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Jabloñski M, Luque GM, Gómez-Elías MD, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Xu X, de la Vega-Beltran JL, Corkidi G, Linares A, Abonza Amaro VX, Arenas-Hernandez A, Del Pilar Ramos-Godinez M, López-Saavedra A, Krapf D, Krapf D, Darszon A, Guerrero A, Buffone MG. Reorganization of the Flagellum Scaffolding Induces a Sperm Standstill During Fertilization. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.22.546073. [PMID: 37904966 PMCID: PMC10614747 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.22.546073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm delve into the female reproductive tract to fertilize the female gamete. The available information about how sperm regulate their motility during the final journey to the fertilization site is extremely limited. In this work, we investigated the structural and functional changes in the sperm flagellum after AE and during the interaction with the eggs. The evidence demonstrates that the double helix actin network surrounding the mitochondrial sheath of the midpiece undergoes structural changes prior to the motility cessation. This structural modification is accompanied by a decrease in diameter of the midpiece and is driven by intracellular calcium changes that occur concomitant with a reorganization of the actin helicoidal cortex. Midpiece contraction occurs in a subset of cells that undergo AE, live-cell imaging during in vitro fertilization showed that the midpiece contraction is required for motility cessation after fusion is initiated. These findings provide the first evidence of the F-actin network's role in regulating sperm motility, adapting its function to meet specific cellular requirements during fertilization, and highlighting the broader significance of understanding sperm motility. Significant statement In this work, we demonstrate that the helical structure of polymerized actin in the flagellum undergoes a rearrangement at the time of sperm-egg fusion. This process is driven by intracellular calcium and promotes a decrease in the sperm midpiece diameter as well as the arrest in motility, which is observed after the fusion process is initiated.
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2
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Jiang X, Liu L, Guo H, Liu P, Tian W, Ou F, Ding J, Zhang W, Chang Y. Establishment of Parentage Identification Method for Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius Based on SSR-seq Technology. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:630. [PMID: 38790259 PMCID: PMC11120681 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050630] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
To establish a parentage identification method for Strongylocentrotus intermedius, 15 microsatellite loci and simple sequence repeat sequencing (SSR-seq) technology were used to perform SSR sequencing and typing of the validation population with known pedigree information and the simulation population. Cervus v3.0 was used for gene frequency statistics, simulated analysis, and parentage identification analysis. The results showed that, in validation population, using 15 microsatellite loci, the highest success rate of parent pairs identification was 86%, the highest success rate of female parent identification was 93%, and the highest success rate of male parent identification was 90%. The simulated population was analyzed using 12-15 loci, and the identification rate was up to 90%. In cases where accurate parentage was not achieved, individuals could exhibit genetic similarities with 1-3 male or female parents. Individuals identified as lacking a genetic relationship can be selected as parents to prevent inbreeding. This study shows that parent pairs or single parents of most offspring can be identified successfully using these 15 selected loci. The results lay a foundation for the establishment of a parentage identification method for S. intermedius.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Weijie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China’s Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (X.J.); (Y.C.)
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3
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Elofsson A, Han L, Bianchi E, Wright GJ, Jovine L. Deep learning insights into the architecture of the mammalian egg-sperm fusion synapse. eLife 2024; 13:RP93131. [PMID: 38666763 PMCID: PMC11052572 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93131] [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] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A crucial event in sexual reproduction is when haploid sperm and egg fuse to form a new diploid organism at fertilization. In mammals, direct interaction between egg JUNO and sperm IZUMO1 mediates gamete membrane adhesion, yet their role in fusion remains enigmatic. We used AlphaFold to predict the structure of other extracellular proteins essential for fertilization to determine if they could form a complex that may mediate fusion. We first identified TMEM81, whose gene is expressed by mouse and human spermatids, as a protein having structural homologies with both IZUMO1 and another sperm molecule essential for gamete fusion, SPACA6. Using a set of proteins known to be important for fertilization and TMEM81, we then systematically searched for predicted binary interactions using an unguided approach and identified a pentameric complex involving sperm IZUMO1, SPACA6, TMEM81 and egg JUNO, CD9. This complex is structurally consistent with both the expected topology on opposing gamete membranes and the location of predicted N-glycans not modeled by AlphaFold-Multimer, suggesting that its components could organize into a synapse-like assembly at the point of fusion. Finally, the structural modeling approach described here could be more generally useful to gain insights into transient protein complexes difficult to detect experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Elofsson
- Science for Life Laboratory and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm UniversitySolnaSweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Enrica Bianchi
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of YorkYorkUnited Kingdom
| | - Gavin J Wright
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of YorkYorkUnited Kingdom
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
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4
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Brukman NG, Valansi C, Podbilewicz B. Sperm induction of somatic cell-cell fusion as a novel functional test. eLife 2024; 13:e94228. [PMID: 38265078 PMCID: PMC10883674 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94228] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The fusion of mammalian gametes requires the interaction between IZUMO1 on the sperm and JUNO on the oocyte. We have recently shown that ectopic expression of mouse IZUMO1 induces cell-cell fusion and that sperm can fuse to fibroblasts expressing JUNO. Here, we found that the incubation of mouse sperm with hamster fibroblasts or human epithelial cells in culture induces the fusion between these somatic cells and the formation of syncytia, a pattern previously observed with some animal viruses. This sperm-induced cell-cell fusion requires a species-matching JUNO on both fusing cells, can be blocked by an antibody against IZUMO1, and does not rely on the synthesis of new proteins. The fusion is dependent on the sperm's fusogenic capacity, making this a reliable, fast, and simple method for predicting sperm function during the diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Clari Valansi
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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5
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Bottacchiari M, Gallo M, Bussoletti M, Casciola CM. The local variation of the Gaussian modulus enables different pathways for fluid lipid vesicle fusion. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23. [PMID: 38168475 PMCID: PMC10762093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50922-7] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral infections, fertilization, neurotransmission, and many other fundamental biological processes rely on membrane fusion. Straightforward calculations based on the celebrated Canham-Helfrich elastic model predict a large topological energy barrier that prevents the fusion process from being thermally activated. While such high energy is in accordance with the physical barrier function of lipid membranes, it is difficult to reconcile with the biological mechanisms involved in fusion processes. In this work, we use a Ginzburg-Landau type of free energy that recovers the Canham-Helfrich model in the limit of small width-to-vesicle-extension ratio, with the additional ability to handle topological transitions. We show that a local modification of the Gaussian modulus in the merging region both dramatically lowers the elastic energy barrier and substantially changes the minimal energy pathway for fusion, in accordance with experimental evidence. Therefore, we discuss biological examples in which such a modification might play a crucial role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bottacchiari
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirko Gallo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bussoletti
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Massimo Casciola
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
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6
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Jessberger G, Várnai C, Stocsits RR, Tang W, Stary G, Peters JM. Cohesin and CTCF do not assemble TADs in Xenopus sperm and male pronuclei. Genome Res 2023; 33:gr.277865.123. [PMID: 38129077 PMCID: PMC10760524 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277865.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Paternal genomes are compacted during spermiogenesis and decompacted following fertilization. These processes are fundamental for inheritance but incompletely understood. We analyzed these processes in the frog Xenopus laevis, whose sperm can be assembled into functional pronuclei in egg extracts in vitro. In such extracts, cohesin extrudes DNA into loops, but in vivo cohesin only assembles topologically associating domains (TADs) at the mid-blastula transition (MBT). Why cohesin assembles TADs only at this stage is unknown. We first analyzed genome architecture in frog sperm and compared it to human and mouse. Our results indicate that sperm genome organization is conserved between frogs and humans and occurs without formation of TADs. TADs can be detected in mouse sperm samples, as reported, but these structures might originate from somatic chromatin contaminations. We therefore discuss the possibility that the absence of TADs might be a general feature of vertebrate sperm. To analyze sperm genome remodeling upon fertilization, we reconstituted male pronuclei in Xenopus egg extracts. In pronuclei, chromatin compartmentalization increases, but cohesin does not accumulate at CTCF sites and assemble TADs. However, if pronuclei are formed in the presence of exogenous CTCF, CTCF binds to its consensus sites, and cohesin accumulates at these and forms short-range chromatin loops, which are preferentially anchored at CTCF's N terminus. These results indicate that TADs are only assembled at MBT because before this stage CTCF sites are not occupied and cohesin only forms short-range chromatin loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Jessberger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Csilla Várnai
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, United Kingdom
| | - Roman R Stocsits
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wen Tang
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan-Michael Peters
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria;
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7
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Zhou L, Liu H, Liu S, Yang X, Dong Y, Pan Y, Xiao Z, Zheng B, Sun Y, Huang P, Zhang X, Hu J, Sun R, Feng S, Zhu Y, Liu M, Gui M, Wu J. Structures of sperm flagellar doublet microtubules expand the genetic spectrum of male infertility. Cell 2023; 186:2897-2910.e19. [PMID: 37295417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility is crucial for successful fertilization. Highly decorated doublet microtubules (DMTs) form the sperm tail skeleton, which propels the movement of spermatozoa. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and artificial intelligence (AI)-based modeling, we determined the structures of mouse and human sperm DMTs and built an atomic model of the 48-nm repeat of the mouse sperm DMT. Our analysis revealed 47 DMT-associated proteins, including 45 microtubule inner proteins (MIPs). We identified 10 sperm-specific MIPs, including seven classes of Tektin5 in the lumen of the A tubule and FAM166 family members that bind the intra-tubulin interfaces. Interestingly, the human sperm DMT lacks some MIPs compared with the mouse sperm DMT. We also discovered variants in 10 distinct MIPs associated with a subtype of asthenozoospermia characterized by impaired sperm motility without evident morphological abnormalities. Our study highlights the conservation and tissue/species specificity of DMTs and expands the genetic spectrum of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunni Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haobin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yun Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhuang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Pengyu Huang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xixi Zhang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin Hu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan Feng
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Miao Gui
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Sakuragi T, Nagata S. Regulation of phospholipid distribution in the lipid bilayer by flippases and scramblases. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023:10.1038/s41580-023-00604-z. [PMID: 37106071 PMCID: PMC10134735 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00604-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Cellular membranes function as permeability barriers that separate cells from the external environment or partition cells into distinct compartments. These membranes are lipid bilayers composed of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and cholesterol, in which proteins are embedded. Glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids freely move laterally, whereas transverse movement between lipid bilayers is limited. Phospholipids are asymmetrically distributed between membrane leaflets but change their location in biological processes, serving as signalling molecules or enzyme activators. Designated proteins - flippases and scramblases - mediate this lipid movement between the bilayers. Flippases mediate the confined localization of specific phospholipids (phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and phosphatidylethanolamine) to the cytoplasmic leaflet. Scramblases randomly scramble phospholipids between leaflets and facilitate the exposure of PtdSer on the cell surface, which serves as an important signalling molecule and as an 'eat me' signal for phagocytes. Defects in flippases and scramblases cause various human diseases. We herein review the recent research on the structure of flippases and scramblases and their physiological roles. Although still poorly understood, we address the mechanisms by which they translocate phospholipids between lipid bilayers and how defects cause human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaharu Sakuragi
- Biochemistry & Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shigekazu Nagata
- Biochemistry & Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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9
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Zuo Y, Mei X, Singson A. CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Fluorescent Tagging of Caenorhabditis elegans SPE-38 Reveals a Complete Localization Pattern in Live Spermatozoa. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040623. [PMID: 37189371 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans spe-38 gene encodes a four-pass transmembrane molecule that is required in sperm for fertilization. In previous work, the localization of the SPE-38 protein was examined using polyclonal antibodies on spermatids and mature amoeboid spermatozoa. SPE-38 is localized to unfused membranous organelles (MOs) in nonmotile spermatids. Different fixation conditions revealed that SPE-38 either localized to fused MOs and the cell body plasma membrane or the pseudopod plasma membrane of mature sperm. To address this localization paradox in mature sperm, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was used to tag endogenous SPE-38 with fluorescent wrmScarlet-I. Homozygous male and hermaphrodite worms encoding SPE-38::wrmScarlet-I were fertile indicating the fluorescent tag does not interfere with SPE-38 function during sperm activation or fertilization. We found that SPE-38::wrmScarlet-I localized to MOs in spermatids consistent with previous antibody localization. In mature and motile spermatozoa we found SPE-38::wrmScarlet-I in fused MOs, the cell body plasma membrane, and the pseudopod plasma membrane. We conclude that the localization pattern observed with SPE-38::wrmScarlet-I represents the complete distribution of SPE-38 in mature spermatozoa and this localization pattern is consistent with a hypothesized role of SPE-38 directly in sperm-egg binding and/or fusion.
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10
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Maniates KA, Singson A. Where are all the egg genes? Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1107312. [PMID: 36819103 PMCID: PMC9936096 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1107312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Complementary forward and reverse genetic approaches in several model systems have resulted in a recent burst of fertilization gene discovery. The number of genetically validated gamete surface molecules have more than doubled in the last few years. All the genetically validated sperm fertilization genes encode transmembrane or secreted molecules. Curiously, the discovery of genes that encode oocyte molecules have fallen behind that of sperm genes. This review discusses potential experimental biases and inherent biological reasons that could slow egg fertilization gene discovery. Finally, we shed light on current strategies to identify genes that may result in further identification of egg fertilization genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Maniates
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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11
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Brukman NG, Nakajima KP, Valansi C, Flyak K, Li X, Higashiyama T, Podbilewicz B. A novel function for the sperm adhesion protein IZUMO1 in cell-cell fusion. J Cell Biol 2022; 222:213693. [PMID: 36394541 PMCID: PMC9671554 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202207147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm-egg adhesion depends on the trans-interaction between the sperm-specific type I glycoprotein IZUMO1 and its oocyte-specific GPI-anchored receptor JUNO. However, the mechanisms and proteins (fusogens) that mediate the following step of gamete fusion remain unknown. Using live imaging and content mixing assays in a heterologous system and structure-guided mutagenesis, we unveil an unexpected function for IZUMO1 in cell-to-cell fusion. We show that IZUMO1 alone is sufficient to induce fusion, and that this ability is retained in a mutant unable to bind JUNO. On the other hand, a triple mutation in exposed aromatic residues prevents this fusogenic activity without impairing JUNO interaction. Our findings suggest a second function for IZUMO1 as a unilateral mouse gamete fusogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G. Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kohdai P. Nakajima
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Clari Valansi
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kateryna Flyak
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Lu Y, Ikawa M. Eukaryotic fertilization and gamete fusion at a glance. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs260296. [PMID: 36416181 PMCID: PMC10658792 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260296] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, the genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next via the merger of male and female gametes. Gamete fusion is a two-step process involving membrane recognition and apposition through ligand-receptor interactions and lipid mixing mediated by fusion proteins. HAP2 (also known as GCS1) is a bona fide gamete fusogen in flowering plants and protists. In vertebrates, a multitude of surface proteins have been demonstrated to be pivotal for sperm-egg fusion, yet none of them exhibit typical fusogenic features. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we summarize recent advances in the mechanistic understanding of gamete fusion in eukaryotes, with a particular focus on mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Lu
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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13
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Vance TDR, Yip P, Jiménez E, Li S, Gawol D, Byrnes J, Usón I, Ziyyat A, Lee JE. SPACA6 ectodomain structure reveals a conserved superfamily of gamete fusion-associated proteins. Commun Biol 2022; 5:984. [PMID: 36115925 PMCID: PMC9482655 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03883-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SPACA6 is a sperm-expressed surface protein that is critical for gamete fusion during mammalian sexual reproduction. Despite this fundamental role, little is known about how SPACA6 specifically functions. We elucidated the crystal structure of the SPACA6 ectodomain at 2.2-Å resolution, revealing a two-domain protein containing a four-helix bundle and Ig-like β-sandwich connected via a quasi-flexible linker. This structure is reminiscent of IZUMO1, another gamete fusion-associated protein, making SPACA6 and IZUMO1 founding members of a superfamily of fertilization-associated proteins, herein dubbed the IST superfamily. The IST superfamily is defined structurally by its distorted four-helix bundle and a pair of disulfide-bonded CXXC motifs. A structure-based search of the AlphaFold human proteome identified more protein members to this superfamily; remarkably, many of these proteins are linked to gamete fusion. The SPACA6 structure and its connection to other IST-superfamily members provide a missing link in our knowledge of mammalian gamete fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D R Vance
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Yip
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elisabet Jiménez
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Diana Gawol
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Byrnes
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA
| | - Isabel Usón
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
- Service d'Histologie, d'Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Jeffrey E Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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14
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Bianchi E, Jimenez-Movilla M, Krauchunas AR. Editorial: Fertilization in the spotlight: Dynamics and mechanisms of sperm-egg interaction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:993865. [PMID: 36158186 PMCID: PMC9493349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.993865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Bianchi
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Enrica Bianchi, ; Maria Jimenez-Movilla, ; Amber R. Krauchunas,
| | - Maria Jimenez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Enrica Bianchi, ; Maria Jimenez-Movilla, ; Amber R. Krauchunas,
| | - Amber R. Krauchunas
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- *Correspondence: Enrica Bianchi, ; Maria Jimenez-Movilla, ; Amber R. Krauchunas,
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15
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Contreras W, Wiesehöfer C, Schreier D, Leinung N, Peche P, Wennemuth G, Gentzel M, Schröder B, Mentrup T. C11orf94/Frey is a key regulator for male fertility by controlling Izumo1 complex assembly. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo6049. [PMID: 35960805 PMCID: PMC9374335 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo6049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Although gamete fusion represents the central event in sexual reproduction, the required protein machinery is poorly defined. In sperm cells, Izumo1 and several Izumo1-associated proteins play an essential role for this process. However, so far, the mechanisms underlying transport and maturation of Izumo1 and its incorporation into high molecular weight complexes are incompletely defined. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of the C11orf94 protein, which we rename Frey, which provides a platform for the assembly of Izumo1 complexes. By retaining Izumo1 in the endoplasmic reticulum, Frey facilitates its incorporation into high molecular weight complexes. To fulfill its function, the unstable Frey protein is stabilized within the catalytic center of an intramembrane protease. Loss of Frey results in reduced assembly of Izumo1 complexes and male infertility due to impaired gamete fusion. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insights into the early biogenesis and functional relevance of Izumo1 complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whendy Contreras
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Caroline Wiesehöfer
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dora Schreier
- CRISPR-Cas9 Facility, Experimental Center of the Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nadja Leinung
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Petra Peche
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marc Gentzel
- Core Facility Molecular Analysis–Mass Spectrometry, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bernd Schröder
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Torben Mentrup
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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16
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Tang X, Chen T, Chen H, Yu S, Cao S, Liu C, Ma Y, Sun F, Pan Q, Zhu X. Sperm-like nanocarriers for ultrafast delivery of antisense DNA. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:10844-10850. [PMID: 35838371 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02050e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although various nanomaterials have been designed as intracellular delivery tools, the following aspects have become obstacles to limit their development, like a complex and time-consuming synthesis process, as well as relatively limited application areas (i.e. biosensing or cell imaging). Here, we developed a novel nano-delivery system called "nano-sperm" with low cytotoxicity and high biocompatibility. In this system, we used DNA oligonucleotides as a backbone to synthesize a nanostructure with silver nanoclusters in the head and functional fragments in the tail, which is shaped like a sperm, to achieve dual functions of ultrafast delivery and imaging/therapy. As a model, we analyzed the possibility of the "nano-sperm" carrying DNA with different structures for imaging or survivin-asDNA for tumor therapy. Therefore, this work reports a novel bifunctional high-speed delivery vehicle, which successfully fills the gap in the field of tumor therapy using DNA-templated nanoclusters as a delivery vehicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Tianshu Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Huinan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Sinuo Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Chenbin Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P. R. China.
| | - Yonggeng Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
| | - Fenyong Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P. R. China.
| | - Qiuhui Pan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics for Pediatrics, Shanghai 200127, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P. R. China.
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17
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Noda T, Blaha A, Fujihara Y, Gert KR, Emori C, Deneke VE, Oura S, Panser K, Lu Y, Berent S, Kodani M, Cabrera-Quio LE, Pauli A, Ikawa M. Sperm membrane proteins DCST1 and DCST2 are required for sperm-egg interaction in mice and fish. Commun Biol 2022; 5:332. [PMID: 35393517 PMCID: PMC8989947 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03289-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of sperm-egg fusion is critical for successful fertilization, yet the underlying mechanisms that regulate these steps have remained unclear in vertebrates. Here, we show that both mouse and zebrafish DCST1 and DCST2 are necessary in sperm to fertilize the egg, similar to their orthologs SPE-42 and SPE-49 in C. elegans and Sneaky in D. melanogaster. Mouse Dcst1 and Dcst2 single knockout (KO) sperm are able to undergo the acrosome reaction and show normal relocalization of IZUMO1, an essential factor for sperm-egg fusion, to the equatorial segment. While both single KO sperm can bind to the oolemma, they show the fusion defect, resulting that Dcst1 KO males become almost sterile and Dcst2 KO males become sterile. Similar to mice, zebrafish dcst1 KO males are subfertile and dcst2 and dcst1/2 double KO males are sterile. Zebrafish dcst1/2 KO sperm are motile and can approach the egg, but are defective in binding to the oolemma. Furthermore, we find that DCST1 and DCST2 interact with each other and are interdependent. These data demonstrate that DCST1/2 are essential for male fertility in two vertebrate species, highlighting their crucial role as conserved factors in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan
| | - Andreas Blaha
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 6-1 Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - Krista R Gert
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Victoria E Deneke
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Seiya Oura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Karin Panser
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sara Berent
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mayo Kodani
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Luis Enrique Cabrera-Quio
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
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18
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Xu X, Chen J, Du X, Yao L, Wang Y. CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Disruption of Seminal Fluid Protein Sfp62 Induces Male Sterility in Bombyx mori. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040561. [PMID: 35453761 PMCID: PMC9024854 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In gamogenetic animals, seminal fluid proteins are essential for male fertility. In this study, we investigated the function of the seminal fluid protein Sfp62 by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in lepidopteran model insect Bombyx mori. Sfp62 mutation led to male sterility and can be inherited stably. The mutation did not affect growth and developmental nor female fertility. These data indicate that Sfp62 is an ideal target for sterile insect technology (SIT), in which genetically modified insects are released on a large scale to mate with wild-type insects in order to reduce or even eradicate the target pests. The determining factors for the effective implementation of SIT include the strong competitiveness of the modified individuals and multi-generational effects resulting from the mutation. Sfp62 meets these criteria and is therefore a promising target for biological pest control. Abstract Seminal fluid proteins provide factors necessary for development, storage, and activation of sperm. Altered expression of seminal fluid proteins can lead to defect in male infertility. We investigated the function of seminal fluid protein Sfp62 in the model lepidopteran insect Bombyx mori using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutagenesis. The knockout of BmSfp62 gene led to male sterility but has no effect on female fertility. The mutation did not affect growth and development of the silkworm of both sexes. Motility of sperm in male mutants was decreased and the mRNA expression levels of other genes encoding seminal fluid proteins were altered in BmSfp62 mutants compared to the wild-type controls. The male sterility caused by mutation of BmSfp62 was stably inherited. As the proteins encoded by Sfp62 genes are conserved among lepidopteran species, Sfp62 is a potential target for the biological management of lepidopteran pests.
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19
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Binner MI, Kogan A, Panser K, Schleiffer A, Deneke VE, Pauli A. The Sperm Protein Spaca6 is Essential for Fertilization in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:806982. [PMID: 35047514 PMCID: PMC8762341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.806982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a key process in all sexually reproducing species, yet the molecular mechanisms that underlie this event remain unclear. To date, only a few proteins have been shown to be essential for sperm-egg binding and fusion in mice, and only some are conserved across vertebrates. One of these conserved, testis-expressed factors is SPACA6, yet its function has not been investigated outside of mammals. Here we show that zebrafish spaca6 encodes for a sperm membrane protein which is essential for fertilization. Zebrafish spaca6 knockout males are sterile. Furthermore, Spaca6-deficient sperm have normal morphology, are motile, and can approach the egg, but fail to bind to the egg and therefore cannot complete fertilization. Interestingly, sperm lacking Spaca6 have decreased levels of another essential and conserved sperm fertility factor, Dcst2, revealing a previously unknown dependence of Dcst2 expression on Spaca6. Together, our results show that zebrafish Spaca6 regulates Dcst2 levels and is required for binding between the sperm membrane and the oolemma. This is in contrast to murine sperm lacking SPACA6, which was reported to be able to bind but unable to fuse with oocytes. These findings demonstrate that Spaca6 is essential for zebrafish fertilization and is a conserved sperm factor in vertebrate reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Victoria E. Deneke
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, Vienna, Austria
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20
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Epithelial and Neural Cadherin in Mammalian Fertilization: Studies in the Mouse Model. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010102. [PMID: 35011663 PMCID: PMC8750299 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful mammalian fertilization requires a well-orchestrated sequence of molecular events leading to gamete fusion. Since this interaction involves Ca2+-dependent adhesion events, the participation of the Ca+2-dependent cell-cell adhesion proteins Epithelial (E-cad) and Neural (N-cad) cadherin is envisaged. We have previously reported the expression of E-cad and N-cad in human gametes and showed evidence of their involvement in sperm-oocyte adhesion events leading to fertilization. To overcome ethical limitations associated with the use of human gametes in fertilization-related studies, the mouse has been selected worldwide as the experimental model for over 4 decades. Herein, we report a detailed study aimed at characterizing the expression of E-cad and N-cad in murine gametes and their involvement in murine fertilization using specific antibodies and blocking peptides towards both adhesion proteins. E-cad and N-cad protein forms, as well as other members of the adhesion complex, specifically β-catenin and actin, were identified in spermatozoa, cumulus cells and oocytes protein extracts by means of Western immunoblotting. In addition, subcellular localization of these proteins was determined in whole cells using optical fluorescent microscopy. Gamete pre-incubation with anti-E-cad (ECCD-1) or N-cad (H-63) antibodies resulted in decreased (p < 0.05) In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) rates, when using both cumulus-oocytes complexes and cumulus-free oocytes. Moreover, IVF assays done with denuded oocytes and either antibodies or blocking peptides against E-cad and N-cad led to lower (p < 0.05) fertilization rates. When assessing each step, penetration of the cumulus mass was lower (p < 0.05) when spermatozoa were pre-incubated with ECCD-1 or blocking peptides towards E-cad or towards both E- and N-cad. Moreover, sperm-oolemma binding was impaired (p < 0.0005) after sperm pre-incubation with E-cad antibody or blocking peptide towards E-cad, N-cad or both proteins. Finally, sperm-oocyte fusion was lower (p < 0.05) after sperm pre-incubation with either antibody or blocking peptide against E-cad or N-cad. Our studies demonstrate the expression of members of the adherent complex in the murine model, and the use of antibodies and specific peptides revealed E-cad and N-cad participation in mammalian fertilization.
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21
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Merc V, Frolikova M, Komrskova K. Role of Integrins in Sperm Activation and Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11809. [PMID: 34769240 PMCID: PMC8584121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that represent a large group of cell adhesion receptors involved in cell-cell, cell-extracellular matrix, and cell-pathogen interactions. Integrin receptors are an important part of signalization pathways and have an ability to transmit signals into and out of cells and participate in cell activation. In addition to somatic cells, integrins have also been detected on germ cells and are known to play a crucial role in complex gamete-specific physiological events, resulting in sperm-oocyte fusion. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on integrins in reproduction and deliver novel perspectives and graphical interpretations presenting integrin subunits localization and their dynamic relocation during sperm maturation in comparison to the oocyte. A significant part of this review is devoted to discussing the existing view of the role of integrins during sperm migration through the female reproductive tract; oviductal reservoir formation; sperm maturation processes ensuing capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and their direct and indirect involvement in gamete membrane adhesion and fusion leading to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Merc
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Michaela Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
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