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Zhou D, Wu H, Wang L, Wang X, Tang S, Zhou Y, Wang J, Wu B, Tang J, Zhou X, Tian S, Liu S, Lv M, He X, Jin L, Shi H, Zhang F, Cao Y, Liu C. Deficiency of MFSD6L, an acrosome membrane protein, causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00149-8. [PMID: 38909778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia is an important factor affecting male fertility and has been found to be associated with genetic factors. However, there are still a proportion of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia cases that cannot be explained by known pathogenic genetic variants. Here, we perform genetic analyses and identify bi-allelic loss-of-function variants of MFSD6L from an oligoasthenoteratozoospermia affected family. Mfsd6l knock-out male mice also present male subfertility with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and deformed acrosomes. Further mechanistic analyses reveal that MFSD6L, as an acrosome membrane protein, plays an important role in the formation of acrosome by interacting with inner acrosomal membrane protein SPACA1. Moreover, poor embryonic development is consistently observed after intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment using spermatozoa from MFSD6L-deficient man and male mice. Collectively, our findings reveal that MFSD6L is required for the anchoring of sperm acrosome and head shaping. The deficiency of MFSD6L affects male fertility and causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yiling Zhou
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Nanjing 215002, China; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, Nanjing 215002, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jianan Tang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuehai Zhou
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shixiong Tian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Soong Ching Ling Institute of Maternity and Child Health, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Soong Ching Ling Institute of Maternity and Child Health, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
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Liang Z, Dai C, He F, Wang Y, Huang Y, Li H, Wu Y, Hu Y, Xu K. AKAP3-mediated type I PKA signaling is required for mouse sperm hyperactivation and fertility†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:684-697. [PMID: 38145487 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad180] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, which mediates protein phosphorylation, is important for sperm motility and male fertility. This process relies on A-kinase anchoring proteins that organize PKA and its signalosomes within specific subcellular compartments. Previously, it was found that the absence of A-kinase anchoring protein 3 (AKAP3) leads to multiple morphological abnormalities in mouse sperm. But how AKAP3 regulates sperm motility is yet to be elucidated. AKAP3 has two amphipathic domains, here named dual and RI, in its N-terminus. These domains are responsible for binding regulatory subunits I alpha (RIα) and II alpha (RIIα) of PKA and for RIα only, respectively. Here, we generated mutant mice lacking the dual and RI domains of AKAP3. It was found that the deletion of these domains caused male mouse infertile, accompanied by mild defects in the fibrous sheath of sperm tails. Additionally, the levels of serine/threonine phosphorylation of PKA substrates and tyrosine phosphorylation decreased in the mutant sperm, which exhibited a defect in hyperactivation under capacitation conditions. The protein levels of PKA subunits remained unchanged. But, interestingly, the regulatory subunit RIα was mis-localized from principal piece to midpiece of sperm tail, whereas this was not observed for RIIα. Further protein-protein interaction assays revealed a preference for AKAP3 to bind RIα over RIIα. Collectively, our findings suggest that AKAP3 is important for sperm hyperactivity by regulating type-I PKA signaling pathway mediated protein phosphorylation via its dual and RI domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongkun Liang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, SunYat-Sen Memorial Hospital of SunYat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Chaowei Dai
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Fenfen He
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Prenatal Diagnostic Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yihua Huang
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Heying Li
- Analysis and Testing Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510535, China
| | - Yongming Wu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yafang Hu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kaibiao Xu
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Wang Y, Huang X, Sun G, Chen J, Wu B, Luo J, Tang S, Dai P, Zhang F, Li J, Wang L. Coiled-coil domain-containing 38 is required for acrosome biogenesis and fibrous sheath assembly in mice. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:407-418. [PMID: 37709195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.09.002] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
During spermiogenesis, haploid spermatids undergo dramatic morphological changes to form slender sperm flagella and cap-like acrosomes, which are required for successful fertilization. Severe deformities in flagella cause a male infertility syndrome, multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF), while acrosomal hypoplasia in some cases leads to sub-optimal embryonic developmental potential. However, evidence regarding the occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia in MMAF is limited. Here, we report the generation of base-edited mice knocked out for coiled-coil domain-containing 38 (Ccdc38) via inducing a nonsense mutation and find that the males are infertile. The Ccdc38-KO sperm display acrosomal hypoplasia and typical MMAF phenotypes. We find that the acrosomal membrane is loosely anchored to the nucleus and fibrous sheaths are disorganized in Ccdc38-KO sperm. Further analyses reveal that Ccdc38 knockout causes a decreased level of TEKT3, a protein associated with acrosome biogenesis, in testes and an aberrant distribution of TEKT3 in sperm. We finally show that intracytoplasmic sperm injection overcomes Ccdc38-related infertility. Our study thus reveals a previously unknown role for CCDC38 in acrosome biogenesis and provides additional evidence for the occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia in MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guoying Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiahui Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
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Ma Y, Wu B, Chen Y, Ma S, Wang L, Han T, Lin X, Yang F, Liu C, Zhao J, Li W. CCDC146 is required for sperm flagellum biogenesis and male fertility in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:1. [PMID: 38038747 PMCID: PMC11072088 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05025-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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) is a severe disease of male infertility, while the pathogenetic mechanisms of MMAF are still incompletely understood. Previously, we found that the deficiency of Ccdc38 might be associated with MMAF. To understand the underlying mechanism of this disease, we identified the potential partner of this protein and found that the coiled-coil domain containing 146 (CCDC146) can interact with CCDC38. It is predominantly expressed in the testes, and the knockout of this gene resulted in complete infertility in male mice but not in females. The knockout of Ccdc146 impaired spermiogenesis, mainly due to flagellum and manchette organization defects, finally led to MMAF-like phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CCDC146 could interact with both CCDC38 and CCDC42. It also interacts with intraflagellar transport (IFT) complexes IFT88 and IFT20. The knockout of this gene led to the decrease of ODF2, IFT88, and IFT20 protein levels, but did not affect CCDC38, CCDC42, or ODF1 expression. Additionally, we predicted and validated the detailed interactions between CCDC146 and CCDC38 or CCDC42, and built the interaction models at the atomic level. Our results suggest that the testis predominantly expressed gene Ccdc146 is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis and male fertility, and its mutations might be associated with MMAF in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - 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, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yinghong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liying Wang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xiaolei Lin
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Fulin Yang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, 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, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - 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, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Li Q, Wang Y, Zheng W, Guo J, Zhang S, Gong F, Lu GX, Lin G, Dai J. Biallelic variants in IQCN cause sperm flagellar assembly defects and male infertility. Hum Reprod 2023:7142890. [PMID: 37140151 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead079] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the effect of defects in the manchette protein IQ motif-containing N (IQCN) on sperm flagellar assembly? SUMMARY ANSWER Deficiency in IQCN causes sperm flagellar assembly defects and male infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The manchette is a transient structure that is involved in the shaping of the human spermatid nucleus and protein transport within flagella. Our group recently reported that the manchette protein IQCN is essential for fertilization. Variants in IQCN lead to total fertilization failure and defective acrosome structure phenotypes. However, the function of IQCN in sperm flagellar assembly is still unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Fifty men with infertility were recruited from a university-affiliated center from January 2014 to October 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood samples of all 50 individuals for whole-exome sequencing. The ultrastructure of the spermatozoa was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was used to test the parameters of curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), and average path velocity (VAP). An Iqcn knockout (Iqcn-/-) mouse model was generated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology to evaluate sperm motility and the ultrastructure of the flagellum. Hyperactivation and sperm fertilizing ability were assessed in a mouse model. Immunoprecipitation followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to detect IQCN-binding proteins. Immunofluorescence was used to validate the localization of IQCN-binding proteins. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Biallelic variants in IQCN (c.3913A>T and c.3040A>G; c.2453_2454del) were identified in our cohort of infertile men. The sperm from the affected individuals showed an irregular '9 + 2' structure of the flagellum, which resulted in abnormal CASA parameters. Similar phenotypes were observed in Iqcn-/- male mice. VSL, VCL, and VAP in the sperm of Iqcn-/- male mice were significantly lower than those in Iqcn+/+ male mice. Partial peripheral doublet microtubules (DMTs) and outer dense fibers (ODFs) were absent, or a chaotic arrangement of DMTs was observed in the principal piece and end piece of the sperm flagellum. Hyperactivation and IVF ability were impaired in Iqcn-/- male mice. In addition, we investigated the causes of motility defects and identified IQCN-binding proteins including CDC42 and the intraflagellar transport protein families that regulate flagellar assembly during spermiogenesis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION More cases are needed to demonstrate the relation between IQCN variants and phenotypes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings expand the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of IQCN variants in causing male infertility, providing a genetic marker for sperm motility deficiency and male infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81974230 and 82202053), the Changsha Municipal Natural Science Foundation (kq2202072), the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation (2022JJ40658), and the Scientific Research Foundation of Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya (YNXM-202114 and YNXM-202201). No conflicts of interest were declared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, China
| | - Yize Wang
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Shunji Zhang
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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Meng Z, Meng Q, Gao T, Zhou H, Xue J, Li H, Wu Y, Lv J. Identification of bi-allelic KIF9 loss-of-function variants contributing to asthenospermia and male infertility in two Chinese families. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1091107. [PMID: 36686457 PMCID: PMC9846173 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1091107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Asthenozoospermia (AZS) is a leading cause of male infertility, affecting an estimated 18% of infertile patients. Kinesin proteins function as molecular motors capable of moving along microtubules. The highly conserved kinesin family member 9 (KIF9) localizes to the central microtubule pair in the flagella of Chlamydomonas cells. The loss of KIF9 expression in mice has been linked to AZS phenotypes. Methods Variant screening was performed by whole exome sequencing from 92 Chinese infertile patients with AZS. Western blot was used to was used for analyzing of candidate proteins expression. Patients' sperm samples were stained with immunofluorescent to visualise proteins localization and were visualised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine axoneme structures. Co-immunoprecipitation assay was used to verify the binding proteins of KIF9. In vitro fertilization (IVF) was used to evaluate the efficiency of clinical treatment. Results Bi-allelic KIF9 loss-of-function variants were identified in two unrelated Chinese males exhibiting atypical sperm motility phenotypes. Both of these men exhibited typical AZS and suffered from infertility together with the complete absence of KIF9 expression. In contrast to these KIF9-deficient patients, positive KIF9 staining was evident throughout the flagella of sperm from normal control individuals. KIF9 was able to interact with the microtubule central pair (CP) component hydrocephalus-inducing protein homolog (HYDIN) in human samples. And KIF9 was undetectable in spermatozoa harboring CP deletions. The morphologicy of KIF9-deficient spermatozoa appeared normal under gross examination and TEM. Like in mice, in vitro fertilization was sufficient to overcome the fertility issues for these two patients. Discussion These findings indicate that KIF9 associates with the central microtubules in human sperm and that it functions to specifically regulate flagellar swinging. Overall, these results offer greater insight into the biological functions of KIF9 in the assembly of the human flagella and its role in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Meng
- Center for Reproduction, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital (Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University), Suzhou, China
| | - Qingxia Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jiajia Xue
- Center for Reproduction, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital (Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University), Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jinxing Lv
- Center for Reproduction, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital (Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University), Suzhou, China
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Wang J, Wang W, Shen L, Zheng A, Meng Q, Li H, Yang S. Clinical detection, diagnosis and treatment of morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella: A review of literature. Front Genet 2022; 13:1034951. [PMID: 36425067 PMCID: PMC9679630 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1034951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm carries male genetic information, and flagella help move the sperm to reach oocytes. When the ultrastructure of the flagella is abnormal, the sperm is unable to reach the oocyte and achieve insemination. Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) is a relatively rare idiopathic condition that is mainly characterized by multiple defects in sperm flagella. In the last decade, with the development of high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches, many genes have been revealed to be related to MMAF. However, the differences in sperm phenotypes and reproductive outcomes in many cases are attributed to different pathogenic genes or different pathogenic mutations in the same gene. Here, we will review information about the various phenotypes resulting from different pathogenic genes, including sperm ultrastructure and encoding proteins with their location and functions as well as assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. We will share our clinical detection and diagnosis experience to provide additional clinical views and broaden the understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shenmin Yang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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Yin Y, Mu W, Yu X, Wang Z, Xu K, Wu X, Cai Y, Zhang M, Lu G, Chan WY, Ma J, Huang T, Liu H. LRRC46 Accumulates at the Midpiece of Sperm Flagella and Is Essential for Spermiogenesis and Male Fertility in Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8525. [PMID: 35955660 PMCID: PMC9369233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is essential for male fertility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia. MMAF phenotypes are understood to result from pathogenic variants of genes from multiple families including AKAP, DANI, DNAH, RSPH, CCDC, CFAP, TTC, and LRRC, among others. The Leucine-rich repeat protein (LRRC) family includes two members reported to cause MMAF phenotypes: Lrrc6 and Lrrc50. Despite vigorous research towards understanding the pathogenesis of MMAF-related diseases, many genes remain unknown underlying the flagellum biogenesis. Here, we found that Leucine-rich repeat containing 46 (LRRC46) is specifically expressed in the testes of adult mice, and show that LRRC46 is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Papanicolaou staining (PS) presents that the knockout of Lrrc46 in mice resulted in typical MMAF phenotypes, including sperm with short, coiled, and irregular flagella. The male KO mice had reduced total sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and were completely infertile. No reproductive phenotypes were detected in Lrrc46-/- female mice. Immunofluorescence (IF) assays showed that LRRC46 was present throughout the entire flagella of control sperm, albeit with evident concentration at the mid-piece. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated striking flagellar defects with axonemal and mitochondrial sheath malformations. About the important part of the Materials and Methods, SEM and PS were used to observe the typical MMAF-related irregular flagella morphological phenotypes, TEM was used to further inspect the sperm flagellum defects in ultrastructure, and IF was chosen to confirm the location of protein. Our study suggests that LRRC46 is an essential protein for sperm flagellum biogenesis, and its mutations might be associated with MMAF that causes male infertility. Thus, our study provides insights for understanding developmental processes underlying sperm flagellum formation and contribute to further observe the pathogenic genes that cause male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wenyu Mu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yuling Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Mingyu Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Gang Lu
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
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