1
|
Zhang Y, Liu G, Huang L, He X, Su Y, Nie X, Mao Z, Xing X. SUN5 interacts with nuclear membrane LaminB1 and cytoskeletal GTPase Septin12 mediating the sperm head-and-tail junction. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae022. [PMID: 38870534 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae022] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) is a severe teratospermia with decaudated, decapitated, and malformed sperm, resulting in male infertility. Nuclear envelope protein SUN5 localizes to the junction between the sperm head and tail. Mutations in the SUN5 gene have been identified most frequently (33-47%) in ASS cases, and its molecular mechanism of action is yet to be explored. In the present study, we generated Sun5 knockout mice, which presented the phenotype of ASS. Nuclear membrane protein LaminB1 and cytoskeletal GTPases Septin12 and Septin2 were identified as potential partners for interacting with SUN5 by immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry in mouse testis. Further studies demonstrated that SUN5 connected the nucleus by interacting with LaminB1 and connected the proximal centriole by interacting with Septin12. The binding between SUN5 and Septin12 promoted their aggregation together in the sperm neck. The disruption of the LaminB1/SUN5/Septin12 complex by Sun5 deficiency caused separation of the Septin12-proximal centriole from the nucleus, leading to the breakage of the head-to-tail junction. Collectively, these data provide new insights into the pathogenesis of ASS caused by SUN5 deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiyi He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyan Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinmin Nie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zenghui Mao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaowei Xing
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fakhro KA, Awwad J, Garibova S, Saraiva LR, Avella M. Conserved genes regulating human sex differentiation, gametogenesis and fertilization. J Transl Med 2024; 22:473. [PMID: 38764035 PMCID: PMC11103854 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Fakhro
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Johnny Awwad
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Vincent Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Service, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Luis R Saraiva
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo Avella
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Graziani A, Rocca MS, Vinanzi C, Masi G, Grande G, De Toni L, Ferlin A. Genetic Causes of Qualitative Sperm Defects: A Narrative Review of Clinical Evidence. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:600. [PMID: 38790229 PMCID: PMC11120687 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050600] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Several genes are implicated in spermatogenesis and fertility regulation, and these genes are presently being analysed in clinical practice due to their involvement in male factor infertility (MFI). However, there are still few genetic analyses that are currently recommended for use in clinical practice. In this manuscript, we reviewed the genetic causes of qualitative sperm defects. We distinguished between alterations causing reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and alterations causing changes in the typical morphology of sperm (teratozoospermia). In detail, the genetic causes of reduced sperm motility may be found in the alteration of genes associated with sperm mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial proteins, ion transport and channels, and flagellar proteins. On the other hand, the genetic causes of changes in typical sperm morphology are related to conditions with a strong genetic basis, such as macrozoospermia, globozoospermia, and acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. We tried to distinguish alterations approved for routine clinical application from those still unsupported by adequate clinical studies. The most important aspect of the study was related to the correct identification of subjects to be tested and the correct application of genetic tests based on clear clinical data. The correct application of available genetic tests in a scenario where reduced sperm motility and changes in sperm morphology have been observed enables the delivery of a defined diagnosis and plays an important role in clinical decision-making. Finally, clarifying the genetic causes of MFI might, in future, contribute to reducing the proportion of so-called idiopathic MFI, which might indeed be defined as a subtype of MFI whose cause has not yet been revealed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Graziani
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Cinzia Vinanzi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Masi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gan S, Zhou S, Ma J, Xiong M, Xiong W, Fan X, Liu K, Gui Y, Chen B, Zhang B, Wang X, Wang F, Li Z, Yan W, Ma M, Yuan S. BAG5 regulates HSPA8-mediated protein folding required for sperm head-tail coupling apparatus assembly. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2045-2070. [PMID: 38454159 PMCID: PMC11015022 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00112-x] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Teratozoospermia is a significant cause of male infertility, but the pathogenic mechanism of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), one of the most severe teratozoospermia, remains elusive. We previously reported Spermatogenesis Associated 6 (SPATA6) as the component of the sperm head-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA) required for normal assembly of the sperm head-tail conjunction, but the underlying molecular mechanism has not been explored. Here, we find that the co-chaperone protein BAG5, expressed in step 9-16 spermatids, is essential for sperm HTCA assembly. BAG5-deficient male mice show abnormal assembly of HTCA, leading to ASS and male infertility, phenocopying SPATA6-deficient mice. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that SPATA6, cargo transport-related myosin proteins (MYO5A and MYL6) and dynein proteins (DYNLT1, DCTN1, and DNAL1) are misfolded upon BAG5 depletion. Mechanistically, we find that BAG5 forms a complex with HSPA8 and promotes the folding of SPATA6 by enhancing HSPA8's affinity for substrate proteins. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel protein-regulated network in sperm formation in which BAG5 governs the assembly of the HTCA by activating the protein-folding function of HSPA8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Gan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shumin Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Jinzhe Ma
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mengneng Xiong
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Wenjing Xiong
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xu Fan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Kuan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yiqian Gui
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fengli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhean Li
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Meisheng Ma
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Cell Architecture Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Khan K, Zhang X, Dil S, Khan I, Unar A, Ye J, Zeb A, Zubair M, Shah W, Zhang H, Khan MA, Wu L, Xu B, Ma H, Wen Z, Shi Q. A novel homozygous TSGA10 missense variant causes acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in a Pakistani family. Basic Clin Androl 2024; 34:4. [PMID: 38317066 PMCID: PMC10840149 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-024-00220-7] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome is a rare type of teratozoospermia causing male infertility due to detachment of the sperm head and flagellum, which precludes fertilization potential. Although loss-of-function variations in several genes, including TSGA10, have been associated with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome, the genetic cause of many cases remains unclear. RESULTS We recruited a Pakistani family with two infertile brothers who suffered from acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Through whole-exome sequencing (WES) followed by Sanger sequencing, we identified a novel missense variant in TSGA10 (c.1112T > C, p. Leu371Pro), which recessively co-segregated with the acephalic spermatozoa syndrome within this family. Ultrastructural analyses of spermatozoa from the patient revealed that 98% of flagellar cross-sections displayed abnormal axonemal ultrastructure, in addition to the head-flagellum detachment. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed almost no detectable TSAG10 mRNA and western blot analysis also failed to detect TSAG10 protein in patient's sperm samples while TSGA10 expression was clearly detected in control samples. Consistently, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated the presence of TSGA10 signal in the midpiece of sperm from the control but a complete absence of TSGA10 signal in sperm from the patient. CONCLUSION Altogether, our study identifies a novel TSGA10 pathogenic variant as a cause of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in this family and provides information regarding the clinical manifestations associated with TSGA10 variants in human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xiangjun Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ihsan Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Jingwei Ye
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Aurang Zeb
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Muzammil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Zina Wen
- Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dubois DJ, Chehade S, Marq JB, Venugopal K, Maco B, Puig ATI, Soldati-Favre D, Marion S. Toxoplasma gondii HOOK-FTS-HIP Complex is Critical for Secretory Organelle Discharge during Motility, Invasion, and Egress. mBio 2023:e0045823. [PMID: 37093045 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00458-23] [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: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the Apicomplexa phylum possess specialized secretory organelles that discharge, apically and in a timely regulated manner, key factors implicated in parasite motility, host cell invasion, egress and subversion of host cellular functions. The mechanisms regulating trafficking and apical docking of these secretory organelles are only partially elucidated. Here, we characterized two conserved endosomal trafficking regulators known to promote vesicle transport and/or fusion, HOOK and Fused Toes (FTS), in the context of organelle discharge in Toxoplasma gondii. TgHOOK and TgFTS form a complex with a coccidian-specific partner, named HOOK interacting partner (HIP). TgHOOK displays an apically enriched vesicular pattern and concentrates at the parasite apical tip where it colocalizes with TgFTS and TgHIP. Functional investigations revealed that TgHOOK is dispensable but fitness conferring. The protein regulates the apical positioning and secretion of micronemes and contributes to egress, motility, host cell attachment, and invasion. Conditional depletion of TgFTS or TgHIP impacted on the same processes but led to more severe phenotypes. This study provides evidence of endosomal trafficking regulators involved in the apical exocytosis of micronemes and possibly as a consequence or directly on the discharge of the rhoptries. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii affects between 30 and 80% of the human population, poses a life-threatening risk to immunocompromised individuals, and is a cause of abortion and birth defects following congenital transmission. T. gondii belongs to the phylum of Apicomplexa characterized by a set of unique apical secretory organelles called the micronemes and rhoptries. Upon host cell recognition, this obligatory intracellular parasite secretes specific effectors contained in micronemes and rhoptries to promote parasite invasion of host cells and subsequent persistence. Here, we identified novel T. gondii endosomal trafficking regulators and demonstrated that they regulate microneme organelle apical positioning and exocytosis, thereby strongly contributing to host cell invasion and parasite virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Dubois
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sylia Chehade
- University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Marq
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kannan Venugopal
- University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Bohumil Maco
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Albert Tell I Puig
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Marion
- University Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Deng TQ, Xie YL, Pu JB, Xuan J, Li XM. Compound heterozygous mutations in PMFBP1 cause acephalic spermatozoa syndrome: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:12761-12767. [PMID: 36579083 PMCID: PMC9791525 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i34.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) is an extremely rare form of severe teratozoospermia, where in most of the sperm either appear to lack heads or have disconnected or poorly connected heads and tails.
CASE SUMMARY We reported the case of a male patient with secondary infertility whose sperm showed typical ASS upon morphological analysis. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the patient’s peripheral blood, which revealed two heterozygous variants of the PMFBP1 gene: PMFBP1c.414+1G>T (p.?) and PMFBP1c.393del (p.C132Afs*3).
CONCLUSION It is speculated that the compound homozygous mutation of PMFBP1 may be the cause of ASS. We conducted a literature review in order to provide the basis for genetic counseling and clinical diagnosis of patients with ASS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Qin Deng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518028, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Li Xie
- Newborn Screening Center, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518028, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiang-Bo Pu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518028, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiang Xuan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518028, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xue-Mei Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518028, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nie H, Tang Y, Zhang X, Tan Y, Qin W. Novel mutations of PMFBP1 in a man with acephalic spermatozoa defects. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2020. [PMID: 35860846 PMCID: PMC9482405 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2020] [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: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acephalic spermatozoa (AS) is a serious but rare reproductive genetic disorder that causes infertility in men. To date, only a few genes associated with AS defects have been identified, including the polyamine modulated factor 1 binding protein 1 (PMFBP1) gene. Consistent with this, PMFBP1 localizes to the head-neck connection, which bridges the implantation fossa and basal body. METHODS A male patient was diagnosed as having an AS defect. Blood samples from all family members and a sample of the patient's semen were collected to determine the genetic causes of his infertility. RESULTS Compound heterozygote mutation in the PMFBP1 gene, which is associated with AS defects in the present case: two loss-of-function mutations, with one a nonsense mutation c.361C > T p.Gln121Ter, and another a splice donor mutation c.414 + 1G > T. The current study, together with previous studies, suggests that the nonsense mutation is responsible for a truncated PMFBP1 protein during its formation; a splice donor mutation c.414 + 1G > T might lead to new open reading frames, from which the dysfunction of an abnormal PMFBP1 protein might be predicted. Additionally, the expression of outer dense fiber 1 (ODF1) and ODF2 proteins has been experimentally shown to be regulated by the truncated PMFBP1 protein. CONCLUSION We herein present a case with AS defects associated with heterozygote mutations of PMFBP1, which have been shown to be rare and pathogenic; the association with an AS defect is a monogenic disorder with a recessive inherited pattern in the patient's family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Nie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China.,Central Laboratory of Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangzhou, China.,Central Laboratory of Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunge Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China.,Central Laboratory of Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangzhou, China.,Central Laboratory of Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yuqiu Tan
- Zhanjiang Jiuhe Hospital, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China.,Central Laboratory of Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangzhou, China.,Central Laboratory of Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tapia Contreras C, Hoyer-Fender S. The Transformation of the Centrosome into the Basal Body: Similarities and Dissimilarities between Somatic and Male Germ Cells and Their Relevance for Male Fertility. Cells 2021; 10:2266. [PMID: 34571916 PMCID: PMC8471410 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is essential for the transport of the genetic material toward the oocyte and thus the transmission of the genetic information to the next generation. During the haploid phase of spermatogenesis, i.e., spermiogenesis, a morphological and molecular restructuring of the male germ cell, the round spermatid, takes place that includes the silencing and compaction of the nucleus, the formation of the acrosomal vesicle from the Golgi apparatus, the formation of the sperm tail, and, finally, the shedding of excessive cytoplasm. Sperm tail formation starts in the round spermatid stage when the pair of centrioles moves toward the posterior pole of the nucleus. The sperm tail, eventually, becomes located opposed to the acrosomal vesicle, which develops at the anterior pole of the nucleus. The centriole pair tightly attaches to the nucleus, forming a nuclear membrane indentation. An articular structure is formed around the centriole pair known as the connecting piece, situated in the neck region and linking the sperm head to the tail, also named the head-to-tail coupling apparatus or, in short, HTCA. Finally, the sperm tail grows out from the distal centriole that is now transformed into the basal body of the flagellum. However, a centriole pair is found in nearly all cells of the body. In somatic cells, it accumulates a large mass of proteins, the pericentriolar material (PCM), that together constitute the centrosome, which is the main microtubule-organizing center of the cell, essential not only for the structuring of the cytoskeleton and the overall cellular organization but also for mitotic spindle formation and chromosome segregation. However, in post-mitotic (G1 or G0) cells, the centrosome is transformed into the basal body. In this case, one of the centrioles, which is always the oldest or mother centriole, grows the axoneme of a cilium. Most cells of the body carry a single cilium known as the primary cilium that serves as an antenna sensing the cell's environment. Besides, specialized cells develop multiple motile cilia differing in substructure from the immotile primary cilia that are essential in moving fluids or cargos over the cellular surface. Impairment of cilia formation causes numerous severe syndromes that are collectively subsumed as ciliopathies. This comparative overview serves to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of basal body formation, their similarities, and dissimilarities, in somatic versus male germ cells, by discussing the involved proteins/genes and their expression, localization, and function. The review, thus, aimed to provide a deeper knowledge of the molecular players that is essential for the expansion of clinical diagnostics and treatment of male fertility disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sigrid Hoyer-Fender
- Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology-Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sha Y, Liu W, Li L, Serafimovski M, Isachenko V, Li Y, Chen J, Zhao B, Wang Y, Wei X. Pathogenic Variants in ACTRT1 Cause Acephalic Spermatozoa Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:676246. [PMID: 34422805 PMCID: PMC8377740 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.676246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome is a rare type of teratozoospermia, but its pathogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing for 34 patients with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome and identified pathogenic variants in the X-linked gene, ACTRT1, in two patients. Sanger sequencing confirmed the pathogenic variants of ACTRT1 in the patients. Both pathogenic variants of ACTRT1 were highly conserved, and in silico analysis revealed that they were deleterious and rare. Actrt1-knockout mice exhibited a similar acephalic spermatozoa phenotype. Therefore, we speculated that mutations in ACTRT1 account for acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Moreover, the patients in this study conceived their children through artificial insemination. This study provides further insights for clinicians and researchers regarding the genetic etiology and therapeutic strategies for acephalic spermatozoa patients with pathogenic variants in ACTRT1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mario Serafimovski
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- Research Group for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Youzhu Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bangrong Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Family Planning and Healthy/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Hebei Provincial, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xiang M, Wang Y, Xu W, Zheng N, Zhang J, Duan Z, Zha X, Shi X, Wang F, Cao Y, Zhu F. Pathogenesis of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome caused by splicing mutation and de novo deletion in TSGA10. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2791-2799. [PMID: 34409526 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02295-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the genetic causes for acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the proband from a non-consanguineous to identify pathogenic mutations for acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing were subjected to detect deletion. The functional effect of the identified splicing mutation was investigated by minigene assay. Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the expression level and localization of mutant TSGA10 protein. RESULTS Here, we identified a novel heterozygous splicing mutation in TSGA10 (NM_025244: c.1108-1G > T), while we confirmed that there was a de novo large deletion in the proband. The splicing mutation led to the skipping of the exon15 of TSGA10, which resulted in a truncated protein (p. A370Efs*293). Therefore, we speculated that the splicing mutation might affect transcription and translation without the dosage compensation of a normal allele, which possesses a large deletion including intact TSGA10. Western blot and immunofluorescence demonstrated that the very low expression level of truncated TSGA10 protein led the proband to present the acephalic spermatozoa phenotype. CONCLUSION Our finding expands the spectrum of pathogenic TSGA10 mutations that are responsible for ASS and male infertility. It is also important to remind us of paying attention to the compound heterozygous deletion in patients from non-consanguineous families, so that we can provide more precise genetic counseling for patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingfei Xiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Weilong Xu
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Zongliu Duan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaomin Zha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xuanming Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fengsong Wang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
| | - Fuxi Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wu B, Gao H, Liu C, Li W. The coupling apparatus of the sperm head and tail†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:988-998. [PMID: 31995163 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A strong sperm head-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA) is needed to ensure the integrity of spermatozoa during their fierce competition to fertilize the egg. A lot of HTCA-specific components have evolved to strengthen the attachment of the tail to the implantation fossa at the sperm head. Defects in HTCA formation lead to acephalic spermatozoa syndrome and pathologies of some male infertility. Recent studies have provided insights into the pathogenic molecular mechanisms of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Here, we summarize the proteins involved in sperm neck development and focus on their roles in the formation of HTCA. In addition, we discuss the fine structures of the sperm neck in different species from an evolutionary view, highlighting the potential conservative mechanism of HTCA formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shen YR, Wang HY, Tsai YC, Kuo YC, Wu SR, Wang CY, Kuo PL. The SEPT12 complex is required for the establishment of a functional sperm head-tail junction. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:402-412. [PMID: 32392324 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The connecting pieces of the sperm neck link the flagellum and the sperm head, and they are important for initiating flagellar beating. The connecting pieces are important building blocks for the sperm neck; however, the mechanism of connecting piece assembly is poorly understood. In the present study, we explored the role of septins in sperm motility and found that Sept12D197N knock-in (KI) mice produce acephalic and immotile spermatozoa. Electron microscopy analysis showed defective connecting pieces in sperm from KI mice, indicating that SEPT12 is required for the establishment of connecting pieces. We also found that SEPT12 formed a complex with SEPT1, SEPT2, SEPT10 and SEPT11 at the sperm neck and that the D197N mutation disrupted the complex, suggesting that the SEPT12 complex is involved in the assembly of connecting pieces. Additionally, we found that SEPT12 interacted and colocalized with γ-tubulin in elongating spermatids, implying that SEPT12 and pericentriolar materials jointly contribute to the formation of connecting pieces. Collectively, our findings suggest that SEPT12 is required for the formation of striated columns, and the capitulum and for maintaining the stability of the sperm head-tail junction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ru Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chieh Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Sport Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Che Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Rung Wu
- Institute of Oral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yih Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Lin Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xiang M, Wang Y, Wang K, Kong S, Lu M, Zhang J, Duan Z, Zha X, Shi X, Wang F, Cao Y, Zhu F. Novel Mutation and Deletion in SUN5 Cause Male Infertility with Acephalic Spermatozoa Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:646-651. [PMID: 34159570 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00665-5] [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: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) is a severe form of teratozoospermia, previous studies have shown that SUN5 mutations are the major cause of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. This study is to identify the pathogenic mutations in SUN5 leading to ASS. PCR and Sanger sequence were performed to define the breakpoints and mutations in SUN5. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to detect heterozygous deletion. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis detected the expression level and localization of SUN5. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the mutant SUN5 was predicted in silico and was verified by the experiments in vitro. We identified one novel homozygous missense mutation (c.775G>A; p.G259S) and one compound heterozygous including one reported missense mutation (c.1043A>T; p.N348I) and a large deletion that contains partial EFCAB8 ( NM_001143967 .1) and BPIFB2 ( NM_025227 ) and complete SUN5 ( NM_080675 ), and one recurrent homozygous splice-site mutation (c.340G>A; p.G114R) in SUN5 in three patients with ASS. Our results showed that SUN5 could not be detected in the patients' spermatozoa and the exogenous expression level of the mutant protein was decreased in transfected HEK-293T cells. This study expands the mutational spectrum of SUN5. We recommended a clinical diagnostic strategy for SUN5 genomic deletion to screen heterozygous deletions and indicated that the diagnostic value of screening for SUN5 mutations and deletions in infertile men with ASS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingfei Xiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Ke Wang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Shuai Kong
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Mengmeng Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Zongliu Duan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaomin Zha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xuanming Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fengsong Wang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
| | - Fuxi Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu G, Xing X, Zhang H, Zhu W, Lin G, Lu G, Li W. Patients with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome linked to novel TSGA10/PMFBP1 variants have favorable pregnancy outcomes from intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Clin Genet 2021; 100:334-339. [PMID: 34089195 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14007] [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: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome is a rare form of teratozoospermia characterized by headless spermatozoa. Previous studies have found that variants in SUN5, PMFBP1, TSGA10, BRDT, and SPATC1L are associated with this phenotype. Many researchers have suggested that variants in TSGA10 without a proximal centriole might influence early embryonic development. This retrospective cohort study included 12 infertile men with severe acephalic spermatozoa in China. We identified six heterozygous variants and four homozygous variants in TSGA10/PMFBP1 in seven patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Acephalic spermatozoa defects due to different genetic variations may affect only spermatozoa morphology but do not reduce the chances of fertilization, affect embryo quality at early stages or impair intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. Patients with TSGA10/PMFBP1 variations were all expected to have good prognoses with ICSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaowei Xing
- Center for Medical Experiments, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbing Zhu
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Andrology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- The Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Andrology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Scientific Research Department, Hunan Guangxiu Hi-tech Life Technology Co., Ltd, Changsha, China
| | - Weina Li
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Scientific Research Department, Hunan Guangxiu Hi-tech Life Technology Co., Ltd, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Azhar M, Altaf S, Uddin I, Cheng J, Wu L, Tong X, Qin W, Bao J. Towards Post-Meiotic Sperm Production: Genetic Insight into Human Infertility from Mouse Models. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2487-2503. [PMID: 34326689 PMCID: PMC8315030 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Declined quality and quantity of sperm is currently the major cause of patients suffering from infertility. Male germ cell development is spatiotemporally regulated throughout the whole developmental process. While it has been known that exogenous factors, such as environmental exposure, diet and lifestyle, et al, play causative roles in male infertility, recent progress has revealed abundant genetic mutations tightly associated with defective male germline development. In mammals, male germ cells undergo dramatic morphological change (i.e., nuclear condensation) and chromatin remodeling during post-meiotic haploid germline development, a process termed spermiogenesis; However, the molecular machinery players and functional mechanisms have yet to be identified. To date, accumulated evidence suggests that disruption in any step of haploid germline development is likely manifested as fertility issues with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, aberrant sperm morphology or combined. With the continually declined cost of next-generation sequencing and recent progress of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, growing studies have revealed a vast number of disease-causing genetic variants associated with spermiogenic defects in both mice and humans, along with mechanistic insights partially attained and validated through genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). In this review, we mainly summarize genes that are functional at post-meiotic stage. Identification and characterization of deleterious genetic variants should aid in our understanding of germline development, and thereby further improve the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Saba Altaf
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Islam Uddin
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Jinbao Cheng
- The 901th hospital of Joint logistics support Force of PLA, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wu B, Yu X, Liu C, Wang L, Huang T, Lu G, Chen ZJ, Li W, Liu H. Essential Role of CFAP53 in Sperm Flagellum Biogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:676910. [PMID: 34124066 PMCID: PMC8195676 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.676910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is essential for male fertility. Despite vigorous research progress toward understanding the pathogenesis of flagellum-related diseases, much remains unknown about the mechanisms underlying the flagellum biogenesis itself. Here, we show that the cilia and flagella associated protein 53 (Cfap53) gene is predominantly expressed in testes, and it is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis. The knockout of this gene resulted in complete infertility in male mice but not in the females. CFAP53 localized to the manchette and sperm tail during spermiogenesis, the knockout of this gene impaired flagellum biogenesis. Furthermore, we identified two manchette and sperm tail-associated proteins that interacted with CFAP53 during spermiogenesis. Together, our results suggest that CFAP53 is an essential protein for sperm flagellum biogenesis, and its mutations might be associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Diseases, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children’s Health, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gang Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
A novel homozygous missense mutation of PMFBP1 causes acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:949-955. [PMID: 33484382 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02075-7] [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: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the pathogenic mutation in PMFBP1 leading to acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. METHODS Sanger sequencing was used to screen for mutations in the known pathogenic genes SUN5 and PMFBP1 in a patient with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression and localization of PMFBP1 in sperm. At the same time, a PMFBP1 mutant was constructed, and the expression level of PMFBP1 protein was further verified by in vitro experiments. RESULTS We identified a novel homozygous PMFBP1 missense mutation, c.301A>C (p.T101P), in an infertile male from a consanguineous family. Our results showed that the expression of PMFBP1 mutant protein was decreased obviously in sperm of the patient. CONCLUSION Our results showed that the novel homozygous missense mutation of PMFBP1 may be a cause of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome, which provided a basis for genetic counseling for the patient.
Collapse
|
19
|
Mazaheri Moghaddam M, Mazaheri Moghaddam M, Hamzeiy H, Baghbanzadeh A, Pashazadeh F, Sakhinia E. Genetic basis of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in infertile men: a systematic scoping review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:573-586. [PMID: 33452591 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02008-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) is known as a severe type of teratozoospermia, defined as semen composed of mostly headless spermatozoa that affect male fertility. In this regard, this systematic review aimed to discuss gene variants associated with acephalic spermatozoa phenotype as well as the clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment for the acephalic spermatozoa-associated male infertility. METHODS A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid databases until May 17, 2020. This systematic scoping review was reported in terms of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. RESULTS Twenty articles were included in this systematic review. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing have helped in the identification of variants in SUN5, PMFBP1, BRDT, TSGA10, DNAH6, HOOK1, and CEP112 genes as possible causes of this phenotype in humans. The results of the ICSI are conflicting due to both positive and negative reports of ICSI outcomes. CONCLUSION ASS has a genetic origin, and several genetic alterations related to the pathogenesis of this anomaly have been recently identified. Notably, only SUN5 and PMFBP1 mutations are well-known to be implicated in ASS. Accordingly, more functional studies are needed to confirm the pathogenicity of other variants. ICSI could provide a promising treatment for acephalic spermatozoa-associated male infertility. Besides the importance of sperm head-tail junction integrity, some other factors, whether within the sperm cell or female factors, may be involved in the ICSI outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Mazaheri Moghaddam
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Madiheh Mazaheri Moghaddam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS), Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Hamzeiy
- Tabriz Genetic Analysis Centre (TGAC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Genomize Inc., Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fariba Pashazadeh
- Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Sakhinia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Tabriz Genetic Analysis Centre (TGAC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Beurois J, Cazin C, Kherraf ZE, Martinez G, Celse T, Touré A, Arnoult C, Ray PF, Coutton C. Genetics of teratozoospermia: Back to the head. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 34:101473. [PMID: 33183966 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2020.101473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are polarized cells with a head and a flagellum joined by the connecting piece. Head integrity is critical for normal sperm function, and head defects consistently lead to male infertility. Abnormalities of the sperm head are among the most severe and characteristic sperm defects. Patients presenting with a monomorphic head sperm defects such as globozoospermia or marcrozoospermia were analyzed permitting to identify several key genes for spermatogenesis such as AURKC and DPY19L2. The study of patients with other specific sperm head defects such as acephalic spermatozoa have also enabled the identification of new infertility genes such as SUN5. Here, we review the genetic causes leading to morphological defects of sperm head. Advances in the genetics of male infertility are necessary to improve the management of infertility and will pave the road towards future strategies of treatments, especially for patients with the most severe phenotype as sperm head defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Beurois
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Tristan Celse
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Aminata Touré
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, 38000, Grenoble, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jiao SY, Yang YH, Chen SR. Molecular genetics of infertility: loss-of-function mutations in humans and corresponding knockout/mutated mice. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:154-189. [PMID: 33118031 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major issue in human reproductive health, affecting an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility can result from disorders of sex development (DSD) or from reproductive endocrine disorders (REDs) with onset in infancy, early childhood or adolescence. Male infertility, accounting for roughly half of all infertility cases, generally manifests as decreased sperm count (azoospermia or oligozoospermia), attenuated sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) or a higher proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia). Female infertility can be divided into several classical types, including, but not limited to, oocyte maturation arrest, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest. An estimated one half of infertility cases have a genetic component; however, most genetic causes of human infertility are currently uncharacterized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the identification of infertility-associated gene mutations in patients over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to conduct a narrative review of the genetic causes of human infertility. Loss-of-function mutation discoveries related to human infertility are summarized and further illustrated in tables. Corresponding knockout/mutated animal models of causative genes for infertility are also introduced. SEARCH METHODS A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term 'mutation' was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: infertility, DSD, REDs, azoospermia or oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), globozoospermia, teratozoospermia, acrosome, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, zona pellucida, fertilization defects and early embryonic arrest. OUTCOMES Our search generated ∼2000 records. Overall, 350 articles were included in the final review. For genetic investigation of human infertility, the traditional candidate gene approach is proceeding slowly, whereas high-throughput sequencing technologies in larger cohorts of individuals is identifying an increasing number of causative genes linked to human infertility. This review provides a wide panel of gene mutations in several typical forms of human infertility, including DSD, REDs, male infertility (oligozoospermia, MMAF, PCD, ASS and globozoospermia) and female infertility (oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest). The causative genes, their identified mutations, mutation rate, studied population and their corresponding knockout/mutated mice of non-obstructive azoospermia, MMAF, ASS, globozoospermia, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest are further illustrated by tables. In this review, we suggest that (i) our current knowledge of infertility is largely obtained from knockout mouse models; (ii) larger cohorts of clinical cases with distinct clinical characteristics need to be recruited in future studies; (iii) the whole picture of genetic causes of human infertility relies on both the identification of more mutations for distinct types of infertility and the integration of known mutation information; (iv) knockout/mutated animal models are needed to show whether the phenotypes of genetically altered animals are consistent with findings in human infertile patients carrying a deleterious mutation of the homologous gene; and (v) the molecular mechanisms underlying human infertility caused by pathogenic mutations are largely unclear in most current studies. WILDER IMPLICATIONS It is important to use our current understanding to identify avenues and priorities for future research in the field of genetic causes of infertility as well as to apply mutation knowledge to risk prediction, genetic diagnosis and potential treatment for human infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ya Jiao
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Beyond Acephalic Spermatozoa: The Complexity of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Outcomes. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:6279795. [PMID: 32104701 PMCID: PMC7035536 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6279795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review analyses the genetic mechanisms of acephalic spermatozoa (AS) defects, which are associated with primary infertility in men. Several target genes of headless sperms have been identified but intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes are complex. Based on electron microscopic observations, broken points of the sperm neck are AS defects that are based on various genes that can be classified into three subtypes: HOOK1, SUN5, and PMFBP1 genes of subtype II; TSGA10 and BRDT genes of subgroup III, while the genetic mechanism(s) and aetiology of AS defects of subtype I have not been described and remain to be explored. Interestingly, all AS sperm of subtype II achieved better ICSI outcomes than other subtypes, resulting in clinical pregnancies and live births. For subtype III, the failure of clinical pregnancy can be explained by the defects of paternal centrioles that arrest embryonic development; for subtype I, this was due to a lack of a distal centriole. Consequently, the embryo quality and potential ICSI results of AS defects can be predicted by the subtypes of AS defects. However, this conclusion with regard to ICSI outcomes based on subtypes still needs further research, while the existence of quality of oocyte and implantation failure in women cannot be ignored.
Collapse
|
23
|
Sha Y, Wang X, Yuan J, Zhu X, Su Z, Zhang X, Xu X, Wei X. Loss-of-function mutations in centrosomal protein 112 is associated with human acephalic spermatozoa phenotype. Clin Genet 2019; 97:321-328. [PMID: 31654588 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Acephalic spermatozoa, characterized by the headless sperm in the ejaculate, is a rare type of teratozoospermia. Here, we recruited two infertile patients with an acephalic spermatozoa phenotype to investigate the genetic pathology of acephalic spermatozoa. Whole-exome sequencing analysis was performed and found mutations in CEP112 in the two patients: homozygous mutation c.496C > T:p.(Arg166X) in exon 5 from P1; and the biallelic mutations c.2074C > T:p.(Arg692Trp) in exon 20 and c.2104C > T:p.(Arg702Cys) in exon 20 from P2. Sanger sequencing confirmed the CEP112 mutations in the two patients. In silico analysis revealed that these CEP112 mutations are deleterious and rare, and all the mutations impact the coiled-coil domain of CEP112, which may affect the protein function. The c.496C > T:p.Arg166X resulted in a truncated CEP112, which was verified by the mutation expression plasmid. The CEP112 expression was significantly reduced in the P2, suggesting the biallelic mutations c.2074C > T and c.2104C > T may affect the function and stability of CEP112. Therefore, we speculate that the loss-of-function mutations in CEP112 may be account for the human acephalic spermatozoa phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health and Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - JinTing Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingshen Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiying Su
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health and Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xuequan Zhang
- Department of Andrology, Xiamen Children's Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Laboratory of genetics and cell biology, Medical college, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ito C, Akutsu H, Yao R, Yoshida K, Yamatoya K, Mutoh T, Makino T, Aoyama K, Ishikawa H, Kunimoto K, Tsukita S, Noda T, Kikkawa M, Toshimori K. Odf2 haploinsufficiency causes a new type of decapitated and decaudated spermatozoa, Odf2-DDS, in mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14249. [PMID: 31582806 PMCID: PMC6776547 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50516-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Outer dense fibre 2 (Odf2 or ODF2) is a cytoskeletal protein required for flagella (tail)-beating and stability to transport sperm cells from testes to the eggs. There are infertile males, including human patients, who have a high percentage of decapitated and decaudated spermatozoa (DDS), whose semen contains abnormal spermatozoa with tailless heads and headless tails due to head-neck separation. DDS is untreatable in reproductive medicine. We report for the first time a new type of Odf2-DDS in heterozygous mutant Odf2+/− mice. Odf2+/− males were infertile due to haploinsufficiency caused by heterozygous deletion of the Odf2 gene, encoding the Odf2 proteins. Odf2 haploinsufficiency induced sperm neck-midpiece separation, a new type of head-tail separation, leading to the generation of headneck sperm cells or headnecks composed of heads with necks and neckless tails composed of only the main parts of tails. The headnecks were immotile but alive and capable of producing offspring by intracytoplasmic headneck sperm injection (ICSI). The neckless tails were motile and could induce capacitation but had no significant forward motility. Further studies are necessary to show that ICSI in humans, using headneck sperm cells, is viable and could be an alternative for infertile patients suffering from Odf2-DDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chizuru Ito
- Department of Functional Anatomy, Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Hidenori Akutsu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Ryoji Yao
- Department of Cell Biology, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR) Cancer Institute, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Keiichi Yoshida
- Department of Functional Anatomy, Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.,Next-generation Development Center for Cancer Treatment, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan
| | - Kenji Yamatoya
- Department of Functional Anatomy, Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.,Institute for Environmental & Gender-specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, 279-0021, Japan
| | - Tohru Mutoh
- Department of Functional Anatomy, Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Makino
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Aoyama
- Materials and Structural Analysis (ex FEI), Thermo Ficher Scientific, Shinagawa Seaside West Tower 1F, 4-12-2 HigashiSinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-0002, Japan.,Research Center for Ultra-High Voltage Electron Microscopy, Osaka University, 7-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0047, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ishikawa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco 600 16th St., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Koshi Kunimoto
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sachiko Tsukita
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences and Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Noda
- Director's Room, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR) Cancer Institute, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Masahide Kikkawa
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Toshimori
- Department of Functional Anatomy, Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan. .,Future Medicine Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang J, Li P, Yang Y, Yan Y, Zeng X, Li D, Chen H, Su J, Zhu B. Molecular epidemiology, pathogenicity, and structural analysis of haemoglobin variants in the Yunnan province population of Southwestern China. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8264. [PMID: 31164695 PMCID: PMC6547717 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44793-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal haemoglobin (Hb) variants result in the most commonly inherited disorders in humans worldwide. In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology characteristics of Hb variants, along with associated structural and functional predictions in the Yunnan province population of Southwestern China. A total of 41,933 subjects who sought haemoglobinopathy screening were included. Based on bioinformatics and structural analysis, as well as protein modeling, the pathogenesis and type of Hb genetic mutations were characterized. Among all individuals studied, 328 cases (0.78%) were confirmed as carriers of Hb variants, with 13 cases (0.03%) presenting α-globin variants, 313 (0.75%) β-globin variants, and two δ-globin variants. A total of 19 different mutations were identified, including three novel mutations. In addition, 48 cases of ααCS mutations and 14 cases of Hb H or Hb Bart’s were found. The isoelectric point, evolutionary conservation, and genotype-phenotype correlation for these mutations were predicted. Additionally, secondary and tertiary protein structure modeling were performed for three selected mutations. In conclusion, the prevalence of Hb variants in the Yunnan population is much higher than other regions of China. Complete characterization of these Hb variants is essential for generating a rational strategy to control the haemoglobinopathies in this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China. .,Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China. .,Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Peng Li
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanlong Yan
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xiaohong Zeng
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jie Su
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Baosheng Zhu
- Genetic Diagnosis Center, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China. .,Department of Hematology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Province, China. .,Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| |
Collapse
|