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Zhao H, Zhao S, Wang S, Liu Y. Human β-defensins: The multi-functional natural peptide. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116451. [PMID: 39059771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116451] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The increasing threat of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic microorganisms and the urgent demand for new antibiotics require immediate attention. Antimicrobial peptides exhibit effectiveness against microorganisms, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. The discovery of human β-defensins represents a major milestone in biomedical research, opening new avenues for scientific investigation into the innate immune system and its resistance mechanisms against pathogenic microorganisms. Multiple defensins present a promising alternative in the context of antibiotic abuse. However, obstacles to the practical application of defensins as anti-infective therapies persist due to the unique properties of human β-defensins themselves and serious pharmacological and technical challenges. To overcome these challenges, diverse delivery vehicles have been developed and progressively improved for the conjugation or encapsulation of human β-defensins. This review briefly introduces the biology of human β-defensins, focusing on their multistage structure and diverse functions. It also discusses several heterologous systems for producing human β-defensins, various delivery systems created for these peptides, and patent applications related to their utilization, concluding with a summary of current challenges and potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haile Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock Jointly Constructed by Ministry and Province, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Shuli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock Jointly Constructed by Ministry and Province, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Simeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock Jointly Constructed by Ministry and Province, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock Jointly Constructed by Ministry and Province, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, China.
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2
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Firouzabadi AM, Rezvani ME, Zare F, Azizian H, Fesahat F. Possible Impact of Human β-defensin 1 on sperm motility in infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100887. [PMID: 38688100 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Human β-defensins and interleukins may be auxiliary in sperm maturation. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the expression of Human β-defensins 1 and 2, interleukins (ILs)- 10 and -18 genes in sperm, as well as seminal plasma levels of these two cytokines in subfertile men with different types of sperm abnormalities compared to those with normozoospermic men. Participants were separated into two experimental groups: the control group (n = 25) and the group with sperm abnormalities (SA) (n = 45). SA participants were further subdivided into the following groups with n = 15 individuals each: Teratozoospermia (T), Asthenoteratozoospermia (AT), and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) groups. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the mRNA levels of hBDs 1 and 2, IL-10, and IL-18 in sperm. The seminal plasma concentrations of IL-10 and IL-18 were measured by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The mRNA expression of hBD-1 and IL-10 showed a significant decrease in the OAT compared to the controls (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.02, respectively). The lowest seminal plasma concentration of IL-10 belonged to the OAT (P = 0.04). ROC curve analysis showed a sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff value of 82.35%, 86.67%, and 0.63 for hBD-1 levels, respectively. A positive and significant correlation was found between hBD-1 expression and sperm motility and IL-10 expression rate and normal sperm morphology.Therefore, hBD-1 could be considered as the alternative biomaterial to pre-treatments of infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters, specifically OAT men, which led to improving the assisted reproduction success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Masoud Firouzabadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Ebrahim Rezvani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Yazd Neuroendocrine Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fateme Zare
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizian
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Yazd Neuroendocrine Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Zhang G, Sun Y, Guan M, Liu M, Sun S. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomic investigation reveals the spatiotemporal specificity of the beta-defensin gene family during mouse sperm maturation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:267. [PMID: 38745232 PMCID: PMC11092205 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01637-3] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Low sperm motility is a significant contributor to male infertility. beta-defensins have been implicated in host defence and the acquisition of sperm motility; however, the regulatory mechanisms governing their gene expression patterns and functions remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA and spatial transcriptome sequencing to investigate the cellular composition of testicular and epididymal tissues and examined their gene expression characteristics. In the epididymis, we found that epididymal epithelial cells display a region specificity of gene expression in different epididymal segments, including the beta-defensin family genes. In particular, Defb15, Defb18, Defb20, Defb25 and Defb48 are specific to the caput; Defb22, Defb23 and Defb26 to the corpus; Defb2 and Defb9 to the cauda of the epididymis. To confirm this, we performed mRNA fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) targeting certain exon region of beta-defensin genes, and found some of their expression matched the sequencing results and displayed a close connection with epididimosome marker gene Cd63. In addition, we paid attention to the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in the testis, along with fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in the epididymis, by demonstrating their gene expression profile and spatial information. Our study provides a single-cell and spatial landscape for analysing the gene expression characteristics of testicular and epididymal environments and has important implications for the study of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuanchao Sun
- Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Minkai Guan
- Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Shiduo Sun
- Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Liu MM, Fan CQ, Zhang GL. A Single-Cell Landscape of Spermioteleosis in Mice and Pigs. Cells 2024; 13:563. [PMID: 38607002 PMCID: PMC11011153 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070563] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Spermatozoa acquired motility and matured in epididymis after production in the testis. However, there is still limited understanding of the specific characteristics of sperm development across different species. In this study, we employed a comprehensive approach to analyze cell compositions in both testicular and epididymal tissues, providing valuable insights into the changes occurring during meiosis and spermiogenesis in mouse and pig models. Additionally, we identified distinct gene expression signatures associated with various spermatogenic cell types. (2) Methods: To investigate the differences in spermatogenesis between mice and pigs, we constructed a single-cell RNA dataset. (3) Results: Our findings revealed notable differences in testicular cell clusters between these two species. Furthermore, distinct gene expression patterns were observed among epithelial cells from different regions of the epididymis. Interestingly, regional gene expression patterns were also identified within principal cell clusters of the mouse epididymis. Moreover, through analysing differentially expressed genes related to the epididymis in both mouse and pig models, we successfully identified potential marker genes associated with sperm development and maturation for each species studied. (4) Conclusions: This research presented a comprehensive single-cell landscape analysis of both testicular and epididymal tissues, shedding light on the intricate processes involved in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, specifically within mouse and pig models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guo-Liang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China; (M.-M.L.); (C.-Q.F.)
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5
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Dai P, Chen C, Yu J, Ma C, Zhang X. New insights into sperm physiology regulation: Enlightenment from G-protein-coupled receptors. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38225815 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-protein-coupled receptors are critical in many physiological and pathological processes in various organs. Serving as the control panel for sensing extracellular stimuli, G-protein-coupled receptors recognise various ligands, including light, temperature, odours, pheromones, hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, etc. Most recently, G-protein-coupled receptors residing in spermatozoa have been found to be indispensable for sperm function. OBJECTIVE Here, we have summarised cutting-edge findings on the functional mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptors that are known to be associated with sperm functions and the activation of their downstream effectors, providing new insights into the roles of G-protein-coupled receptors in sperm physiology. RESULTS Emerging studies hint that alterations in G-protein-coupled receptors could affect sperm function, implicating their role in fertility, but solid evidence needs to be continuing excavated with various means. Several members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, including olfactory receptors, opsins, orphan G-protein-coupled receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 4, CC chemokine receptor 5 and CC chemokine receptor 6 as well as their downstream effector β-arrestins, etc., were suggested to be essential for sperm motility, capacitation, thermotaxis, chemotaxis, Ca2+ influx through CatSper channel and fertilisation capacity. CONCLUSION The present review provides a comprehensive overview of studies describing G-protein-coupled receptors and their potential action in sperm function. We also present a critical discussion of these issues, and a possible framework for future investigations on the diverse ligands, biological functions and cell signalling of G-protein-coupled receptors in spermatozoa. Here, the G-protein-coupled receptors and their related G proteins that specifically were identified in spermatozoa were summarised, and provided references valuable for further illumination, despite the evidence that is not overwhelming in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Dai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Jingyan Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chaoye Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
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Chen Y, Xu D, Ma Y, Chen P, Hu J, Chen D, Yu W, Han X. Sertoli cell-derived extracellular vesicles traverse the blood-testis barrier and deliver miR-24-3p inhibitor into germ cells improving sperm mobility. J Control Release 2023; 362:58-69. [PMID: 37595666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia, characterized by poor sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility. Improving energy metabolism and alleviating oxidative stress through drug regimens are potential therapeutic strategies. In this study, we observed upregulated miR-24-3p levels in asthenozoospermia spermatozoa, contributing to energy metabolism disorder and oxidative stress by reducing GSK3β expression. Thus, reducing miR-24-3p levels using drugs is expected to improve sperm motility. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) protects the testis from xenobiotics and drugs. In this study, we found that Sertoli cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (SC-sEV) can traverse the BTB and enter germ cells. We successfully loaded miR-24-3p inhibitor into SC-sEV, creating the nano-drug SC-sEV@miR-24-3p inhibitor, which effectively delivers miR-24-3p inhibitor into germ cells. In a gossypol-induced mouse asthenozoospermia model, administration of SC-sEV@miR-24-3p inhibitor significantly improved sperm motility, in vitro fertilization success, and blastocyst formation rates. As anticipated, it also improved the litter size of asthenozoospermia mice. These results suggest that SC-sEV@miR-24-3p inhibitor holds promise as a potential clinical treatment for asthenospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabing Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dihui Xu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhan Ma
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peilin Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianhang Hu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Deyan Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Wen Yu
- Department of Andrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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7
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Ke S, Luo T. The Chemosensing Role of CatSper in Mammalian Sperm: An Updated Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:6995-7010. [PMID: 37754226 PMCID: PMC10528052 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
After sperm enter the female reproductive tract, the physicochemical and biochemical microenvironment undergoes significant changes. In particular, the large changes in various ions encountered by sperm may alter the physiology of sperm, ultimately compromising capacitation and fertilization. Thus, the rapid response to environmental variations is vital for sperm functions. For example, Calcium, the most crucial ion for sperm functions, enters into sperm via Ca2+ permeable ion channels. The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) is a sperm-specific, pH-sensitive, and Ca2+-permeable ion channel. It is responsible for the predominant Ca2+ entry in mammalian sperm and is involved in nearly every event of sperm to acquire fertilizing capability. In addition, CatSper also serves as a pivotal polymodal chemosensor in mammalian sperm by responding to multiple chemical cues. Physiological chemicals (such as progesterone, prostaglandins, β-defensins, and odorants) provoke Ca2+ entry into sperm by activating CatSper and thus triggering sperm functions. Additionally, synthetic and natural chemicals (such as medicines, endocrine disrupting chemicals, drugs of abuse, and antioxidants) affect sperm functions by regulating CatSper-dependent Ca2+ signaling. Therefore, understanding the interactions between CatSper and extracellular ligands sheds light on the mechanisms underlying male infertility and offers innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches. This underscores the importance of CatSper as a crucial regulatory target in male reproduction, linking sperm function with the extracellular environment. In conclusion, this review comprehensively summarizes the relevant studies describing the environmental factors that affect CatSper in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulun Ke
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China;
- Queen Mary School, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China;
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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8
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Fu J, Zong X, Jin M, Min J, Wang F, Wang Y. Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:300. [PMID: 37574471 PMCID: PMC10423725 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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9
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Fesahat F, Firouzabadi AM, Zare-Zardini H, Imani M. Roles of Different β-Defensins in the Human Reproductive System: A Review Study. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231182673. [PMID: 37381627 PMCID: PMC10334010 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231182673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Human β-defensins (hBDs) are cationic peptides with an amphipathic spatial shape and a high cysteine content. The members of this peptide family have been found in the human body with various functions, including the human reproductive system. Of among β-defensins in the human body, β-defensin 1, β-defensin 2, and β-defensin 126 are known in the human reproductive system. Human β-defensin 1 interacts with chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) in the male reproductive system to prevent bacterial infections. This peptide has a positive function in antitumor immunity by recruiting dendritic cells and memory T cells in prostate cancer. It is necessary for fertilization via facilitating capacitation and acrosome reaction in the female reproductive system. Human β-defensin 2 is another peptide with antibacterial action which can minimize infection in different parts of the female reproductive system such as the vagina by interacting with CCR6. Human β-defensin 2 could play a role in preventing cervical cancer via interactions with dendritic cells. Human β-defensin 126 is required for sperm motility and protecting the sperm against immune system factors. This study attempted to review the updated knowledge about the roles of β-defensin 1, β-defensin 2, and β-defensin 126 in both the male and female reproductive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research
Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Amir Masoud Firouzabadi
- Reproductive Immunology Research
Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hadi Zare-Zardini
- Hematology and Oncology Research
Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Maryam Imani
- Reproductive Immunology Research
Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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10
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Zhang J, Kanoatov M, Jarvi K, Gauthier-Fisher A, Moskovtsev SI, Librach C, Drabovich AP. Germ cell-specific proteins AKAP4 and ASPX facilitate identification of rare spermatozoa in non-obstructive azoospermia. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100556. [PMID: 37087050 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100556] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), the most severe form of male infertility, could be treated with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, providing spermatozoa were retrieved with the microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). We hypothesized that testis- and germ cell-specific proteins would facilitate flow cytometry-assisted identification of rare spermatozoa in semen cell pellets of NOA patients, thus enabling non-invasive diagnostics prior to mTESE. Data mining, targeted proteomics, and immunofluorescent microscopy identified and verified a panel of highly testis-specific proteins expressed at the continuum of germ cell differentiation. Late germ cell-specific proteins AKAP4_HUMAN and ASPX_HUMAN (ACRV1 gene) revealed exclusive localization in spermatozoa tails and acrosomes, respectively. A multiplex imaging flow cytometry assay facilitated fast and unambiguous identification of rare but morphologically intact AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ spermatozoa within debris-laden semen pellets of NOA patients. While the previously suggested markers for spermatozoa retrieval suffered from low diagnostic specificity, the multi-step gating strategy and visualization of AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ cells with elongated tails and acrosome-capped nuclei facilitated fast and unambiguous identification of the mature intact spermatozoa. AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ assay may emerge as a non-invasive test to predict retrieval of morphologically intact spermatozoa by mTESE, thus improving diagnostics and treatment of severe forms of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirzo Kanoatov
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sergey I Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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A New Gene SCY3 Homologous to Scygonadin Showing Antibacterial Activity and a Potential Role in the Sperm Acrosome Reaction of Scylla paramamosain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065689. [PMID: 36982761 PMCID: PMC10053787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the study, a new gene homologous to the known antimicrobial peptide Scygonadin was identified in mud crab Scylla paramamosain and named SCY3. The full-length sequences of cDNA and genomic DNA were determined. Similar to Scygonadin, SCY3 was dominantly expressed in the ejaculatory ducts of male crab and the spermatheca of post-mating females at mating. The mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated after stimulation by Vibrio alginolyticus, but not by Staphylococcus aureus. The recombinant protein rSCY3 had a killing effect on Micrococcus luteus and could improve the survival rate of mud crabs infected with V. alginolyticus. Further analysis showed that rSCY3 interacted with rSCY1 or rSCY2 using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR, a technology for detecting interactions between biomolecules using biosensor chips) and Mammalian Two-Hybrid (M2H, a way of detecting interactions between proteins in vivo). Moreover, the rSCY3 could significantly improve the sperm acrosome reaction (AR) of S. paramamosain and the results demonstrated that the binding of rSCY3, rSCY4, and rSCY5 to progesterone was a potential factor affecting the sperm AR by SCYs on. This study lays the foundation for further investigation on the molecular mechanism of SCYs involved in both immunity and physiological effects of S. paramamosain.
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12
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Zhao H, Yu Y, Mei C, Zhang T, Kang Y, Li N, Huang D. Effect of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) on Spermatozoa Maturation in Adult Rat Epididymis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:1681-1692. [PMID: 36826053 PMCID: PMC9955803 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45020108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is highly expressed in male reproductive tissues, such as the epididymis. The aim of this study is to explore the role of CNP in the maturation of rat epididymal spermatozoa. First, the expression levels of CNP and its specific natriuretic peptide receptor-B (NPR-B) were detected in various tissues of rats and epididymis at different stages after birth. Then a castrated rat model was established to analyze the relationship between testosterone and CNP/NPR-B expression in the epididymis. Finally, CNP and different inhibitors (NPR-B inhibitors, cGMP inhibitors) were used to incubate epididymal sperm in vitro to examine sperm mobility and expression of sperm maturation-related factors. The results showed CNP/NPR-B mRNAs were expressed in all tissues of rats, but were extremely highly expressed in male genital ducts (seminal vesicle, prostate and epididymis). The expression of CNP/NPR-B in epididymis was the highest at birth and the fifth week after birth. In the epididymis, CNP/NPR-B were highly expressed in the caput and located in the epididymal epithelial cells. After castration, the expression of CNP/NPR-B decreased sharply and was restored quickly after testosterone supplementation. In vitro, CNP could significantly promote the acquisition of epididymal sperm motility through the NPR-B/cGMP pathway and induce the expression of sperm maturation-related factors (such as Bin1b, Catsper 1, Dnah17, Fertilin). This study shows that CNP plays a role in epididymal sperm maturation. The mechanism of CNP is to promote the acquisition of epididymal sperm fluidity through the NPR-B/cGMP signaling pathway and also to regulate sperm maturation-related genes. Moreover, the expression of CNP/NPR-B was regulated by testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (C.M.); (T.Z.); (Y.K.); (N.L.)
- Department of Human Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yuejin Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (C.M.); (T.Z.); (Y.K.); (N.L.)
| | - Chunlei Mei
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (C.M.); (T.Z.); (Y.K.); (N.L.)
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (C.M.); (T.Z.); (Y.K.); (N.L.)
| | - Yafei Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (C.M.); (T.Z.); (Y.K.); (N.L.)
| | - Na Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (C.M.); (T.Z.); (Y.K.); (N.L.)
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (C.M.); (T.Z.); (Y.K.); (N.L.)
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen 518063, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-188-7226-2607
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13
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Liu Y, Liu Y, Chen G, Wang H. Epigenetic programming of TBX2/CX43 mediates lower sperm quality in male offspring induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure. Toxicol Sci 2023; 192:kfad016. [PMID: 36790081 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Decreased sperm quality is the main cause of male infertility. Studies have found that prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) decreases sperm quality in male offspring after birth, but the mechanism is unclear. Wistar pregnant rats were subcutaneously injected with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg.d dexamethasone at gestational day 9-20. The testes and sperm of first-generation (F1) offspring were collected, and F1 offspring were mated with wild-type female rats to obtain F2. Compared with the control group, F1 offspring in PDE group had lower sperm count and motility after birth, and the deformity rate increased. F2 fetal rats' body length and weight decreased, and the intrauterine growth retardation rate increased. Meanwhile, PDE decreased the expression of connexin 43 (CX43) in offspring testes, while T-box transcription factor 2 (TBX2) promoter region histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) level and its expression were increased. Traced back to F1 fetus testes, PDE increased the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and P300, activated GR protein into the nucleus, and made GR act on the TBX2 promoter region. Further, a series of Sertoli cell interventions confirmed that dexamethasone promoted GR to recruit P300, increased the H3K9ac level of TBX2 promoter region and its expression, and inhibited the expression of CX43. This study confirmed that PDE decreased sperm quality of male offspring, which is related to the epigenetic programming of TBX2/CX43 in the Sertoli cells, provided a theoretical and experimental basis for guiding the rational use of drugs during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan, 430071, China
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14
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Coatti GC, Paranjapye A, Harris A. Dual SMAD inhibition enhances the longevity of human epididymis epithelial cells. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 391:409-417. [PMID: 36454271 PMCID: PMC9713186 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Primary human epididymis epithelial (HEE) cells are valuable reagents for functional studies on the human epididymis. We used them previously to determine the transcriptional networks that establish cell identity along the length of the epididymis from caput, corpus, and cauda. These studies on HEE cells and organoids derived from them revealed important cellular properties. However, similar to other primary cells, HEE cells undergo replicative senescence and de-differentiation in culture. A cocktail of small molecules was shown elsewhere to extend longevity of epithelial basal cells. The components included transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists, WNT agonist, and Rho-associated and coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (ROCKi), which together prevented the senescence-related upregulation of TGF-β signaling pathway members. Here, we treat HEE cells with the same cocktail and observed enhanced replicative potential and prolonged expression of markers of HEE differentiation. This treatment expands the differentiated HEE cell population available from individual epididymis tissue samples that can be used for molecular, cellular, and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana C Coatti
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Alekh Paranjapye
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Ann Harris
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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Solanki S, Kumar V, Kashyap P, Kumar R, De S, Datta TK. Beta-defensins as marker for male fertility: a comprehensive review†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:52-71. [PMID: 36322147 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac197] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine male fertility in animals has a direct impact on the productivity of dairy herds. The epididymal sperm maturations involve extensive sperm surface modifications to gain the fertilizing ability, especially by absorptions of the plethora of biomolecules, including glycoprotein beta-defensins (BDs), enzymes, organic ions, protein, and phospholipids. Defensins are broad-range nonspecific antimicrobial peptides that exhibit strong relations with innate and adaptive immunity, but their roles in male fertility are relatively recently identified. In the course of evolution, BD genes give rise to different clusters with specific functions, especially reproductive functions, by undergoing duplications and nonsynonymous mutations. BD polymorphisms have been reported with milk compositions, disease resistance, and antimicrobial activities. However, in recent decades, the link of BD polymorphisms with fertility has emerged as an appealing improvement of reproductive performance such as sperm motility, membrane integrity, cervical mucus penetration, evading of uterus immunosurveillance, oviduct cell attachment, and egg recognition. The reproductive-specific glycosylated BD class-A BDs (CA-BDs) have shown age- and sex-specific expressions in male reproductive organs, signifying their physiological pleiotropism, especially in the sperm maturation and sperm transport in the female reproductive tract. By considering adult male reproductive organ-specific BD expressions, importance in sperm functionalities, and bioinformatic analysis, we have selected two bovine BBD126 and BBD129 genes as novel potential biomarkers of bovine male fertility. Despite the importance of BDs, however, genomic characterization of most BD genes across most livestock and nonmodel organisms remains predictive/incomplete. The current review discusses our understanding of BD pleiotropic functions, polymorphism, and genomic structural attributes concerning the fertilizability of the male gamete in dairy animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Solanki
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- NMR lab-II, National Institute of immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Poonam Kashyap
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Sachinandan De
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India.,ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, India
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β-Defensin 19/119 mediates sperm chemotaxis and is associated with idiopathic infertility. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100825. [PMID: 36513070 PMCID: PMC9797948 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chemotaxis is required for guiding sperm toward the egg. However, the molecular identity of physiological chemoattractant and its involvement in infertility remain elusive. Here, we identify DEFB19/119 (mouse/human orthologs) as a physiological sperm chemoattractant. The epithelia of the female reproductive tract and the cumulus-oocyte complex secrete DEFB19/119 that elicits calcium mobilization via the CatSper channel and induces sperm chemotaxis in capacitated sperm. Manipulating the level of DEFB19 in mice determines the number of sperm arriving at the fertilization site. Importantly, we identify exon mutations in the DEFB119 gene in idiopathic infertile women with low level of DEFB119 in the follicular fluid. The level of DEFB119 correlates with the chemotactic potency of follicular fluid and predicts the infertile outcome with positive correlation. This study reveals the pivotal role of DEFB19/119 in sperm chemotaxis and demonstrates its potential application in the diagnosis of idiopathic infertility.
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Jin J, Li X, Ye M, Qiao F, Chen H, Fok KL. Defb19 regulates the migration of germ cell and is involved in male fertility. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:188. [PMID: 36414976 PMCID: PMC9682749 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00924-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are small antimicrobial peptides that play essential roles in male fertility. Although several members of the β-defensin family are preferentially expressed in the testis, their involvement in spermatogenesis remains elusive. In this study, we have characterized the expression and function of Defb19 in mouse testis. Our results showed that Defb19 is expressed in both Sertoli cells and germ cells. Overexpression of Defb19 in the 15P-1 Sertoli cell line decreases the expression of cell junction molecules and promotes the matrix adhesion and migration of Sertoli cells. Recombinant DEFB19 and conditioned medium of Defb19-overexpressed 15P-1 cells promote the migration of GC2-spd spermatocyte cell line. Knockout of Defb19 in mouse by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in male subfertility with testicular and epididymal atrophy. A marked increase in apoptosis and a significant decrease in the sperm count were observed in the KO mice. Together, our study has uncovered an important role of Defb19 in male fertility by regulating the migration of both the Sertoli cells and the germ cells. Our study has shed new light on the functions of β-defensins in the testis.
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18
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Analysis of amplification and association polymorphisms in the bovine beta-defensin 129 (BBD129) gene revealed its function in bull fertility. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19042. [PMID: 36352091 PMCID: PMC9646896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are adsorbable on the sperm surface in the male reproductive tract (MRT) and enhance sperm functional characteristics. The beta-defensin 129 (DEFB129) antimicrobial peptide is involved in sperm maturation, motility, and fertilization. However, its role in bovine fertility has not been well investigated. This study examines the relationship between the bovine BBD129 gene and Bos indicus x Bos taurus bull fertility. The complete coding sequence of BBD129 mRNA was identified by RNA Ligase Mediated-Rapid Amplification of cDNA End (RLM-RACE) and Sanger sequencing methodologies. It consisted of 582 nucleotides (nts) including 5' untranslated region (UTR) (46nts) and 3'UTR (23nts). It conserves all beta-defensin-like features. The expression level of BBD129 was checked by RT-qPCR and maximal expression was detected in the corpus-epididymis region compared to other parts of MRT. Polymorphism in BBD129 was also confirmed by Sanger sequencing of 254 clones from 5 high fertile (HF) and 6 low fertile (LF) bulls at two positions, 169 T > G and 329A > G, which change the S57A and N110S in the protein sequence respectively. These two mutations give rise to four types of BBD129 haplotypes. The non-mutated TA-BBD129 (169 T/329A) haplotype was substantially more prevalent among high-fertile bulls (P < 0.005), while the double-site mutated GG-BBD129 (169 T > G/329A > G) haplotype was significantly more prevalent among low-fertile bulls (P < 0.005). The in silico analysis confirmed that the polymorphism in BBD129 results in changes in mRNA secondary structure, protein conformations, protein stability, extracellular-surface availability, post-translational modifications (O-glycosylation and phosphorylation), and affects antibacterial and immunomodulatory capabilities. In conclusion, the mRNA expression of BBD129 in the MRT indicates its region-specific dynamics in sperm maturation. BBD129 polymorphisms were identified as the deciding elements accountable for the changed proteins with impaired functionality, contributing to cross-bred bulls' poor fertility.
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19
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Zhai YJ, Feng Y, Ma X, Ma F. Defensins: defenders of human reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 29:126-154. [PMID: 36130055 PMCID: PMC9825273 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive tract infection is an important factor leading to male and female infertility. Among female infertility factors, microbial and viral infections are the main factors affecting female reproductive health and causing tubal infertility, ectopic tubal pregnancy and premature delivery. Among male infertility factors, 13-15% of male infertility is related to infection. Defensins are cationic antibacterial and antiviral peptides, classified into α-defensins, β-defensins and θ-defensins. Humans only have α-defensins and β-defensins. Apart from their direct antimicrobial functions, defensins have an immunomodulatory function and are involved in many physiological processes. Studies have shown that defensins are widely distributed in the female reproductive tract (FRT) and male reproductive tract (MRT), playing a dual role of host defence and fertility protection. However, to our knowledge, the distribution, regulation and function of defensins in the reproductive tract and their relation to reproduction have not been reviewed. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes the expression, distribution and regulation of defensins in the reproductive tracts to reveal the updated research on the dual role of defensins in host defence and the protection of fertility. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed using the related keywords through April 2022. Related data from original researches and reviews were integrated to comprehensively review the current findings and understanding of defensins in the human reproductive system. Meanwhile, female and male transcriptome data in the GEO database were screened to analyze defensins in the human reproductive tracts. OUTCOMES Two transcriptome databases from the GEO database (GSE7307 and GSE150852) combined with existing researches reveal the expression levels and role of the defensins in the reproductive tracts. In the FRT, a high expression level of α-defensin is found, and the expression levels of defensins in the vulva and vagina are higher than those in other organs. The expression of defensins in the endometrium varies with menstrual cycle stages and with microbial invasion. Defensins also participate in the local immune response to regulate the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. In the MRT, a high expression level of β-defensins is also found. It is mainly highly expressed in the epididymal caput and corpus, indicating that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation. The expression of defensins in the MRT varies with androgen levels, age and the status of microbial invasion. They protect the male reproductive system from bacterial infections by neutralizing lipopolysaccharide and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, animal and clinical studies have shown that defensins play an important role in sperm maturation, motility and fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS As a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide without drug resistance, defensin has great potential for developing new natural antimicrobial treatments for reproductive tract infections. However, increasing evidence has shown that defensins can not only inhibit microbial invasion but can also promote the invasion and adhesion of some microorganisms in certain biological environments, such as human immunodeficiency virus. Therefore, the safety of defensins as reproductive tract anti-infective drugs needs more in-depth research. In addition, the modulatory role of defensins in fertility requires more in-depth research since the current conclusions are based on small-size samples. At present, scientists have made many attempts at the clinical transformation of defensins. However, defensins have problems such as poor stability, low bioavailability and difficulties in their synthesis. Therefore, the production of safe, effective and low-cost drugs remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xue Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
| | - Fang Ma
- Correspondence address. Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7781-821X (F.M.); Department of Pediatric Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7650-6214 (X.M.)
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20
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Zeng F, Wang M, Li J, Li C, Pan X, Meng L, Li L, Wei H, Zhang S. Involvement of Porcine β-Defensin 129 in Sperm Capacitation and Rescue of Poor Sperm in Genital Tract Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169441. [PMID: 36012708 PMCID: PMC9409293 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, β-defensins have been reported to play pivotal roles in sperm protection and fertilization. However, the function and mechanism of porcine β-defensin 129 (pBD129) in the sperm remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that pBD129 is a glycosylated protein and broadly exists in accessory sex glands and coats the sperm surface. We inhibited the pBD129 protein on the sperm surface with an anti-pBD129 antibody and found that sperm motility was not significantly affected; however, sperm acrosome integrity and tyrosine phosphorylation levels increased significantly with time (p < 0.05) during capacitation. These changes were accompanied by an increase in sperm Ca2+ influx, resulting in a significantly reduced in vitro fertilization cleavage rate (p < 0.05). Further investigation revealed that treatment with recombinant pBD129 markedly restored the sperm motility in semen contaminated with Escherichia coli. The results suggest that pBD129 is not only associated with poor sperm motility after genital tract infection but can also protect the spermatozoa from premature capacitation, which may be beneficial for semen preservation.
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21
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Crucial Convolution: Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms of Coiling during Epididymis Formation and Development in Embryogenesis. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:jdb10020025. [PMID: 35735916 PMCID: PMC9225329 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As embryonic development proceeds, numerous organs need to coil, bend or fold in order to establish their final shape. Generally, this occurs so as to maximise the surface area for absorption or secretory functions (e.g., in the small and large intestines, kidney or epididymis); however, mechanisms of bending and shaping also occur in other structures, notably the midbrain–hindbrain boundary in some teleost fish models such as zebrafish. In this review, we will examine known genetic and molecular factors that operate to pattern complex, coiled structures, with a primary focus on the epididymis as an excellent model organ to examine coiling. We will also discuss genetic mechanisms involving coiling in the seminiferous tubules and intestine to establish the final form and function of these coiled structures in the mature organism.
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22
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Chen H, Shi X, Li X, Diao R, Ma Q, Jin J, Qiu Z, Li C, Yu MK, Wang C, Li X, Li F, Chan DYL, Zhao AZ, Cai Z, Sun F, Fok KL. CD147 deficiency is associated with impairedsperm motility/acrosome reaction and offersa therapeutic target for asthenozoospermia. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:1374-1386. [PMID: 34900396 PMCID: PMC8626663 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with asthenozoospermia often present multiple defects in sperm functions apart from a decrease in sperm motility. However, the etiological factors underlying these multifaceted defects remain mostly unexplored, which may lead to unnecessary treatment and unsatisfactory assisted reproductive technologies (ART) outcome. Here, we show that the protein levels of CD147 were lowered in sperm obtained from asthenozoospermic infertile patients exhibiting defects in both sperm motility and the acrosome reaction. Whereas CD147 maintained sperm motility before capacitation, female tract-derived soluble CD147 interacted with sperm-bound CD147 to induce an acrosome reaction in capacitated sperm. Soluble CD147 treatment restored the acrosome reaction and improved the fertility of sperm from patients with asthenozoospermia. Mechanistically, CD147 promotes sperm motility and acrosome reaction (AR) by eliciting Ca2+ influx through soluble CD147 binding to sperm-bound CD147. Notably, the level of soluble CD147 in seminal plasma was positively correlated with the fertilization rate and pregnancy outcome in infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization. Our study has identified a marker for the diagnosis and a therapeutic target for the defective AR capability in asthenozoospermia and a candidate for the prediction of in vitro fertilization outcomes for male infertile patients that facilitates the development of precision medicine in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Corresponding author: Hao Chen, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
| | - Xiao Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ruiying Diao
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhuolin Qiu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Cailing Li
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Mei Kuen Yu
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianxin Li
- Department of Clinical Medical Laboratory, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang International Hospital, Shenzhen 518054, China
| | - Fanghong Li
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Allan Zijian Zhao
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Sichuan University—The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Corresponding author: Kin Lam Fok, Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Li N, Kang H, Peng Z, Wang HF, Weng SQ, Zeng XH. Physiologically detectable bisphenol A impairs human sperm functions by reducing protein-tyrosine phosphorylation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 221:112418. [PMID: 34146982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used plastic monomer and plasticizer, is detectable in blood, urine and semen of a healthy people, with concentrations ranging from 0.1 nM to 10 nM. It has been shown that in vitro exposure of BPA as low as 0.001 nM could significantly inhibited mouse sperm motility and acrosome reaction. However, it is still unclear whether BPA at those physiologically detectable concentration affects human sperm. METHODS The effects of different concentrations of BPA (0, 10-3, 10-2, 10-1, 10, 103 nM) on sperm functions were examined, including human sperm viability, kinematic parameters, hyperactivation and capacitation. RESULTS BPA caused a remarkable decline in human sperm viability, motility and progressive motility, hyperactivation, capacitation and progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. Mechanism studies showed that BPA could suppress the protein tyrosine phosphorylation level of human sperm, but had no effect on sperm calcium signaling. CONCLUSIONS Physiologically detectable concentrations of BPA may impair human sperm functions via suppressing protein tyrosine phosphorylation of human sperm, implying that environmental pollution of BPA might be a factor contributing to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Yichun People's Hospital, Yichun, Jiangxi 336000, PR China; Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China; Laboratory Department, Affiliated Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Zhen Peng
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Yichun People's Hospital, Yichun, Jiangxi 336000, PR China; Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Hua-Feng Wang
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Shi-Qi Weng
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Xu-Hui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, PR China; Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China.
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Batra V, Bhushan V, Ali SA, Sarwalia P, Pal A, Karanwal S, Solanki S, Kumaresan A, Kumar R, Datta TK. Buffalo sperm surface proteome profiling reveals an intricate relationship between innate immunity and reproduction. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:480. [PMID: 34174811 PMCID: PMC8235841 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07640-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low conception rate (CR) despite insemination with morphologically normal spermatozoa is a common reproductive restraint that limits buffalo productivity. This accounts for a significant loss to the farmers and the dairy industry, especially in agriculture-based economies. The immune-related proteins on the sperm surface are known to regulate fertility by assisting the spermatozoa in their survival and performance in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Regardless of their importance, very few studies have specifically catalogued the buffalo sperm surface proteome. The study was designed to determine the identity of sperm surface proteins and to ascertain if the epididymal expressed beta-defensins (BDs), implicated in male fertility, are translated and applied onto buffalo sperm surface along with other immune-related proteins. Results The raw mass spectra data searched against an in-house generated proteome database from UniProt using Comet search engine identified more than 300 proteins on the ejaculated buffalo sperm surface which were bound either by non-covalent (ionic) interactions or by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. The singular enrichment analysis (SEA) revealed that most of these proteins were extracellular with varied binding activities and were involved in either immune or reproductive processes. Flow cytometry using six FITC-labelled lectins confirmed the prediction of glycosylation of these proteins. Several beta-defensins (BDs), the anti-microbial peptides including the BuBD-129 and 126 were also identified amongst other buffalo sperm surface proteins. The presence of these proteins was subsequently confirmed by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments. Conclusions The surface of the buffalo spermatozoa is heavily glycosylated because of the epididymal secreted (glyco) proteins like BDs and the GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs). The glycosylation pattern of buffalo sperm-surface, however, could be perturbed in the presence of elevated salt concentration or incubation with PI-PLC. The identification of numerous BDs on the sperm surface strengthens our hypothesis that the buffalo BDs (BuBDs) assist the spermatozoa either in their survival or in performance in the FRT. Our results suggest that BuBD-129 is a sperm-surface BD that could have a role in buffalo sperm function. Further studies elucidating its exact physiological function are required to better understand its role in the regulation of male fertility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07640-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vanya Bhushan
- Proteomics and Molecular Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Syed Azmal Ali
- Proteomics and Molecular Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Parul Sarwalia
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Ankit Pal
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Seema Karanwal
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Subhash Solanki
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Lab, SRS of National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India.
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Molecular Identification and Antibacterial Activity Analysis of Blue Fox ( Vulpes lagopus) β-Defensins 108 and 122. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071857. [PMID: 34206565 PMCID: PMC8300115 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The blue fox (Vulpes lagopus) is an important fur animal in China; its reproductive performance is directly related to the economic benefits of breeding. β-Defensins can protect the male reproductive system from bacterial invasion, maintain the stability of reproductive tract microenvironment and improve semen quality in mammals. Few studies have proposed to investigate the antibacterial effect of Vulpes lagopus beta-defensin (vBDs). In this study, we analyzed the antibacterial activity of recombinant vBD108 and vBD122 protein in vitro by an antibacterial activity analysis experiment. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the two vBDs have good antibacterial activity. The blue fox β-defensins may be used as an extender component of the semen diluent to protect semen from bacterial infection. Abstract The blue fox (Vulpes lagopus), a fur-bearing animal, is an important component of the breeding industry in China. Semen quality is a key factor for the reproductive process and the breeding effectiveness of the farmed blue fox. However, bacterial contamination in semen samples utilized in artificial fertilization is very common. The β-defensins, a class of important antimicrobial peptides in mammals, could protect the reproductive system of male animals from bacterial invasion, maintain the stability of the genital tract microenvironment and improve semen quality. In this study, molecular cloning and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to analyze the protein structure and function of blue fox β-defensin 108 (Vulpes lagopus beta-defensin 108, vBD108) and 122 (Vulpes lagopus beta-defensin 122, vBD122). To evaluate the bacteriostatic effect of recombinant vBDs (Vulpes lagopus beta-defensins) protein, varying concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 µg/mL) were taken to evaluate the effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at different times (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 h). The results showed that vBD108 and vBD122 existed in different forms in protein structure and had antibacterial activity. Both proteins, at 50 µg/mL, had efficacious bacteriostatic activity. This study shows that recombinant vBD108 and vBD122 proteins have good antibacterial activity in vitro. This implies a potential role in improving semen quality and hygienic measures in the process of artificial insemination as an extender of semen dilution with antibacterial activity.
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Aram R, Chan PTK, Cyr DG. Beta-defensin126 is correlated with sperm motility in fertile and infertile men†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:92-101. [PMID: 31504198 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial function of the epididymis is providing a surface glycocalyx that is important for sperm maturation and capacitation. Defensins are antimicrobial peptides expressed in the epididymis. In the macaque epididymis, defensin beta 126 (DEFB126) is important for sperm motility, however, it is not known whether this is the case in humans. The objectives were to determine: (1) if DEFB126 on human ejaculated sperm was correlated with sperm motility in fertile and infertile men, (2) that recombinant DEFB126 could induce immature sperm motility in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that the proportion of DEFB126-positive sperm was significantly higher in motile sperm. Furthermore, the proportion of DEFB126-labeled sperm was positively correlated with sperm motility and normal morphology. Additional studies indicated that the proportion of DEFB126-positive spermatozoa in fertile volunteers was significantly higher than in volunteers with varicocele, and in infertile volunteers with semen deficiencies. To determine the role of DEFB126 on sperm motility, the DEFB126 gene was cloned and used to generate recombinant DEFB126 in H9C2 cells (rat embryonic heart myoblast cells). Deletion mutations were created into two regions of the protein, which have been linked to male infertility. Immotile testicular spermatozoa were incubated with cells expressing the different forms of DEFB126. Full-length DEFB126 significantly increased motility of co-cultured spermatozoa. However, no increase in sperm motility was observed with the mutated forms of DEFB126. In conclusion, these results support the notion that DEFB126 is important in human sperm maturation and the potential use of DEFB126 for in vitro sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Aram
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter T K Chan
- Department of Urology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Shi J, Fok KL, Dai P, Qiao F, Zhang M, Liu H, Sang M, Ye M, Liu Y, Zhou Y, Wang C, Sun F, Xie G, Chen H. Spatio-temporal landscape of mouse epididymal cells and specific mitochondria-rich segments defined by large-scale single-cell RNA-seq. Cell Discov 2021; 7:34. [PMID: 34001862 PMCID: PMC8129088 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-021-00260-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability and forward motility during epididymal transit, suggesting the importance of the epididymis. Although the cell atlas of the epididymis was reported recently, the heterogeneity of the cells and the gene expression profile in the epididymal tube are still largely unknown. Considering single-cell RNA sequencing results, we thoroughly studied the cell composition, spatio-temporal differences in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in epididymal segments and mitochondria throughout the epididymis with sufficient cell numbers. In total, 40,623 cells were detected and further clustered into 8 identified cell populations. Focused analyses revealed the subpopulations of principal cells, basal cells, clear/narrow cells, and halo/T cells. Notably, two subtypes of principal cells, the Prc7 and Prc8 subpopulations were enriched as stereocilia-like cells according to GO analysis. Further analysis demonstrated the spatially specific pattern of the DEGs in each cell cluster. Unexpectedly, the abundance of mitochondria and mitochondrial transcription (MT) was found to be higher in the corpus and cauda epididymis than in the caput epididymis by scRNA-seq, immunostaining, and qPCR validation. In addition, the spatio-temporal profile of the DEGs from the P42 and P56 epididymis, including transiting spermatozoa, was depicted. Overall, our study presented the single-cell transcriptome atlas of the mouse epididymis and revealed the novel distribution pattern of mitochondria and key genes that may be linked to sperm functionalities in the first wave and subsequent wave of sperm, providing a roadmap to be emulated in efforts to achieve sperm maturation regulation in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwu Shi
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Pengyuan Dai
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Feng Qiao
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Mengya Zhang
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Huage Liu
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Mengmeng Sang
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Mei Ye
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Yang Liu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Chengniu Wang
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Fei Sun
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Gangcai Xie
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
| | - Hao Chen
- grid.260483.b0000 0000 9530 8833Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226019 China
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Wu P, Liu TL, Li LL, Liu ZP, Tian LH, Hou ZJ. Declined expressing mRNA of beta-defensin 108 from epididymis is associated with decreased sperm motility in blue fox (Vulpes lagopus). BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:12. [PMID: 33413374 PMCID: PMC7789387 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02697-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fecundity is important for farm blue fox (Vulpes lagopus), who with asthenospermia have be a problem in some of farms in China. A key symptom of asthenospermia is decreased sperm motility. The decreased secreting beta-defensin108 (vBD108) of blue fox is speculated be related to asthenospermia. To clarify this idea, the mRNA expression of vBD108 in testis and epididymis of blue foxes with asthenospermia were detected and compared to the healthy one. The antibody was prepared and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The vBD108 in testis and epididymis was found both in blue fox with asthenospermia and healthy group by the method of immunohistochemistry. The expression of vBD108 mRNA in testes (P < 0.05) and epididymal corpus (P < 0.0001) in asthenospermia group was lower than that in healthy group. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that vBD108 deficiency may related to blue fox asthenospermia. Meanwhile, the study on the blue fox vBD108 provides a hopeful direction to explore the pathogenesis of blue fox asthenospermia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Tao-lin Liu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Ling-ling Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhi-ping Liu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Li-hong Tian
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhi-jun Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
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Zhao H, Yu C, He C, Mei C, Liao A, Huang D. The Immune Characteristics of the Epididymis and the Immune Pathway of the Epididymitis Caused by Different Pathogens. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2115. [PMID: 33117332 PMCID: PMC7561410 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is an important male accessory sex organ where sperm motility and fertilization ability develop. When spermatozoa carrying foreign antigens enter the epididymis, the epididymis shows "immune privilege" to tolerate them. It is well-known that a tolerogenic environment exists in the caput epididymis, while pro-inflammatory circumstances prefer the cauda epididymis. This meticulously regulated immune environment not only protects spermatozoa from autoimmunity but also defends spermatozoa against pathogenic damage. Epididymitis is one of the common causes of male infertility. Up to 40% of patients suffer from permanent oligospermia or azoospermia. This is related to the immune characteristics of the epididymis itself. Moreover, epididymitis induced by different pathogenic microbial infections has different characteristics. This article elaborates on the distribution and immune response characteristics of epididymis immune cells, the role of epididymis epithelial cells (EECs), and the epididymis defense against different pathogenic infections (such as uropathogenic Escherichia coli, Chlamydia trachomatis, and viruses to provide therapeutic approaches for epididymitis and its subsequent fertility problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiqian Yu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyu He
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunlei Mei
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproduction Health Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wang T, Young S, Krenz H, Tüttelmann F, Röpke A, Krallmann C, Kliesch S, Zeng XH, Brenker C, Strünker T. The Ca 2+ channel CatSper is not activated by cAMP/PKA signaling but directly affected by chemicals used to probe the action of cAMP and PKA. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:13181-13193. [PMID: 32703901 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper (cation channel of sperm) controls the influx of Ca2+ into the flagellum and, thereby, the swimming behavior of sperm. A hallmark of human CatSper is its polymodal activation by membrane voltage, intracellular pH, and oviductal hormones. Whether CatSper is also activated by signaling pathways involving an increase of cAMP and ensuing activation of PKA is, however, a matter of controversy. To shed light on this question, we used kinetic ion-sensitive fluorometry, patch-clamp recordings, and optochemistry to study transmembrane Ca2+ flux and membrane currents in human sperm from healthy donors and from patients that lack functional CatSper channels. We found that human CatSper is neither activated by intracellular cAMP directly nor indirectly by the cAMP/PKA-signaling pathway. Instead, we show that nonphysiological concentrations of cAMP and membrane-permeable cAMP analogs used to mimic the action of intracellular cAMP activate human CatSper from the outside via a hitherto-unknown extracellular binding site. Finally, we demonstrate that the effects of common PKA inhibitors on human CatSper rest predominantly, if not exclusively, on off-target drug actions on CatSper itself rather than on inhibition of PKA. We conclude that the concept of an intracellular cAMP/PKA-activation of CatSper is primarily based on unspecific effects of chemical probes used to interfere with cAMP signaling. Altogether, our findings solve several controversial issues and reveal a novel ligand-binding site controlling the activity of CatSper, which has important bearings on future studies of cAMP and Ca2+ signaling in sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Samuel Young
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Henrike Krenz
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Albrecht Röpke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Krallmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Xu-Hui Zeng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Cattelan S, Vidotto M, Devigili A, Pilastro A, Grapputo A. Differential gene regulation in selected lines for high and low sperm production in male guppies. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:430-441. [PMID: 32100427 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In species where females mate with more than one male during the same reproductive event, males typically increase the number of sperm produced to boost their fertilization share. Sperm is not limitless, however, and theory predicts that their production will come at the cost of other fitness-related traits, such as body growth or immunocompetence, although these evolutionary trade-offs are notoriously difficult to highlight. To this end, we combined artificial selection for sperm production with a transcriptome analysis using Poecilia reticulata, a fish characterized by intense sperm competition in which the number of sperm transferred during mating is the most important predictor of fertilization success, yet sperm production is highly variable among males. We compared the brain and testes transcriptome in male guppies of lines artificially selected for high and low sperm production by identifying pivotal differentially expressed gene sets that may regulate spermatogenesis and immune function in this species. Despite the small differences in single genes' expression, gene set enrichment analysis showed coordinated gene expression differences associated with several pathways differentially regulated in the two selection lines. High sperm production males showed an upregulation of pathways related to immunosuppression and development of spermatozoa indicating a possible immunological cost of sperm production.
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Khayamabed R, Tavalaee M, Taherian SS, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Effect of recombinant β-defensin 1 protein on human sperm motility and viability. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13455. [PMID: 31656060 DOI: 10.1111/and.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The reduction of sperm motility and subsequently reduced ability to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction are considered as common causes of male infertility. The β-defensin family is a group of well-known secretory proteins with antimicrobial activity that contribute to the process of "sperm maturation" during the passage of spermatozoa in the epididymis when spermatozoa attain its motility. One member of this family is "β-defensin 1" which is present in seminal plasma and spermatozoa. The aim of this study was the incubation of human processed spermatozoa with recombinant β-defensin 1 (500 ng/ml) for 1, 2 and 3 hr at 37°C under 5% CO2 atmosphere and assessment of sperm viability and motility in 59 semen samples. The analysis of semen samples such as sperm concentration, motility, viability, morphology and semen volume was performed according to the World Health Organization (2010; World health organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen (p. 287). Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization) criteria. The result of the current study shows that the incubation of spermatozoa with recombinant β-defensin significantly maintained percentage of sperm viability and motility compared to processed spermatozoa incubate in the absence of β-defensin in the studied time intervals (p < .05). Therefore, we concluded that recombinant β-defensin 1 protein as an agent with antimicrobial activity can maintain sperm viability and motility in in vitro condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Khayamabed
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Samira-Sadat Taherian
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
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Pandey A, Yadav SK, Vishvkarma R, Singh B, Maikhuri JP, Rajender S, Gupta G. The dynamics of gene expression during and post meiosis sets the sperm agenda. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1921-1939. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Pandey
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | | | - Rahul Vishvkarma
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Bineta Singh
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | | | - Singh Rajender
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
| | - Gopal Gupta
- Division of EndocrinologyCSIR‐Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow India
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Male reproductive tract antimicrobial expression in the extremes of ages of rats. Gene 2019; 710:218-232. [PMID: 31158448 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the global gene expression profile are considered to contribute to the various physiological and pathological changes during the course of ageing. Genes that code for the molecular components of the innate system are alter markedly as ageing occurs; and this may define the susceptibility of very young and very old individuals to reproductive tract infections. The expression pattern of genes that code for beta-defensins (effectors of innate immune response) in male reproductive tract tissues of different stages of ageing is not yet reported. Further, the induction of beta-defensins during endotoxin challenge and whether epigenetic modulators can influence the expression of these genes in different stages of ageing are not reported. We analyzed the basal mRNA levels of beta-defensins and defensin-like proteins (Sperm Associated Antigen 11 (SPAG11) family members), their induction during endotoxin challenge and modulation by epigenetic modifiers (Trichostatin A and Azacytidine) in the caput, cauda, testis, prostate and seminal vesicle of rats that represent early stage to late stages of life (20 day to 730 day old). We observed differential basal gene expression pattern in the male reproductive tract tissues and the induction by LPS was not consistent neither among the age groups not the tissues analyzed. Trichostatin A and Azacytidine also influenced antimicrobial gene expression and the pattern was not consistent in different tissues obtained from different age groups. Results of this study demonstrate that antimicrobial gene expression varies to a great extent during ageing and is strongly influenced by endotoxins and epigenetic modulators.
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Lin Y, Liang A, He Y, Li Z, Li Z, Wang G, Sun F. Proteomic analysis of seminal extracellular vesicle proteins involved in asthenozoospermia by iTRAQ. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1094-1105. [PMID: 31215738 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lin
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai China
| | - Ajuan Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai China
| | - Yue He
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai China
| | - Zhengzheng Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai China
| | - Guishuan Wang
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive MedicineNantong UniversityNantong China
| | - Fei Sun
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai China
- Medical School, Institute of Reproductive MedicineNantong UniversityNantong China
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Genetic resistance to DEHP-induced transgenerational endocrine disruption. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0208371. [PMID: 31181066 PMCID: PMC6557477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) interferes with sex hormones signaling pathways (SHP). C57BL/6J mice prenatally exposed to 300 mg/kg/day DEHP develop a testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) at adulthood, but similarly-exposed FVB/N mice are not affected. Here we aim to understand the reasons behind this drastic difference that should depend on the genome of the strain. In both backgrounds, pregnant female mice received per os either DEHP or corn oil vehicle and the male filiations were examined. Computer-assisted sperm analysis showed a DEHP-induced decreased sperm count and velocities in C57BL/6J. Sperm RNA sequencing experiments resulted in the identification of the 62 most differentially expressed RNAs. These RNAs, mainly regulated by hormones, produced strain-specific transcriptional responses to prenatal exposure to DEHP; a pool of RNAs was increased in FVB, another pool of RNAs was decreased in C57BL/6J. In FVB/N, analysis of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) impacting SHP identified rs387782768 and rs29315913 respectively associated with absence of the Forkhead Box A3 (Foxa3) RNA and increased expression of estrogen receptor 1 variant 4 (NM_001302533) RNA. Analysis of the role of SNPs modifying SHP binding sites in function of strain-specific responses to DEHP revealed a DEHP-resistance allele in FVB/N containing an additional FOXA1-3 binding site at rs30973633 and four DEHP-induced beta-defensins (Defb42, Defb30, Defb47 and Defb48). A DEHP-susceptibility allele in C57BL/6J contained five SNPs (rs28279710, rs32977910, rs46648903, rs46677594 and rs48287999) affecting SHP and six genes (Svs2, Svs3b, Svs4, Svs3a, Svs6 and Svs5) epigenetically silenced by DEHP. Finally, targeted experiments confirmed increased methylation in the Svs3ab promoter with decreased SEMG2 persisting across generations, providing a molecular explanation for the transgenerational sperm velocity decrease found in C57BL/6J after DEHP exposure. We conclude that the existence of SNP-dependent mechanisms in FVB/N inbred mice may confer resistance to transgenerational endocrine disruption.
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Tang C, Ni M, Xie S, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Ni Z, Chu C, Wu L, Zhou Y, Zhang Y. DICER1 regulates antibacterial function of epididymis by modulating transcription of β-defensins. J Mol Cell Biol 2019; 11:408-420. [PMID: 30215742 PMCID: PMC7727269 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjy048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DICER1 is a key enzyme responsible for the maturation of microRNAs. Recent evidences suggested that DICER1 and microRNAs expressed in epididymis were involved in the control of male fertility. However, the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we created a mouse line by targeted disruption of Dicer1 gene in the principal cells of distal caput epididymis. Our data indicated that a set of β-defensin genes were downregulated by DICER1 rather than by microRNAs. Moreover, DICER1 was significantly enriched in the promoter of β-defensin gene and controlled transcription. Besides, the antibacterial ability of the adult epididymis significantly declined upon Dicer1 deletion both in vitro and in vivo. And a higher incidence of reproductive defect was observed in middle-aged Dicer1-/- males. These results suggest that DICER1 plays an important role in transcription of β-defensin genes, which are associated with the natural antibacterial properties in a microRNA-independent manner, and further impacts the male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Minjie Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengsong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaobao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zimei Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ligang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonglian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Human β-defensin 1 in follicular fluid and semen: impact on fertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:787-797. [PMID: 30712073 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01409-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides expressed at mucosal level of male and female genito-urinary tract, where they exert protective functions against infections, possibly preserving human health and fertility. In our study, we investigated the possible involvement of β-defensins in female and male infertility in Italian infertile couples (i) evaluating the presence of human β-defensin 1 (hBD-1) in follicular fluid (FF) and its correlation with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes; (ii) investigating the relationship between hBD-1 levels in semen and IVF outcomes (comprising correlation with sperm parameters); and (iii) exploring the effect of hBD-1 peptide on spermatozoa motility in vitro. METHODS A perspective observational analytic pilot study was conducted. hBD-1 concentration was measured with ELISA assay in FF and semen from 50 couples that underwent assisted procreation technique procedures due to infertility status. Moreover, hBD-1 exogenous peptide was administered to 29 normozoospermic semen and their motility was recorded. RESULTS hBD-1 was detected in FF and its levels were significantly higher in women with good fertilization rate (≥ 75%), respect to those with a poor fertilization rate (< 75%). The hBD-1 semen concentrations in oligo-asthenozoospermic subjects were significantly lower than that in normozoospermic men. Instead, hBD-1 level in sperm and FF not correlated with pregnancy rate. Finally, incubation of sperm with exogenous hBD-1 significantly increased progressive motility after 1 h and 24 h. CONCLUSIONS Being aware of the relatively small sample size and medium power, our results possibly suggest that hBD-1 could influence oocyte and sperm quality, and could improve, when exogenously added, sperm motility.
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Meade KG, O'Farrelly C. β-Defensins: Farming the Microbiome for Homeostasis and Health. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3072. [PMID: 30761155 PMCID: PMC6362941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse commensal populations are now regarded as key to physiological homeostasis and protection against disease. Although bacteria are the most abundant component of microbiomes, and the most intensively studied, the microbiome also consists of viral, fungal, archael, and protozoan communities, about which comparatively little is known. Host-defense peptides (HDPs), originally described as antimicrobial, now have renewed significance as curators of the pervasive microbial loads required to maintain homeostasis and manage microbiome diversity. Harnessing HDP biology to transition away from non-selective, antibiotic-mediated treatments for clearance of microbes is a new paradigm, particularly in veterinary medicine. One family of evolutionarily conserved HDPs, β-defensins which are produced in diverse combinations by epithelial and immune cell populations, are multifunctional cationic peptides which manage the cross-talk between host and microbes and maintain a healthy yet dynamic equilibrium across mucosal systems. They are therefore key gatekeepers to the oral, respiratory, reproductive and enteric tissues, preventing pathogen-associated inflammation and disease and maintaining physiological normality. Expansions in the number of genes encoding these natural antibiotics have been described in the genomes of some species, the functional significance of which has only recently being appreciated. β-defensin expression has been documented pre-birth and disruptions in their regulation may play a role in maladaptive neonatal immune programming, thereby contributing to subsequent disease susceptibility. Here we review recent evidence supporting a critical role for β-defensins as farmers of the pervasive and complex prokaryotic ecosystems that occupy all body surfaces and cavities. We also share some new perspectives on the role of β-defensins as sensors of homeostasis and the immune vanguard particularly at sites of immunological privilege where inflammation is attenuated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran G. Meade
- Animal and Bioscience Research Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Álvarez ÁH, Martínez Velázquez M, Prado Montes de Oca E. Human β-defensin 1 update: Potential clinical applications of the restless warrior. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 104:133-137. [PMID: 30236992 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human β-defensin 1 (hBD-1) is a multifaceted antimicrobial peptide being a tumour suppressor and, depending on call of duty, capable of inducing self-nets and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to capture and/or kill bacteria, participates in inflammatory responses in chronic diseases including hBD-3 upregulation and also capable of up/downregulation in the presence of certain species of Lactobacillus sp. Thus, is regulated by host microbiota. Alleles, genotypes and/or altered gene expression of its coding gene, DEFB1, have been associated with several human diseases/conditions ranging from metabolic/chronic (e.g. cancer), infectious (e.g. tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS), inflammatory (gastrointestinal diseases), male infertility and more recently, neurologic (e.g. depression and Alzheimer) and autoimmune diseases (e.g. vitiligo and systemic lupus erythematosus). The present update focuses on novel DEFB1/hBD-1 properties and biomarker features, its biological function and the pharmaceutical potential uses of antimicrobial peptide elicitors (APEs) or the engineered peptide in the treatment of hBD-1-related human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel H Álvarez
- Personalized Medicine National Laboratory (LAMPER), Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Unit, Research Center of Technology and Design Assistance of Jalisco State (CIATEJ), National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Moisés Martínez Velázquez
- Personalized Medicine National Laboratory (LAMPER), Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Unit, Research Center of Technology and Design Assistance of Jalisco State (CIATEJ), National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Prado Montes de Oca
- Personalized Medicine National Laboratory (LAMPER), Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Unit, Research Center of Technology and Design Assistance of Jalisco State (CIATEJ), National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), Av. Normalistas 800, Col. Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara, Mexico.
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Puga Molina LC, Luque GM, Balestrini PA, Marín-Briggiler CI, Romarowski A, Buffone MG. Molecular Basis of Human Sperm Capacitation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:72. [PMID: 30105226 PMCID: PMC6078053 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the early 1950s, Austin and Chang independently described the changes that are required for the sperm to fertilize oocytes in vivo. These changes were originally grouped under name of “capacitation” and were the first step in the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in humans. Following these initial and fundamental findings, a remarkable number of observations led to characterization of the molecular steps behind this process. The discovery of certain sperm-specific molecules and the possibility to record ion currents through patch-clamp approaches helped to integrate the initial biochemical observation with the activity of ion channels. This is of particular importance in the male gamete due to the fact that sperm are transcriptionally inactive. Therefore, sperm must control all these changes that occur during their transit through the male and female reproductive tracts by complex signaling cascades that include post-translational modifications. This review is focused on the principal molecular mechanisms that govern human sperm capacitation with particular emphasis on comparing all the reported pieces of evidence with the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lis C Puga Molina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara I Marín-Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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In vitro chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 6-dependent non-inflammatory chemotaxis during spermatogenesis. Biol Res 2018; 51:12. [PMID: 29788995 PMCID: PMC5963036 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-018-0161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 6 (CCR6) is present in sperm and plays a significant role in sperm motility and chemotaxis acting in the reproductive tracts. However, the expression and functional significance of CCR6 in testis are still poorly understood, especially in the process of spermatogenesis. Methods and results CCR6 was expressed in spermatogenic cell lines and its expression was shown in an age-dependent upregulation manner from puberty to adulthood in mouse testis. Immunostaining results confirmed the localization of CCR 6 in testis. Further chemotaxis assays demonstrated that spermatogenic cells GC-1 and -2 exhibited a directional movement toward CCR6-specific ligand such as CCL20 or Sertoli cells in vitro. Conclusions The present findings indicate that CCR6 is involved in the chemotaxis of spermatogenic cells in vitro and promotes chemotaxis under non-inflammatory conditions during normal spermatogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40659-018-0161-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Yang M, Zhi R, Lu L, Dong M, Wang Y, Tian F, Xia M, Hu J, Dai Q, Jiang S, Li W. A CCR5 antagonist-based HIV entry inhibitor exhibited potent spermicidal activity: Potential application for contraception and prevention of HIV sexual transmission. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 117:313-320. [PMID: 29496533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
B07 is a small-molecule CCR5 antagonist-based HIV-1 entry inhibitor that is being developed as an anti-HIV microbicide for preventing sexual transmission of HIV. Here we evaluated its spermicidal and contraceptive potential, including sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and contraceptive efficacy tested in rabbits. We found that B07 inhibited sperm motility and movement patterns in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Within 30 min, B07 induced sperm immobilization with the minimum 100% effective concentration and median effective concentration of 640.0 and 64.4 μg/mL, respectively. The hypo-osmotic swelling test showed that plasma membranes of B07-treated sperms exhibited slight disruption, as verified by electron micrographs. In both B07 gel and N-9 gel groups, not a single implantation site or embryo was observed based on the contraceptive efficacy test in rabbits, indicating that B07 could effectively block the potential of sperm to reach and/or fertilize oocytes. The safety profile of B07 in vivo was evaluated by use of an optimized rabbit vaginal irritation test. While the pathological scores of the N-9 gel group was 14.67 ± 1.21, those of the blank control and B07 gel groups were 2.17 ± 0.76 and 4.00 ± 0.89, respectively, which were within the clinically acceptable range (<8). The proportion of inflammatory cells and CD45+ cells in the cervicovaginal lavages of the B07 gel group showed no significant change compared to those of the control group. Therefore, our results confirmed that B07 exhibited significant spermicidal and contraceptive effects, suggesting its potential for development as a microbicidal spermicide for contraception and prevention of HIV sexual transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruina Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingying Hu
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuyun Dai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, United States.
| | - Weihua Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of National Population and Family Planning Commission, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang C, Zhou Y, Xie S, Yin Q, Tang C, Ni Z, Fei J, Zhang Y. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing reveals the synergistic effects of β-defensin family members on sperm maturation in rat epididymis. FASEB J 2018; 32:1354-1363. [PMID: 29141997 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700936r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The epididymis is a male reproductive organ involved in posttesticular sperm maturation and storage, but the mechanism underlying sperm maturation remains unclear. β-Defensins (Defbs) belong to a family of small, cysteine-rich, cationic peptides that are antimicrobial and modulate the immune response. A large number of Defb genes are expressed abundantly in the male reproductive tract, especially in the epididymis. We and other groups have shown the involvement of several Defb genes in regulation of sperm function. In this study, we found that Defb23, Defb26, and Defb42 were highly expressed in specific regions of the epididymis. Rats with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated single-gene disruption of Defb23, Defb26, or Defb42 had no obvious fertility phenotypes. Those with the deletion of Defb23/ 26 or Defb23/ 26/ 42 became subfertile, and sperm isolated from the epididymal cauda of multiple-mutant rats were demonstrated decreased motility. Meanwhile, the sperm showed precocious capacitation and increased spontaneous acrosome reaction. Consistent with premature capacitation and acrosome reaction, sperm from multiple-gene-knockout rats had significantly increased intracellular calcium. These results suggest that Defb family members affect sperm maturation by a synergistic pattern in the epididymis.-Zhang, C., Zhou, Y., Xie, S., Yin, Q., Tang, C., Ni, Z., Fei, J., Zhang, Y. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing reveals the synergistic effects of β-defensin family members on sperm maturation in rat epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaobao Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tong Ji University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (SIBCB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (SIBCB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengsong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (SIBCB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (SIBCB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhua Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (SIBCB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zimei Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (SIBCB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Fei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tong Ji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonglian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (SIBCB), Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Tang WH, Zhuang XJ, Song SD, Wu H, Zhang Z, Yang YZ, Zhang HL, Mao JM, Liu DF, Zhao LM, Lin HC, Hong K, Ma LL, Qiao J, Qin W, Tang Y, Jiang H. Ran-binding protein M is associated with human spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:2257-2262. [PMID: 29207172 PMCID: PMC5783472 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the underlying mechanism and diagnostic potential of Ran-binding protein M (RanBPM) in human spermatogenesis and oogenesis. RanBPM expression in human testis and ovaries was analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, and immunofluorescence was performed on testis and ovary tissue sections during different developmental stages of spermatogenesis and oogenesis using RanBPM antibodies. Interactions with a variety of functional proteins were also investigated. RanBPM mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by PCR and western blotting in the tissue sections. Results revealed that the mRNA expression levels were highest in the testis followed by the ovary. The RanBPM protein was predominantly localized in the nucleus of germ cells, and the expression levels were highest in pachytene spermatocytes and cells surrounding spermatids in testis tissue. In ovary cells, RanBPM was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. In conclusion, the results suggested that RanBPM may have multiple roles in the regulation of germ cell proliferation during human spermatogenesis and oogenesis. This research may provide a novel insight into the underlying molecular mechanism of RanBPM and may have implications for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Tang
- 1Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Jie Zhuang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Shi-De Song
- Department of Urology, Rizhao People's Hospital, Rizhao, Shandong 276500, P.R. China
| | - Han Wu
- 1Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- 1Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Zhuo Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Liang Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Ming Mao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - De-Feng Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Lian-Ming Zhao
- 1Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Cheng Lin
- 1Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Kai Hong
- 1Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Lu-Lin Ma
- 1Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Weibing Qin
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510600, P.R. China
| | - Yunge Tang
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510600, P.R. China
| | - Hui Jiang
- 1Department of Urology, The Third Hospital of Peking University, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
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β-defensin 1 expression in HCV infected liver/liver cancer: an important role in protecting HCV progression and liver cancer development. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13404. [PMID: 29042578 PMCID: PMC5645372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensin family plays a role in host defense against viral infection, however its role in HCV infection is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that β-defensin 1 was significantly reduced in HCV-infected liver specimens. Treatment with interferon and ribavirin upregulated β-defensin-1, but not other β-defensin tested, with the extent and duration of upregulation associated with treatment response. We investigated β-defensin family expression in liver cancer in publicly available datasets and found that among all the β-defensins tested, only β-defensin 1 was significantly downregulated, suggesting β-defensin 1 plays a crucial role in liver cancer development. Further analysis identified E-cadherin as the top positive correlated gene, while hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate as the top negative correlated gene. Expression of two proteoglycans were also positively correlated with that of β-defensin 1. We have also identified small molecules as potential therapeutic agents to reverse β-defensin 1-associated gene signature. Furthermore, the downregulation of β-defensin 1 and E-cadherin, and upregulation of hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate, were further confirmed in liver cancer and adjacent normal tissue collected from in-house Chinese liver cancer patients. Together, our results suggest β-defensin 1 plays an important role in protecting HCV progression and liver cancer development.
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Ma Q, Li Y, Luo M, Guo H, Lin S, Chen J, Du Y, Jiang Z, Gui Y. The expression characteristics of FAM71D and its association with sperm motility. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:2178-2187. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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48
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Diao R, Wang T, Fok KL, Li X, Ruan Y, Yu MK, Cheng Y, Chen Y, Chen H, Mou L, Cai X, Wang Y, Cai Z, Zeng X, Chan HC. CCR6 is required for ligand-induced CatSper activation in human sperm. Oncotarget 2017; 8:91445-91458. [PMID: 29207656 PMCID: PMC5710936 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CatSper channel has been considered the principal sperm Ca2+ channel responsible for the cytosolic Ca2+ elevation required for various sperm functions necessary for fertilization [1–4]. However, the mechanism underlying the activation of CatSper channel by various physiological ligands remain incompletely understood. We have recently demonstrated the expression of C-C chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) in sperm and Ca2+ influx upon binding of human β-defensin 1 (DEFB1) to CCR6, which is important for sperm motility [5]. In the present study, we have demonstrated that CCR6 receptor and CatSper channel are both required for the Ca2+ entry/current induced by physiological ligands DEFB1, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) and progesterone in human sperm. CCR6 is co-localized and interacts with CatSper in human sperm. Ca2+ influx mediated by CCR6 and CatSper is required for essential sperm functions, including motility, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction, which are impaired in infertile sperm showing reduced levels of CCR6 and CatSper. The present finding suggests a critical role of CCR6 receptor in mediating ligand-induced, CatSper-dependent Ca2+ influx required for various sperm functions and thus male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiying Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yechun Ruan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mei Kuen Yu
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yimin Cheng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lisha Mou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueyong Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hsiao Chang Chan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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Schmitt C, Garant D, Bélisle M, Pelletier F. Linking innate immunogenetic variation with phenotypic traits in a wild population of tree swallows, Tachycineta bicolor. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blx022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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50
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Kurotaki Y, Sasaki E. Practical Reproductive Techniques for the Common Marmoset. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1274/032.034.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Kurotaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
| | - Erika Sasaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
- Advanced Research Center, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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