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Stallmeyer B, Dicke AK, Tüttelmann F. How exome sequencing improves the diagnostics and management of men with non-syndromic infertility. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39120565 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility affects approximately 17% of all men and represents a complex disorder in which not only semen parameters such as sperm motility, morphology, and number of sperm are highly variable, but also testicular phenotypes range from normal spermatogenesis to complete absence of germ cells. Genetic factors significantly contribute to the disease but chromosomal aberrations, mostly Klinefelter syndrome, and microdeletions of the Y-chromosome have remained the only diagnostically and clinically considered genetic causes. Monogenic causes remain understudied and, thus, often unidentified, leaving the majority of the male factor couple infertility pathomechanistically unexplained. This has been changing mostly because of the introduction of exome sequencing that allows the analysis of multiple genes in large patient cohorts. As a result, pathogenic variants in single genes have been associated with non-syndromic forms of all aetiologic sub-categories in the last decade. This review highlights the contribution of exome sequencing to the identification of novel disease genes for isolated (non-syndromic) male infertility by presenting the results of a comprehensive literature search. Both, reduced sperm count in azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients, and impaired sperm motility and/or morphology, in asthenozoospermic and/or teratozoospermic patients are highly heterogeneous diseases with well over 100 different candidate genes described for each entity. Applying the standardized evaluation criteria of the ClinGen gene curation working group, 70 genes with at least moderate evidence to contribute to the disease are highlighted. The implementation of these valid disease genes in clinical exome sequencing is important to increase the diagnostic yield in male infertility and, thus, improve clinical decision-making and appropriate genetic counseling. Future advances in androgenetics will continue to depend on large-scale exome and genome sequencing studies of comprehensive international patient cohorts, which are the most promising approaches to identify additional disease genes and provide reliable data on the gene-disease relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Stallmeyer
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Dicke
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
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2
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Hogg CJ, Edwards RJ, Farquharson KA, Silver LW, Brandies P, Peel E, Escalona M, Jaya FR, Thavornkanlapachai R, Batley K, Bradford TM, Chang JK, Chen Z, Deshpande N, Dziminski M, Ewart KM, Griffith OW, Marin Gual L, Moon KL, Travouillon KJ, Waters P, Whittington CM, Wilkins MR, Helgen KM, Lo N, Ho SYW, Ruiz Herrera A, Paltridge R, Marshall Graves JA, Renfree M, Shapiro B, Ottewell K, Belov K. Extant and extinct bilby genomes combined with Indigenous knowledge improve conservation of a unique Australian marsupial. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:1311-1326. [PMID: 38945974 PMCID: PMC11239497 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02436-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Ninu (greater bilby, Macrotis lagotis) are desert-dwelling, culturally and ecologically important marsupials. In collaboration with Indigenous rangers and conservation managers, we generated the Ninu chromosome-level genome assembly (3.66 Gbp) and genome sequences for the extinct Yallara (lesser bilby, Macrotis leucura). We developed and tested a scat single-nucleotide polymorphism panel to inform current and future conservation actions, undertake ecological assessments and improve our understanding of Ninu genetic diversity in managed and wild populations. We also assessed the beneficial impact of translocations in the metapopulation (N = 363 Ninu). Resequenced genomes (temperate Ninu, 6; semi-arid Ninu, 6; and Yallara, 4) revealed two major population crashes during global cooling events for both species and differences in Ninu genes involved in anatomical and metabolic pathways. Despite their 45-year captive history, Ninu have fewer long runs of homozygosity than other larger mammals, which may be attributable to their boom-bust life history. Here we investigated the unique Ninu biology using 12 tissue transcriptomes revealing expression of all 115 conserved eutherian chorioallantoic placentation genes in the uterus, an XY1Y2 sex chromosome system and olfactory receptor gene expansions. Together, we demonstrate the holistic value of genomics in improving key conservation actions, understanding unique biological traits and developing tools for Indigenous rangers to monitor remote wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Richard J Edwards
- Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA, Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine A Farquharson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke W Silver
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Parice Brandies
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Peel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Merly Escalona
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Frederick R Jaya
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rujiporn Thavornkanlapachai
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kimberley Batley
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tessa M Bradford
- Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - J King Chang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Nandan Deshpande
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics and School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin Dziminski
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kyle M Ewart
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Oliver W Griffith
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laia Marin Gual
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Katherine L Moon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Kenny J Travouillon
- Collections and Research, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Camilla M Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marc R Wilkins
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics and School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristofer M Helgen
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Y W Ho
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aurora Ruiz Herrera
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Rachel Paltridge
- Indigenous Desert Alliance, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Marilyn Renfree
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beth Shapiro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Kym Ottewell
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Long R, Wang M, Zhou J, Mao R, Wang C, Gu L, Chen Y, Jin L, Zhu L. Decreased embryo developmental potential and lower cumulative pregnancy rate in men with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1377780. [PMID: 38745955 PMCID: PMC11091255 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1377780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is characterized by abnormal flagellar phenotypes, which is a particular kind of asthenoteratozoospermia. Previous studies have reported a comparable intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in terms of fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate in patients with MMAF compared with those with no MMAF; however, others have conflicting opinions. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in individuals with MMAF are still controversial and open to debate. Methods A total of 38 patients with MMAF treated at an academic reproductive center between January 2014 and July 2022 were evaluated in the current retrospective cohort study and followed up until January 2023. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for the baseline clinical characteristics of the patients and to create a comparable control group. The genetic pathogenesis of MMAF was confirmed by whole exome sequencing. The main outcomes were the embryo developmental potential, the cumulative pregnancy rate (CLPR), and the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). Results Pathogenic variants in known genes of DNAH1, DNAH11, CFAP43, FSIP2, and SPEF2 were identified in patients with MMAF. Laboratory outcomes, including the fertilization rate, 2PN cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and available blastocyst rate, followed a trend of decline in the MMAF group (p < 0.05). Moreover, according to the embryo transfer times and complete cycles, the CLPR in the cohort of MMAF was lower compared with the oligoasthenospermia pool (p = 0.033 and p = 0.020, respectively), while no statistical differences were observed in the neonatal outcomes. Conclusion The current study presented decreased embryo developmental potential and compromised clinical outcomes in the MMAF cohort. These findings may provide clinicians with evidence to support genetic counseling and clinical guidance in specific patients with MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Ogawa Y, Lu Y, Kiyozumi D, Chang HY, Ikawa M. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing reveals seven testis-enriched transmembrane glycoproteins dispensable for male fertility in mice. Andrology 2023:10.1111/andr.13564. [PMID: 38084666 PMCID: PMC11166886 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian fertilization is mediated by multiple sperm acrosomal proteins, many of which are testis-enriched transmembrane glycoproteins expressed during spermiogenesis (e.g., Izumo sperm-egg fusion 1, Sperm acrosome associated 6, and Transmembrane protein 95). METHODS We hypothesized that proteins with these features might have a role in sperm-egg interaction and thus carried out an in-silico screen based on multiple public databases. We generated knockout mouse lines lacking seven candidate proteins by the CRISPR/Cas9 system and conducted detailed analyses on the fecundity of the knockout males, as well as their testis appearance and weight, testis and epididymis histology, and sperm motility and morphology. RESULTS Through the in-silico screen, we identified 4932438H23Rik, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 29, SAYSvFN domain-containing protein 1, Sel-1 suppressor of lin-12-like 2 (C. elegans), Testis-expressed protein 2, Transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain-containing 3, and Zinc and ring finger 4. Phenotypic analyses unveiled that the knockout males showed normal testis gross appearance, normal testis and epididymis histology, and normal sperm morphology and motility. Fertility tests further indicated that the knockout male mice could sire pups with normal litter sizes when paired with wild-type females. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These findings suggest that these seven proteins are individually dispensable for male reproduction and fertilization. Future studies are warranted to devise advanced in-silico screening approaches that permit effective identification of gamete fusion-required sperm proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Ogawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daiji Kiyozumi
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0805, Japan
| | - Hsin-Yi Chang
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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5
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Merges GE, Arévalo L, Kovacevic A, Lohanadan K, de Rooij DG, Simon C, Jokwitz M, Witke W, Schorle H. Actl7b deficiency leads to mislocalization of LC8 type dynein light chains and disruption of murine spermatogenesis. Development 2023; 150:dev201593. [PMID: 37800308 PMCID: PMC10652042 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201593] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Actin-related proteins (Arps) are classified according to their similarity to actin and are involved in diverse cellular processes. ACTL7B is a testis-specific Arp, and is highly conserved in rodents and primates. ACTL7B is specifically expressed in round and elongating spermatids during spermiogenesis. Here, we have generated an Actl7b-null allele in mice to unravel the role of ACTL7B in sperm formation. Male mice homozygous for the Actl7b-null allele (Actl7b-/-) were infertile, whereas heterozygous males (Actl7b+/-) were fertile. Severe spermatid defects, such as detached acrosomes, disrupted membranes and flagella malformations start to appear after spermiogenesis step 9 in Actl7b-/- mice, finally resulting in spermatogenic arrest. Abnormal spermatids were degraded and levels of autophagy markers were increased. Co-immunoprecipitation with mass spectrometry experiments identified an interaction between ACTL7B and the LC8 dynein light chains DYNLL1 and DYNLL2, which are first detected in step 9 spermatids and mislocalized when ACTL7B is absent. Our data unequivocally establish that mutations in ACTL7B are directly related to male infertility, pressing for additional research in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina E. Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andjela Kovacevic
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Keerthika Lohanadan
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dirk G. de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Simon
- Cell Migration Unit, Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Melanie Jokwitz
- Cell Migration Unit, Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Walter Witke
- Cell Migration Unit, Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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6
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Greither T, Dejung M, Behre HM, Butter F, Herlyn H. The human sperm proteome-Toward a panel for male fertility testing. Andrology 2023; 11:1418-1436. [PMID: 36896575 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13431] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although male factor accounts for 40%-50% of unintended childlessness, we are far from fully understanding the detailed causes. Usually, affected men cannot even be provided with a molecular diagnosis. OBJECTIVES We aimed at a higher resolution of the human sperm proteome for better understanding of the molecular causes of male infertility. We were particularly interested in why reduced sperm count decreases fertility despite many normal-looking spermatozoa and which proteins might be involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS Applying mass spectrometry analysis, we qualitatively and quantitatively examined the proteomic profiles of spermatozoa from 76 men differing in fertility. Infertile men had abnormal semen parameters and were involuntarily childless. Fertile subjects exhibited normozoospermia and had fathered children without medical assistance. RESULTS We discovered proteins from about 7000 coding genes in the human sperm proteome. These were mainly known for involvements in cellular motility, response to stimuli, adhesion, and reproduction. Numbers of sperm proteins showing at least threefold deviating abundances increased from oligozoospermia (N = 153) and oligoasthenozoospermia (N = 154) to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (N = 368). Deregulated sperm proteins primarily engaged in flagellar assembly and sperm motility, fertilization, and male gametogenesis. Most of these participated in a larger network of male infertility genes and proteins. DISCUSSION We expose 31 sperm proteins displaying deviant abundances under infertility, which already were known before to have fertility relevance, including ACTL9, CCIN, CFAP47, CFAP65, CFAP251 (WDR66), DNAH1, and SPEM1. We propose 18 additional sperm proteins with at least eightfold differential abundance for further testing of their diagnostic potential, such as C2orf16, CYLC1, SPATA31E1, SPATA31D1, SPATA48, EFHB (CFAP21), and FAM161A. CONCLUSION Our results shed light on the molecular background of the dysfunctionality of the fewer spermatozoa produced in oligozoospermia and syndromes including it. The male infertility network presented may prove useful in further elucidating the molecular mechanism of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Proteomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Tian S, Tu C, He X, Meng L, Wang J, Tang S, Gao Y, Liu C, Wu H, Zhou Y, Lv M, Lin G, Jin L, Cao Y, Tang D, Zhang F, Tan YQ. Biallelic mutations in CFAP54 cause male infertility with severe MMAF and NOA. J Med Genet 2023; 60:827-834. [PMID: 36593121 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenic impairments can lead to male infertility by different pathological conditions, such as multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Genetic factors are involved in impaired spermatogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we performed genetic analyses through whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 334 Han Chinese probands with severe MMAF or NOA. Biallelic variants of CFAP54 were identified in three unrelated men, including one homozygous frameshift variant (c.3317del, p.Phe1106Serfs*19) and two compound heterozygous variants (c.878G>A, p.Arg293His; c.955C>T, p.Arg319Cys and c.4885C>T, p.Arg1629Cys; c.937G>A, p.Gly313Arg). All of the identified variants were absent or extremely rare in the public human genome databases and predicted to be damaging by bioinformatic tools. The men harbouring CFAP54 mutations exhibited abnormal sperm morphology, reduced sperm concentration and motility in ejaculated semen. Significant axoneme disorganisation and other ultrastructure abnormities were also detected inside the sperm cells from men harbouring CFAP54 mutations. Furthermore, immunofluorescence assays showed remarkably reduced staining of four flagellar assembly-associated proteins (IFT20, IFT52, IFT122 and SPEF2) in the spermatozoa of CFAP54-deficient men. Notably, favourable clinical pregnancy outcomes were achieved with sperm from men carrying CFAP54 mutations after intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. CONCLUSION Our genetic analyses and experimental observations revealed that biallelic deleterious mutations of CFAP54 can induce severe MMAF and NOA in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixiong Tian
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yiling Zhou
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Li Jin
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
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8
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Xu C, Zhu M, Zhao S, Zhang X, Wang Y, Liu M. Mutation of S461, in the GOLGA3 phosphorylation site, does not affect mouse spermatogenesis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15133. [PMID: 37090114 PMCID: PMC10117384 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Golgin subfamily A member 3 (Golga3), a member of the golgin subfamily A, is highly expressed in mouse testis. The GOLGA3 protein, which contains eight phosphorylation sites, is involved in protein transport, cell apoptosis, Golgi localization, and spermatogenesis. Although it has been previously reported that nonsense mutations in Golga3 cause multiple defects in spermatogenesis, the role of Golga3 in the testis is yet to be clarified. Methods Immunofluorescence co-localization in cells and protein dephosphorylation experiments were performed. Golga3 S461L/S461Lmice were generated using cytosine base editors. Fertility tests as well as computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) were then performed to investigate sperm motility within caudal epididymis. Histological and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze testis and epididymis phenotypes and TUNEL assays were used to measure germ cell apoptosis in spermatogenic tubules. Results Immunofluorescence co-localization showed reduced Golgi localization of GOLGA3S465L with some protein scattered in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells .In addition, protein dephosphorylation experiments indicated a reduced band shift of the dephosphorylated GOLGA3S465L, confirming S461 as the phosphorylation site. Golga3 is an evolutionarily conserved gene and Golga3 S461L/S461Lmice were successfully generated using cytosine base editors. These mice had normal fertility and spermatozoa, and did not differ significantly from wild-type mice in terms of spermatogenesis and apoptotic cells in tubules. Conclusions Golga3 was found to be highly conserved in the testis, and GOLGA3 was shown to be involved in spermatogenesis, especially in apoptosis and Golgi complex-mediated effects. Infertility was also observed in Golga3 KO male mice. Although GOLGA3S465Lshowed reduced localization in the Golgi with some expression in the cytoplasm, this abnormal localization did not adversely affect fertility or spermatogenesis in male C57BL/6 mice. Therefore, mutation of the S461 GOLGA3 phosphorylation site did not affect mouse spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changtong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingcong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Wang J, Wang W, Shen L, Zheng A, Meng Q, Li H, Yang S. Clinical detection, diagnosis and treatment of morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella: A review of literature. Front Genet 2022; 13:1034951. [PMID: 36425067 PMCID: PMC9679630 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1034951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm carries male genetic information, and flagella help move the sperm to reach oocytes. When the ultrastructure of the flagella is abnormal, the sperm is unable to reach the oocyte and achieve insemination. Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) is a relatively rare idiopathic condition that is mainly characterized by multiple defects in sperm flagella. In the last decade, with the development of high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches, many genes have been revealed to be related to MMAF. However, the differences in sperm phenotypes and reproductive outcomes in many cases are attributed to different pathogenic genes or different pathogenic mutations in the same gene. Here, we will review information about the various phenotypes resulting from different pathogenic genes, including sperm ultrastructure and encoding proteins with their location and functions as well as assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. We will share our clinical detection and diagnosis experience to provide additional clinical views and broaden the understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shenmin Yang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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10
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Niziolek M, Bicka M, Osinka A, Samsel Z, Sekretarska J, Poprzeczko M, Bazan R, Fabczak H, Joachimiak E, Wloga D. PCD Genes-From Patients to Model Organisms and Back to Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031749. [PMID: 35163666 PMCID: PMC8836003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a hereditary genetic disorder caused by the lack of motile cilia or the assembxly of dysfunctional ones. This rare human disease affects 1 out of 10,000-20,000 individuals and is caused by mutations in at least 50 genes. The past twenty years brought significant progress in the identification of PCD-causative genes and in our understanding of the connections between causative mutations and ciliary defects observed in affected individuals. These scientific advances have been achieved, among others, due to the extensive motile cilia-related research conducted using several model organisms, ranging from protists to mammals. These are unicellular organisms such as the green alga Chlamydomonas, the parasitic protist Trypanosoma, and free-living ciliates, Tetrahymena and Paramecium, the invertebrate Schmidtea, and vertebrates such as zebrafish, Xenopus, and mouse. Establishing such evolutionarily distant experimental models with different levels of cell or body complexity was possible because both basic motile cilia ultrastructure and protein composition are highly conserved throughout evolution. Here, we characterize model organisms commonly used to study PCD-related genes, highlight their pros and cons, and summarize experimental data collected using these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Niziolek
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
| | - Marta Bicka
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 1 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Osinka
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
| | - Zuzanna Samsel
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
| | - Justyna Sekretarska
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
| | - Martyna Poprzeczko
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
- Laboratory of Immunology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawinskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rafal Bazan
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
| | - Hanna Fabczak
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
| | - Ewa Joachimiak
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
- Correspondence: (E.J.); (D.W.); Tel.: +48-22-58-92-338 (E.J. & D.W.)
| | - Dorota Wloga
- Laboratory of Cytoskeleton and Cilia Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (M.N.); (M.B.); (A.O.); (Z.S.); (J.S.); (M.P.); (R.B.); (H.F.)
- Correspondence: (E.J.); (D.W.); Tel.: +48-22-58-92-338 (E.J. & D.W.)
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11
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Yogo K. Molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm head and tail in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12466. [PMID: 35619659 PMCID: PMC9126569 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spermatozoon has a complex molecular apparatus necessary for fertilization in its head and flagellum. Recently, numerous genes that are needed to construct the molecular apparatus of spermatozoa have been identified through the analysis of genetically modified mice. Methods Based on the literature information, the molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm heads and flagella in mice was summarized. Main findings (Results) The molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking and intraflagellar transport in acrosome and flagellum formation were listed. With the development of cryo‐electron tomography and mass spectrometry techniques, the details of the axonemal structure are becoming clearer. The fine structure and the proteins needed to form the central apparatus, outer and inner dynein arms, nexin‐dynein regulatory complex, and radial spokes were described. The important components of the formation of the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, outer dense fiber, and the annulus were also described. The similarities and differences between sperm flagella and Chlamydomonas flagella/somatic cell cilia were also discussed. Conclusion The molecular mechanism of formation of the sperm head and flagellum has been clarified using the mouse as a model. These studies will help to better understand the diversity of sperm morphology and the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Yogo
- Department of Applied Life Sciences Faculty of Agriculture Shizuoka University Shizuoka Japan
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12
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Tu C, Cong J, Zhang Q, He X, Zheng R, Yang X, Gao Y, Wu H, Lv M, Gu Y, Lu S, Liu C, Tian S, Meng L, Wang W, Tan C, Nie H, Li D, Zhang H, Gong F, Hu L, Lu G, Xu W, Lin G, Zhang F, Cao Y, Tan YQ. Bi-allelic mutations of DNAH10 cause primary male infertility with asthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:1466-1477. [PMID: 34237282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF)-induced asthenoteratozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility. Previous studies have identified several MMAF-associated genes, highlighting the condition's genetic heterogeneity. To further define the genetic causes underlying MMAF, we performed whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 643 Chinese MMAF-affected men. Bi-allelic DNAH10 variants were identified in five individuals with MMAF from four unrelated families. These variants were either rare or absent in public population genome databases and were predicted to be deleterious by multiple bioinformatics tools. Morphological and ultrastructural analyses of the spermatozoa obtained from men harboring bi-allelic DNAH10 variants revealed striking flagellar defects with the absence of inner dynein arms (IDAs). DNAH10 encodes an axonemal IDA heavy chain component that is predominantly expressed in the testes. Immunostaining analysis indicated that DNAH10 localized to the entire sperm flagellum of control spermatozoa. In contrast, spermatozoa from the men harboring bi-allelic DNAH10 variants exhibited an absence or markedly reduced staining intensity of DNAH10 and other IDA components, including DNAH2 and DNAH6. Furthermore, the phenotypes were recapitulated in mouse models lacking Dnah10 or expressing a disease-associated variant, confirming the involvement of DNAH10 in human MMAF. Altogether, our findings in humans and mice demonstrate that DNAH10 is essential for sperm flagellar assembly and that deleterious bi-allelic DNAH10 variants can cause male infertility with MMAF. These findings will provide guidance for genetic counseling and insights into the diagnosis of MMAF-associated asthenoteratozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Jiangshan Cong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Yang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yayun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Shixiong Tian
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Dongyan Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410000, China.
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13
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Verardo LL, E Silva FF, Machado MA, do Carmo Panetto JC, de Lima Reis Faza DR, Otto PI, de Almeida Regitano LC, da Silva LOC, do Egito AA, do Socorro Maués Albuquerque M, Zanella R, da Silva MVGB. Genome-Wide Analyses Reveal the Genetic Architecture and Candidate Genes of Indicine, Taurine, Synthetic Crossbreds, and Locally Adapted Cattle in Brazil. Front Genet 2021; 12:702822. [PMID: 34386042 PMCID: PMC8353373 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.702822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle population history, breeding systems, and geographic subdivision may be reflected in runs of homozygosity (ROH), effective population size (Ne), and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns. Thus, the assessment of this information has become essential to the implementation of genomic selection on purebred and crossbred cattle breeding programs. In this way, we assessed the genotype of 19 cattle breeds raised in Brazil belonging to taurine, indicine, synthetic crossbreds, and Iberian-derived locally adapted ancestries to evaluate the overall LD decay patterns, Ne, ROH, and breed composition. We were able to obtain a general overview of the genomic architecture of cattle breeds currently raised in Brazil and other tropical countries. We found that, among the evaluated breeds, different marker densities should be used to improve the genomic prediction accuracy and power of genome-wide association studies. Breeds showing low Ne values indicate a recent inbreeding, also reflected by the occurrence of longer ROH, which demand special attention in the matting schemes to avoid extensive inbreeding. Candidate genes (e.g., ABCA7, PENK, SPP1, IFNAR1, IFNAR2, SPEF2, PRLR, LRRTM1, and LRRTM4) located in the identified ROH islands were evaluated, highlighting biological processes involved with milk production, behavior, rusticity, and fertility. Furthermore, we were successful in obtaining the breed composition regarding the taurine and indicine composition using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. Our results were able to observe in detail the genomic backgrounds that are present in each breed and allowed to better understand the various contributions of ancestor breeds to the modern breed composition to the Brazilian cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Lima Verardo
- Animal Breeding Lab, Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Pamela Itajara Otto
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo Zanella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
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14
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Wang WL, Tu CF, Tan YQ. Insight on multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella in male infertility: what is new? Asian J Androl 2021; 22:236-245. [PMID: 31210147 PMCID: PMC7275805 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_53_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The syndrome of multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a specific kind of asthenoteratozoospermia with a mosaic of flagellar morphological abnormalities (absent, short, bent, coiled, and irregular flagella). MMAF was proposed in 2014 and has attracted increasing attention; however, it has not been clearly understood. In this review, we elucidate the definition of MMAF from a systematical view, the difference between MMAF and other conditions with asthenoteratozoospermia or asthenozoospermia (such as primary mitochondrial sheath defects and primary ciliary dyskinesia), the knowledge regarding its etiological mechanism and related genetic findings, and the clinical significance of MMAF for intracytoplasmic sperm injection and genetic counseling. This review provides the basic knowledge for MMAF and puts forward some suggestions for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Li Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Chao-Feng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410078, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410078, China
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15
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Azhar M, Altaf S, Uddin I, Cheng J, Wu L, Tong X, Qin W, Bao J. Towards Post-Meiotic Sperm Production: Genetic Insight into Human Infertility from Mouse Models. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2487-2503. [PMID: 34326689 PMCID: PMC8315030 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Declined quality and quantity of sperm is currently the major cause of patients suffering from infertility. Male germ cell development is spatiotemporally regulated throughout the whole developmental process. While it has been known that exogenous factors, such as environmental exposure, diet and lifestyle, et al, play causative roles in male infertility, recent progress has revealed abundant genetic mutations tightly associated with defective male germline development. In mammals, male germ cells undergo dramatic morphological change (i.e., nuclear condensation) and chromatin remodeling during post-meiotic haploid germline development, a process termed spermiogenesis; However, the molecular machinery players and functional mechanisms have yet to be identified. To date, accumulated evidence suggests that disruption in any step of haploid germline development is likely manifested as fertility issues with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, aberrant sperm morphology or combined. With the continually declined cost of next-generation sequencing and recent progress of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, growing studies have revealed a vast number of disease-causing genetic variants associated with spermiogenic defects in both mice and humans, along with mechanistic insights partially attained and validated through genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). In this review, we mainly summarize genes that are functional at post-meiotic stage. Identification and characterization of deleterious genetic variants should aid in our understanding of germline development, and thereby further improve the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Saba Altaf
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Islam Uddin
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Jinbao Cheng
- The 901th hospital of Joint logistics support Force of PLA, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
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16
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Xia M, Xia J, Niu C, Zhong Y, Ge T, Ding Y, Zheng Y. Testis-expressed protein 33 is not essential for spermiogenesis and fertility in mice. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:317. [PMID: 33760102 PMCID: PMC7974414 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression analyses have revealed that there are >2,300 testis-enriched genes in mice, and gene knockout models have shown that a number of them are responsible for male fertility. However, the functions of numerous genes have yet to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to identify the expression pattern of testis-expressed protein 33 (TEX33) in mice and explore the role of TEX33 in male reproduction. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays were used to investigate the mRNA and protein levels of TEX33 in mouse testes during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Immunofluorescence analysis was also performed to identify the cellular and structural localization of TEX33 protein in the testes. Tex33 knockout mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing. Histological analysis with hematoxylin and eosin or periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fertility testing, were also carried out to evaluate the effect of TEX33 on mouse spermiogenesis and male reproduction. The results showed that Tex33 mRNA and protein were exclusively expressed in mouse testes and were first detected on postnatal days 21–28 (spermiogenesis phase); their expression then remained into adulthood. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that TEX33 protein was located in the spermatids and sperm within the seminiferous tubules of the mouse testes, and exhibited specific localization to the acrosome, flagellum and manchette during spermiogenesis. These results suggested that TEX33 may play a role in mouse spermiogenesis. However, Tex33 knockout mice presented no detectable difference in testis-to-body weight ratios when compared with wild-type mice. PAS staining and CASA revealed that spermatogenesis and sperm quality were normal in mice lacking Tex33. In addition, fertility testing suggested that the Tex33 knockout mice had normal reproductive functions. In summary, the findings of the present study indicate that TEX33 is associated with spermiogenesis but is not essential for sperm development and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Changmin Niu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Zhong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Ge
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
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17
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Central Apparatus, the Molecular Kickstarter of Ciliary and Flagellar Nanomachines. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063013. [PMID: 33809498 PMCID: PMC7999657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Motile cilia and homologous organelles, the flagella, are an early evolutionarily invention, enabling primitive eukaryotic cells to survive and reproduce. In animals, cilia have undergone functional and structural speciation giving raise to typical motile cilia, motile nodal cilia, and sensory immotile cilia. In contrast to other cilia types, typical motile cilia are able to beat in complex, two-phase movements. Moreover, they contain many additional structures, including central apparatus, composed of two single microtubules connected by a bridge-like structure and assembling numerous complexes called projections. A growing body of evidence supports the important role of the central apparatus in the generation and regulation of the motile cilia movement. Here we review data concerning the central apparatus structure, protein composition, and the significance of its components in ciliary beating regulation.
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18
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Pleuger C, Lehti MS, Dunleavy JE, Fietz D, O'Bryan MK. Haploid male germ cells-the Grand Central Station of protein transport. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:474-500. [PMID: 32318721 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise movement of proteins and vesicles is an essential ability for all eukaryotic cells. Nowhere is this more evident than during the remarkable transformation that occurs in spermiogenesis-the transformation of haploid round spermatids into sperm. These transformations are critically dependent upon both the microtubule and the actin cytoskeleton, and defects in these processes are thought to underpin a significant percentage of human male infertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review is aimed at summarising and synthesising the current state of knowledge around protein/vesicle transport during haploid male germ cell development and identifying knowledge gaps and challenges for future research. To achieve this, we summarise the key discoveries related to protein transport using the mouse as a model system. Where relevant, we anchored these insights to knowledge in the field of human spermiogenesis and the causality of human male infertility. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies published in English were identified using PubMed using a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review-protein/vesicle transport, intra-flagellar transport, intra-manchette transport, Golgi, acrosome, manchette, axoneme, outer dense fibres and fibrous sheath. Searches were not restricted to a particular time frame or species although the emphasis within the review is on mammalian spermiogenesis. OUTCOMES Spermiogenesis is the final phase of sperm development. It results in the transformation of a round cell into a highly polarised sperm with the capacity for fertility. It is critically dependent on the cytoskeleton and its ability to transport protein complexes and vesicles over long distances and often between distinct cytoplasmic compartments. The development of the acrosome covering the sperm head, the sperm tail within the ciliary lobe, the manchette and its role in sperm head shaping and protein transport into the tail, and the assembly of mitochondria into the mid-piece of sperm, may all be viewed as a series of overlapping and interconnected train tracks. Defects in this redistribution network lead to male infertility characterised by abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and/or abnormal sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and are likely to be causal of, or contribute to, a significant percentage of human male infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A greater understanding of the mechanisms of protein transport in spermiogenesis offers the potential to precisely diagnose cases of male infertility and to forecast implications for children conceived using gametes containing these mutations. The manipulation of these processes will offer opportunities for male-based contraceptive development. Further, as increasingly evidenced in the literature, we believe that the continuous and spatiotemporally restrained nature of spermiogenesis provides an outstanding model system to identify, and de-code, cytoskeletal elements and transport mechanisms of relevance to multiple tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Pleuger
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Mari S Lehti
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | | | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
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19
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Kumar N, Singh AK. The anatomy, movement, and functions of human sperm tail: an evolving mystery. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:508-520. [PMID: 33238303 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperms have attracted attention of many researchers since it was discovered by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in 1677. Though a small cell, its every part has complex structure and different function to play in carrying life. Sperm tail is most complicated structure with more than 1000 proteins involved in its functioning. With the advent of three-dimensional microscopes, many studies are undergoing to understand exact mechanism of sperm tail movement. Most recent studies have shown that sperms move by spinning rather than swimming. Each subunit of tail, including axonemal, peri-axonemal structures, plays essential roles in sperm motility, capacitation, hyperactivation, fertilization. Furthermore, over 2300 genes are involved in spermatogenesis. A number of genetic mutations have been linked with abnormal sperm flagellar development leading to motility defects and male infertility. It was found that 6% of male infertility cases are related to genetic causes, and 4% of couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection for male subfertility have chromosomal abnormalities. Hence, an understanding of sperm tail development and genes associated with its normal functioning can help in better diagnosis of male infertility and its management. There is still a lot that needs to be discovered about genes, proteins contributing to normal human sperm tail development, movement, and role in male fertility. Sperm tail has complex anatomy, with surrounding axoneme having 9 + 2 microtubules arrangement along its entire length and peri-axonemal structures that contribute in sperm motility and fertilization. In future sperm tail-associated genes, proteins and subunits can be used as markers of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522503, India
| | - Amit Kant Singh
- Department of Physiology, U.P. University of Medical Sciences, Etawah 206130, Uttar Pradesh, India
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20
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Aurrière J, Goudenège D, Baris OR, Boguenet M, May-Panloup P, Lenaers G, Khiati S. Cancer/Testis Antigens into mitochondria: a hub between spermatogenesis, tumorigenesis and mitochondrial physiology adaptation. Mitochondrion 2020; 56:73-81. [PMID: 33220498 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer/Testis Antigens (CTAs) genes are expressed only during spermatogenesis and tumorigenesis. Both processes share common specific metabolic adaptation related to energy supply, with a glucose to lactate gradient, leading to changes in mitochondrial physiology paralleling CTAs expression. In this review, we address the role of CTAs in mitochondria (mitoCTAs), by reviewing all published data, and assessing the putative localization of CTAs by screening for the presence of a mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS). We evidenced that among the 276 CTAs, five were already shown to interfere with mitochondrial activities and 67 display a potential MTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Aurrière
- MitoLab Team, Institut MitoVasc, CNRS UMR6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers, France
| | - David Goudenège
- MitoLab Team, Institut MitoVasc, CNRS UMR6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers, France; Departments of Biochemistry and Genetics, University Hospital Angers, Angers, France
| | - Olivier R Baris
- MitoLab Team, Institut MitoVasc, CNRS UMR6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers, France
| | - Magalie Boguenet
- MitoLab Team, Institut MitoVasc, CNRS UMR6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers, France
| | - Pascale May-Panloup
- MitoLab Team, Institut MitoVasc, CNRS UMR6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers, France; Reproductive Biology Unit, Angers University Hospital, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Guy Lenaers
- MitoLab Team, Institut MitoVasc, CNRS UMR6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers, France
| | - Salim Khiati
- MitoLab Team, Institut MitoVasc, CNRS UMR6015, INSERM U1083, Angers University, Angers, France.
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21
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Lee L, Ostrowski LE. Motile cilia genetics and cell biology: big results from little mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:769-797. [PMID: 32915243 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03633-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of motile cilia and their role in disease has increased tremendously over the last two decades, with critical information and insight coming from the analysis of mouse models. Motile cilia form on specific epithelial cell types and typically beat in a coordinated, whip-like manner to facilitate the flow and clearance of fluids along the cell surface. Defects in formation and function of motile cilia result in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a genetically heterogeneous disorder with a well-characterized phenotype but no effective treatment. A number of model systems, ranging from unicellular eukaryotes to mammals, have provided information about the genetics, biochemistry, and structure of motile cilia. However, with remarkable resources available for genetic manipulation and developmental, pathological, and physiological analysis of phenotype, the mouse has risen to the forefront of understanding mammalian motile cilia and modeling PCD. This is evidenced by a large number of relevant mouse lines and an extensive body of genetic and phenotypic data. More recently, application of innovative cell biological techniques to these models has enabled substantial advancement in elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and function of mammalian motile cilia. In this article, we will review genetic and cell biological studies of motile cilia in mouse models and their contributions to our understanding of motile cilia and PCD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance Lee
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, USA.
| | - Lawrence E Ostrowski
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Center and Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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22
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Teves ME, Roldan ERS, Krapf D, Strauss III JF, Bhagat V, Sapao P. Sperm Differentiation: The Role of Trafficking of Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3702. [PMID: 32456358 PMCID: PMC7279445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm differentiation encompasses a complex sequence of morphological changes that takes place in the seminiferous epithelium. In this process, haploid round spermatids undergo substantial structural and functional alterations, resulting in highly polarized sperm. Hallmark changes during the differentiation process include the formation of new organelles, chromatin condensation and nuclear shaping, elimination of residual cytoplasm, and assembly of the sperm flagella. To achieve these transformations, spermatids have unique mechanisms for protein trafficking that operate in a coordinated fashion. Microtubules and filaments of actin are the main tracks used to facilitate the transport mechanisms, assisted by motor and non-motor proteins, for delivery of vesicular and non-vesicular cargos to specific sites. This review integrates recent findings regarding the role of protein trafficking in sperm differentiation. Although a complete characterization of the interactome of proteins involved in these temporal and spatial processes is not yet known, we propose a model based on the current literature as a framework for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA 23298, USA;
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006-Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Jerome F. Strauss III
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA 23298, USA;
| | - Virali Bhagat
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA 23298, USA;
| | - Paulene Sapao
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA, 23298, USA;
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23
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Gao Q, Khan R, Yu C, Alsheimer M, Jiang X, Ma H, Shi Q. The testis-specific LINC component SUN3 is essential for sperm head shaping during mouse spermiogenesis. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6289-6298. [PMID: 32156700 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm head shaping is a key event in spermiogenesis and is tightly controlled via the acrosome-manchette network. Linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes consist of Sad1 and UNC84 domain-containing (SUN) and Klarsicht/ANC-1/Syne-1 homology (KASH) domain proteins and form conserved nuclear envelope bridges implicated in transducing mechanical forces from the manchette to sculpt sperm nuclei into a hook-like shape. However, the role of LINC complexes in sperm head shaping is still poorly understood. Here we assessed the role of SUN3, a testis-specific LINC component harboring a conserved SUN domain, in spermiogenesis. We show that CRISPR/Cas9-generated Sun3 knockout male mice are infertile, displaying drastically reduced sperm counts and a globozoospermia-like phenotype, including a missing, mislocalized, or fragmented acrosome, as well as multiple defects in sperm flagella. Further examination revealed that the sperm head abnormalities are apparent at step 9 and that the sperm nuclei fail to elongate because of the absence of manchette microtubules and perinuclear rings. These observations indicate that Sun3 deletion likely impairs the ability of the LINC complex to transduce the cytoskeletal force to the nuclear envelope, required for sperm head elongation. We also found that SUN3 interacts with SUN4 in mouse testes and that the level of SUN4 proteins is drastically reduced in Sun3-null mice. Altogether, our results indicate that SUN3 is essential for sperm head shaping and male fertility, providing molecular clues regarding the underlying pathology of the globozoospermia-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Gao
- First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Changping Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Manfred Alsheimer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Hui Ma
- First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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24
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Morohoshi A, Miyata H, Shimada K, Nozawa K, Matsumura T, Yanase R, Shiba K, Inaba K, Ikawa M. Nexin-Dynein regulatory complex component DRC7 but not FBXL13 is required for sperm flagellum formation and male fertility in mice. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008585. [PMID: 31961863 PMCID: PMC6994161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Flagella and cilia are evolutionarily conserved cellular organelles. Abnormal formation or motility of these organelles in humans causes several syndromic diseases termed ciliopathies. The central component of flagella and cilia is the axoneme that is composed of the ‘9+2’ microtubule arrangement, dynein arms, radial spokes, and the Nexin-Dynein Regulatory Complex (N-DRC). The N-DRC is localized between doublet microtubules and has been extensively studied in the unicellular flagellate Chlamydomonas. Recently, it has been reported that TCTE1 (DRC5), a component of the N-DRC, is essential for proper sperm motility and male fertility in mice. Further, TCTE1 has been shown to interact with FBXL13 (DRC6) and DRC7; however, functional roles of FBXL13 and DRC7 in mammals have not been elucidated. Here we show that Fbxl13 and Drc7 expression are testes-enriched in mice. Although Fbxl13 knockout (KO) mice did not show any obvious phenotypes, Drc7 KO male mice were infertile due to their short immotile spermatozoa. In Drc7 KO spermatids, the axoneme is disorganized and the ‘9+2’ microtubule arrangement was difficult to detect. Further, other N-DRC components fail to incorporate into the flagellum without DRC7. These results indicate that Drc7, but not Fbxl13, is essential for the correct assembly of the N-DRC and flagella. In recent years, almost one in six couples face infertility, and nearly 50% of cases are attributed to male factors. It has been shown that approximately 15% of male infertility is caused by genetic factors. The conditions of male infertility mainly include spermatozoa with abnormal morphology (teratozoospermia), reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia), and no or low sperm count (azoospermia). Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are characterized as asthenoteratozoospermia, which is a condition with abnormal sperm tail morphology, including absent, coiled, bent, or short tails. Sperm tails are formed during spermiogenesis; however, the mechanism that govern tail formation remains unclear. Here we mutated Fbxl13 and Drc7, two genes with strong expression in mouse testis and which have been shown to be important for flagellum formation and regulation in other systems. Deletion of Drc7 leads to aberrant tail formation in mouse spermatozoa that phenocopies patients with MMAF, while deletion of Fbxl13 has no observable effect on sperm function. Our results identified DRC7 as an important factor for sperm flagellum formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akane Morohoshi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Shimada
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Matsumura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryuji Yanase
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kogiku Shiba
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuo Inaba
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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25
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Tu C, Nie H, Meng L, Wang W, Li H, Yuan S, Cheng D, He W, Liu G, Du J, Gong F, Lu G, Lin G, Zhang Q, Tan YQ. Novel mutations in SPEF2 causing different defects between flagella and cilia bridge: the phenotypic link between MMAF and PCD. Hum Genet 2020; 139:257-271. [PMID: 31942643 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02110-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Severe asthenozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility. Recent studies have revealed that SPEF2 mutations lead to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) without primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) symptoms in males, but PCD phenotype was also found in one female individual. Therefore, whether there is a phenotypic continuum ranging from infertile patients with PCD to MMAF patients with no or low noise PCD manifestations remains elusive. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing in 47 patients with severe asthenozoospermia from 45 unrelated Chinese families. We identified four novel biallelic mutations in SPEF2 (8.9%, 4/45) in six affected individuals (12.8%, 6/47), while no deleterious biallelic variants in SPEF2 were detected in 637 controls, including 219 with oligoasthenospermia, 195 with non-obstructive azoospermia, and 223 fertile controls. Notably, all six patients exhibited PCD-like symptoms, including recurrent airway infections, bronchitis, and rhinosinusitis. Ultrastructural analysis revealed normal 9 + 2 axonemes of respiratory cilia but consistently abnormal 9 + 0 axoneme or disordered accessory structures of sperm flagella, indicating different roles of SPEF2 in sperm flagella and respiratory cilia. Subsequently, a Spef2 knockout mouse model was used to validate the PCD-like phenotype and male infertility, where the subfertility of female Spef2-/- mice was found unexpectedly. Overall, our data bridge the link between MMAF and PCD based on the association of SPEF2 mutations with both infertility and PCD in males and provide basis for further exploring the molecular mechanism of SPEF2 during spermiogenesis and ciliogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
- Key Lab of MOE for Development Biology and Protein Chemistry, The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Haiyu Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Shimin Yuan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Dehua Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbin He
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
- Key Lab of MOE for Development Biology and Protein Chemistry, The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
- Key Lab of MOE for Development Biology and Protein Chemistry, The Center for Heart Development, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China.
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China.
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China.
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China.
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Touré A, Martinez G, Kherraf ZE, Cazin C, Beurois J, Arnoult C, Ray PF, Coutton C. The genetic architecture of morphological abnormalities of the sperm tail. Hum Genet 2020; 140:21-42. [PMID: 31950240 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02113-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa contain highly specialized structural features reflecting unique functions required for fertilization. Among them, the flagellum is a sperm-specific organelle required to generate the motility, which is essential to reach the egg. The flagellum integrity is, therefore, critical for normal sperm function and flagellum defects consistently lead to male infertility due to reduced or absent sperm motility defined as asthenozoospermia. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF), also called short tails, is among the most severe forms of sperm flagellum defects responsible for male infertility and is characterized by the presence in the ejaculate of spermatozoa being short, coiled, absent and of irregular caliber. Recent studies have demonstrated that MMAF is genetically heterogeneous which is consistent with the large number of proteins (over one thousand) localized in the human sperm flagella. In the past 5 years, genomic investigation of the MMAF phenotype allowed the identification of 18 genes whose mutations induce MMAF and infertility. Here we will review information about those genes including their expression pattern, the features of the encoded proteins together with their localization within the different flagellar protein complexes (axonemal or peri-axonemal) and their potential functions. We will categorize the identified MMAF genes following the protein complexes, functions or biological processes they may be associated with, based on the current knowledge in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminata Touré
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75014, Paris, France.,INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014, Paris, France.,Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique UMR8104, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Julie Beurois
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France. .,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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27
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Chen M, Yang W, Liu N, Zhang X, Dong W, Lan X, Pan C. Pig Hsd17b3: Alternative splice variants expression, insertion/deletion (indel) in promoter region and their associations with male reproductive traits. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 195:105483. [PMID: 31550505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxysteroid 17-Beta Dehydrogenase 3 (Hsd17b3), primarily expressed in Leydig cells (LCs) of the mammalian testes, is essential for testosterone biosynthesis and male fertility. The aim of our study was to profile the expression, splice variants (SV) and novel insertion/deletion (indel) of Hsd17b3 in boars. Quantitative analysis showed that the expression level of Hsd17b3 in the testis was significantly highest. Among different testicular cell types, the Hsd17b3 mRNA expression level of LCs was significantly higher than that of SSCs (spermatogonial stem cells) and SCs (Sertoli cells). Furthermore, the SV was firstly identified in pigs and it was highly expressed in LCs comparing with SSCs and SCs. In addition, two mutations were identified in pig Hsd17b3 gene promotor and intron, respectively, which were associated with male reproductive traits (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both transcripts of Hsd17b3 gene were highly expressed in pig testes and LCs; the two novel indel variants of Hsd17b3 gene can be used as potential DNA makers for the marker-assisted selection in pigs. All these findings would enrich the study of Hsd17b3 gene in pig genetic breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chuanying Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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28
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Chen M, Yan H, Wang K, Cui Y, Chen R, Liu J, Zhu H, Qu L, Pan C. Goat SPEF2: Expression profile, indel variants identification and association analysis with litter size. Theriogenology 2019; 139:147-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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29
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Moye AR, Bedoni N, Cunningham JG, Sanzhaeva U, Tucker ES, Mathers P, Peter VG, Quinodoz M, Paris LP, Coutinho-Santos L, Camacho P, Purcell MG, Winkelmann AC, Foster JA, Pugacheva EN, Rivolta C, Ramamurthy V. Mutations in ARL2BP, a protein required for ciliary microtubule structure, cause syndromic male infertility in humans and mice. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008315. [PMID: 31425546 PMCID: PMC6715254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia are evolutionarily conserved hair-like structures with a wide spectrum of key biological roles, and their dysfunction has been linked to a growing class of genetic disorders, known collectively as ciliopathies. Many strides have been made towards deciphering the molecular causes for these diseases, which have in turn expanded the understanding of cilia and their functional roles. One recently-identified ciliary gene is ARL2BP, encoding the ADP-Ribosylation Factor Like 2 Binding Protein. In this study, we have identified multiple ciliopathy phenotypes associated with mutations in ARL2BP in human patients and in a mouse knockout model. Our research demonstrates that spermiogenesis is impaired, resulting in abnormally shaped heads, shortened and mis-assembled sperm tails, as well as in loss of axonemal doublets. Additional phenotypes in the mouse included enlarged ventricles of the brain and situs inversus. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from knockout animals revealed delayed depolymerization of primary cilia. Our results suggest that ARL2BP is required for the structural maintenance of cilia as well as of the sperm flagellum, and that its deficiency leads to syndromic ciliopathy. The flagellated tails of sperm cells require a stringent developmental process that is essential for motility and fertility. The components that comprise the sperm tail assemble in regulated steps with protein processing, transport, and structural assembly dependent on each other for sperm tail maturity. In this work, we have identified ARL2BP, a previously retinal-associated protein, to be essential for sperm tail development and assembly. We show that without functional ARL2BP in humans or mice, sperm tails fail to develop, starting with the assembly of the core microtubular structure within the tail. Loss of ARL2BP also effects other ciliated cells, indicating a unique role for ARL2BP in ciliary microtubule formation. This research on ARL2BP provides further understanding on the links between vision and fertility. This work also demonstrates how genomic studies for human patients and murine models can coincide to provide greater insight into disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R. Moye
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
| | - Nicola Bedoni
- Department of Computational Biology, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jessica G. Cunningham
- Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Urikhan Sanzhaeva
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
| | - Eric S. Tucker
- Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Peter Mathers
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
- Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Virginie G. Peter
- Department of Computational Biology, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Quinodoz
- Department of Computational Biology, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Liliana P. Paris
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto de Oftalmologia Dr Gama Pinto, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luísa Coutinho-Santos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto de Oftalmologia Dr Gama Pinto, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Camacho
- Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto de Oftalmologia Dr Gama Pinto, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Madeleine G. Purcell
- Department of Biology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, United States of America
| | - Abbie C. Winkelmann
- Department of Biology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, United States of America
| | - James A. Foster
- Department of Biology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, United States of America
| | - Elena N. Pugacheva
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
| | - Carlo Rivolta
- Department of Computational Biology, Unit of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Clinical Research Center, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (CR); (VR)
| | - Visvanathan Ramamurthy
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
- Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
- * E-mail: (CR); (VR)
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30
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Liu Y, Zhang L, Li W, Li Y, Liu J, Zhang S, Pin G, Song S, Ray PF, Arnoult C, Cho C, Garcia-Reyes B, Knippschild U, Strauss JF, Zhang Z. The sperm-associated antigen 6 interactome and its role in spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2019; 158:181-197. [PMID: 31146259 PMCID: PMC7368494 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian SPAG6, the orthologue of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii PF16, is a component of the central apparatus of the '9 + 2' axoneme that controls ciliary/flagellar motility, including sperm motility. Recent studies revealed that SPAG6 has functions beyond its role in the central apparatus. Hence, we reexamined the role of SPAG6 in male fertility. In wild-type mice, SPAG6 was present in cytoplasmic vesicles in spermatocytes, the acrosome of round and elongating spermatids and the manchette of elongating spermatids. Spag6-deficient testes showed abnormal spermatogenesis, with abnormalities in male germ cell morphology consistent with the multi-compartment pattern of SPAG6 localization. The armadillo repeat domain of mouse SPAG6 was used as a bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen, and several proteins with diverse functions appeared multiple times, including Snapin, SPINK2 and COPS5. Snapin has a similar localization to SPAG6 in male germ cells, and SPINK2, a key protein in acrosome biogenesis, was dramatically reduced in Spag6-deficient mice which have defective acrosomes. SPAG16L, another SPAG6-binding partner, lost its localization to the manchette in Spag6-deficient mice. Our findings demonstrate that SPAG6 is a multi-functional protein that not only regulates sperm motility, but also plays roles in spermatogenesis in multiple cellular compartments involving multiple protein partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhao Liu
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201
| | - Yuhong Li
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065
| | - Junpin Liu
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065
| | - Shiyang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065
| | - Guanglun Pin
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065
| | - Shizhen Song
- School of Public Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Chunghee Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 500-712, Korea
| | - Balbina Garcia-Reyes
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, D-89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Uwe Knippschild
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, D-89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jerome F. Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201
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31
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Sha Y, Liu W, Wei X, Zhu X, Luo X, Liang L, Guo T. Biallelic mutations in Sperm flagellum 2 cause human multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) phenotype. Clin Genet 2019; 96:385-393. [PMID: 31278745 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Male patients with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are infertile and exhibit absent, short, coiled, bent and/or irregular sperm flagella. Mutations in the SPEF2 gene reduce sperm motility and cause sperm tail defects in animal models and humans. In the present study, we performed a genetic analysis on an MMAF patient and identified novel biallelic mutations in the SPEF2 gene. The biallelic mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and in silico analysis revealed that, these variations were deleterious. The expression of truncated SPEF2 protein was reduced significantly in the patient's spermatozoa. The spermatozoa harbored biallelic mutations and showed severe ultrastructural defects in the axoneme and mitochondrial sheath. Our data suggest that biallelic mutations in SPEF2 can cause severe sperm flagellum defects, thus providing a novel candidate genetic pathogen for the human MMAF phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xingshen Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangmin Luo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lei Liang
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Tonghang Guo
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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32
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Liu W, Sha Y, Li Y, Mei L, Lin S, Huang X, Lu J, Ding L, Kong S, Lu Z. Loss-of-function mutations in SPEF2 cause multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). J Med Genet 2019; 56:678-684. [PMID: 31151990 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2018-105952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a kind of severe teratozoospermia. Patients with the MMAF phenotype are infertile and present aberrant spermatozoa with absent, short, coiled, bent and/or irregular flagella. Mutations in several genes can explain approximately 30%-50% of MMAF cases and more genetic pathogenies need to be explored. SPEF2 was previously demonstrated to play an essential role in sperm tail development in mice and pig. Dysfunctional mutations in SPEF2 impair sperm motility and cause a short-tail phenotype in both animal models. OBJECTIVE Based on 42 patients with severe infertility and MMAF phenotype, we explored the new genetic cause of human MMAF phenotype. METHODS AND RESULTS By screening gene variants in 42 patients with MMAF using whole exome sequencing, we identified the c. 12delC, c. 1745-2A > G, c. 4102 G > T and c. 4323dupA mutations in the SPEF2 gene from two patients. Both of these mutations are rare and potentially deleterious. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis showed a disrupted axonemal structure with mitochondrial sheath defects in the patients' spermatozoa. The SPEF2 protein level was significantly decreased in the spermatozoa of the patients revealed by Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses. CONCLUSION Our experimental findings indicate that loss-of-function mutations in the SPEF2 gene can cause the MMAF phenotype in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensheng Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Libin Mei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Shaobin Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Xianjing Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinhua Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lu Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Shuangbo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhongxian Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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33
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Liu C, Lv M, He X, Zhu Y, Amiri-Yekta A, Li W, Wu H, Kherraf ZE, Liu W, Zhang J, Tan Q, Tang S, Zhu YJ, Zhong Y, Li C, Tian S, Zhang Z, Jin L, Ray P, Zhang F, Cao Y. Homozygous mutations in SPEF2 induce multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella and male infertility. J Med Genet 2019; 57:31-37. [PMID: 31048344 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility due to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. Previous studies revealed several MMAF-associated genes, which account for approximately 60% of human MMAF cases. The pathogenic mechanisms of MMAF remain to be illuminated. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted genetic analyses using whole-exome sequencing in 50 Han Chinese probands with MMAF. Two homozygous stop-gain variants (c.910C>T (p.Arg304*) and c.3400delA (p.Ile1134Serfs*13)) of the SPEF2 (sperm flagellar 2) gene were identified in two unrelated consanguineous families. Consistently, an Iranian subject from another cohort also carried a homozygous SPEF2 stop-gain variant (c.3240delT (p.Phe1080Leufs*2)). All these variants affected the long SPEF2 transcripts that are expressed in the testis and encode the IFT20 (intraflagellar transport 20) binding domain, important for sperm tail development. Notably, previous animal studies reported spontaneous mutations of SPEF2 causing sperm tail defects in bulls and pigs. Our further functional studies using immunofluorescence assays showed the absence or a remarkably reduced staining of SPEF2 and of the MMAF-associated CFAP69 protein in the spermatozoa from SPEF2-affected subjects. CONCLUSIONS We identified SPEF2 as a novel gene for human MMAF across the populations. Functional analyses suggested that the deficiency of SPEF2 in the mutated subjects could alter the localisation of other axonemal proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
| | - Yong Zhu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France.,Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Weiyu Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Wangjie Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong-Jun Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yading Zhong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Caihua Li
- Genesky Biotechnologies Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Shixiong Tian
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pierre Ray
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China .,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
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34
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Lipinska AP, Serrano-Serrano ML, Cormier A, Peters AF, Kogame K, Cock JM, Coelho SM. Rapid turnover of life-cycle-related genes in the brown algae. Genome Biol 2019; 20:35. [PMID: 30764885 PMCID: PMC6374913 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-019-1630-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual life cycles in eukaryotes involve a cyclic alternation between haploid and diploid phases. While most animals possess a diploid life cycle, many plants and algae alternate between multicellular haploid (gametophyte) and diploid (sporophyte) generations. In many algae, gametophytes and sporophytes are independent and free-living and may present dramatic phenotypic differences. The same shared genome can therefore be subject to different, even conflicting, selection pressures during each of the life cycle generations. Here, we analyze the nature and extent of genome-wide, generation-biased gene expression in four species of brown algae with contrasting levels of dimorphism between life cycle generations. RESULTS We show that the proportion of the transcriptome that is generation-specific is broadly associated with the level of phenotypic dimorphism between the life cycle stages. Importantly, our data reveals a remarkably high turnover rate for life-cycle-related gene sets across the brown algae and highlights the importance not only of co-option of regulatory programs from one generation to the other but also of a role for newly emerged, lineage-specific gene expression patterns in the evolution of the gametophyte and sporophyte developmental programs in this major eukaryotic group. Moreover, we show that generation-biased genes display distinct evolutionary modes, with gametophyte-biased genes evolving rapidly at the coding sequence level whereas sporophyte-biased genes tend to exhibit changes in their patterns of expression. CONCLUSION Our analysis uncovers the characteristics, expression patterns, and evolution of generation-biased genes and underlines the selective forces that shape this previously underappreciated source of phenotypic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka P Lipinska
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Algal Genetics Group, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CS 90074, F-29688, Roscoff, France
| | | | - Alexandre Cormier
- Laboratoire Ecologie et Biologie des Interactions, Equipe Ecologie Evolution Symbiose, Université de Poitiers, UMR CNRS 7267, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Kazuhiro Kogame
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0810, Japan
| | - J Mark Cock
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Algal Genetics Group, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CS 90074, F-29688, Roscoff, France
| | - Susana M Coelho
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, Algal Genetics Group, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CS 90074, F-29688, Roscoff, France.
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35
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Okamura A, Masumoto A, Takenouchi A, Kudo T, Aizawa S, Ogoshi M, Takahashi S, Tsudzuki M, Takeuchi S. Changes in prolactin receptor homodimer availability may cause late feathering in chickens. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 272:109-116. [PMID: 30594591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chicken early (EF) and late feathering (LF) are sex-linked phenotypes conferred by wild-type k+ and dominant K alleles on chromosome Z, respectively. Besides prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLR) and sperm flagellar 2 (SPEF2) genes, the K allele contains a fusion gene in which partially duplicated PRLR (dPRLR) and SPEF2 (dSPEF2) genes are linked in a tail-to-tail manner. The causative dPRLR gene encodes a C-terminal truncated receptor. LF chickens have short or no primaries at hatching; however, their feather growth rate is higher than that of EF chickens. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular basis of the K allele's biphasic effect on feather development. By 3'RACE and RT-PCR analyses, we demonstrated that dSPEF2 gene transcription occurred beyond all coding exons of the dPRLR gene on the opposite strand and that dPRLR mRNA was less abundant than PRLR mRNA. In addition, a 5'UTR splice variant (SPV) of PRL receptor mRNAs was increased in LF chickens. In vitro expression analysis of 5'UTR linked to the luciferase reporter gene revealed higher translation efficiency of SPV. RT-qPCR showed that the dPRLR mRNA level was higher in embryos; conversely, SPV was higher in hatched chickens, as was dSPEF2 mRNA. These findings suggest that the K allele inhibits feather development at the fetal stage by expressing dPRLR to attenuate PRLR function and promotes feather growth after hatching by increasing PRLR through dSPEF2 mRNA expression. Increased SPV may cause greater feather growth than that in EF chickens by increasing the availability of PRLR homodimers and enhancing PRL signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Okamura
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ayane Masumoto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takenouchi
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan; Japanese Avian Bioresource Project Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kudo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Shujitsu University, 1-6-1 Nakaku, Nishikawara, Okayama 703-8516, Japan
| | - Sayaka Aizawa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Maho Ogoshi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Sumio Takahashi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Masaoki Tsudzuki
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan; Japanese Avian Bioresource Project Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Sakae Takeuchi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Kitaku, Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
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36
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Abbasi F, Miyata H, Shimada K, Morohoshi A, Nozawa K, Matsumura T, Xu Z, Pratiwi P, Ikawa M. RSPH6A is required for sperm flagellum formation and male fertility in mice. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.221648. [PMID: 30185526 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.221648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The flagellum is an evolutionarily conserved appendage used for sensing and locomotion. Its backbone is the axoneme and a component of the axoneme is the radial spoke (RS), a protein complex implicated in flagellar motility regulation. Numerous diseases occur if the axoneme is improperly formed, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and infertility. Radial spoke head 6 homolog A (RSPH6A) is an ortholog of Chlamydomonas RSP6 in the RS head and is evolutionarily conserved. While some RS head proteins have been linked to PCD, little is known about RSPH6A. Here, we show that mouse RSPH6A is testis-enriched and localized in the flagellum. Rsph6a knockout (KO) male mice are infertile as a result of their short immotile spermatozoa. Observation of the KO testis indicates that the axoneme can elongate but is disrupted before accessory structures are formed. Manchette removal is also impaired in the KO testis. Further, RSPH9, another radial spoke protein, disappeared in the Rsph6a KO flagella. These data indicate that RSPH6A is essential for sperm flagellar assembly and male fertility in mice.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferheen Abbasi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keisuke Shimada
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akane Morohoshi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takafumi Matsumura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Zoulan Xu
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Putri Pratiwi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan .,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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37
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Dillard KJ, Hytönen MK, Fischer D, Tanhuanpää K, Lehti MS, Vainio-Siukola K, Sironen A, Anttila M. A splice site variant in INPP5E causes diffuse cystic renal dysplasia and hepatic fibrosis in dogs. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204073. [PMID: 30235266 PMCID: PMC6147468 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ciliopathies presenting as inherited hepatorenal fibrocystic disorders are rare in humans and in dogs. We describe here a novel lethal ciliopathy in Norwich Terrier puppies that was diagnosed at necropsy and characterized as diffuse cystic renal disease and hepatic fibrosis. The histopathological findings were typical for cystic renal dysplasia in which the cysts were located in the straight portion of the proximal tubule, and thin descending and ascending limbs of Henle’s loop. The pedigree of the affected puppies was suggestive of an autosomal recessive inheritance and therefore, whole exome sequencing and homozygosity mapping were used for identification of the causative variant. The analyses revealed a case-specific homozygous splice donor site variant in a cilia related gene, INPP5E: c.1572+5G>A. Association of the variant with the defect was validated in a large cohort of Norwich Terriers with 3 cases and 480 controls, the carrier frequency being 6%. We observed that the identified variant introduces a novel splice site in INPP5E causing a frameshift and formation of a premature stop codon. In conclusion, our results suggest that the INPP5E: c.1572+5G>A variant is causal for the ciliopathy in Norwich Terriers. Therefore, genetic testing can be carried out in the future for the eradication of the disease from the breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kati J. Dillard
- Pathology Research Unit, Finnish Food Safety Authority, Evira, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marjo K. Hytönen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- The Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Kimmo Tanhuanpää
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mari S. Lehti
- Natural Resources Institute, LUKE, Jokioinen, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Katri Vainio-Siukola
- Pathology Research Unit, Finnish Food Safety Authority, Evira, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu Sironen
- Natural Resources Institute, LUKE, Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Marjukka Anttila
- Pathology Research Unit, Finnish Food Safety Authority, Evira, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
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38
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SPAG17 Is Required for Male Germ Cell Differentiation and Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041252. [PMID: 29690537 PMCID: PMC5979577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spag17 encodes a protein present in the axoneme central pair complex of motile cilia and flagella. A mutation in this gene has been reported to be associated with infertility caused by defects in sperm motility. Here, we report that Spag17 knockout mice are infertile because of a severe defect in spermatogenesis. The histological evaluation of testis sections from mutant mice revealed seminiferous tubules with spermatogenesis arrested at the spermatid stage and cell debris in the cauda epididymis. The few sperm collected from the cauda epididymis were immotile and displayed abnormal tail and head morphology. Immunofluorescence analysis of Spag17 knockout germ cells showed spermatids with abnormally long manchette structures and morphological defects in the head. Electron microscopy showed altered manchette microtubules, reduced chromatin condensation, irregular nuclear shape, and detached acrosomes. Additionally, the transport of proteins (Pcdp1 and IFT20) along the manchette microtubules was disrupted in the knockout elongating spermatids. Our results show for the first time that Spag17 is essential for normal manchette structure, protein transport, and formation of the sperm head and flagellum, in addition to its role in sperm motility.
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39
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Dong FN, Amiri-Yekta A, Martinez G, Saut A, Tek J, Stouvenel L, Lorès P, Karaouzène T, Thierry-Mieg N, Satre V, Brouillet S, Daneshipour A, Hosseini SH, Bonhivers M, Gourabi H, Dulioust E, Arnoult C, Touré A, Ray PF, Zhao H, Coutton C. Absence of CFAP69 Causes Male Infertility due to Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of the Flagella in Human and Mouse. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 102:636-648. [PMID: 29606301 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) phenotype is among the most severe forms of sperm defects responsible for male infertility. The phenotype is characterized by the presence in the ejaculate of immotile spermatozoa with severe flagellar abnormalities including flagella being short, coiled, absent, and of irregular caliber. Recent studies have demonstrated that MMAF is genetically heterogeneous, and genes thus far associated with MMAF account for only one-third of cases. Here we report the identification of homozygous truncating mutations (one stop-gain and one splicing variant) in CFAP69 of two unrelated individuals by whole-exome sequencing of a cohort of 78 infertile men with MMAF. CFAP69 encodes an evolutionarily conserved protein found at high levels in the testis. Immunostaining experiments in sperm from fertile control individuals showed that CFAP69 localized to the midpiece of the flagellum, and the absence of CFAP69 was confirmed in both individuals carrying CFPA69 mutations. Additionally, we found that sperm from a Cfap69 knockout mouse model recapitulated the MMAF phenotype. Ultrastructural analysis of testicular sperm from the knockout mice showed severe disruption of flagellum structure, but histological analysis of testes from these mice revealed the presence of all stages of the seminiferous epithelium, indicating that the overall progression of spermatogenesis is preserved and that the sperm defects likely arise during spermiogenesis. Together, our data indicate that CFAP69 is necessary for flagellum assembly/stability and that in both humans and mice, biallelic truncating mutations in CFAP69 cause autosomal-recessive MMAF and primary male infertility.
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40
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Li L, Sha YW, Xu X, Mei LB, Qiu PP, Ji ZY, Lin SB, Su ZY, Wang C, Yin C, Li P. DNAH6 is a novel candidate gene associated with sperm head anomaly. Andrologia 2018; 50:e12953. [PMID: 29356036 DOI: 10.1111/and.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Globozoospermia and acephalic spermatozoa are two rare sperm head anomalies associated with male infertility. Combination of the two phenotypes in the same patient is extremely rare, so the underlying pathogenesis of this disorder remains unclear. Here, we report a 35-year-old infertile male, who presented with 30% of sperm-lacked heads and 69% of sperm round-headed or small-headed with neck thickening in his ejaculate. Subsequent whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis identified compound heterozygous variants within the DNAH6 gene. DNAH6 is a testis-specific-expressed protein that was localised to the neck region in the spermatozoa of normal control; however, immunofluorescent staining failed to detect DNAH6 protein in the patient's spermatozoa. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis also showed the complete absence of DNAH6 mRNA in the patient's spermatozoa. Moreover, two cycles of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)-assisted reproduction were carried out, but pregnancy was not achieved after embryo transfer. Therefore, rare sequence variants in DNAH6 might be susceptibility risks for human sperm head anomaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Y-W Sha
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - X Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - L-B Mei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - P-P Qiu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Z-Y Ji
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - S-B Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Z-Y Su
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - C Wang
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - C Yin
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - P Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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41
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Lehti MS, Henriksson H, Rummukainen P, Wang F, Uusitalo-Kylmälä L, Kiviranta R, Heino TJ, Kotaja N, Sironen A. Cilia-related protein SPEF2 regulates osteoblast differentiation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:859. [PMID: 29339787 PMCID: PMC5770417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19204-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm flagellar protein 2 (SPEF2) is essential for motile cilia, and lack of SPEF2 function causes male infertility and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Cilia are pointing out from the cell surface and are involved in signal transduction from extracellular matrix, fluid flow and motility. It has been shown that cilia and cilia-related genes play essential role in commitment and differentiation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts during bone formation. Here we show that SPEF2 is expressed in bone and cartilage. The analysis of a Spef2 knockout (KO) mouse model revealed hydrocephalus, growth retardation and death prior to five weeks of age. To further elucidate the causes of growth retardation we analyzed the bone structure and possible effects of SPEF2 depletion on bone formation. In Spef2 KO mice, long bones (tibia and femur) were shorter compared to wild type, and X-ray analysis revealed reduced bone mineral content. Furthermore, we showed that the in vitro differentiation of osteoblasts isolated from Spef2 KO animals was compromised. In conclusion, this study reveals a novel function for SPEF2 in bone formation through regulation of osteoblast differentiation and bone growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari S Lehti
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Green Technology, FI-31600, Jokioinen, Finland.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Henna Henriksson
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Petri Rummukainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Fan Wang
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Riku Kiviranta
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520, Turku, Finland.,Department of Endocrinology, Division of Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Terhi J Heino
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Anu Sironen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Green Technology, FI-31600, Jokioinen, Finland.
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42
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Lehti MS, Zhang FP, Kotaja N, Sironen A. SPEF2 functions in microtubule-mediated transport in elongating spermatids to ensure proper male germ cell differentiation. J Cell Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.208710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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