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Chen C, Huang Z, Dong S, Ding M, Li J, Wang M, Zeng X, Zhang X, Sun X. Calcium signaling in oocyte quality and functionality and its application. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1411000. [PMID: 39220364 PMCID: PMC11361953 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1411000] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) is a second messenger for many signal pathways, and changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are an important signaling mechanism in the oocyte maturation, activation, fertilization, function regulation of granulosa and cumulus cells and offspring development. Ca2+ oscillations occur during oocyte maturation and fertilization, which are maintained by Ca2+ stores and extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e). Abnormalities in Ca2+ signaling can affect the release of the first polar body, the first meiotic division, and chromosome and spindle morphology. Well-studied aspects of Ca2+ signaling in the oocyte are oocyte activation and fertilization. Oocyte activation, driven by sperm-specific phospholipase PLCζ, is initiated by concerted intracellular patterns of Ca2+ release, termed Ca2+ oscillations. Ca2+ oscillations persist for a long time during fertilization and are coordinately engaged by a variety of Ca2+ channels, pumps, regulatory proteins and their partners. Calcium signaling also regulates granulosa and cumulus cells' function, which further affects oocyte maturation and fertilization outcome. Clinically, there are several physical and chemical options for treating fertilization failure through oocyte activation. Additionally, various exogenous compounds or drugs can cause ovarian dysfunction and female infertility by inducing abnormal Ca2+ signaling or Ca2+ dyshomeostasis in oocytes and granulosa cells. Therefore, the reproductive health risks caused by adverse stresses should arouse our attention. This review will systematically summarize the latest research progress on the aforementioned aspects and propose further research directions on calcium signaling in female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zefan Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shijue Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Mengqian Ding
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jinran Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Tutzauer J, Gonzalez de Valdivia E, Swärd K, Alexandrakis Eilard I, Broselid S, Kahn R, Olde B, Leeb-Lundberg LMF. Ligand-independent G protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER)/GPR30 Activity: Lack of receptor-dependent effects of G-1 and 17β-estradiol.. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 100:271-282. [PMID: 34330822 PMCID: PMC8626787 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein–coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) is a membrane receptor reported to bind 17β-estradiol (E2) and mediate rapid nongenomic estrogen responses, hence also named G protein–coupled estrogen receptor. G-1 is a proposed GPR30-specific agonist that has been used to implicate the receptor in several pathophysiological events. However, controversy surrounds the role of GPR30 in G-1 and E2 responses. We investigated GPR30 activity in the absence and presence of G-1 and E2 in several eukaryotic systems ex vivo and in vitro in the absence and presence of the receptor. Ex vivo activity was addressed using the caudal artery from wild-type (WT) and GPR30 knockout (KO) mice, and in vitro activity was addressed using a HeLa cell line stably expressing a synthetic multifunctional promoter (nuclear factor κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription, activator protein 1)–luciferase construct (HFF11 cells) and a human GPR30-inducible T-REx system (T-REx HFF11 cells), HFF11 and human embryonic kidney 293 cells transiently expressing WT GPR30 and GPR30 lacking the C-terminal PDZ (postsynaptic density-95/discs-large /zonula occludens-1 homology) motif SSAV, and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformed to express GPR30. WT and KO arteries exhibited similar contractile responses to 60 mM KCl and 0.3 μM cirazoline, and G-1 relaxed both arteries with the same potency and efficacy. Furthermore, expression of GPR30 did not introduce any responses to 1 μM G-1 and 0.1 μM E2 in vitro. On the other hand, receptor expression caused considerable ligand-independent activity in vitro, which was receptor PDZ motif-dependent in mammalian cells. We conclude from these results that GPR30 exhibits ligand-independent activity in vitro but no G-1– or E2-stimulated activity in any of the systems used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tutzauer
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | | | - Karl Swärd
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | | | - Stefan Broselid
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Robin Kahn
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Björn Olde
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden
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Pan B, Qazi IH, Guo S, Yang J, Qin J, Lv T, Zang S, Zhang Y, Zeng C, Meng Q, Han H, Zhou G. Melatonin improves the first cleavage of parthenogenetic embryos from vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes potentially by promoting cell cycle progression. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:84. [PMID: 34266479 PMCID: PMC8283938 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00605-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the effect of melatonin (MT) on cell cycle (G1/S/G2/M) of parthenogenetic zygotes developed from vitrified-warmed mouse metaphase II (MII) oocytes and elucidated the potential mechanism of MT action in the first cleavage of embryos. Results After vitrification and warming, oocytes were parthenogenetically activated (PA) and in vitro cultured (IVC). Then the spindle morphology and chromosome segregation in oocytes, the maternal mRNA levels of genes including Miss, Doc1r, Setd2 and Ythdf2 in activated oocytes, pronuclear formation, the S phase duration in zygotes, mitochondrial function at G1 phase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level at S phase, DNA damage at G2 phase, early apoptosis in 2-cell embryos, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were evaluated. The results indicated that the vitrification/warming procedures led to following perturbations 1) spindle abnormalities and chromosome misalignment, alteration of maternal mRNAs and delay in pronucleus formation, 2) decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and lower adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, increased ROS production and DNA damage, G1/S and S/G2 phase transition delay, and delayed first cleavage, and 3) increased early apoptosis and lower levels of cleavage and blastocyst formation. Our results further revealed that such negative impacts of oocyte cryopreservation could be alleviated by supplementation of warming, recovery, PA and IVC media with 10− 9 mol/L MT before the embryos moved into the 2-cell stage of development. Conclusions MT might promote cell cycle progression via regulation of MMP, ATP, ROS and maternal mRNA levels, potentially increasing the first cleavage of parthenogenetic zygotes developed from vitrified–warmed mouse oocytes and their subsequent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Sindh, 67210, Pakistan
| | - Shichao Guo
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jianpeng Qin
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Tianyi Lv
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shengqin Zang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Changjun Zeng
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Qingyong Meng
- State Key Laboratory of AgroBiotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongbing Han
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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Zamfirescu RC, Day ML, Morris MB. mTORC1/2 signaling is downregulated by amino acid-free culture of mouse preimplantation embryos and is only partially restored by amino acid readdition. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 320:C30-C44. [PMID: 33052068 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00385.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Development of the mammalian preimplantation embryo is influenced by autocrine/paracrine factors and the availability of nutrients. Deficiencies of these during in vitro culture reduce the success of assisted reproductive technologies. The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway integrates external and internal signals, including those by amino acids (AAs), to promote normal preimplantation development. For this reason, AAs are often included in embryo culture media. In this study, we examined how withdrawal and addition of AAs to culture media modulate mTORC1 pathway activity compared with its activity in mouse embryos developed in vivo. Phosphorylation of signaling components downstream of mTORC1, namely, p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), ribosomal protein S6, and 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), and that of protein kinase B (Akt), which lies upstream of mTORC1, changed significantly across stages of embryos developed in vivo. For freshly isolated blastocysts placed in vitro, the absence of AAs in the culture medium, even for a few hours, decreased mTORC1 signaling, which could only be partially restored by their addition. Long-term culture of early embryos to blastocysts in the absence of AAs decreased mTORC1 signaling to a greater extent and again this could only be partially restored by their inclusion. This failure to fully restore is probably due to decreased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTORC2 signaling in culture, as indicated by decreased P-AktS473. mTORC2 lies upstream of mTORC1 and is insensitive to AAs, and its reduced activity probably results from loss of maternal/autocrine factors. These data highlight reduced mTORC1/2 signaling activity correlating with compromised development in vitro and show that the addition of AAs can only partially offset these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu C Zamfirescu
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margot L Day
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael B Morris
- Discipline of Physiology and Bosch Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Methionine Adenosyltransferase 2β Participates in Mouse Oocyte Maturation by Regulating the MAPK Pathway. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:163-171. [PMID: 32046373 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The methionine adenosyltransferase 2β gene (Mat2b) encodes for the regulatory subunit of methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT), which catalyzes the biosynthesis of S-adenosylmethionine. MAT2B interacts with G protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting ArfGAP1 to increase the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) for the regulation of cell growth, metabolism, and differentiation. ERK activity is also essential for oocyte meiosis in mice. However, the regulatory role of MAT2B in mouse oocyte meiosis remains unclear. Accordingly, this study investigated the effect of MAT2B on mouse oocyte maturation. Immunostaining showed that MAT2B localized predominantly in the nucleus of fully grown germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. After germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), MAT2B homogeneously localized in the cytoplasm. A low oocyte maturation rate was observed in Mat2b siRNA-treated oocytes. Furthermore, Mat2b knockdown repressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and consequently blocked MAPK. Denuded oocytes treated with 20 μM U0126 mainly blocked MAPK phosphorylation and affected oocyte maturation. The oocytes arrested at GVBD and metaphase I (MI) by Mat2b silencing or U0126 treatment had several types of abnormal microtubule assembly. Furthermore, Mat2b knockdown or U0126 treatment resulted in the aberrant expression of six maternal transcripts, namely, Fgf8, Cdc2, Gdf9, Padi6, Polr2d, and Tecb2. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that Mat2bs play an important role in mouse oocyte maturation though MAPK signaling.
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Regulation of the meiotic divisions of mammalian oocytes and eggs. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:797-806. [PMID: 29934303 PMCID: PMC6103459 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Initiated by luteinizing hormone and finalized by the fertilizing sperm, the mammalian oocyte completes its two meiotic divisions. The first division occurs in the mature Graafian follicle during the hours preceding ovulation and culminates in an extreme asymmetric cell division and the segregation of the two pairs of homologous chromosomes. The newly created mature egg rearrests at metaphase of the second meiotic division prior to ovulation and only completes meiosis following a Ca2+ signal initiated by the sperm at gamete fusion. Here, we review the cellular events that govern the passage of the oocyte through meiosis I with a focus on the role of the spindle assembly checkpoint in regulating its timing. In meiosis II, we examine how the egg achieves its arrest and how the fertilization Ca2+ signal allows the initiation of embryo development.
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Gonzalez de Valdivia E, Broselid S, Kahn R, Olde B, Leeb-Lundberg LMF. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1)/GPR30 increases ERK1/2 activity through PDZ motif-dependent and -independent mechanisms. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:9932-9943. [PMID: 28450397 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.765875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), also called G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), is thought to play important roles in breast cancer and cardiometabolic regulation, but many questions remain about ligand activation, effector coupling, and subcellular localization. We showed recently that GPR30 interacts through the C-terminal type I PDZ motif with SAP97 and protein kinase A (PKA)-anchoring protein (AKAP) 5, which anchor the receptor in the plasma membrane and mediate an apparently constitutive decrease in cAMP production independently of Gi/o Here, we show that GPR30 also constitutively increases ERK1/2 activity. Removing the receptor PDZ motif or knocking down specifically AKAP5 inhibited the increase, showing that this increase also requires the PDZ interaction. However, the increase was inhibited by pertussis toxin as well as by wortmannin but not by AG1478, indicating that Gi/o and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) mediate the increase independently of epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation. FK506 and okadaic acid also inhibited the increase, implying that a protein phosphatase is involved. The proposed GPR30 agonist G-1 also increased ERK1/2 activity, but this increase was only observed at a level of receptor expression below that required for the constitutive increase. Furthermore, deleting the PDZ motif did not inhibit the G-1-stimulated increase. Based on these results, we propose that GPR30 increases ERK1/2 activity via two Gi/o-mediated mechanisms, a PDZ-dependent, apparently constitutive mechanism and a PDZ-independent G-1-stimulated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Björn Olde
- Cardiology, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
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Tosti E, Ménézo Y. Gamete activation: basic knowledge and clinical applications. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:420-39. [PMID: 27278231 PMCID: PMC4917743 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The first clues to the process of gamete activation date back to nearly 60 years ago. The mutual activation of gametes is a crucial event during fertilization. In the testis and ovaries, spermatozoa and oocytes are in a state of meiotic and metabolic quiescence and require reciprocal signals in order to undergo functional changes that lead to competence for fertilization. First, the oocyte activates sperm by triggering motility, chemoattraction, binding and the acrosome reaction, culminating with the fusion of the two plasma membranes. At the end of this cascade of events, collectively known as sperm capacitation, sperm-induced oocyte activation occurs, generating electrical, morphological and metabolic modifications in the oocyte. Objective and rationale The aim of this review is to provide the current state of knowledge regarding the entire process of gamete activation in selected specific animal models that have contributed to our understanding of fertilization in mammals, including humans. Here we describe in detail the reciprocal induction of the two activation processes, the molecules involved and the mechanisms of cell interaction and signal transduction that ultimately result in successful embryo development and creation of a new individual. Search methods We carried out a literature survey with no restrictions on publication date (from the early 1950s to March 2016) using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and Web of Knowledge by utilizing common keywords applied in the field of fertilization and embryo development. We also screened the complete list of references published in the most recent research articles and relevant reviews published in English (both animal and human studies) on the topics investigated. Outcomes Literature on the principal animal models demonstrates that gamete activation is a pre-requisite for successful fertilization, and is a process common to all species studied to date. We provide a detailed description of the dramatic changes in gamete morphology and behavior, the regulatory molecules triggering gamete activation and the intracellular ions and second messengers involved in active metabolic pathways in different species. Recent scientific advances suggest that artificial gamete activation may represent a novel technique to improve human IVF outcomes, but this approach requires caution. Wider implications Although controversial, manipulation of gamete activation represents a promising tool for ameliorating the fertilization rate in assisted reproductive technologies. A better knowledge of mechanisms that transform the quiescent oocyte into a pluripotent cell may also provide new insights for the clinical use of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tosti
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Yves Ménézo
- London Fertility Associates, 104 Harley Street, London WIG7JD, UK
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Sanders JR, Swann K. Molecular triggers of egg activation at fertilization in mammals. Reproduction 2016; 152:R41-50. [PMID: 27165049 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the sperm activates the development of the egg by triggering a series of oscillations in the cytosolic-free Ca(2+) concentration (Ca(2+) i). The sperm triggers these cytosolic Ca(2+i) oscillations after sperm-egg membrane fusion, as well as after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These Ca(2+) i oscillations are triggered by a protein located inside the sperm. The identity of the sperm protein has been debated over many years, but all the repeatable data now suggest that it is phospholipase Czeta (PLCζ). The main downstream target of Ca(2+) i oscillations is calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII (CAMK2A)), which phosphorylates EMI2 and WEE1B to inactivate the M-phase promoting factor protein kinase activity (MPF) and this ultimately triggers meiotic resumption. A later decline in the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) then leads to the completion of activation which is marked by the formation of pronuclei and entry into interphase of the first cell cycle. The early cytosolic Ca(2+) increases also trigger exocytosis via a mechanism that does not involve CAMKII. We discuss some recent developments in our understanding of these triggers for egg activation within the framework of cytosolic Ca(2+) signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karl Swann
- School of BiosciencesCardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Lackey BR, Gray SL. Second messengers, steroids and signaling cascades: Crosstalk in sperm development and function. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 224:294-302. [PMID: 26188217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Signaling cascades control numerous aspects of sperm physiology, ranging from creation to fertilization. Novel aspects of several kinases and their influence on sperm development will be discussed in the first section and cover proliferation, chromatin remodeling and morphology. In the second section, protein kinases (A, B and C) that affect sperm function and their regulation by second messengers, cyclic-AMP and phosphoinositides, as well as steroids will be featured. Key areas of integration will be presented on the topics of sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Lackey
- Endocrine Physiology Laboratory, AVS Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - S L Gray
- Endocrine Physiology Laboratory, AVS Department, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
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McGinnis LA, Lee HJ, Robinson DN, Evans JP. MAPK3/1 (ERK1/2) and Myosin Light Chain Kinase in Mammalian Eggs Affect Myosin-II Function and Regulate the Metaphase II State in a Calcium- and Zinc-Dependent Manner. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:146. [PMID: 25904014 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate eggs are arrested at metaphase of meiosis II, a state classically known as cytostatic factor arrest. Maintenance of this arrest until the time of fertilization and then fertilization-induced exit from metaphase II are crucial for reproductive success. Another key aspect of this meiotic arrest and exit is regulation of the metaphase II spindle, which must be appropriately localized adjacent to the egg cortex during metaphase II and then progress into successful asymmetric cytokinesis to produce the second polar body. This study examined the mitogen-activated protein kinases MAPK3 and MAPK1 (also known as ERK1/2) as regulators of these two related aspects of mammalian egg biology, specifically testing whether this MAPK pathway affected myosin-II function and whether myosin-II perturbation would produce some of the same effects as MAPK pathway perturbation. Inhibition of the MEK1/2-MAPK pathway with U0126 leads to reduced levels of phosphorylated myosin-regulatory light chain (pMRLC) and causes a reduction in cortical tension, effects that are mimicked by treatment with the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitor ML-7. These data indicate that one mechanism by which the MAPK pathway acts in eggs is by affecting myosin-II function. We further show that MAPK or MLCK inhibition induces loss of normal cortical spindle localization or parthenogenetic egg activation. This parthenogenesis is dependent on cytosolic and extracellular calcium and can be rescued by hyperloading eggs with zinc, suggesting that these effects of inhibition of MLCK or the MAPK pathway are linked with dysregulation of ion homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A McGinnis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hyo J Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Douglas N Robinson
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Janice P Evans
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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