1
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Ben-Hur S, Sernik S, Afar S, Kolpakova A, Politi Y, Gal L, Florentin A, Golani O, Sivan E, Dezorella N, Morgenstern D, Pietrokovski S, Schejter E, Yacobi-Sharon K, Arama E. Egg multivesicular bodies elicit an LC3-associated phagocytosis-like pathway to degrade paternal mitochondria after fertilization. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5715. [PMID: 38977659 PMCID: PMC11231261 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50041-5] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are maternally inherited, but the mechanisms underlying paternal mitochondrial elimination after fertilization are far less clear. Using Drosophila, we show that special egg-derived multivesicular body vesicles promote paternal mitochondrial elimination by activating an LC3-associated phagocytosis-like pathway, a cellular defense pathway commonly employed against invading microbes. Upon fertilization, these egg-derived vesicles form extended vesicular sheaths around the sperm flagellum, promoting degradation of the sperm mitochondrial derivative and plasma membrane. LC3-associated phagocytosis cascade of events, including recruitment of a Rubicon-based class III PI(3)K complex to the flagellum vesicular sheaths, its activation, and consequent recruitment of Atg8/LC3, are all required for paternal mitochondrial elimination. Finally, lysosomes fuse with strings of large vesicles derived from the flagellum vesicular sheaths and contain degrading fragments of the paternal mitochondrial derivative. Given reports showing that in some mammals, the paternal mitochondria are also decorated with Atg8/LC3 and surrounded by multivesicular bodies upon fertilization, our findings suggest that a similar pathway also mediates paternal mitochondrial elimination in other flagellated sperm-producing organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ben-Hur
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shoshana Sernik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sara Afar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alina Kolpakova
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoav Politi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Liron Gal
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Anat Florentin
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofra Golani
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ehud Sivan
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nili Dezorella
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - David Morgenstern
- de Botton Institute for Protein Profiling, The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalised Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shmuel Pietrokovski
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eyal Schejter
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Keren Yacobi-Sharon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eli Arama
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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2
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Tortora F, Guerrera V, Lettieri G, Febbraio F, Piscopo M. Prediction of Pesticide Interactions with Proteins Involved in Human Reproduction by Using a Virtual Screening Approach: A Case Study of Famoxadone Binding CRBP-III and Izumo. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5790. [PMID: 38891976 PMCID: PMC11171824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the awareness that pesticides can have other effects apart from generic toxicity is growing. In particular, several pieces of evidence highlight their influence on human fertility. In this study, we investigated, by a virtual screening approach, the binding between pesticides and proteins present in human gametes or associated with reproduction, in order to identify new interactions that could affect human fertility. To this aim, we prepared ligand (pesticides) and receptor (proteins) 3D structure datasets from online structural databases (such as PubChem and RCSB), and performed a virtual screening analysis using Autodock Vina. In the comparison of the predicted interactions, we found that famoxadone was predicted to bind Cellular Retinol Binding Protein-III in the retinol-binding site with a better minimum energy value of -10.4 Kcal/mol and an RMSD of 3.77 with respect to retinol (-7.1 Kcal/mol). In addition to a similar network of interactions, famoxadone binding is more stabilized by additional hydrophobic patches including L20, V29, A33, F57, L117, and L118 amino acid residues and hydrogen bonds with Y19 and K40. These results support a possible competitive effect of famoxadone on retinol binding with impacts on the ability of developing the cardiac tissue, in accordance with the literature data on zebrafish embryos. Moreover, famoxadone binds, with a minimum energy value between -8.3 and -8.0 Kcal/mol, to the IZUMO Sperm-Egg Fusion Protein, interacting with a network of polar and hydrophobic amino acid residues in the cavity between the 4HB and Ig-like domains. This binding is more stabilized by a predicted hydrogen bond with the N185 residue of the protein. A hindrance in this position can probably affect the conformational change for JUNO binding, avoiding the gamete membrane fusion to form the zygote. This work opens new interesting perspectives of study on the effects of pesticides on fertility, extending the knowledge to other typologies of interaction which can affect different steps of the reproductive process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Tortora
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Guerrera
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy (M.P.)
| | - Ferdinando Febbraio
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy (M.P.)
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3
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Bianchi E, Jiménez-Movilla M, Cots-Rodríguez P, Viola C, Wright GJ. No evidence for a direct extracellular interaction between human Fc receptor-like 3 (MAIA) and the sperm ligand IZUMO1. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk6352. [PMID: 38381819 PMCID: PMC10881024 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk6352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Fertilization involves the recognition and fusion of sperm and egg to form a previously unidentified organism. In mammals, surface molecules on the sperm and egg have central roles, and while adhesion is mediated by the IZUMO1-JUNO sperm-egg ligand-receptor pair, the molecule/s responsible for membrane fusion remain mysterious. Recently, MAIA/FCRL3 was identified as a mammalian egg receptor, which bound IZUMO1 and JUNO and might therefore have a bridging role in gamete recognition and fusion. Here, we use sensitive assays designed to detect extracellular protein binding to investigate the interactions between MAIA and both IZUMO1 and JUNO. Despite using reagents with demonstrable biochemical activity, we did not identify any direct binding between MAIA/FCRL3 and either IZUMO1 or JUNO. We also observed no fusogenic activity of MAIA/FCRL3 in a cell-based membrane fusion assay. Our findings encourage caution in further investigations on the role played by MAIA/FCRL3 in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Bianchi
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - Maria Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Paula Cots-Rodríguez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Viola
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - Gavin J. Wright
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
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4
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Dementieva NV, Dysin AP, Shcherbakov YS, Nikitkina EV, Musidray AA, Petrova AV, Mitrofanova OV, Plemyashov KV, Azovtseva AI, Griffin DK, Romanov MN. Risk of Sperm Disorders and Impaired Fertility in Frozen-Thawed Bull Semen: A Genome-Wide Association Study. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:251. [PMID: 38254422 PMCID: PMC10812825 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020251] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is a widely used method of semen conservation in animal breeding programs. This process, however, can have a detrimental effect on sperm quality, especially in terms of its morphology. The resultant sperm disorders raise the risk of reduced sperm fertilizing ability, which poses a serious threat to the long-term efficacy of livestock reproduction and breeding. Understanding the genetic factors underlying these effects is critical for maintaining sperm quality during cryopreservation, and for animal fertility in general. In this regard, we performed a genome-wide association study to identify genomic regions associated with various cryopreservation sperm abnormalities in Holstein cattle, using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers via a high-density genotyping assay. Our analysis revealed a significant association of specific SNPs and candidate genes with absence of acrosomes, damaged cell necks and tails, as well as wrinkled acrosomes and decreased motility of cryopreserved sperm. As a result, we identified candidate genes such as POU6F2, LPCAT4, DPYD, SLC39A12 and CACNB2, as well as microRNAs (bta-mir-137 and bta-mir-2420) that may play a critical role in sperm morphology and disorders. These findings provide crucial information on the molecular mechanisms underlying acrosome integrity, motility, head abnormalities and damaged cell necks and tails of sperm after cryopreservation. Further studies with larger sample sizes, genome-wide coverage and functional validation are needed to explore causal variants in more detail, thereby elucidating the mechanisms mediating these effects. Overall, our results contribute to the understanding of genetic architecture in cryopreserved semen quality and disorders in bulls, laying the foundation for improved animal reproduction and breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V. Dementieva
- Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding—Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Pushkin, 196601 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.P.D.); (Y.S.S.); (E.V.N.); (A.A.M.); (A.V.P.); (O.V.M.); (A.I.A.)
| | - Artem P. Dysin
- Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding—Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Pushkin, 196601 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.P.D.); (Y.S.S.); (E.V.N.); (A.A.M.); (A.V.P.); (O.V.M.); (A.I.A.)
| | - Yuri S. Shcherbakov
- Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding—Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Pushkin, 196601 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.P.D.); (Y.S.S.); (E.V.N.); (A.A.M.); (A.V.P.); (O.V.M.); (A.I.A.)
| | - Elena V. Nikitkina
- Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding—Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Pushkin, 196601 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.P.D.); (Y.S.S.); (E.V.N.); (A.A.M.); (A.V.P.); (O.V.M.); (A.I.A.)
| | - Artem A. Musidray
- Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding—Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Pushkin, 196601 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.P.D.); (Y.S.S.); (E.V.N.); (A.A.M.); (A.V.P.); (O.V.M.); (A.I.A.)
| | - Anna V. Petrova
- Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding—Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Pushkin, 196601 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.P.D.); (Y.S.S.); (E.V.N.); (A.A.M.); (A.V.P.); (O.V.M.); (A.I.A.)
| | - Olga V. Mitrofanova
- Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding—Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Pushkin, 196601 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.P.D.); (Y.S.S.); (E.V.N.); (A.A.M.); (A.V.P.); (O.V.M.); (A.I.A.)
| | - Kirill V. Plemyashov
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine”, 196084 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Anastasiia I. Azovtseva
- Russian Research Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding—Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Pushkin, 196601 St. Petersburg, Russia; (A.P.D.); (Y.S.S.); (E.V.N.); (A.A.M.); (A.V.P.); (O.V.M.); (A.I.A.)
| | | | - Michael N. Romanov
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK;
- L. K. Ernst Federal Research Centre for Animal Husbandry, Dubrovitsy, 142132 Podolsk, Moscow Oblast, Russia
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5
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Pacak P, Kluger C, Vogel V. Molecular dynamics of JUNO-IZUMO1 complexation suggests biologically relevant mechanisms in fertilization. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20342. [PMID: 37990051 PMCID: PMC10663542 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
JUNO-IZUMO1 binding is the first known physical link created between the sperm and egg membranes in fertilization, however, how this initiates sperm-egg fusion remains elusive. As advanced structural insights will help to combat the infertility crisis, or advance fertility control, we employed all-atom Molecular Dynamics (MD) to derive dynamic structural insights that are difficult to obtain experimentally. We found that the hydrated JUNO-IZUMO1 interface is composed of a large set of short-lived non-covalent interactions. The contact interface is destabilized by strategically located point mutations, as well as by Zn2+ ions, which shift IZUMO1 into the non-binding "boomerang" conformation. We hypothesize that the latter might explain how the transient zinc spark, as released after sperm entry into the oocyte, might contribute to block polyspermy. To address a second mystery, we performed another set of simulations, as it was previously suggested that JUNO in solution is unable to bind to folate despite it belonging to the folate receptor family. MD now suggests that JUNO complexation with IZUMO1 opens up the binding pocket thereby enabling folate insertion. Our MD simulations thus provide crucial new hypotheses how the dynamics of the JUNO-IZUMO1 complex upon solvation might regulate fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Pacak
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carleen Kluger
- Lehrstuhl für Angewandte Physik and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Munich, Germany
- Evotec München GmbH, Neuried, Germany
| | - Viola Vogel
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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6
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Frolikova M, Sur VP, Novotny I, Blazikova M, Vondrakova J, Simonik O, Ded L, Valaskova E, Koptasikova L, Benda A, Postlerova P, Horvath O, Komrskova K. Juno and CD9 protein network organization in oolemma of mouse oocyte. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1110681. [PMID: 37635875 PMCID: PMC10450504 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1110681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Juno and CD9 protein, expressed in oolemma, are known to be essential for sperm-oocyte binding and fusion. Although evidence exists that these two proteins cooperate, their interaction has not yet been demonstrated. Here in, we present Juno and CD9 mutual localization over the surface of mouse metaphase II oocytes captured using the 3D STED super-resolution technique. The precise localization of examined proteins was identified in different compartments of oolemma such as the microvillar membrane, planar membrane between individual microvilli, and the membrane of microvilli-free region. Observed variance in localization of Juno and CD9 was confirmed by analysis of transmission and scanning electron microscopy images, which showed a significant difference in the presence of proteins between selected membrane compartments. Colocalization analysis of super-resolution images based on Pearson's correlation coefficient supported evidence of Juno and CD9 mutual position in the oolemma, which was identified by proximity ligation assay. Importantly, the interaction between Juno and CD9 was detected by co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry in HEK293T/17 transfected cell line. For better understanding of experimental data, mouse Juno and CD9 3D structure were prepared by comparative homology modelling and several protein-protein flexible sidechain dockings were performed using the ClusPro server. The dynamic state of the proteins was studied in real-time at atomic level by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Docking and MD simulation predicted Juno-CD9 interactions and stability also suggesting an interactive mechanism. Using the multiscale approach, we detected close proximity of Juno and CD9 within microvillar oolemma however, not in the planar membrane or microvilli-free region. Our findings show yet unidentified Juno and CD9 interaction within the mouse oolemma protein network prior to sperm attachment. These results suggest that a Juno and CD9 interactive network could assist in primary Juno binding to sperm Izumo1 as a prerequisite to subsequent gamete membrane fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Vishma Pratap Sur
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Ivan Novotny
- Light Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michaela Blazikova
- Light Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Vondrakova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Simonik
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Lukas Ded
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Eliska Valaskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Lenka Koptasikova
- Imaging Methods Core Facility at BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Ales Benda
- Imaging Methods Core Facility at BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Pavla Postlerova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Horvath
- Light Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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7
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Bai J, Zhou G, Hao S, Liu Y, Guo Y, Wang J, Liu H, Wang L, Li J, Liu A, Sun WQ, Wan P, Fu X. Integrated transcriptomics and proteomics assay identifies the role of FCGR1A in maintaining sperm fertilization capacity during semen cryopreservation in sheep. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1177774. [PMID: 37601105 PMCID: PMC10433746 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1177774] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation is a promising technology employed in preserving high-quality varieties in animal husbandry and is also widely applied in the human sperm bank. However, the compromised qualities, such as decreased sperm motility, damaged membrane structure, and reduced fertilization competency, have significantly hampered the efficient application of this technique. Therefore, it is imperative to depict various molecular changes found in cryopreserved sperm and identify the regulatory network in response to the cryopreservation stress. In this study, semen was collected from three Chinese Merino rams and divided into untreated (fresh semen, FS) and programmed freezing (programmed freezing semen, PS) groups. After measuring different quality parameters, the ultra-low RNA-seq and tandem mass tag-based (TMT) proteome were conducted in both the groups. The results indicated that the motility (82.63% ± 3.55% vs. 34.10% ± 2.90%, p < 0.05) and viability (89.46% ± 2.53% vs. 44.78% ± 2.29%, p < 0.05) of the sperm in the FS group were significantly higher compared to those in the PS group. In addition, 45 upregulated and 291 downregulated genes, as well as 30 upregulated and 48 downregulated proteins, were found in transcriptomics and proteomics data separately. Moreover, three integrated methods, namely, functional annotation and enrichment analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis, and two-way orthogonal partial least squares (O2PLS) analysis, were used for further analysis. The results suggested that various differentially expressed genes and proteins (DEGs and DEPs) were mainly enriched in leishmaniasis and hematopoietic cell lineage, and Fc gamma receptor Ia (FCGR1A) was significantly downregulated in cryopreserved sperm both at mRNA and protein levels in comparison with the fresh counterpart. In addition, top five genes (FCGR1A, HCK, SLX4, ITGA3, and BET1) and 22 proteins could form a distinct network in which genes and proteins were significantly correlated (p < 0.05). Interestingly, FCGR1A also appeared in the top 25 correlation list based on O2PLS analysis. Hence, FCGR1A was selected as the most potential differentially expressed candidate for screening by the three integrated multi-omics analysis methods. In addition, Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that the expression level of FCGR1A was positively correlated with sperm motility and viability. A subsequent experiment was conducted to identify the biological role of FCGR1A in sperm function. The results showed that both the sperm viability (fresh group: 87.65% ± 4.17% vs. 75.8% ± 1.15%, cryopreserved group: 48.15% ± 0.63% vs. 42.45% ± 2.61%, p < 0.05) and motility (fresh group: 83.27% ± 4.15% vs. 70.41% ± 1.07%, cryopreserved group: 45.31% ± 3.28% vs. 35.13% ± 2.82%, p < 0.05) were significantly reduced in fresh and frozen sperm when FCGR1A was blocked. Moreover, the cleavage rate of embryos fertilized by FCGR1A-blocked sperm was noted to be significantly lower in both fresh (95.28% ± 1.16% vs. 90.44% ± 1.56%, p < 0.05) and frozen groups (89.8% ± 1.50% vs. 82.53% ± 1.53%, p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results revealed that the downregulated membrane protein FCGR1A can potentially contribute to the reduced sperm fertility competency in the cryopreserved sheep sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Bai
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Guizhen Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaopeng Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, China
| | - Yucheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Yanhua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Longfei Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Aiju Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wendell Q. Sun
- Institute of Biothermal Science and Technology, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
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8
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Dong J, Pei K, Xu W, Gong M, Zhu W, Liu S, Tang M, Liu J, Xia X, Bu X, Nie L. Zona pellucida family genes in Chinese pond turtle: identification, expression profiles, and role in the spermatozoa acrosome reaction†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:97-106. [PMID: 37140246 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad049] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix that surrounds all vertebrate eggs, and it is involved in fertilization and species-specific recognition. Numerous in-depth studies of the ZP proteins of mammals, birds, amphibians, and fishes have been conducted, but systematic investigation of the ZP family genes and their role during fertilization in reptiles has not been reported to date. In this study, we identified six turtle ZP (Tu-ZP) gene subfamilies (Tu-ZP1, Tu-ZP2, Tu-ZP3, Tu-ZP4, Tu-ZPD, and Tu-ZPAX) based on whole genome sequence data from Mauremys reevesii. We found that Tu-ZP4 had large segmental duplication and was distributed on three chromosomes, and we also detected gene duplication in the other Tu-ZP genes. To evaluate the role of Tu-ZP proteins in sperm-egg binding, we assessed the expression pattern of these Tu-ZP proteins and their ability to induce the spermatozoa acrosome reaction in M. reevesii. In conclusion, this is the first report of the existence of gene duplication of Tu-ZP genes and that Tu-ZP2, Tu-ZP3, and Tu-ZPD can induce acrosome exocytosis of spermatogenesis in the reptile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiu Dong
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Kejiao Pei
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Wannan Xu
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Mengmeng Gong
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Wenrui Zhu
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Min Tang
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Xingquan Xia
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Xinjiang Bu
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Liuwang Nie
- Provincial Key Lab of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
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9
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Vaquer CC, Suhaiman L, Pavarotti MA, Arias RJ, Pacheco Guiñazú AB, De Blas GA, Belmonte SA. The pair ceramide 1-phosphate/ceramide kinase regulates intracellular calcium and progesterone-induced human sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1148831. [PMID: 37065849 PMCID: PMC10102357 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1148831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Before fertilization, spermatozoa must undergo calcium-regulated acrosome exocytosis in response to physiological stimuli such as progesterone and zona pellucida. Our laboratory has elucidated the signaling cascades accomplished by different sphingolipids during human sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Recently, we established that ceramide increases intracellular calcium by activating various channels and stimulating the acrosome reaction. However, whether ceramide induces exocytosis on its own, activation of the ceramide kinase/ceramide 1-phosphate (CERK/C1P) pathway or both is still an unsolved issue. Here, we demonstrate that C1P addition induces exocytosis in intact, capacitated human sperm. Real-time imaging in single-cell and calcium measurements in sperm population showed that C1P needs extracellular calcium to induce [Ca2+]i increase. The sphingolipid triggered the cation influx through voltage-operated calcium (VOC) and store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. However, it requires calcium efflux from internal stores through inositol 3-phosphate receptors (IP3R) and ryanodine receptors (RyR) to achieve calcium rise and the acrosome reaction. We report the presence of the CERK in human spermatozoa, the enzyme that catalyzes C1P synthesis. Furthermore, CERK exhibited calcium-stimulated enzymatic activity during the acrosome reaction. Exocytosis assays using a CERK inhibitor demonstrated that ceramide induces acrosomal exocytosis, mainly due to C1P synthesis. Strikingly, progesterone required CERK activity to induce intracellular calcium increase and acrosome exocytosis. This is the first report, implicating the bioactive sphingolipid C1P in the physiological progesterone pathway leading to the sperm acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia C. Vaquer
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Laila Suhaiman
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Martín A. Pavarotti
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo J. Arias
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- LaTIT. Área Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Anahí B. Pacheco Guiñazú
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Gerardo A. De Blas
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- LaTIT. Área Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Silvia A. Belmonte
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) “Dr. Mario H. Burgos”, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Silvia A. Belmonte, ,
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10
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Maniates KA, Singson A. Where are all the egg genes? Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1107312. [PMID: 36819103 PMCID: PMC9936096 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1107312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Complementary forward and reverse genetic approaches in several model systems have resulted in a recent burst of fertilization gene discovery. The number of genetically validated gamete surface molecules have more than doubled in the last few years. All the genetically validated sperm fertilization genes encode transmembrane or secreted molecules. Curiously, the discovery of genes that encode oocyte molecules have fallen behind that of sperm genes. This review discusses potential experimental biases and inherent biological reasons that could slow egg fertilization gene discovery. Finally, we shed light on current strategies to identify genes that may result in further identification of egg fertilization genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A. Maniates
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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11
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Brukman NG, Nakajima KP, Valansi C, Flyak K, Li X, Higashiyama T, Podbilewicz B. A novel function for the sperm adhesion protein IZUMO1 in cell-cell fusion. J Cell Biol 2022; 222:213693. [PMID: 36394541 PMCID: PMC9671554 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202207147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm-egg adhesion depends on the trans-interaction between the sperm-specific type I glycoprotein IZUMO1 and its oocyte-specific GPI-anchored receptor JUNO. However, the mechanisms and proteins (fusogens) that mediate the following step of gamete fusion remain unknown. Using live imaging and content mixing assays in a heterologous system and structure-guided mutagenesis, we unveil an unexpected function for IZUMO1 in cell-to-cell fusion. We show that IZUMO1 alone is sufficient to induce fusion, and that this ability is retained in a mutant unable to bind JUNO. On the other hand, a triple mutation in exposed aromatic residues prevents this fusogenic activity without impairing JUNO interaction. Our findings suggest a second function for IZUMO1 as a unilateral mouse gamete fusogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G. Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kohdai P. Nakajima
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Clari Valansi
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kateryna Flyak
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Lu Y, Ikawa M. Eukaryotic fertilization and gamete fusion at a glance. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs260296. [PMID: 36416181 PMCID: PMC10658792 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, the genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next via the merger of male and female gametes. Gamete fusion is a two-step process involving membrane recognition and apposition through ligand-receptor interactions and lipid mixing mediated by fusion proteins. HAP2 (also known as GCS1) is a bona fide gamete fusogen in flowering plants and protists. In vertebrates, a multitude of surface proteins have been demonstrated to be pivotal for sperm-egg fusion, yet none of them exhibit typical fusogenic features. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we summarize recent advances in the mechanistic understanding of gamete fusion in eukaryotes, with a particular focus on mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Lu
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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13
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DMP8 and 9 regulate HAP2/GCS1 trafficking for the timely acquisition of sperm fusion competence. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2207608119. [PMID: 36322734 PMCID: PMC9659367 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2207608119] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of two gametes of opposite sex. Although the sperm-expressed fusogen HAPLESS 2 (HAP2) or GENERATIVE CELL SPECIFIC 1 (GCS1) plays a vital role in this process in many eukaryotic organisms and an understanding of its regulation is emerging in unicellular systems [J. Zhang et al., Nat. Commun. 12, 4380 (2021); J. F. Pinello et al. Dev. Cell 56, 3380-3392.e9 (2021)], neither HAP2/GCS1 interactors nor mechanisms for delivery and activation at the fusion site are known in multicellular plants. Here, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana HAP2/GCS1 interacts with two sperm DUF679 membrane proteins (DMP8 and DMP9), which are required for the EGG CELL 1 (EC1)-induced translocation of HAP2/GCS1 from internal storage vesicle to the sperm plasma membrane to ensure successful fertilization. Our studies in Arabidopsis and tobacco provide evidence for a conserved function of DMP8/9-like proteins as HAP2/GCS1 partner in seed plants. Our data suggest that seed plants evolved a DMP8/9-dependent fusogen translocation process to achieve timely acquisition of sperm fusion competence in response to egg cell-derived signals, revealing a previously unknown critical step for successful fertilization.
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14
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Kumar S, Valansi C, Haile MT, Li X, Flyak K, Dwivedy A, Abatiyow BA, Leeb AS, Kennedy SY, Camargo NM, Vaughan AM, Brukman NG, Podbilewicz B, Kappe SHI. Malaria parasites utilize two essential plasma membrane fusogens for gamete fertilization. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:549. [PMID: 36241929 PMCID: PMC9568910 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04583-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cell fusion of female and male gametes is the climax of sexual reproduction. In many organisms, the Hapless 2 (HAP2) family of proteins play a critical role in gamete fusion. We find that Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of human malaria, expresses two HAP2 proteins: PfHAP2 and PfHAP2p. These proteins are present in stage V gametocytes and localize throughout the flagellum of male gametes. Gene deletion analysis and genetic crosses show that PfHAP2 and PfHAP2p individually are essential for male fertility and thereby, parasite transmission to the mosquito. Using a cell fusion assay, we demonstrate that PfHAP2 and PfHAP2p are both authentic plasma membrane fusogens. Our results establish nonredundant essential roles for PfHAP2 and PfHAP2p in mediating gamete fusion in Plasmodium and suggest avenues in the design of novel strategies to prevent malaria parasite transmission from humans to mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clari Valansi
- The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Meseret T Haile
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiaohui Li
- The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kateryna Flyak
- The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Abhisek Dwivedy
- Nucleic Acids Programming Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Biley A Abatiyow
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amanda S Leeb
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Spencer Y Kennedy
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nelly M Camargo
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashley M Vaughan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - Stefan H I Kappe
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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15
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Vondrakova J, Frolikova M, Ded L, Cerny J, Postlerova P, Palenikova V, Simonik O, Nahacka Z, Basus K, Valaskova E, Machan R, Pacey A, Holubcova Z, Koubek P, Ezrova Z, Park S, Liu R, Partha R, Clark N, Neuzil J, Ikawa M, Erickson K, Lam KS, Moore H, Komrskova K. MAIA, Fc receptor-like 3, supersedes JUNO as IZUMO1 receptor during human fertilization. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn0047. [PMID: 36070373 PMCID: PMC9451160 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Gamete fusion is a critical event of mammalian fertilization. A random one-bead one-compound combinatorial peptide library represented synthetic human egg mimics and identified a previously unidentified ligand as Fc receptor-like 3, named MAIA after the mythological goddess intertwined with JUNO. This immunoglobulin super family receptor was expressed on human oolemma and played a major role during sperm-egg adhesion and fusion. MAIA forms a highly stable interaction with the known IZUMO1/JUNO sperm-egg complex, permitting specific gamete fusion. The complexity of the MAIA isotype may offer a cryptic sexual selection mechanism to avoid genetic incompatibility and achieve favorable fitness outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Vondrakova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Ded
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Cerny
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics of Proteins, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Palenikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Simonik
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Nahacka
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Krystof Basus
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Eliska Valaskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Machan
- Imaging Methods Core Facility at BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Allan Pacey
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Zuzana Holubcova
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Koubek
- ProCrea Swiss IVF Center, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Ezrova
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Soojin Park
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ruiwu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Raghavendran Partha
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nathan Clark
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Parklands Avenue, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kent Erickson
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kit S. Lam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Harry Moore
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
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16
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Bianchi E, Jimenez-Movilla M, Krauchunas AR. Editorial: Fertilization in the spotlight: Dynamics and mechanisms of sperm-egg interaction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:993865. [PMID: 36158186 PMCID: PMC9493349 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.993865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Bianchi
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Enrica Bianchi, ; Maria Jimenez-Movilla, ; Amber R. Krauchunas,
| | - Maria Jimenez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, IMIB, Murcia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Enrica Bianchi, ; Maria Jimenez-Movilla, ; Amber R. Krauchunas,
| | - Amber R. Krauchunas
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
- *Correspondence: Enrica Bianchi, ; Maria Jimenez-Movilla, ; Amber R. Krauchunas,
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17
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Hao H, Shi B, Zhang J, Dai A, Li W, Chen H, Ji W, Gong C, Zhang C, Li J, Chen L, Yao B, Hu P, Yang H, Brosius J, Lai S, Shi Q, Deng C. The vertebrate- and testis- specific transmembrane protein C11ORF94 plays a critical role in sperm-oocyte membrane binding. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:27. [PMID: 36050562 PMCID: PMC9437168 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00092-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractSperm-oocyte membrane fusion is necessary for mammalian fertilization. The factors that determine the fusion of sperm with oocytes are largely unknown. So far, spermatozoon factor IZUMO1 and the IZUMO1 counter-receptor JUNO on the oocyte membrane has been identified as a protein requiring fusion. Some sperm membrane proteins such as FIMP, SPACA6 and TEME95, have been proved not to directly regulate fusion, but their knockout will affect the fusion process of sperm and oocytes. Here, we identified a novel gene C11orf94 encoding a testicular-specific small transmembrane protein that emerges in vertebrates likely acquired via horizontal gene transfer from bacteria and plays an indispensable role in sperm-oocyte binding. We demonstrated that the deletion of C11orf94 dramatically decreased male fertility in mice. Sperm from C11orf94-deficient mice could pass through the zona pellucida, but failed to bind to the oocyte membrane, thus accumulating in the perivitelline space. In consistence, when the sperm of C11orf94-deficient mice were microinjected into the oocyte cytoplasm, fertilized oocytes were obtained and developed normally to blastocysts. Proteomics analysis revealed that C11orf94 influenced the expression of multiple gene products known to be indispensable for sperm-oocyte binding and fusion, including IZUMO1, EQTN and CRISP1. Thus, our study indicated that C11ORF94 is a vertebrate- and testis-specific small transmembrane protein that plays a critical role in sperm binding to the oolemma.
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18
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Contreras W, Wiesehöfer C, Schreier D, Leinung N, Peche P, Wennemuth G, Gentzel M, Schröder B, Mentrup T. C11orf94/Frey is a key regulator for male fertility by controlling Izumo1 complex assembly. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo6049. [PMID: 35960805 PMCID: PMC9374335 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo6049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Although gamete fusion represents the central event in sexual reproduction, the required protein machinery is poorly defined. In sperm cells, Izumo1 and several Izumo1-associated proteins play an essential role for this process. However, so far, the mechanisms underlying transport and maturation of Izumo1 and its incorporation into high molecular weight complexes are incompletely defined. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of the C11orf94 protein, which we rename Frey, which provides a platform for the assembly of Izumo1 complexes. By retaining Izumo1 in the endoplasmic reticulum, Frey facilitates its incorporation into high molecular weight complexes. To fulfill its function, the unstable Frey protein is stabilized within the catalytic center of an intramembrane protease. Loss of Frey results in reduced assembly of Izumo1 complexes and male infertility due to impaired gamete fusion. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insights into the early biogenesis and functional relevance of Izumo1 complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whendy Contreras
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Caroline Wiesehöfer
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dora Schreier
- CRISPR-Cas9 Facility, Experimental Center of the Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nadja Leinung
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Petra Peche
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Department of Anatomy, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marc Gentzel
- Core Facility Molecular Analysis–Mass Spectrometry, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bernd Schröder
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Torben Mentrup
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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19
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Genetically-biased fertilization in APOBEC1 complementation factor (A1cf) mutant mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13599. [PMID: 35948620 PMCID: PMC9365768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17948-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Meiosis, recombination, and gametogenesis normally ensure that gametes combine randomly. But in exceptional cases, fertilization depends on the genetics of gametes from both females and males. A key question is whether their non-random union results from factors intrinsic to oocytes and sperm, or from their interactions with conditions in the reproductive tracts. To address this question, we used in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a mutant and wild-type allele of the A1cf (APOBEC1 complementation factor) gene in mice that are otherwise genetically identical. We observed strong distortion in favor of mutant heterozygotes showing that bias depends on the genetics of oocyte and sperm, and that any environmental input is modest. To search for the potential mechanism of the 'biased fertilization', we analyzed the existing transcriptome data and demonstrated that localization of A1cf transcripts and its candidate mRNA targets is restricted to the spermatids in which they originate, and that these transcripts are enriched for functions related to meiosis, fertilization, RNA stability, translation, and mitochondria. We propose that failure to sequester mRNA targets in A1cf mutant heterozygotes leads to functional differences among spermatids, thereby providing an opportunity for selection among haploid gametes. The study adds to the understanding of the gamete interaction at fertilization. Discovery that bias is evident with IVF provides a new venue for future explorations of preference among genetically distinct gametes at fertilization for A1cf and other genes that display significant departure of Mendelian inheritance.
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20
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Carlisle JA, Glenski MA, Swanson WJ. Recurrent Duplication and Diversification of Acrosomal Fertilization Proteins in Abalone. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:795273. [PMID: 35465314 PMCID: PMC9022041 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.795273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive proteins mediating fertilization commonly exhibit rapid sequence diversification driven by positive selection. This pattern has been observed among nearly all taxonomic groups, including mammals, invertebrates, and plants, and is remarkable given the essential nature of the molecular interactions mediating fertilization. Gene duplication is another important mechanism that facilitates the generation of molecular novelty through functional divergence. Following duplication, paralogs may partition ancestral gene function (subfunctionalization) or acquire new roles (neofunctionalization). However, the contributions of duplication followed by sequence diversification to the molecular diversity of gamete recognition genes has been understudied in many models of fertilization. The marine gastropod mollusk abalone is a classic model for fertilization. Its two acrosomal proteins (lysin and sp18) are ancient gene duplicates with unique gamete recognition functions. Through detailed genomic and bioinformatic analyses we show how duplication events followed by sequence diversification has played an ongoing role in the evolution of abalone acrosomal proteins. The common ancestor of abalone had four members of its acrosomal protein family in a tandem gene array that repeatedly experienced positive selection. We find that both sp18 paralogs contain positively selected sites located in different regions of the paralogs, suggestive of functional divergence where selection acted upon distinct binding interfaces in each paralog. Further, a more recent species-specific duplication of both lysin and sp18 in the European abalone H. tuberculata is described. Despite clade-specific acrosomal protein paralogs, there are no concomitant duplications of egg coat proteins in H. tuberculata, indicating that duplication of egg proteins per se is not responsible for retention of duplicated acrosomal proteins. We hypothesize that, in a manner analogous to host/pathogen evolution, sperm proteins are selected for increased diversity through extensive sequence divergence and recurrent duplication driven by conflict mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. A. Carlisle
- Genome Sciences Department, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: J. A. Carlisle,
| | - M. A. Glenski
- Department of Biology, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - W. J. Swanson
- Genome Sciences Department, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA, United States
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21
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The Role of Sperm Proteins IZUMO1 and TMEM95 in Mammalian Fertilization: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073929. [PMID: 35409288 PMCID: PMC8999778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamete membrane fusion is a critical cellular event in sexual reproduction. In addition, the generation of knockout models has provided a powerful tool for testing the functional relevance of proteins thought to be involved in mammalian fertilization, suggesting IZUMO1 and TMEM95 (transmembrane protein 95) as essential proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the process remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize the current knowledge about IZUMO1 and TMEM95 during mammalian fertilization. Hence, three distinct databases were consulted—PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—using single keywords. As a result, a total of 429 articles were identified. Based on both inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final number of articles included in this study was 103. The results showed that IZUMO1 is mostly studied in rodents whereas TMEM95 is studied primarily in bovines. Despite the research, the topological localization of IZUMO1 remains controversial. IZUMO1 may be involved in organizing or stabilizing a multiprotein complex essential for the membrane fusion in which TMEM95 could act as a fusogen due to its possible interaction with IZUMO1. Overall, the expression of these two proteins is not sufficient for sperm–oocyte fusion; therefore, other molecules must be involved in the membrane fusion process.
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22
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Brukman NG, Li X, Podbilewicz B. Fusexins, HAP2/GCS1 and Evolution of Gamete Fusion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:824024. [PMID: 35083224 PMCID: PMC8784728 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.824024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamete fusion is the climax of fertilization in all sexually reproductive organisms, from unicellular fungi to humans. Similarly to other cell-cell fusion events, gamete fusion is mediated by specialized proteins, named fusogens, that overcome the energetic barriers during this process. In recent years, HAPLESS 2/GENERATIVE CELL-SPECIFIC 1 (HAP2/GCS1) was identified as the fusogen mediating sperm-egg fusion in flowering plants and protists, being both essential and sufficient for the membrane merger in some species. The identification of HAP2/GCS1 in invertebrates, opens the possibility that a similar fusogen may be used in vertebrate fertilization. HAP2/GCS1 proteins share a similar structure with two distinct families of exoplasmic fusogens: the somatic Fusion Family (FF) proteins discovered in nematodes, and class II viral glycoproteins (e.g., rubella and dengue viruses). Altogether, these fusogens form the Fusexin superfamily. While some attributes are shared among fusexins, for example the overall structure and the possibility of assembly into trimers, some other characteristics seem to be specific, such as the presence or not of hydrophobic loops or helices at the distal tip of the protein. Intriguingly, HAP2/GCS1 or other fusexins have neither been identified in vertebrates nor in fungi, raising the question of whether these genes were lost during evolution and were replaced by other fusion machinery or a significant divergence makes their identification difficult. Here, we discuss the biology of HAP2/GCS1, its involvement in gamete fusion and the structural, mechanistic and evolutionary relationships with other fusexins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Biology, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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23
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Inoue N, Wada I. Deletion of the initial methionine codon of the Tmem95 gene causes subfertility, but not complete infertility, in male mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:378-381. [PMID: 34982145 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Ikuo Wada
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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24
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Wassarman PM, Litscher ES. Mouse zona pellucida proteins as receptors for binding of sperm to eggs. TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2022; 15:1-13. [PMID: 36776744 PMCID: PMC9910581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization in mammals is initiated by species-restricted binding of free-swimming sperm to the unfertilized egg's thick extracellular matrix, the zona pellucida (ZP). Both acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm can bind to the ZP, but only the latter can penetrate the ZP, reach the egg's plasma membrane, and fuse with plasma membrane (fertilization) to produce a zygote. Following fertilization, the ZP is modified by cortical granule components such that acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm are unable to bind to fertilized eggs. Here we review some of the evidence that bears directly on the involvement of two mouse ZP proteins, mZP2 and mZP3, as receptors for binding of mouse sperm to unfertilized eggs and address some contentious issues surrounding this important initial step in the process of mammalian fertilization.
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25
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Epithelial and Neural Cadherin in Mammalian Fertilization: Studies in the Mouse Model. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010102. [PMID: 35011663 PMCID: PMC8750299 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful mammalian fertilization requires a well-orchestrated sequence of molecular events leading to gamete fusion. Since this interaction involves Ca2+-dependent adhesion events, the participation of the Ca+2-dependent cell-cell adhesion proteins Epithelial (E-cad) and Neural (N-cad) cadherin is envisaged. We have previously reported the expression of E-cad and N-cad in human gametes and showed evidence of their involvement in sperm-oocyte adhesion events leading to fertilization. To overcome ethical limitations associated with the use of human gametes in fertilization-related studies, the mouse has been selected worldwide as the experimental model for over 4 decades. Herein, we report a detailed study aimed at characterizing the expression of E-cad and N-cad in murine gametes and their involvement in murine fertilization using specific antibodies and blocking peptides towards both adhesion proteins. E-cad and N-cad protein forms, as well as other members of the adhesion complex, specifically β-catenin and actin, were identified in spermatozoa, cumulus cells and oocytes protein extracts by means of Western immunoblotting. In addition, subcellular localization of these proteins was determined in whole cells using optical fluorescent microscopy. Gamete pre-incubation with anti-E-cad (ECCD-1) or N-cad (H-63) antibodies resulted in decreased (p < 0.05) In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) rates, when using both cumulus-oocytes complexes and cumulus-free oocytes. Moreover, IVF assays done with denuded oocytes and either antibodies or blocking peptides against E-cad and N-cad led to lower (p < 0.05) fertilization rates. When assessing each step, penetration of the cumulus mass was lower (p < 0.05) when spermatozoa were pre-incubated with ECCD-1 or blocking peptides towards E-cad or towards both E- and N-cad. Moreover, sperm-oolemma binding was impaired (p < 0.0005) after sperm pre-incubation with E-cad antibody or blocking peptide towards E-cad, N-cad or both proteins. Finally, sperm-oocyte fusion was lower (p < 0.05) after sperm pre-incubation with either antibody or blocking peptide against E-cad or N-cad. Our studies demonstrate the expression of members of the adherent complex in the murine model, and the use of antibodies and specific peptides revealed E-cad and N-cad participation in mammalian fertilization.
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26
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Pinello JF, Liu Y, Snell WJ. MAR1 links membrane adhesion to membrane merger during cell-cell fusion in Chlamydomonas. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3380-3392.e9. [PMID: 34813735 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Union of two gametes to form a zygote is a defining event in the life of sexual eukaryotes, yet the mechanisms that underlie cell-cell fusion during fertilization remain poorly characterized. Here, in studies of fertilization in the green alga, Chlamydomonas, we report identification of a membrane protein on minus gametes, Minus Adhesion Receptor 1 (MAR1), that is essential for the membrane attachment with plus gametes that immediately precedes lipid bilayer merger. We show that MAR1 forms a receptor pair with previously identified receptor FUS1 on plus gametes, whose ectodomain architecture we find is identical to a sperm adhesion protein conserved throughout plant lineages. Strikingly, before fusion, MAR1 is biochemically and functionally associated with the ancient, evolutionarily conserved eukaryotic Class II fusion protein HAP2 on minus gametes. Thus, the integral membrane protein MAR1 provides a molecular link between membrane adhesion and bilayer merger during fertilization in Chlamydomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F Pinello
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Yanjie Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA
| | - William J Snell
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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27
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Inoue N. Gamete Fusion Assay in Mice. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4233. [PMID: 34909454 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamete fusion, which is the final event of fertilization, is a crucial physiological event in the creation of a new fetus. In mammals, sperm IZUMO1 and oocyte IZUMO1R (JUNO) recognition play a role in triggering this process. Gamete fusion occurs through a complex but steady and unfailing intermolecular reaction because fertilization must ensure species specificity, in which fusion takes place between gametes of the same species only. Although many factors involved in this process have recently been identified, their specific contributions remain largely unknown. The current article describes detailed methods for assessment of gamete fusion in mice, visualized by fluorescent dye transfer, from unfertilized oocyte to spermatozoa. These methods are applicable not only for fixed cells but also live imaging of gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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28
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Kekäläinen J. Genetic incompatibility of the reproductive partners: an evolutionary perspective on infertility. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:3028-3035. [PMID: 34580729 PMCID: PMC8600657 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In natural fertilisation, the female reproductive tract allows only a strictly selected sperm subpopulation to proceed in the vicinity of an unfertilised oocyte. Female-mediated sperm selection (also known as cryptic female choice (CFC)) is far from a random process, which frequently biases paternity towards particular males over others. Earlier studies have shown that CFC is a ubiquitous phenomenon in the animal kingdom and often promotes assortative fertilisation between genetically compatible mates. Here, I demonstrate that CFC for genetic compatibility likely also occurs in humans and is mediated by a complex network of interacting male and female genes. I also show that the relative contribution of genetic compatibility (i.e. the male-female interaction effect) to reproductive success is generally high and frequently outweighs the effects of individual males and females. Together, these facts indicate that, along with male- and female-dependent pathological factors, reproductive failure can also result from gamete-level incompatibility of the reproductive partners. Therefore, I argue that a deeper understanding of these evolutionary mechanisms of sperm selection can pave the way towards a more inclusive view of infertility and open novel possibilities for the development of more personalised infertility diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
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29
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Same gene, opposite sexes: Sex-specific divergent expression of a gene required for vertebrate fertilization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2116001118. [PMID: 34642252 PMCID: PMC8545453 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2116001118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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30
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Rojas J, Hinostroza F, Vergara S, Pinto-Borguero I, Aguilera F, Fuentes R, Carvacho I. Knockin' on Egg's Door: Maternal Control of Egg Activation That Influences Cortical Granule Exocytosis in Animal Species. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:704867. [PMID: 34540828 PMCID: PMC8446563 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.704867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization by multiple sperm leads to lethal chromosomal number abnormalities, failed embryo development, and miscarriage. In some vertebrate and invertebrate eggs, the so-called cortical reaction contributes to their activation and prevents polyspermy during fertilization. This process involves biogenesis, redistribution, and subsequent accumulation of cortical granules (CGs) at the female gamete cortex during oogenesis. CGs are oocyte- and egg-specific secretory vesicles whose content is discharged during fertilization to block polyspermy. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms controlling critical aspects of CG biology prior to and after the gametes interaction. This allows to block polyspermy and provide protection to the developing embryo. We also examine how CGs form and are spatially redistributed during oogenesis. During egg activation, CG exocytosis (CGE) and content release are triggered by increases in intracellular calcium and relies on the function of maternally-loaded proteins. We also discuss how mutations in these factors impact CG dynamics, providing unprecedented models to investigate the genetic program executing fertilization. We further explore the phylogenetic distribution of maternal proteins and signaling pathways contributing to CGE and egg activation. We conclude that many important biological questions and genotype–phenotype relationships during fertilization remain unresolved, and therefore, novel molecular players of CG biology need to be discovered. Future functional and image-based studies are expected to elucidate the identity of genetic candidates and components of the molecular machinery involved in the egg activation. This, will open new therapeutic avenues for treating infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Japhet Rojas
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Fernando Hinostroza
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Sebastián Vergara
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Ingrid Pinto-Borguero
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Aguilera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fuentes
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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31
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Duarte MA, Fernandes CR, Heckel G, da Luz Mathias M, Bastos-Silveira C. Variation and Selection in the Putative Sperm-Binding Region of ZP3 in Muroid Rodents: A Comparison between Cricetids and Murines. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091450. [PMID: 34573431 PMCID: PMC8469249 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) is considered a primary sperm receptor of the oocyte and is hypothesized to be involved in reproductive isolation. We investigated patterns of diversity and selection in the putative sperm-binding region (pSBR) of mouse ZP3 across Cricetidae and Murinae, two hyperdiverse taxonomic groups within muroid rodents. In murines, the pSBR is fairly conserved, in particular the serine-rich stretch containing the glycosylation sites proposed as essential for sperm binding. In contrast, cricetid amino acid sequences of the pSBR were much more variable and the serine-rich motif, typical of murines, was generally substantially modified. Overall, our results suggest a general lack of species specificity of the pSBR across the two muroid families. We document statistical evidence of positive selection acting on exons 6 and 7 of ZP3 and identified several amino acid sites that are likely targets of selection, with most positively selected sites falling within or adjacent to the pSBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Alexandra Duarte
- Champalimaud Centre for the Uknown, Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
- Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Departamento de Zoologia e Antropologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58, Lisboa, 1250-102 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Centro de Estudos de Ambiente e Mar, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Carlos Rodríguez Fernandes
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.F.); (C.B.-S.)
- Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gerald Heckel
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland;
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge-Batiment Amphipole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria da Luz Mathias
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Centro de Estudos de Ambiente e Mar, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristiane Bastos-Silveira
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.F.); (C.B.-S.)
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32
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Abstract
Fertilization is a multistep process that culminates in the fusion of sperm and egg, thus marking the beginning of a new organism in sexually reproducing species. Despite its importance for reproduction, the molecular mechanisms that regulate this singular event, particularly sperm-egg fusion, have remained mysterious for many decades. Here, we summarize our current molecular understanding of sperm-egg interaction, focusing mainly on mammalian fertilization. Given the fundamental importance of sperm-egg fusion yet the lack of knowledge of this process in vertebrates, we discuss hallmarks and emerging themes of cell fusion by drawing from well-studied examples such as viral entry, placenta formation, and muscle development. We conclude by identifying open questions and exciting avenues for future studies in gamete fusion. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, Volume 37 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Deneke
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; ,
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; ,
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33
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Xiong W, Shen C, Li C, Zhang X, Ge H, Tang L, Shen Y, Lu S, Zhang H, Han M, Zhang A, Wang J, Wu Y, Fei J, Wang Z. Dissecting the PRSS37 interactome and potential mechanisms leading to ADAM3 loss in PRSS37-null sperm. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:268338. [PMID: 34028541 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 3 (ADAM3) is a sperm membrane protein critical for sperm migration from the uterus into the oviduct and sperm-egg binding in mice. Disruption of PRSS37 results in male infertility concurrent with the absence of mature ADAM3 from cauda epididymal sperm. However, how PRSS37 modulates ADAM3 maturation remains largely unclear. Here, we determine the PRSS37 interactome by GFP immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry in PRSS37-EGFP knock-in mice. Three molecular chaperones (CLGN, CALR3 and PDILT) and three ADAM proteins (ADAM2, ADAM6B and ADAM4) were identified to be interacting with PRSS37. Coincidently, five of them (except ADAM4) have been reported to interact with ADAM3 precursor and regulate its maturation. We further demonstrated that PRSS37 also interacts directly with ADAM3 precursor and its deficiency impedes the association between PDILT and ADAM3. This could contribute to improper translocation of ADAM3 to the germ cell surface, leading to ADAM3 loss in PRSS37-null mature sperm. The understanding of the maturation mechanisms of pivotal sperm plasma membrane proteins will pave the way toward novel strategies for contraception and the treatment of unexplained male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chaojie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haoyang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Lingyun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shunyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Mi Han
- Reproductive Medical Center, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Aijun Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc., Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Youbing Wu
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc., Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Jian Fei
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc., Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China.,Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc., Shanghai 201318, China
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34
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Jiménez-Movilla M, Hamze JG, Romar R. Oolemma Receptors in Mammalian Molecular Fertilization: Function and New Methods of Study. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:662032. [PMID: 34095128 PMCID: PMC8170029 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.662032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a key process in biology to the extent that a new individual will be born from the fusion of two cells, one of which leaves the organism in which it was produced to exert its function within a different organism. The structure and function of gametes, and main aspects of fertilization are well known. However, we have limited knowledge about the specific molecules participating in each of the steps of the fertilization process due to the transient nature of gamete interaction. Moreover, if we specifically focus in the fusion of both gametes’ membrane, we might say our molecular knowledge is practically null, despite that molecular mechanisms of cell-to-cell adhesion are well studied in somatic cells. Moreover, between both gametes, the molecular knowledge in the egg is even scarcer than in the spermatozoon for different reasons addressed in this review. Sperm-specific protein IZUMO1 and its oocyte partner, JUNO, are the first cell surface receptor pair essential for sperm–egg plasma membrane binding. Recently, thanks to gene editing tools and the development and validation of in vitro models, new oocyte molecules are being suggested in gamete fusion such as phosphatidylserine recognition receptors. Undoubtedly, we are in a new era for widening our comprehension on molecular fertilization. In this work, we comprehensively address the proposed molecules involved in gamete binding and fusion, from the oocyte perspective, and the new methods that are providing a better understanding of these crucial molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Julieta G Hamze
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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35
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Mei X, Singson A. Conserved sperm factors are no longer a bone of contention. eLife 2021; 10:e68976. [PMID: 33908866 PMCID: PMC8081520 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins related to a molecule involved in the formation of osteoclasts in bone are required for fertilization in worms, flies and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Mei
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology and Department of Genetics, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Andrew Singson
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology and Department of Genetics, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
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36
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Inoue N, Hagihara Y, Wada I. Evolutionarily conserved sperm factors, DCST1 and DCST2, are required for gamete fusion. eLife 2021; 10:66313. [PMID: 33871360 PMCID: PMC8055269 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To trigger gamete fusion, spermatozoa need to activate the molecular machinery in which sperm IZUMO1 and oocyte JUNO (IZUMO1R) interaction plays a critical role in mammals. Although a set of factors involved in this process has recently been identified, no common factor that can function in both vertebrates and invertebrates has yet been reported. Here, we first demonstrate that the evolutionarily conserved factors dendrocyte expressed seven transmembrane protein domain-containing 1 (DCST1) and dendrocyte expressed seven transmembrane protein domain-containing 2 (DCST2) are essential for sperm–egg fusion in mice, as proven by gene disruption and complementation experiments. We also found that the protein stability of another gamete fusion-related sperm factor, SPACA6, is differently regulated by DCST1/2 and IZUMO1. Thus, we suggest that spermatozoa ensure proper fertilization in mammals by integrating various molecular pathways, including an evolutionarily conserved system that has developed as a result of nearly one billion years of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Hagihara
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Ikeda, Japan
| | - Ikuo Wada
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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