins (Arbacia punctulata) were used to characterize and compare their spectral profiles. Differences and similarities were confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several novel region-specific peaks were identified. The three regions could be differentiated by distinctive Raman patterns irrespective of the species. However, regardless of the specie, their main spectral pattern remains mostly unchanged. These results were corroborated by the PCA analysis and suggest that the basic constituents of spermatozoa are biochemically similar among species. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Further research should be performed in live sperm to validate the detected spectral bands and their use as markers of distinctive regions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Raman peaks that have never been described in the sperm cell were detected. Particularly important are those that are unique to the midpiece as they might be a reference to the identification of sperm mitochondria, whose function is highly correlated with that of sperm. In the future, Raman micro-spectroscopy has the potential to be applied in assessment of male fertility. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by BMBF project 'Sperm Ident' (FKZ:13N13024) and the DAAD-CRUP bilateral exchange program (AI A06/16-57213087). S.A. is a recipient of a fellowship from the Portuguese foundation for science and technology (FCT-SFRH/BPD/110160/2015) and R.DC. is a recipient of a DAAD PhD stipend (91590556). There is no competing interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Amaral
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Biology of Reproduction and Stem Cell Group, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine, Pólo I, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão, Pólo II, Rua Dom Francisco Lemos, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - R Da Costa
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - F Wübbeling
- Institute for Applied Math: Analysis and Numerics Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Münster, Einsteinstraße 62, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - K Redmann
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - S Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Domagkstrasse 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
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16
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Ålund M, Persson Schmiterlöw S, McFarlane SE, Qvarnström A. Optimal sperm length for high siring success depends on forehead patch size in collared flycatchers. Behav Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Ålund
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Siri Persson Schmiterlöw
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S Eryn McFarlane
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Qvarnström
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen, Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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McSwiggin HM, O'Doherty AM. Epigenetic reprogramming during spermatogenesis and male factor infertility. Reproduction 2018; 156:R9-R21. [PMID: 29717022 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is an often devastating diagnosis encountered by around one in six couples who are trying to conceive. Moving away from the long-held belief that infertility is primarily a female issue, it is now recognised that half, if not more, of these cases may be due to male factors. Recent evidence has suggested that epigenetic abnormalities in chromatin dynamics, DNA methylation or sperm-borne RNAs may contribute to male infertility. In light of advances in deep sequencing technologies, researchers have been able to increase the coverage and depth of sequencing results, which in turn has allowed more comprehensive analyses of spermatozoa chromatin dynamics and methylomes and enabled the discovery of new subsets of sperm RNAs. This review examines the most current literature related to epigenetic processes in the male germline and the associations of aberrant modifications with fertility and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M McSwiggin
- Department of Physiology and Cell BiologyUniversity of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, North Virginia, USA
| | - A M O'Doherty
- Animal Genomics LaboratoryUCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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18
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Pérez-Cerezales S, Laguna-Barraza R, de Castro AC, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Cano-Oliva E, de Castro-Pita FJ, Montoro-Buils L, Pericuesta E, Fernández-González R, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Sperm selection by thermotaxis improves ICSI outcome in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2902. [PMID: 29440764 PMCID: PMC5811574 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21335-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ejaculate is a heterogeneous pool of spermatozoa containing only a small physiologically adequate subpopulation for fertilization. As there is no method to isolate this subpopulation, its specific characteristics are unknown. This is one of the main reasons why we lack effective tools to identify male infertility and for the low efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies. The aim of this study was to improve ICSI outcome by sperm selection through thermotaxis. Here we show that a specific subpopulation of mouse and human spermatozoa can be selected in vitro by thermotaxis and that this subpopulation is the one that enters the fallopian tube in mice. Further, we confirm that these selected spermatozoa in mice and humans show a much higher DNA integrity and lower chromatin compaction than unselected sperm, and in mice, they give rise to more and better embryos through intracytoplasmic sperm injection, doubling the number of successful pregnancies. Collectively, our results indicate that a high quality sperm subpopulation is selected in vitro by thermotaxis and that this subpopulation is also selected in vivo within the fallopian tube possibly by thermotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Esther Cano-Oliva
- Unit of Reproduction, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | | | - Luis Montoro-Buils
- Unit of Reproduction, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Ayala ME, Gonzáles A, Olivarez RM, Aragón-Martínez A. Fluoxetine treatment of prepubertal male rats uniformly diminishes sex hormone levels and, in a subpopulation of animals, negatively affects sperm quality. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1329-1341. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoxetine (Flx) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that alters the male reproductive system when administered at the adult stage or after maternal exposure. In the present study we evaluated the effects of Flx administration on reproductive parameters during juvenile–peripubertal development when treated male rats reached adulthood. Groups of rats were treated daily with Flx (5 mg kg−1, i.p.) or saline (0.9% NaCl), or were left untreated. Rats were treated between 30 and 53 days of age and were killed at 65 days of age. Serotonin concentrations were determined in the hypothalamus, hypophysis and testis. Gonadotrophins, sex steroids and sperm quality (membrane integrity, sperm with functional mitochondria, sperm density, sperm motility and morphological abnormalities) were also evaluated. Flx did not affect bodyweight, but significantly diminished LH, FSH, progesterone and testosterone serum concentrations. After graphical analysis, a subgroup of rats was identified whose sperm quality parameters were greatly affected by Flx. In the present study we show that Flx administered to juvenile rats disrupts the hypothalamic–hypophyseal–testicular axis and its effects on sperm quality are not homogeneous in adults. In contrast, Flx altered concentrations of gonadotrophins and sexual steroids in all treated rats. These results suggest caution should be exercised in the prescription of Flx to prepubertal males.
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20
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Pérez-Cerezales S, Ramos-Ibeas P, Acuña OS, Avilés M, Coy P, Rizos D, Gutiérrez-Adán A. The oviduct: from sperm selection to the epigenetic landscape of the embryo†. Biol Reprod 2017; 98:262-276. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Serafín Pérez-Cerezales
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Omar Salvador Acuña
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca Murcia, Spain
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia-Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Mashiko D, Ikawa M, Fujimoto K. Mouse spermatozoa with higher fertilization rates have thinner nuclei. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3913. [PMID: 29038763 PMCID: PMC5641427 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although spermatozoa with normal morphology are assumed to have uniform fertilization ability, recent data show that even normal spermatozoa have considerable variation in their head shape which is associated with differences in fertilization ability. Appropriate quantitative indicators for good sperm morphology, however, remain unidentified. Methods Therefore, in an effort to identify such an indicator, we compared the nuclear contour of normal mouse spermatozoa by quantitative multivariate analysis using elliptic Fourier descriptors combined with principal component analysis. The spermatozoa were obtained from different strains and collection sites which have been shown to be associated with different fertilization abilities. Results We found that the head was 5.7% thinner in spermatozoa from the B6D2F1 (BDF1) strain, known to have a higher fertilization rate, than in those from the C57BL/6N (B6N) strain, which has a lower fertilization rate. Moreover, zona-penetrated spermatozoa in the perivitelline space consistently had 5.4% thinner heads than those isolated from the epididymis before ejaculation. The aspect ratio, which represents the sperm head thinness, uniquely distinguished these sperm populations, confirming its validity as a morphological indicator. Discussion Because aspect ratio has also been shown to characterize human spermatozoa, this unique morphometric indicator might be applicable to compare normal spermatozoa among multiple patients, which will greatly facilitate and enhance current reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Mashiko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Fujimoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
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22
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Maroto-Morales A, García-Álvarez O, Ramón M, Martínez-Pastor F, Fernández-Santos MR, Soler AJ, Garde JJ. Current status and potential of morphometric sperm analysis. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:863-870. [PMID: 27678465 PMCID: PMC5109877 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.187581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is the most diverse cell type known and this diversity is considered to reflect differences in sperm function. How the diversity in sperm morphology arose during speciation and what role the different specializations play in sperm function, however, remain incompletely characterized. This work reviews the hypotheses proposed to explain sperm morphological evolution, with a focus on some aspects of sperm morphometric evaluation; the ability of morphometrics to predict sperm cryoresistance and male fertility is also discussed. For this, the evaluation of patterns of change of sperm head morphometry throughout a process, instead of the study of the morphometric characteristics of the sperm head at different stages, allows a better identification of the males with different sperm cryoconservation ability. These new approaches, together with more studies employing a greater number of individuals, are needed to obtain novel results concerning the role of sperm morphometry on sperm function. Future studies should aim at understanding the causes of sperm design diversity and the mechanisms that generate them, giving increased attention to other sperm structures besides the sperm head. The implementation of scientific and technological advances could benefit the simultaneous examination of sperm phenotype and sperm function, demonstrating that sperm morphometry could be a useful tool for sperm assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga García-Álvarez
- SaBio IREC (CSIC - UCLM - JCCM), Albacete, Spain.,Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Manuel Ramón
- Regional Center of Animal Selection and Reproduction (CERSYRA) JCCM, Valdepeñas, Spain
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute for Animal Health and Cattle Development, University of León, León, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
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23
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Soler C, Cooper TG. Foreword to Sperm morphometrics today and tomorrow special issue in Asian Journal of Andrology. Asian J Androl 2017; 18:815-818. [PMID: 27633908 PMCID: PMC5109868 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.187582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in his investigations, Leeuwenhoek (1670s)1 deduced that spermatozoa were alive and an integral part of semen, rather than artifacts or parasites. He eventually observed spermatozoa in the semen of men, dogs, horses, birds, fishes, amphibians, molluscs, and many insects, and concluded that they must be a universal feature of male reproduction. The huge differences in sperm form among species have been discussed in relation to evolutionary changes dictated by the egg and its investments.2 Spallanzani (1800s)1 was the first scientist to develop successful methods for artificial insemination, first with amphibians and later with dogs. With these experiments, he showed that physical contact between intact spermatozoa and ova was necessary to achieve the fertilization. Some years later (1820s), Prévost and Dumas1 performed the defining experiment to identify correctly the function of spermatozoa in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Soler
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, València, Spain.,Department of R+D, Proiser R+D, Science Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, València, Spain
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Soler C, Alambiaga A, Martí MA, García-Molina A, Valverde A, Contell J, Campos M. Dog sperm head morphometry: its diversity and evolution. Asian J Androl 2017; 19:149-153. [PMID: 27751991 PMCID: PMC5312210 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.189207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs have been under strong artificial selection as a consequence of their relationship with man. Differences between breeds are evident that could be reflected in seminal characteristics. The present study was to evaluate differences in sperm head morphometry between seven well-defined breeds of dog: the British Bulldog, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, Staffordshire Terrier, and Valencian Rat Hunting dog. Semen samples were obtained by masturbation and smears stained with Diff-Quik. Morphometric analysis (CASA-Morph) produced four size and four shape parameters. Length, Ellipticity, and Elongation showed higher differences between breeds. MANOVA revealed differences among all breeds. Considering the whole dataset, principal component analysis (PCA) showed that PC1 was related to head shape and PC2 to size. Procluster analysis showed the British Bulldog to be the most isolated breed, followed by the German Shepherd. The PCA breed by breed showed the Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, Spanish Mastiff, and Staffordshire Terrier to have PC1 related to shape and PC2 to size, whereas the British Bulldog, Valencia Rat Hunting dog, and German Shepherd had PC1 related to size and PC2 to shape. The dendrogram for cluster groupings and the distance between them showed the British Bulldog to be separated from the rest of the breeds. Future work on dog semen must take into account the large differences in the breeds’ sperm characteristics. The results provide a base for future work on phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of dogs, based on their seminal characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Soler
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.,R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Ana Alambiaga
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Maria A Martí
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Almudena García-Molina
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Anthony Valverde
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, University of València, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.,Technological Institute of Costa Rica, San Carlos Campus, School of Agronomy, 223-21001 Alajuela, Costa Rica
| | - Jesús Contell
- R+D Department, Proiser R+D, Scientific Park, University of València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Marcos Campos
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, University Cardenal-Herrera-CEU, 46113 Moncada, València, Spain.,Global Veterinaria (Reprovalcan), 46500 Sagunto, València, Spain.,Clínica Veterinaria Sangüeso, 46009 València, Spain
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Cramer ERA, Ålund M, McFarlane SE, Johnsen A, Qvarnström A. Females discriminate against heterospecific sperm in a natural hybrid zone. Evolution 2016; 70:1844-55. [DOI: 10.1111/evo.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. A. Cramer
- Natural History Museum; University of Oslo; 0318 Oslo Norway
- Current Address: Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center; PO Box 37012 MRC5503, Washington, District of Columbia 20008, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology Ithaca New York 14850
| | - Murielle Ålund
- Department of Ecology and Genetics; Animal Ecology, Uppsala University; Uppsala 75236 Sweden
| | - S. Eryn McFarlane
- Department of Ecology and Genetics; Animal Ecology, Uppsala University; Uppsala 75236 Sweden
| | - Arild Johnsen
- Natural History Museum; University of Oslo; 0318 Oslo Norway
| | - Anna Qvarnström
- Department of Ecology and Genetics; Animal Ecology, Uppsala University; Uppsala 75236 Sweden
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Lectin binding of human sperm associates with DEFB126 mutation and serves as a potential biomarker for subfertility. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20249. [PMID: 26832966 PMCID: PMC4735291 DOI: 10.1038/srep20249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coating on the sperm surface, glycocalyx, plays a key role in sperm motility, maturation and fertilization. A comprehensive profile of sperm surface glycans will greatly facilitate both basic researches and clinical studies. Because of the capability of recognizing different glycan moieties, lectins are widely used in glycobiology. However, lacking high-throughput technology, limited lectins have been reported for analyzing the glycan of human sperm. In this study, we employed a lectin microarray for profiling the surface glycans of human sperm, on which 54 out of 91 lectins showed positive binding. Based on this technique, we compared lectin binding profiling of sperm with homozygous DEFB126 mutation (del/del) with that of wild type (wt/wt). DEFB126 was reported to contribute to the sialylation on sperm surface and its homozygous mutation was related to male subfertility. Six lectins (Jacalin/AIA, GHA, ACL, MPL, VVL and ABA) were found to develop lower binding affinity to sperm with del/del. Further validation showed that these lectins, especially ABA and MPL, can be potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of subfertility due to the mutation of DEFB126. Our research provides insight into the detection of some unexplained male subfertility, and the lectin microarray is generally applicable for infertility/subfertility sperm biomarker discovery.
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Sperm head phenotype and male fertility in ram semen. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1536-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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