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Noda T, Shinohara H, Kobayashi S, Taira A, Oura S, Tahara D, Tokuyasu M, Araki K, Ikawa M. Multiple genes in the Pate5-13 genomic region contribute to ADAM3 processing†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:750-760. [PMID: 38217862 PMCID: PMC11017121 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae008] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm proteins undergo post-translational modifications during sperm transit through the epididymis to acquire fertilizing ability. We previously reported that the genomic region coding Pate family genes is key to the proteolytic processing of the sperm membrane protein ADAM3 and male fertility. This region contains nine Pate family genes (Pate5-13), and two protein-coding genes (Gm27235 and Gm5916), with a domain structure similar to Pate family genes. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify key factors by narrowing the genomic region. We generated three knockout (KO) mouse lines using CRISPR/Cas9: single KO mice of Pate10 expressed in the caput epididymis; deletion KO mice of six caput epididymis-enriched genes (Pate5-7, 13, Gm27235, and Gm5916) (Pate7-Gm5916 KO); and deletion KO mice of four genes expressed in the placenta and epididymis (Pate8, 9, 11, and 12) (Pate8-12 KO). We observed that the fertility of only Pate7-Gm5916 KO males was reduced, whereas the rest remained unaffected. Furthermore, when the caput epididymis-enriched genes, Pate8 and Pate10 remained in Pate7-Gm5916 KO mice were independently deleted, both KO males displayed more severe subfertility due to a decrease in mature ADAM3 and a defect in sperm migration to the oviduct. Thus, our data showed that multiple caput epididymis-enriched genes within the region coding Pate5-13 cooperatively function to ensure male fertility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Noda
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hina Shinohara
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Sumire Kobayashi
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayumu Taira
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Seiya Oura
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Duri Tahara
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Midori Tokuyasu
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Xu J, Lei X, Li A, Li J, Li S, Chen L. Scalable production of recombinant three-finger proteins: from inclusion bodies to high quality molecular probes. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:48. [PMID: 38347541 PMCID: PMC10860255 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02316-1] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The three-finger proteins are a collection of disulfide bond rich proteins of great biomedical interests. Scalable recombinant expression and purification of bioactive three-finger proteins is quite difficult. RESULTS We introduce a working pipeline for expression, purification and validation of disulfide-bond rich three-finger proteins using E. coli as the expression host. With this pipeline, we have successfully obtained highly purified and bioactive recombinant α-Βungarotoxin, k-Bungarotoxin, Hannalgesin, Mambalgin-1, α-Cobratoxin, MTα, Slurp1, Pate B etc. Milligrams to hundreds of milligrams of recombinant three finger proteins were obtained within weeks in the lab. The recombinant proteins showed specificity in binding assay and six of them were crystallized and structurally validated using X-ray diffraction protein crystallography. CONCLUSIONS Our pipeline allows refolding and purifying recombinant three finger proteins under optimized conditions and can be scaled up for massive production of three finger proteins. As many three finger proteins have attractive therapeutic or research interests and due to the extremely high quality of the recombinant three finger proteins we obtained, our method provides a competitive alternative to either their native counterparts or chemically synthetic ones and should facilitate related research and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Xu
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Xiao Lei
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Ao Li
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxing Li
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Lin Chen
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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3
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Dufresne J, Gregory M, Pinel L, Cyr DG. Differential gene expression and hallmarks of stemness in epithelial cells of the developing rat epididymis. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:327-349. [PMID: 35590013 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epididymal development can be subdivided into three phases: undifferentiated, a period of differentiation, and expansion. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess gene expression profiles in epididymides, (2) predict signaling pathways, and (3) develop a novel 3D cell culture method to assess the regulation of epididymal development in vitro. Microarray analyses indicate that the largest changes in differential gene expression occurred between the 7- to 18-day period, in which 1452 genes were differentially expressed, while 671 differentially expressed genes were noted between days 18 and 28, and there were 560 differentially expressed genes between days 28 and 60. Multiple signaling pathways were predicted at different phases of development. Pathway associations indicated that in epididymides of 7- to 18-day old rats, there was a significant association of regulated genes implicated in stem cells, estrogens, thyroid hormones, and kidney development, while androgen- and estrogen-related pathways were enriched at other phases of development. Organoids were derived from CD49f + columnar cells from 7-day old rats, while no organoids developed from CD49f- cells. Cells cultured in an epididymal basal cell organoid medium versus a commercial kidney differentiation medium supplemented with DHT revealed that irrespective of the culture medium, cells within differentiating organoids expressed p63, AQP9, and V-ATPase after 14 days of culture. The commercial kidney medium resulted in an increase in the number of organoids positive for p63, AQP9, and V-ATPase. Together, these data indicate that columnar cells represent an epididymal stem/progenitor cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dufresne
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 245 boul. Des Prairies, Laval, QC, H7V 3B7, Canada
| | - Mary Gregory
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 245 boul. Des Prairies, Laval, QC, H7V 3B7, Canada
| | - Laurie Pinel
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 245 boul. Des Prairies, Laval, QC, H7V 3B7, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, 245 boul. Des Prairies, Laval, QC, H7V 3B7, Canada. .,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada.
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4
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Morohoshi K, Yamazaki T, Kito K, Sato B, Kang W, Hibino T, Yoshida M, Yoshida K, Iwamoto T, Yamada M, Miyado K, Kawano N. Identification of an antibacterial polypeptide in mouse seminal vesicle secretions. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103436. [PMID: 34700103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103436] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In both men and women, pathogenic bacteria enter the reproductive tract and cause harmful symptoms. Intrauterine and oviductal inflammation after copulation may have severe effects, such as infertility, implantation failure, oviduct obstruction, and robust life-threatening bacterial infection. Human seminal plasma is considered to be protective against bacterial infection. Among its components, Semenogelin-I/-II proteins are digested to function as bactericidal factors; however, their sequences are not conserved in mammals. Therefore, alternative antibacterial (bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic) systems may exist across mammals. In this study, we examined the antibacterial activity in the seminal plasma of mice lacking a gene cluster encoding Semenogelin-I/-II counterparts. Even in the absence of the majority of seminal proteins, antibacterial activity remained in the seminal plasma. Moreover, a combination of gel chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry revealed that the prostate and testis expressed 4 protein as a novel antibacterial (specifically, bacteriostatic) protein, the sequence of which is broadly conserved across mammals. Our results provide the first evidence of a bacteriostatic protein that is widely present in the mammalian seminal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Morohoshi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Takeo Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Keiji Kito
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Ban Sato
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Woojin Kang
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Taku Hibino
- Faculty of Education, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura, Saitama City, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, the University of Tokyo, 1024 Koajiro, Misaki, Miura, Kanagawa, 238-0225, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Toin University of Yokohama, 1614 Kurogane, Aoba, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 225-8503, Japan
| | - Teruaki Iwamoto
- Division of Male Infertility, Center for Human Reproduction, Sanno Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, 8-10-21 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, 107-0052, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Natsuko Kawano
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan.
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5
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Pujianto D, Permatasari S. Mouse CD52 is predominantly expressed in the cauda epididymis, regulated by androgen and lumicrine factors. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:350-355. [PMID: 35197679 PMCID: PMC8812399 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_29_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sperm maturation takes place through contact between sperm and proteins produced in the epididymal lumen. CD52 had been characterised in the sperm; however, the expression and its regulation in the epididymis are mostly unknown. Aim: This study aimed to analyse the expression and regulation of CD52 in the mouse epididymis. Setting and Design: Experimental design was used in this study. Materials and Methods: Epididymis tissues from mice strain Deutch Democratic Yokohama were used as sources of total RNA. Bioinformatic tool was used to predict signal peptides. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was used to analyse tissue distribution, androgen, testicular factors dependency and postnatal development. Statistical Analysis: One-way analysis of variance was used to analyse differences between treatment and control untreated group. P < 0.05 was determined as a significant difference. Results: CD52 amino acid sequence contains a signal peptide, indicating it is a secretory protein. CD52 exhibited region-specific expression in the epididymis, with the highest level being in the cauda. CD52 expression was regulated by androgen indicated by a significant downregulation at day 1 and day 3 following a castration (P < 0.05). Dependency on androgen was confirmed by injection of exogenous testosterone which prevented downregulation by 50%. Moreover, lumicrine factors also influenced CD52 expression indicated by ligation of efferent duct which also reduced expression at day 1 to day 5 following the ligation (P < 0.05). CD52 expression was developmentally regulated. This was shown by increase in the level of expression starting at day 15 postnatally. Conclusion: CD52 shows characteristics of genes involved in sperm maturation in the epididymis.
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Wong J, Damdimopoulos A, Damdimopoulou P, Gasperoni JG, Tran SC, Grommen SVH, De Groef B, Dworkin S. Transcriptome analysis of the epididymis from Plag1 deficient mice suggests dysregulation of sperm maturation and extracellular matrix genes. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:1500-1513. [PMID: 32959928 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) is required for male fertility. Mice deficient in PLAG1 exhibit decreased sperm motility and abnormal epididymal tubule elongation and coiling, indicating impaired sperm maturation during epididymal transit. However, the downstream transcriptomic profile of the Plag1 knockout (KO; Plag1-/- ) murine epididymis is currently unknown. RESULTS In this study, the PLAG1-dependent epididymal transcriptome was characterised using RNA sequencing. Several genes important for the control of sperm maturation, motility, capacitation and the acrosome reaction were dysregulated in Plag1-/- mice. Surprisingly, several cell proliferation genes were upregulated, and Ki67 analysis indicated that cell proliferation is aberrantly upregulated in the cauda epididymis stroma of Plag1-/- mice. Gene ontology analysis showed an overall upregulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix components, and an overall downregulation of genes encoding metalloendopeptidases in the epididymides from Plag1-/- mice. CONCLUSION Together, these results suggest a defect in the epididymal extracellular matrix in Plag1-/- mice. These results imply that in addition to maintaining epididymal integrity directly, PLAG1 may also regulate several genes involved in the regulation of sperm maturation and capacitation. Moreover, PLAG1 may also be involved in regulating tissue homeostasis and ensuring proper structure and maintenance of the extracellular matrix in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Wong
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anastasios Damdimopoulos
- Bioinformatics and Expression Analysis core facility, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jemma G Gasperoni
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephanie C Tran
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sylvia V H Grommen
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bert De Groef
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sebastian Dworkin
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Noda T, Fujihara Y, Matsumura T, Oura S, Kobayashi S, Ikawa M. Seminal vesicle secretory protein 7, PATE4, is not required for sperm function but for copulatory plug formation to ensure fecundity†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1035-1045. [PMID: 30452524 PMCID: PMC6483057 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal vesicle secretions (SVSs), together with spermatozoa, are ejaculated into the female reproductive tract. SVS7, also known as PATE4, is one of the major SVS proteins found in the seminal vesicle, copulatory plug, and uterine fluid after copulation. Here, we generated Pate4 knockout (-/-) mice and examined the detailed function of PATE4 on male fecundity. The morphology and weight of Pate4-/- seminal vesicles were comparable to the control. Although Pate4-/- cauda epididymal spermatozoa have no overt defects during in vitro fertilization, Pate4-/- males were subfertile. We found that the copulatory plugs were smaller in the vagina of females mated with Pate4-/- males, leading to semen leakage and a decreased sperm count in the uterus. When the females mated with Pate4-/- males were immediately re-caged with Pate4+/+ males, the females had subsequent productive matings. When the cauda epididymal spermatozoa were injected into the uterus and plugged artificially [artificial insemination (AI)], Pate4-/- spermatozoa could efficiently fertilize eggs as compared to wild-type spermatozoa. We finally examined the effect of SVSs on AI, and observed no difference in fertilization rates between Pate4+/+ and Pate4-/- SVSs. In conclusion, PATE4 is a novel factor in forming the copulatory plug that inhibits sequential matings and maintains spermatozoa in the uterus to ensure male fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Matsumura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiya Oura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sumire Kobayashi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Identification of multiple male reproductive tract-specific proteins that regulate sperm migration through the oviduct in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:18498-18506. [PMID: 31455729 PMCID: PMC6744855 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908736116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While the emergence of gene modification technologies has produced major discoveries in biomedical sciences, the recent development of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has dramatically altered the trajectory of phenotypic analysis in animal models. In this study, we identified male-specific gene clusters (Cst and Pate) and family genes (Gdpd and Lypd) and found specific members to be required for male fertility, especially for sperm fertilizing ability. Our findings support the important roles of these proteins in sperm function and could be used to develop novel infertility treatments as well as contraceptives. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology enables researchers to efficiently generate and analyze genetically modified animals. We have taken advantage of this game-changing technology to uncover essential factors for fertility. In this study, we generated knockouts (KOs) of multiple male reproductive organ-specific genes and performed phenotypic screening of these null mutant mice to attempt to identify proteins essential for male fertility. We focused on making large deletions (dels) within 2 gene clusters encoding cystatin (CST) and prostate and testis expressed (PATE) proteins and individual gene mutations in 2 other gene families encoding glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain (GDPD) containing and lymphocyte antigen 6 (Ly6)/Plaur domain (LYPD) containing proteins. These gene families were chosen because many of the genes demonstrate male reproductive tract-specific expression. Although Gdpd1 and Gdpd4 mutant mice were fertile, disruptions of Cst and Pate gene clusters and Lypd4 resulted in male sterility or severe fertility defects secondary to impaired sperm migration through the oviduct. While absence of the epididymal protein families CST and PATE affect the localization of the sperm membrane protein A disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain 3 (ADAM3), the sperm acrosomal membrane protein LYPD4 regulates sperm fertilizing ability via an ADAM3-independent pathway. Thus, use of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies has allowed us to quickly rule in and rule out proteins required for male fertility and expand our list of male-specific proteins that function in sperm migration through the oviduct.
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Rajesh A, Yenugu S. shRNA mediated ablation of prostate and testis expressed (Pate
) messenger RNA results in impaired sperm function and fertility. Andrology 2017; 5:541-547. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Rajesh
- Department of Animal Biology; University of Hyderabad; Gachibowli Hyderabad India
| | - S. Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology; University of Hyderabad; Gachibowli Hyderabad India
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10
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Iron oxide nanoparticles modulate heat shock proteins and organ specific markers expression in mice male accessory organs. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 317:12-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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11
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Jerczynski O, Lacroix-Pépin N, Boilard E, Calvo E, Bernet A, Fortier MA, Björkgren I, Sipilä P, Belleannée C. Role of Dicer1-Dependent Factors in the Paracrine Regulation of Epididymal Gene Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163876. [PMID: 27695046 PMCID: PMC5047620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dicer1 is an endoribonuclease involved in the biogenesis of functional molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs). These small non-coding RNAs are important regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression and participate in the control of male fertility. With the knowledge that 1) Dicer1-dependent factors are required for proper sperm maturation in the epididymis, and that 2) miRNAs are potent mediators of intercellular communication in most biological systems, we investigated the role of Dicer1-dependent factors produced by the proximal epididymis (initial segment/caput)- including miRNAs- on the regulation of epididymal gene expression in the distal epididymis regions (i.e. corpus and cauda). To this end, we performed comparative microarray and ANOVA analyses on control vs. Defb41iCre/wt;Dicer1fl/fl mice in which functional Dicer1 is absent from the principal cells of the proximal epididymis. We identified 35 and 33 transcripts that displayed significant expression level changes in the corpus and cauda regions (Fold change > 2 or < -2; p < 0.002), respectively. Among these transcripts, Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein (Azgp1) encodes for a sperm equatorial protein whose expression in the epididymis of Dicer1 cKO mice is significantly increased compared to controls. In addition, 154 miRNAs, including miR-210, miR-672, miR-191 and miR-204, showed significantly impaired biogenesis in the absence of Dicer1 from the principal cells of the proximal epididymis (Fold change > 2 or < -2; p < 0.01). These miRNAs are secreted via extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the DC2 epididymal principal cell line, and their expression correlates with target transcripts involved in distinct biological pathways, as evidenced by in silico analysis. Albeit correlative and based on in silico approach, our study proposes that Dicer1-dependent factors trigger- directly or not-significant genes expression changes in distinct regions of this organ. The paracrine control of functions important to post-testicular sperm maturation by Dicer1-dependent factors may open new avenues for the identification of molecular targets important to male fertility control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Jerczynski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Lacroix-Pépin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Boilard
- Department of Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Endocrinology unit, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michel A. Fortier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ida Björkgren
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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Sipilä P, Björkgren I. Segment-specific regulation of epididymal gene expression. Reproduction 2016; 152:R91-9. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is necessary for post-testicular sperm maturation. During their epididymal transit, spermatozoa gain ability for progressive movement and fertilization. The epididymis is composed of several segments that have distinct gene expression profiles that enable the establishment of the changing luminal environment required for sperm maturation. The epididymal gene expression is regulated by endocrine, lumicrine, and paracrine factors in a segment-specific manner. Thus, in addition to its importance for male fertility, the epididymis is a valuable model tissue for studying the regulation of gene expression. This review concentrates on recent advances in understanding the androgen, small RNA, and epigenetically mediated regulation of segment-specific gene expression in the epididymis.
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Organization, evolution and functions of the human and mouse Ly6/uPAR family genes. Hum Genomics 2016; 10:10. [PMID: 27098205 PMCID: PMC4839075 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-016-0074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the lymphocyte antigen-6 (Ly6)/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) superfamily of proteins are cysteine-rich proteins characterized by a distinct disulfide bridge pattern that creates the three-finger Ly6/uPAR (LU) domain. Although the Ly6/uPAR family proteins share a common structure, their expression patterns and functions vary. To date, 35 human and 61 mouse Ly6/uPAR family members have been identified. Based on their subcellular localization, these proteins are further classified as GPI-anchored on the cell membrane, or secreted. The genes encoding Ly6/uPAR family proteins are conserved across different species and are clustered in syntenic regions on human chromosomes 8, 19, 6 and 11, and mouse Chromosomes 15, 7, 17, and 9, respectively. Here, we review the human and mouse Ly6/uPAR family gene and protein structure and genomic organization, expression, functions, and evolution, and introduce new names for novel family members.
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Effect of immunization against prostate- and testis-expressed (PATE) proteins on sperm function and fecundity in the rat. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 110:117-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Rajesh A, Yenugu S. Genomic organization, tissue distribution and functional characterization of the rat Pate gene cluster. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32633. [PMID: 22479333 PMCID: PMC3316536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cysteine rich prostate and testis expressed (Pate) proteins identified till date are thought to resemble the three fingered protein/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor proteins. In this study, for the first time, we report the identification, cloning and characterization of rat Pate gene cluster and also determine the expression pattern. The rat Pate genes are clustered on chromosome 8 and their predicted proteins retained the ten cysteine signature characteristic to TFP/Ly-6 protein family. PATE and PATE-F three dimensional protein structure was found to be similar to that of the toxin bucandin. Though Pate gene expression is thought to be prostate and testis specific, we observed that rat Pate genes are also expressed in seminal vesicle and epididymis and in tissues beyond the male reproductive tract. In the developing rats (20-60 day old), expression of Pate genes seem to be androgen dependent in the epididymis and testis. In the adult rat, androgen ablation resulted in down regulation of the majority of Pate genes in the epididymides. PATE and PATE-F proteins were found to be expressed abundantly in the male reproductive tract of rats and on the sperm. Recombinant PATE protein exhibited potent antibacterial activity, whereas PATE-F did not exhibit any antibacterial activity. Pate expression was induced in the epididymides when challenged with LPS. Based on our results, we conclude that rat PATE proteins may contribute to the reproductive and defense functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
- * E-mail:
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