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Dai P, Zou M, Cai Z, Zeng X, Zhang X, Liang M. pH Homeodynamics and Male Fertility: A Coordinated Regulation of Acid-Based Balance during Sperm Journey to Fertilization. Biomolecules 2024; 14:685. [PMID: 38927088 PMCID: PMC11201807 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060685] [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: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
pH homeostasis is crucial for spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, sperm physiological function, and fertilization in mammals. HCO3- and H+ are the most significant factors involved in regulating pH homeostasis in the male reproductive system. Multiple pH-regulating transporters and ion channels localize in the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa, such as HCO3- transporters (solute carrier family 4 and solute carrier family 26 transporters), carbonic anhydrases, and H+-transport channels and enzymes (e.g., Na+-H+ exchangers, monocarboxylate transporters, H+-ATPases, and voltage-gated proton channels). Hormone-mediated signals impose an influence on the production of some HCO3- or H+ transporters, such as NBCe1, SLC4A2, MCT4, etc. Additionally, ion channels including sperm-specific cationic channels for Ca2+ (CatSper) and K+ (SLO3) are directly or indirectly regulated by pH, exerting specific actions on spermatozoa. The slightly alkaline testicular pH is conducive to spermatogenesis, whereas the epididymis's low HCO3- concentration and acidic lumen are favorable for sperm maturation and storage. Spermatozoa pH increases substantially after being fused with seminal fluid to enhance motility. In the female reproductive tract, sperm are subjected to increasing concentrations of HCO3- in the uterine and fallopian tube, causing a rise in the intracellular pH (pHi) of spermatozoa, leading to hyperpolarization of sperm plasma membranes, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ultimately fertilization. The physiological regulation initiated by SLC26A3, SLC26A8, NHA1, sNHE, and CFTR localized in sperm is proven for certain to be involved in male fertility. This review intends to present the key factors and characteristics of pHi regulation in the testes, efferent duct, epididymis, seminal fluid, and female reproductive tract, as well as the associated mechanisms during the sperm journey to fertilization, proposing insights into outstanding subjects and future research trends.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (P.D.); (M.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (P.D.); (M.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.)
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2
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Goto S, Takahashi T, Sato T, Toyama F, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. A CatSper-Uninvolved Mechanism to Induce Forward Sperm Motility in the Internal Fertilization. Zoolog Sci 2024; 41:302-313. [PMID: 38809869 DOI: 10.2108/zs230046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Sperm-specific cation channel (CatSper), sperm-specific Na + /H + exchanger (sNHE), and soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) are necessary in the signaling pathways to control sperm motility in many animals, whereas some animals have lost some or all of them. In the present study, we examined CatSper-uninvolved signaling for vigorous undulation of the undulating membrane that is attached to the sperm tail and gives thrust for forward motility in the internally fertilizing newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Reverse-transcription PCR failed to detect sNHE in the newt sperm. However, the pH of sperm cytoplasm was raised under a high extracellular pH equivalent to that of egg jelly, where sperm motility is initiated by sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS). Carbonic anhydrase XII/ XVI and SLC4A4/8 were suggested to be present in the sperm, and transported bicarbonates raised the intracellular pH. In egg jelly extract that contained SMIS, the anion transporter inhibitor DIDS weakened the undulation of the undulating membrane, while bicarbonates enhanced it. The cyclic AMP concentration was found to increase in sperm cytoplasm in the egg-jelly extract. An inhibitor of sAC (KH7) weakened the undulation of the undulating membrane, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP blocked the inhibitory effect. Inhibitor of transmembrane AC (DDA) limitedly affected the undulation. The undulation was weakened by an inhibitor of protein kinase A (H89), and by an inhibitor of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels (RN1747). Our results support the conclusions that the high pH of the egg jelly triggers a signaling pathway through sAC, PKA, and TRP channels, and coacts with SMIS to induce forward sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri Goto
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Tomoe Takahashi
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Tae Sato
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Fubito Toyama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi 321-8505, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan,
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3
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Chávez JC, Carrasquel-Martínez G, Hernández-Garduño S, Matamoros Volante A, Treviño CL, Nishigaki T, Darszon A. Cytosolic and Acrosomal pH Regulation in Mammalian Sperm. Cells 2024; 13:865. [PMID: 38786087 PMCID: PMC11120249 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100865] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As in most cells, intracellular pH regulation is fundamental for sperm physiology. Key sperm functions like swimming, maturation, and a unique exocytotic process, the acrosome reaction, necessary for gamete fusion, are deeply influenced by pH. Sperm pH regulation, both intracellularly and within organelles such as the acrosome, requires a coordinated interplay of various transporters and channels, ensuring that this cell is primed for fertilization. Consistent with the pivotal importance of pH regulation in mammalian sperm physiology, several of its unique transporters are dependent on cytosolic pH. Examples include the Ca2+ channel CatSper and the K+ channel Slo3. The absence of these channels leads to male infertility. This review outlines the main transport elements involved in pH regulation, including cytosolic and acrosomal pH, that participate in these complex functions. We present a glimpse of how these transporters are regulated and how distinct sets of them are orchestrated to allow sperm to fertilize the egg. Much research is needed to begin to envision the complete set of players and the choreography of how cytosolic and organellar pH are regulated in each sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C. Chávez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Gabriela Carrasquel-Martínez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
- CITMER, Medicina Reproductiva, México City 11520, Mexico
| | - Sandra Hernández-Garduño
- Departamento de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Arturo Matamoros Volante
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Claudia L. Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
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4
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Yamamoto C, Takahashi F, Suetsugu N, Yamada K, Yoshikawa S, Kohchi T, Kasahara M. The cAMP signaling module regulates sperm motility in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322211121. [PMID: 38593080 PMCID: PMC11032487 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322211121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is a universal signaling molecule that acts as a second messenger in various organisms. It is well established that cAMP plays essential roles across the tree of life, although the function of cAMP in land plants has long been debated. We previously identified the enzyme with both adenylyl cyclase (AC) and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity as the cAMP-synthesis/hydrolysis enzyme COMBINED AC with PDE (CAPE) in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. CAPE is conserved in streptophytes that reproduce with motile sperm; however, the precise function of CAPE is not yet known. In this study, we demonstrate that the loss of function of CAPE in M. polymorpha led to male infertility due to impaired sperm flagellar motility. We also found that two genes encoding the regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA-R) were also involved in sperm motility. Based on these findings, it is evident that CAPE and PKA-Rs act as a cAMP signaling module that regulates sperm motility in M. polymorpha. Therefore, our results have shed light on the function of cAMP signaling and sperm motility regulators in land plants. This study suggests that cAMP signaling plays a common role in plant and animal sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaki Yamamoto
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu525-8577, Japan
| | - Fumio Takahashi
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu525-8577, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Suetsugu
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo153-8902, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Yamada
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama917-0003, Japan
| | - Shinya Yoshikawa
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama917-0003, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kohchi
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8502, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kasahara
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu525-8577, Japan
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Li X, Liu Q, Fu C, Li M, Li C, Li X, Zhao S, Zheng Z. Characterizing structural variants based on graph-genotyping provides insights into pig domestication and local adaption. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:394-406. [PMID: 38056526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.11.005] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Structural variants (SVs), such as deletions (DELs) and insertions (INSs), contribute substantially to pig genetic diversity and phenotypic variation. Using a library of SVs discovered from long-read primary assemblies and short-read sequenced genomes, we map pig genomic SVs with a graph-based method for re-genotyping SVs in 402 genomes. Our results demonstrate that those SVs harboring specific trait-associated genes may greatly shape pig domestication and local adaptation. Further characterization of SVs reveals that some population-stratified SVs may alter the transcription of genes by affecting regulatory elements. We identify that the genotypes of two DELs (296-bp DEL, chr7: 52,172,101-52,172,397; 278-bp DEL, chr18: 23,840,143-23,840,421) located in muscle-specific enhancers are associated with the expression of target genes related to meat quality (FSD2) and muscle fiber hypertrophy (LMOD2 and WASL) in pigs. Our results highlight the role of SVs in domestic porcine evolution, and the identified candidate functional genes and SVs are valuable resources for future genomic research and breeding programs in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Chong Fu
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Mengxun Li
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Changchun Li
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Xinyun Li
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Shuhong Zhao
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Zhuqing Zheng
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jingchu University of Technology, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, China.
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6
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Antonouli S, Di Nisio V, Messini C, Samara M, Salumets A, Daponte A, Anifandis G. Sperm plasma membrane ion transporters and male fertility potential: A perspective under the prism of cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2024; 114:104845. [PMID: 38184269 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.104845] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular calcium homeostasis plays a crucial role in spermatozoa by regulating physiological functions associated with sperm quality and male fertility potential. Intracellular calcium fine balance in the sperm cytoplasm is strictly dependent on sperm surface channels including the CatSper channel. CatSpers' role is to ensure the influx of extracellular calcium, while intracellular pH alkalinization serves as a stimulus for the activation of several channels, including CatSper. Overall, the generation of intracellular calcium spikes through CatSper is essential for fertilization-related processes, such as sperm hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, egg chemotaxis, and zona pellucida penetration. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that disruption in the close interaction among ions, pH, and CatSper could impair male fertility potential. In contemporary times, the growing reliance on Medically Assisted Reproduction procedures underscores the impact of cryopreservation on gametes. In fact, a large body of literature raises concerns about the cryo-damages provoked by the freeze-thawing processes, that can affect the plasma membrane integrity, thus the structure of pivotal ion channels, and the fine regulation of both intracellular calcium and pH. This review aims to provide an overview of the importance of the CatSper channel in sperm quality and further fertilization potential. Additionally, it addresses the emerging issue of cryopreservation's impact on the functionality of this sperm channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Christina Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - Maria Samara
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
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Yeo H, Mehta V, Gulati A, Drew D. Structure and electromechanical coupling of a voltage-gated Na +/H + exchanger. Nature 2023; 623:193-201. [PMID: 37880360 PMCID: PMC10620092 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-sensing domains control the activation of voltage-gated ion channels, with a few exceptions1. One such exception is the sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchanger SLC9C1, which is the only known transporter to be regulated by voltage-sensing domains2-5. After hyperpolarization of sperm flagella, SLC9C1 becomes active, causing pH alkalinization and CatSper Ca2+ channel activation, which drives chemotaxis2,6. SLC9C1 activation is further regulated by cAMP2,7, which is produced by soluble adenyl cyclase (sAC). SLC9C1 is therefore an essential component of the pH-sAC-cAMP signalling pathway in metazoa8,9, required for sperm motility and fertilization4. Despite its importance, the molecular basis of SLC9C1 voltage activation is unclear. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of sea urchin SLC9C1 in detergent and nanodiscs. We show that the voltage-sensing domains are positioned in an unusual configuration, sandwiching each side of the SLC9C1 homodimer. The S4 segment is very long, 90 Å in length, and connects the voltage-sensing domains to the cytoplasmic cyclic-nucleotide-binding domains. The S4 segment is in the up configuration-the inactive state of SLC9C1. Consistently, although a negatively charged cavity is accessible for Na+ to bind to the ion-transporting domains of SLC9C1, an intracellular helix connected to S4 restricts their movement. On the basis of the differences in the cryo-EM structure of SLC9C1 in the presence of cAMP, we propose that, upon hyperpolarization, the S4 segment moves down, removing this constriction and enabling Na+/H+ exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunku Yeo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ved Mehta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ashutosh Gulati
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Drew
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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8
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Kalienkova V, Peter MF, Rheinberger J, Paulino C. Structures of a sperm-specific solute carrier gated by voltage and cAMP. Nature 2023; 623:202-209. [PMID: 37880361 PMCID: PMC10620091 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06629-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The newly characterized sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchanger stands out by its unique tripartite domain composition1,2. It unites a classical solute carrier unit with regulatory domains usually found in ion channels, namely, a voltage-sensing domain and a cyclic-nucleotide binding domain1,3, which makes it a mechanistic chimera and a secondary-active transporter activated strictly by membrane voltage. Our structures of the sea urchin SpSLC9C1 in the absence and presence of ligands reveal the overall domain arrangement and new structural coupling elements. They allow us to propose a gating model, where movements in the voltage sensor indirectly cause the release of the exchanging unit from a locked state through long-distance allosteric effects transmitted by the newly characterized coupling helices. We further propose that modulation by its ligand cyclic AMP occurs by means of disruption of the cytosolic dimer interface, which lowers the energy barrier for S4 movements in the voltage-sensing domain. As SLC9C1 members have been shown to be essential for male fertility, including in mammals2,4,5, our structure represents a potential new platform for the development of new on-demand contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Kalienkova
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Martin F Peter
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Rheinberger
- Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cristina Paulino
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Shiba K, Inaba K. The Role of Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase in the Regulation of Flagellar Motility in Ascidian Sperm. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1594. [PMID: 38002275 PMCID: PMC10668965 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Flagellar motility in sperm is activated and regulated by factors related to the eggs at fertilization. In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, a sulfated steroid called the SAAF (sperm activating and attracting factor) induces both sperm motility activation and chemotaxis. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is one of the most important intracellular factors in the sperm signaling pathway. Adenylyl cyclase (AC) is the key enzyme that synthesizes cAMP at the onset of the signaling pathway in all cellular functions. We previously reported that both transmembrane AC (tmAC) and soluble AC (sAC) play important roles in sperm motility in Ciona. The tmAC plays a major role in the SAAF-induced activation of sperm motility. On the other hand, sAC is involved in the regulation of flagellar beat frequency and the Ca2+-dependent chemotactic movement of sperm. In this study, we focused on the role of sAC in the regulation of flagellar motility in Ciona sperm chemotaxis. The immunochemical analysis revealed that several isoforms of sAC protein were expressed in Ciona sperm, as reported in mammals and sea urchins. We demonstrated that sAC inhibition caused strong and transient asymmetrization during the chemotactic turn, and then sperm failed to turn toward the SAAF. In addition, real-time Ca2+ imaging in sperm flagella revealed that sAC inhibition induced an excessive and prolonged Ca2+ influx to flagella. These results indicate that sAC plays a key role in sperm chemotaxis by regulating the clearance of [Ca2+]i and by modulating Ca2+-dependent flagellar waveform conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kogiku Shiba
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda 415-0025, Japan;
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10
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Chowdhury S, Pal K. Architecture and rearrangements of a sperm-specific Na +/H + exchanger. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3396005. [PMID: 37886505 PMCID: PMC10602139 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3396005/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The sperm-specific sodium hydrogen exchanger, SLC9C1, underlies hyperpolarization and cyclic nucleotide stimulated proton fluxes across sperm membranes and regulates their hyperactivated motility. SLC9C1 is the first known instance of an ion transporter that uses a canonical voltage-sensing domain (VSD) and an evolutionarily conserved cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) to influence the dynamics of its ion-exchange domain (ED). The structural organization of this 'tripartite transporter' and the mechanisms whereby it integrates physical (membrane voltage) and chemical (cyclic nucleotide) cues are unknown. In this study, we use single particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of a metazoan SLC9C1 in different conformational states. We find that the three structural domains are uniquely organized around a distinct ring-shaped scaffold that we call the 'allosteric ring domain' or ARD. The ARD undergoes coupled proton-dependent rearrangements with the ED and acts as a 'signaling hub' enabling allosteric communication between the key functional modules of sp9C1. We demonstrate that binding of cAMP causes large conformational changes in the cytoplasmic domains and disrupts key ARD-linked interfaces. We propose that these structural changes rescue the transmembrane domains from an auto-inhibited state and facilitate their functional dynamics. Our study provides a structural framework to understand and further probe electrochemical linkage in SLC9C1.
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Gardner CC, James PF. Na +/H + Exchangers (NHEs) in Mammalian Sperm: Essential Contributors to Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14981. [PMID: 37834431 PMCID: PMC10573352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are known to be important regulators of pH in multiple intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells. Sperm function is especially dependent on changes in pH and thus it has been postulated that NHEs play important roles in regulating the intracellular pH of these cells. For example, in order to achieve fertilization, mature sperm must maintain a basal pH in the male reproductive tract and then alkalize in response to specific signals in the female reproductive tract during the capacitation process. Eight NHE isoforms are expressed in mammalian testis/sperm: NHE1, NHE3, NHE5, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, NHE10, and NHE11. These NHE isoforms are expressed at varying times during spermatogenesis and localize to different subcellular structures in developing and mature sperm where they contribute to multiple aspects of sperm physiology and male fertility including proper sperm development/morphogenesis, motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. Previous work has provided evidence for NHE3, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, and NHE10 being critical for male fertility in mice and NHE10 has recently been shown to be essential for male fertility in humans. In this article we review what is known about each NHE isoform expressed in mammalian sperm and discuss the physiological significance of each NHE isoform with respect to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul F. James
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA;
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12
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Mendoza-Sánchez JE, Rodríguez-Tobón A, Arenas-Ríos E, Orta-Salazar GJ, León-Galván MA, Treviño Santa Cruz CL, Chávez JC. Sperm calcium flux and membrane potential hyperpolarization observed in the Mexican big-eared bat Corynorhinus mexicanus. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:286150. [PMID: 36541225 PMCID: PMC10086540 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244878] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm capacitation involves biochemical and physiological changes, such as an increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i), hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane potential and sperm hyperactivation, among others. These changes provide sperm with the ability to fertilize. In the bat Corynorhinus mexicanus, there is an asynchrony between spermatogenesis and sperm storage in the male with the receptivity of the female. For instance, in C. mexicanus, spermatogenesis occurs before the reproductive season. During the reproductive period, sperm are stored in the epididymis for a few months and the testis undergoes a regression, indicating low or almost null sperm production. Therefore, it is unclear whether the elements necessary for sperm fertilization success undergo maturation or preparation during epididymis storage. Here, we characterized pH-sensitive motility hyperactivation and Ca2+ influx in sperm, regulated by alkalinization and progesterone. In addition, by electrophysiological recordings, we registered currents that were stimulated by alkalinization and inhibited by RU1968 (a CatSper-specific inhibitor), strongly suggesting that these currents were evoked via CatSper, a sperm Ca2+-specific channel indispensable for mammalian fertilization. We also found hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, such as in other mammalian species, which increased according to the month of capture, reaching the biggest hyperpolarization during the mating season. In conclusion, our results suggest that C. mexicanus sperm have functional CatSper and undergo a capacitation-like process such as in other mammals, particularly Ca2+ influx and membrane potential hyperpolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Edwin Mendoza-Sánchez
- Doctorado en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ahiezer Rodríguez-Tobón
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edith Arenas-Ríos
- Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gerardo J Orta-Salazar
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Miguel A León-Galván
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Claudia L Treviño Santa Cruz
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Julio C Chávez
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
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13
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Cordero-Martínez J, Jimenez-Gutierrez GE, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Alacántara-Farfán V, Chamorro-Cevallos G, Roa-Espitia AL, Hernández-González EO, Rodríguez-Páez L. Participation of signaling proteins in sperm hyperactivation. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:315-330. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2122761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Cordero-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Charmina Aguirre-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Verónica Alacántara-Farfán
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Germán Chamorro-Cevallos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica Departamento de Farmacia Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana L. Roa-Espitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Enrique O. Hernández-González
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Lorena Rodríguez-Páez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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14
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Hernández-Garduño S, Chavez JC, Matamoros-Volante A, Sánchez-Guevara Y, Torres P, Treviño CL, Nishigaki T. Hyperpolarization induces cytosolic alkalization of mouse sperm flagellum probably through sperm Na+/H+ exchanger. Reproduction 2022; 164:125-134. [PMID: 35900329 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The sperm-specific sodium/proton exchanger (sNHE) is an indispensable protein for male fertility in mammals. Nevertheless, it is still unknown how mammalian sNHE is regulated. Evidence obtained from sea urchin sNHE indicates that hyperpolarization of plasma membrane potential (Vm), which is a hallmark of mammalian capacitation, positively regulates the sNHE. Therefore, we explored the activity of sNHE in mouse and human sperm by fluorescence imaging of intracellular pH (pHi) with a ratiometric dye, SNARF-5F. A valinomycin-induced Vm hyperpolarization elevated sperm flagellar pHi of wild-type mouse, but not in sNHE-KO mouse. Moreover, this pHi increase was inhibited in a high K+ (40 mM) medium. These results support the idea that mouse sNHE is activated by Vm hyperpolarization. Interestingly, we observed different types of kinetics derived from valinomycin-induced alkalization, including some (30 %) without any pHi changes. Our quantitative pHi determinations revealed that unresponsive cells had a high resting pHi (> 7.5), suggesting that the activity of mouse sNHE is regulated by the resting pHi. On the other hand, valinomycin did not increase the pHi of human sperm in the head or the flagellum, regardless of their resting pHi values. Our findings suggest that the regulatory mechanisms of mammalian sNHEs are probably distinct depending on the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Hernández-Garduño
- S Hernández-Garduño, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Julio C Chavez
- J Chavez, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Arturo Matamoros-Volante
- A Matamoros-Volante, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Yoloxochitl Sánchez-Guevara
- Y Sánchez-Guevara, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Paulina Torres
- P Torres, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- C Treviño, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- T Nishigaki, Genetica del Desarrollo y Fisiologia Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia UNAM, Cuernavaca, 62210, Mexico
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15
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Cavarocchi E, Whitfield M, Saez F, Touré A. Sperm Ion Transporters and Channels in Human Asthenozoospermia: Genetic Etiology, Lessons from Animal Models, and Clinical Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073926. [PMID: 35409285 PMCID: PMC8999829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sperm fertilization potential relies on efficient progression within the female genital tract to reach and fertilize the oocyte. This fundamental property is supported by the flagellum, an evolutionarily conserved organelle that provides the mechanical force for sperm propulsion and motility. Importantly several functional maturation events that occur during the journey of the sperm cells through the genital tracts are necessary for the activation of flagellar beating and the acquisition of fertilization potential. Ion transporters and channels located at the surface of the sperm cells have been demonstrated to be involved in these processes, in particular, through the activation of downstream signaling pathways and the promotion of novel biochemical and electrophysiological properties in the sperm cells. We performed a systematic literature review to describe the currently known genetic alterations in humans that affect sperm ion transporters and channels and result in asthenozoospermia, a pathophysiological condition defined by reduced or absent sperm motility and observed in nearly 80% of infertile men. We also present the physiological relevance and functional mechanisms of additional ion channels identified in the mouse. Finally, considering the state-of-the art, we discuss future perspectives in terms of therapeutics of asthenozoospermia and male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cavarocchi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (E.C.); (M.W.)
| | - Marjorie Whitfield
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (E.C.); (M.W.)
| | - Fabrice Saez
- UMR GReD Institute (Génétique Reproduction & Développement) CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Team «Mécanismes de L’Infertilité Mâle Post-Testiculaire», Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Aminata Touré
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (E.C.); (M.W.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (A.T.)
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16
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Molecular mechanisms of sperm motility are conserved in an early-branching metazoan. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2109993118. [PMID: 34810263 PMCID: PMC8640785 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109993118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Reef-building corals are the keystone species of the world’s most biodiverse yet threatened marine ecosystems. Coral reproduction, critical for reef resilience, requires that coral sperm swim through the water column to reach the egg. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate coral sperm motility. We found here that coral sperm motility is pH dependent and that activation of motility requires signaling via the pH-sensing enzyme soluble adenylyl cyclase. This study reveals the deep conservation of a sperm activation pathway from humans to corals, presenting the first comprehensive examination of the molecular mechanisms regulating sperm motility in an early-diverging animal. These results are critical for understanding the resilience of this sensitive life stage to a changing marine environment. Efficient and targeted sperm motility is essential for animal reproductive success. Sperm from mammals and echinoderms utilize a highly conserved signaling mechanism in which sperm motility is stimulated by pH-dependent activation of the cAMP-producing enzyme soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). However, the presence of this pathway in early-branching metazoans has remained unexplored. Here, we found that elevating cytoplasmic pH induced a rapid burst of cAMP signaling and triggered the onset of motility in sperm from the reef-building coral Montipora capitata in a sAC-dependent manner. Expression of sAC in the mitochondrial-rich midpiece and flagellum of coral sperm support a dual role for this molecular pH sensor in regulating mitochondrial respiration and flagellar beating and thus motility. In addition, we found that additional members of the homologous signaling pathway described in echinoderms, both upstream and downstream of sAC, are expressed in coral sperm. These include the Na+/H+ exchanger SLC9C1, protein kinase A, and the CatSper Ca2+ channel conserved even in mammalian sperm. Indeed, the onset of motility corresponded with increased protein kinase A activity. Our discovery of this pathway in an early-branching metazoan species highlights the ancient origin of the pH-sAC-cAMP signaling node in sperm physiology and suggests that it may be present in many other marine invertebrate taxa for which sperm motility mechanisms remain unexplored. These results emphasize the need to better understand the role of pH-dependent signaling in the reproductive success of marine animals, particularly as climate change stressors continue to alter the physiology of corals and other marine invertebrates.
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17
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Sato T, Arimura T, Murata K, Kawamura M, Obama W, Suzuki M, Nakauchi Y, Tominaga A, Morita M, Hiraoka K, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Differences of Extracellular Cues and Ca 2+ Permeable Channels in the Signaling Pathways for Inducing Amphibian Sperm Motility. Zoolog Sci 2021; 38:343-351. [PMID: 34342955 DOI: 10.2108/zs200159] [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: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Low osmolality of freshwater and/or sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS) induce amphibian sperm motility through increases in intracellular Ca2+. In the internally fertilizing newt Cynops pyrrhogaster, the sperm motility-initiating substance engages T type voltage-dependent Ca2 + channels and N-methyl D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors to initiate sperm motility and L type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels to enhance motility. In the present study, differences in the usages of SMIS and Ca2+ permeable channels for sperm motility regulation were examined in amphibians that undergo different reproductive modes. Proteins of 14-17 kDa were detected by antibody against the active site peptide of SMIS in the oviduct secretion of internal fertilizers (C. pyrrhogaster, Cynops ensicauda, and Ambystoma mexicanum) and arboreal fertilizers (Rhacophorus arboreus and Rhacophorus schlegelii), but not in Buergeria japonica, an external fertilizer in freshwater. In the pharmacological study, a blocker of some transient receptor potential channels (RN1734) additionally suppressed enhancement of sperm motility in C. pyrrhogaster. In R. schlegelii, blockers of four types of channels differently suppressed sperm motility induced by low osmolality with or without the active site peptide of SMIS. Notably, blockers of L type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (nifedipine) and N-methyl D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors (MK801) suppressed sperm motility in the presence and the absence of the peptide, respectively. Low osmolality-induced sperm motility was suppressed by RN1734 and MK801 in B. japonica, but not in Xenopus laevis. These results reveal complex differences in the signaling pathways for inducing sperm motility that may be partly related to reproductive modes in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Sato
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Takeshi Arimura
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Kenji Murata
- Center for Health & the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis CA 95616, USA
| | - Maako Kawamura
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Wataru Obama
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Megumu Suzuki
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tominaga
- Faculty of Education, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Masaya Morita
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa 905-0227, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hiraoka
- Expo Memorial Tsukuba Advanced Technology Center, Fujikin Incorporated, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0841, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan,
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18
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Cavarocchi E, Whitfield M, Chargui A, Stouvenel L, Lorès P, Coutton C, Arnoult C, Santulli P, Patrat C, Thierry-Mieg N, Ray PF, Dulioust E, Touré A. The sodium/proton exchanger SLC9C1 (sNHE) is essential for human sperm motility and fertility. Clin Genet 2021; 99:684-693. [PMID: 33462806 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia, defined by the absence or reduction of sperm motility, constitutes the most frequent cause of human male infertility. This pathological condition is caused by morphological and/or functional defects of the sperm flagellum, which preclude proper sperm progression. While in the last decade many causal genes were identified for asthenozoospermia associated with severe sperm flagellar defects, the causes of purely functional asthenozoospermia are still poorly defined. We describe here the case of an infertile man, displaying asthenozoospermia without major morphological flagellar anomalies and carrying a homozygous splicing mutation in SLC9C1 (sNHE), which we identified by whole-exome sequencing. SLC9C1 encodes a sperm-specific sodium/proton exchanger, which in mouse regulates pH homeostasis and interacts with the soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), a key regulator of the signalling pathways involved in sperm motility and capacitation. We demonstrate by means of RT-PCR, immunodetection and immunofluorescence assays on patient's semen samples that the homozygous splicing mutation (c.2748 + 2 T > C) leads to in-frame exon skipping resulting in a deletion in the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain of the protein. Our work shows that in human, similar to mouse, SLC9C1 is required for sperm motility. Overall, we establish a homozygous truncating mutation in SLC9C1 as a novel cause of human asthenozoospermia and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cavarocchi
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Ahmed Chargui
- Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie - Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Patrick Lorès
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Pietro Santulli
- Service de Chirurgie Gynécologie Obstétrique 2 et Médecine de la Reproduction, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie - Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Pierre F Ray
- Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Emmanuel Dulioust
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie - Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Aminata Touré
- Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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19
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Polyamines Influence Mouse Sperm Channels Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010441. [PMID: 33406808 PMCID: PMC7795802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamines are ubiquitous polycationic compounds that are highly charged at physiological pH. While passing through the epididymis, sperm lose their capacity to synthesize the polyamines and, upon ejaculation, again come into contact with the polyamines contained in the seminal fluid, unleashing physiological events that improve sperm motility and capacitation. In the present work, we hypothesize about the influence of polyamines, namely, spermine, spermidine, and putrescine, on the activity of sperm channels, evaluating the intracellular concentrations of chloride [Cl−]i, calcium [Ca2+]i, sodium [Na+]i, potassium [K+]i, the membrane Vm, and pHi. The aim of this is to identify the possible regulatory mechanisms mediated by the polyamines on sperm-specific channels under capacitation and non-capacitation conditions. The results showed that the presence of polyamines did not directly influence the activity of calcium and chloride channels. However, the results suggested an interaction of polyamines with sodium and potassium channels, which may contribute to the membrane Vm during capacitation. In addition, alkalization of the pHi revealed the possible activation of sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) by the increased levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which were produced by soluble adenylate cyclase (sAC) and interact with the polyamines, evidence that is supported by in silico analysis.
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20
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Roldan ERS, Teves ME. Understanding sperm physiology: Proximate and evolutionary explanations of sperm diversity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110980. [PMID: 32853744 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Much can be gained from the comprehensive study of a biological system. Based on what is known as Mayr's proximate-ultimate causation and the subsequent expansion to Tinbergen's four questions, biological traits can be understood by taking into account different approximations that try to explain mechanisms, development, adaptive significance or phylogeny. These, in principle, separate areas, can be integrated crossing boundaries, but bearing in mind that answers to one question would not explain a different query. Studies of sperm biology have, until now, not benefited much from this framework and potential integration. Proximate causes (particularly mechanisms) have been the subject of interest for reproductive biologists, and evolutionary explanations have been the domain of behavioural ecologists with interest in adaptive significance of traits in the context of post-copulatory sexual selection. This review will summarize opportunities for research in the different areas, focusing on sperm preparation for fertilization and suggesting possible integration within and between proximate and evolutionary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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21
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Chiu YL, Shikina S, Yoshioka Y, Shinzato C, Chang CF. De novo transcriptome assembly from the gonads of a scleractinian coral, Euphyllia ancora: molecular mechanisms underlying scleractinian gametogenesis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:732. [PMID: 33087060 PMCID: PMC7579821 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07113-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual reproduction of scleractinians has captured the attention of researchers and the general public for decades. Although extensive ecological data has been acquired, underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, to better understand mechanisms underlying gametogenesis, we isolated ovaries and testes at different developmental phases from a gonochoric coral, Euphyllia ancora, and adopted a transcriptomic approach to reveal sex- and phase-specific gene expression profiles. In particular, we explored genes associated with oocyte development and maturation, spermiogenesis, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization. RESULTS 1.6 billion raw reads were obtained from 24 gonadal samples. De novo assembly of trimmed reads, and elimination of contigs derived from symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) and other organisms yielded a reference E. ancora gonadal transcriptome of 35,802 contigs. Analysis of 4 developmental phases identified 2023 genes that were differentially expressed during oogenesis and 678 during spermatogenesis. In premature/mature ovaries, 631 genes were specifically upregulated, with 538 in mature testes. Upregulated genes included those involved in gametogenesis, gamete maturation, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization in other metazoans, including humans. Meanwhile, a large number of genes without homology to sequences in the SWISS-PROT database were also observed among upregulated genes in premature / mature ovaries and mature testes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that scleractinian gametogenesis shares many molecular characteristics with that of other metazoans, but it also possesses unique characteristics developed during cnidarian and/or scleractinian evolution. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to create a gonadal transcriptome assembly from any scleractinian. This study and associated datasets provide a foundation for future studies regarding gametogenesis and differences between male and female colonies from molecular and cellular perspectives. Furthermore, our transcriptome assembly will be a useful reference for future development of sex-specific and/or stage-specific germ cell markers that can be used in coral aquaculture and ecological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Chiu
- Doctoral Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.,Doctoral Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shinya Shikina
- Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan. .,Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Rd, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Yuki Yoshioka
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan.
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Rd, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan. .,Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.
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22
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Rehfeld A, Mendoza N, Ausejo R, Skakkebæk NE. Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (BADGE) and Progesterone Do Not Induce Ca 2+ Signals in Boar Sperm Cells. Front Physiol 2020; 11:785. [PMID: 32774306 PMCID: PMC7381341 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00785] [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: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Exposure of boar sperm cells to Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) has been shown to lead to reproductive failure in sows, however, the mode of action is unknown. As we have recently shown that BADGE can interfere with Ca2 + signaling in human sperm cells through an action on CatSper, and as CatSper has been shown to be expressed in boar sperm cells, we hypothesized that a similar mechanism in the boar sperm cells could be responsible for the reproductive failure. Methods Direct effects of BADGE and the endogenous ligand of human CatSper, progesterone, on Ca2+ signaling in human and boar sperm cells were evaluated side-by-side using a Ca2+ fluorimetric assay measuring changes in intracellular Ca2+. Effects of BADGE on Ca2+ signaling in boar sperm were furthermore assessed by flow cytometry by an independent laboratory. Results The exact same solutions of BADGE and progesterone induced transient biphasic Ca2+ signals in human sperm cells, but failed to do so in both non-capacitated and capacitated boar sperm cells. BADGE also failed to induce transient biphasic Ca2+ signals in boar sperm cells in the flow cytometric assay. Conclusion BADGE and progesterone failed to induce Ca2+ signals in boar sperm cells. This indicates that the signaling mechanisms leading to activation of CatSper differs between human and boar sperm cells, and suggests that the mode of action by which exposure of boar sperm cells to BADGE can lead to reproductive failure in sows does not involve effects on Ca2+ signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Rehfeld
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Noelia Mendoza
- Department of Research and Development, Magapor SL, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Raquel Ausejo
- Department of Research and Development, Magapor SL, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Niels Erik Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Darszon A, Nishigaki T, López-González I, Visconti PE, Treviño CL. Differences and Similarities: The Richness of Comparative Sperm Physiology. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 35:196-208. [PMID: 32293232 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00033.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species preservation depends on the success of fertilization. Sperm are uniquely equipped to fulfill this task, and, although several mechanisms are conserved among species, striking functional differences have evolved to contend with particular sperm-egg environmental characteristics. This review highlights similarities and differences in sperm strategies, with examples within internal and external fertilizers, pointing out unresolved issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Ignacio López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
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