1
|
Voss ER, Nachman MW. Mating system variation and gene expression in the male reproductive tract of Peromyscus mice. Mol Ecol 2024:e17433. [PMID: 39031829 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17433] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Genes involved in reproduction often evolve rapidly at the sequence level due to postcopulatory sexual selection (PCSS) driven by male-male competition and male-female sexual conflict, but the impact of PCSS on gene expression has been under-explored. Further, though multiple tissues contribute to male reproductive success, most studies have focused on the testes. To explore the influence of mating system variation on reproductive tract gene expression in natural populations, we captured adult males from monogamous Peromyscus californicus and polygynandrous P. boylii and P. maniculatus. We generated RNAseq libraries, quantified gene expression in the testis, seminal vesicle, epididymis, and liver, and identified 3627 mating system-associated differentially expressed genes (MS-DEGs), where expression shifted in the same direction in P. maniculatus and P. boylii relative to P. californicus. Gene expression variation was most strongly associated with mating behaviour in the seminal vesicles, where 89% of differentially expressed genes were MS-DEGs, including the key seminal fluid proteins Svs2 and Pate4. We also used published rodent genomes to test for positive and relaxed selection on Peromyscus-expressed genes. Though we did not observe more overlap than expected by chance between MS-DEGs and positively selected genes, 203 MS-DEGs showed evidence of positive selection. Fourteen reproductive genes were under tree-wide positive selection but convergent relaxed selection in P. californicus and Microtus ochrogaster, a distantly related monogamous species. Changes in transcript abundance and gene sequence evolution in association with mating behaviour suggest that male mice may respond to sexual selection intensity by altering aspects of sperm motility, sperm-egg binding and copulatory plug formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Voss
- Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Michael W Nachman
- Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bafor EE, Erwin-Cohen RA, Martin T, Baker C, Kimmel AE, Duverger O, Fenimore JM, Ramba M, Spindel T, Hess MM, Sanford M, Lazarevic V, Benayoun BA, Young HA, Valencia JC. Aberrant CD8 +T cells drive reproductive dysfunction in female mice with elevated IFN-γ levels. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368572. [PMID: 38698852 PMCID: PMC11064017 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is pivotal in orchestrating immune responses during healthy pregnancy. However, its dysregulation, often due to autoimmunity, infections, or chronic inflammatory conditions, is implicated in adverse reproductive outcomes such as pregnancy failure or infertility. Additionally, the underlying immunological mechanisms remain elusive. Methods Here, we explore the impact of systemic IFN-γ elevation on cytotoxic T cell responses in female reproduction utilizing a systemic lupus-prone mouse model with impaired IFN-γ degradation. Results Our findings reveal that heightened IFN-γ levels triggered the infiltration of CD8+T cells in the pituitary gland and female reproductive tract (FRT), resulting in prolactin deficiency and subsequent infertility. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chronic IFN-γ elevation increases effector memory CD8+T cells in the murine ovary and uterus. Discussion These insights broaden our understanding of the role of elevated IFN-γ in female reproductive dysfunction and suggest CD8+T cells as potential immunotherapeutic targets in female reproductive disorders associated with chronic systemic IFN-γ elevation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enitome E. Bafor
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Rebecca A. Erwin-Cohen
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Toni Martin
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Clayton Baker
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular and Computational Biology Department, University of Southern California, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Adrienne E. Kimmel
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Olivier Duverger
- Craniofacial Anomalies and Regeneration Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John M. Fenimore
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Meredith Ramba
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Thea Spindel
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Megan M. Hess
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Michael Sanford
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Vanja Lazarevic
- Experimental Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Bérénice A. Benayoun
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular and Computational Biology Department, University of Southern California, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Howard A. Young
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Julio C. Valencia
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Corda PO, Moreira J, Howl J, Oliveira PF, Fardilha M, Silva JV. Differential Proteomic Analysis of Human Sperm: A Systematic Review to Identify Candidate Targets to Monitor Sperm Quality. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:71-91. [PMID: 37118964 PMCID: PMC10782124 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The advent of proteomics provides new opportunities to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility. The selection of relevant targets based on a single analysis is not always feasible, due to the growing number of proteomic studies with conflicting results. Thus, this study aimed to systematically review investigations comparing the sperm proteome of normozoospermic and infertile men to define a panel of proteins with the potential to be used to evaluate sperm quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases following the PRISMA guidelines. To identify proteins systematically reported, first the studies were divided by condition into four groups (asthenozoospermia, low motility, unexplained infertility, and infertility related to risk factors) and then, all studies were analysed simultaneously (poor sperm quality). To gain molecular insights regarding identified proteins, additional searches were performed within the Human Protein Atlas, Mouse Genome Informatics, UniProt, and PubMed databases. RESULTS Thirty-two studies were included and divided into 4 sub-analysis groups. A total of 2752 proteins were collected, of which 38, 1, 3 and 2 were indicated as potential markers for asthenozoospermia, low motility, unexplained infertility and infertility related to risk factors, respectively, and 58 for poor sperm quality. Among the identified proteins, ACR, ACRBP, ACRV1, ACTL9, AKAP4, ATG3, CCT2, CFAP276, CFAP52, FAM209A, GGH, HPRT1, LYZL4, PRDX6, PRSS37, REEP6, ROPN1B, SPACA3, SOD1, SPEM1, SPESP1, SPINK2, TEKT5, and ZPBP were highlighted due to their roles in male reproductive tissues, association with infertility phenotypes or participation in specific biological functions in spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Sperm proteomics allows the identification of protein markers with the potential to overcome limitations in male infertility diagnosis and to understand changes in sperm function at the molecular level. This study provides a reliable list of systematically reported proteins that could be potential targets for further basic and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro O Corda
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jéssica Moreira
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - John Howl
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Joana Vieira Silva
- Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leung G, Ricart-Arbona R, Monette S, Lipman NS. Pathologic copulatory lock in a genetically engineered laboratory mouse breeding pair. Lab Anim 2023; 57:664-668. [PMID: 37070346 DOI: 10.1177/00236772231168185] [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] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
A breeding pair of genetically engineered laboratory mice (Mus musculus) presented in apparent copulatory lock (coital tie). After anesthetizing the animals, gentle traction was used to separate the pair at which point a vaginal prolapse was detected and the penis was covered with black, firm, dry crusts and noted to have a solid pale, tan, firm cylindrical mass adhering to its glans. The vaginal prolapse was reduced and the female was returned to its cage. The male mouse had a severely distended bladder which could not be expressed and was euthanized. Histopathologic examination of the distal two-thirds of the penis revealed diffuse, acute coagulative necrosis. The mass adhered to the distal penis was a homogenous granular eosinophilic material consistent with a copulatory plug. While copulatory plugs and locks have been described in some rodent species, they have not been reported in laboratory mice. While the cause of the adherence of the plug to the penis could not be determined, we hypothesize that its adherence to both the penis and the vagina led to the lock and subsequently to ischemic necrosis of the distal penis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glory Leung
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Laboratory Animal Medicine and Science, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, and The Rockefeller University, USA
| | - Rodolfo Ricart-Arbona
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Laboratory Animal Medicine and Science, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, and The Rockefeller University, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, USA
| | - Sebastien Monette
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Laboratory Animal Medicine and Science, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, and The Rockefeller University, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, USA
| | - Neil S Lipman
- Tri-Institutional Training Program in Laboratory Animal Medicine and Science, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, and The Rockefeller University, USA
- Center for Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medicine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Troconis EL, Seo C, Guru A, Warden MR. Serotonin neurons in mating female mice are activated by male ejaculation. Curr Biol 2023; 33:4926-4936.e4. [PMID: 37865094 PMCID: PMC10901455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.09.071] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Sexual stimulation triggers changes in female physiology and behavior, including sexual satiety and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Serotonin (5-HT) is an important regulator of reproductive physiology and sexual receptivity, but the relationship between sexual stimulation and 5-HT neural activity in females is poorly understood. Here, we investigated dorsal raphe 5-HT neural activity in female mice during sexual behavior. We found that 5-HT neural activity in mating females peaked specifically upon male ejaculation and remained elevated above baseline until disengagement. Artificial intravaginal mechanical stimulation was sufficient to elicit increased 5-HT neural activity but the delivery of ejaculatory fluids was not. Distal penis expansion ("penile cupping") at ejaculation and forceful expulsion of ejaculatory fluid each provided sufficient mechanical stimulation to elicit 5-HT neuron activation. Our study identifies a female ejaculation-specific signal in a major neuromodulatory system and shows that intravaginal mechanosensory stimulation is necessary and sufficient to drive this signal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eileen L Troconis
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Changwoo Seo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Cornell Neurotech, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Akash Guru
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Cornell Neurotech, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Melissa R Warden
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Cornell Neurotech, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sato T, Sugiyama T, Sekijima T. Mating in the cold. Prolonged sperm storage provides opportunities for forced copulation by male bats during winter. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1241470. [PMID: 37745243 PMCID: PMC10511888 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1241470] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In a wide range of heterothermic mammals, hibernation interrupts the reproductive cycle by forcing reproductive delays. In hibernating bats with delayed fertilization, an opportunity for sperm competition is enhanced by extending a time-window between copulations and fertilization. In order to achieve greater fertilization success, males are expected to show adaptations for sperm competition by increasing their opportunities for mating over an extended period. We aimed to clarify the physiological and behavioral characteristics of male bats experiencing increased risks of sperm competition. We investigated the characteristics of the reproductive cycle of the little horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus cornutus), and examined whether males retain reproductive physiology related to sexual behavior, and attempt to copulate with females even during the hibernation period. Field observations and histological examinations of the reproductive cycle confirmed that females, having mated in the autumn, store spermatozoa in the uterus during hibernation and give birth in the early summer to just one offspring per year, thus males face a low certainty of successful fertilization. Although their testes regressed rapidly and their testosterone levels were lower during winter than in autumn, males stored motile spermatozoa in their cauda epididymides from autumn throughout the winter. During hibernation, we found that males occasionally aroused from torpor and attempted to mate forcibly with torpid females. Forced copulations appear to increase a male's chances of obtaining a mate while avoiding pre-copulatory female choice. Epididymal sperm storage could be advantageous for males in allowing them to extend their potential mating period even though their testes have regressed. We also found that some hibernating nulliparous females were ready for fertilization in spring after hibernation, whereas few parous females appeared in the same roost. In contrast to males, forced copulations would be maladaptive for females because they cannot opt for higher-quality males while in torpor. Females that have experienced sexual coercion when young may subsequently avoid hibernacula where adult males are present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Sato
- Graduate School of Technology, Industrial, and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Troconis EL, Seo C, Guru A, Warden MR. Serotonin neurons in mating female mice are activated by male ejaculation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.14.540716. [PMID: 37645786 PMCID: PMC10461921 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.14.540716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Sexual stimulation triggers changes in female physiology and behavior, including sexual satiety and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Serotonin is an important regulator of reproductive physiology and sexual receptivity, but the relationship between sexual stimulation and serotonin neural activity in females is poorly understood. Here, we investigated dorsal raphe serotonin neural activity in females during sexual behavior. We found that serotonin neural activity in mating females peaked specifically upon male ejaculation, and remained elevated above baseline until disengagement. Artificial intravaginal mechanical stimulation was sufficient to elicit increased 5-HT neural activity but the delivery of ejaculatory fluids was not. Distal penis erectile enlargement ("penile cupping") at ejaculation and forceful expulsion of ejaculatory fluid each provided sufficient mechanical stimulation to elicit serotonin neuron activation. Our study identifies a female ejaculation-specific signal in a major neuromodulatory system and shows that intravaginal mechanosensory stimulation is necessary and sufficient to drive this signal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eileen L. Troconis
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Changwoo Seo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Cornell Neurotech, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Akash Guru
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Cornell Neurotech, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Melissa R. Warden
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Cornell Neurotech, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Lead Contact
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Noda T, Taira A, Shinohara H, Araki K. The testis-, epididymis-, or seminal vesicle-enriched genes Aldoart2, Serpina16, Aoc1l3, and Pate14 are not essential for male fertility in mice. Exp Anim 2023; 72:314-323. [PMID: 36709994 PMCID: PMC10435352 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.22-0158] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa released from the testis acquire fertilizing ability by translocating thorough the epididymis. Further, accessory gland secretions ejaculated into the female reproductive tract along with spermatozoa are also required to ensure male fecundity, such as the maintenance of proper sperm count and inhibition of premature sperm capacitation in the uterus. Here, we focus on a testis-enriched gene "Aldoart2", an epididymis-enriched gene "Serpina16", and seminal vesicle-enriched genes "Aoc1l3" and "Pate14" which were thought to be important for male fertility based on the previous studies. We independently deleted almost the entire protein-coding sequence of these genes in mice using CRISPR/Cas9. There were no overt defects in the histology and the sperm morphology and motility of any knockout (KO) mice. Further, Aoc1l3 and Pate14 KO males were able to form copulatory plugs. Finally, female mice that mated with these KO males delivered pups at a comparable level with the control males. Given our data, we demonstrated that the four genes predominantly expressed in the testis, epididymis, or seminal vesicle are independently dispensable for male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Noda
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Ayumu Taira
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Hina Shinohara
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Division of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Biochemical Characterisation of Human Transglutaminase 4. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212448. [PMID: 34830327 PMCID: PMC8619550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212448] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminases are protein-modifying enzymes involved in physiological and pathological processes with potent therapeutic possibilities. Human TG4, also called prostate transglutaminase, is involved in the development of autoimmune and tumour diseases. Although rodent TG4 is well characterised, biochemical characteristics of human TG4 that could help th e understanding of its way of action are not published. First, we analysed proteomics databases and found that TG4 protein is present in human tissues beyond the prostate. Then, we studied in vitro the transamidase activity of human TG4 and its regulation using the microtitre plate method. Human TG4 has low transamidase activity which prefers slightly acidic pH and a reducing environment. It is enhanced by submicellar concentrations of SDS suggesting that membrane proximity is an important regulatory event. Human TG4 does not bind GTP as tested by GTP-agarose and BODIPY-FL-GTPγS binding, and its proteolytic activation by dispase or when expressed in AD-293 cells was not observed either. We identified several potential human TG4 glutamine donor substrates in the AD-293 cell extract by biotin-pentylamine incorporation and mass spectrometry. Several of these potential substrates are involved in cell–cell interaction, adhesion and proliferation, suggesting that human TG4 could become an anticancer therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
10
|
Winkler L, Lindholm AK, Ramm SA, Sutter A. The baculum affects paternity success of first but not second males in house mouse sperm competition. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:159. [PMID: 34384348 PMCID: PMC8359600 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01887-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast variation observed in genital morphology is a longstanding puzzle in evolutionary biology. Studies showing that the morphology of the mammalian baculum (penis bone) can covary with a male’s paternity success indicate a potential impact of baculum morphology on male fitness, likely through influencing sperm competition outcomes. We therefore measured the size (measurements of length and width) and shape (geometric morphometric measurements) of the bacula of male house mice used in previously published sperm competition experiments, in which two males mated successively with the same female in staged matings. This enabled us to correlate baculum morphology with sperm competition success, incorporating potential explanatory variables related to copulatory plugs, male mating behavior and a selfish genetic element that influences sperm motility. We found that a wider baculum shaft increased a male’s paternity share when mating first, but not when mating second with a multiply-mating female. Geometric morphometric shape measurements were not clearly associated with fertilization success for either male. We found limited evidence that the effect of baculum morphology on male fertilization success was altered by experimental removal of the copulatory plug. Furthermore, neither genetic differences in sperm motility, nor covariation with male mating behavior mediated the effect of baculum morphology on male fertilization success. Taken together with previous findings, the mating-order effects we found here suggest that baculum-mediated stimulation by the first male might be particularly important for fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Winkler
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany. .,Applied Zoology, Technical University Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01062, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Anna K Lindholm
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Steven A Ramm
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Andreas Sutter
- School of Biological Sciences, Norwich Research Park, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Skerrett-Byrne DA, Trigg NA, Bromfield EG, Dun MD, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, MacDougall LA, Lord T, Aitken RJ, Roman SD, Robertson SA, Nixon B, Schjenken JE. Proteomic Dissection of the Impact of Environmental Exposures on Mouse Seminal Vesicle Function. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100107. [PMID: 34089863 PMCID: PMC8250459 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal vesicles are an integral part of the male reproductive accessory gland system. They produce a complex array of secretions containing bioactive constituents that support gamete function and promote reproductive success, with emerging evidence suggesting these secretions are influenced by our environment. Despite their significance, the biology of seminal vesicles remains poorly defined. Here, we complete the first proteomic assessment of mouse seminal vesicles and assess the impact of the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue. A total of 5013 proteins were identified in the seminal vesicle proteome with bioinformatic analyses identifying cell proliferation, protein synthesis, cellular death, and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Secreted proteins were among the most abundant, and several proteins are linked with seminal vesicle phenotypes. Analysis of the effect of acrylamide on the seminal vesicle proteome revealed 311 differentially regulated (FC ± 1.5, p ≤ 0.05, 205 up-regulated, 106 downregulated) proteins, orthogonally validated via immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Pathways that initiate protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent among the dysregulated pathways, and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR, p = 6.69E-07) was a top-ranked upstream driver. Oxidative stress was implicated as contributing to protein changes, with acrylamide causing an increase in 8-OHdG in seminal vesicle epithelial cells (fivefold increase, p = 0.016) and the surrounding smooth muscle layer (twofold increase, p = 0.043). Additionally, acrylamide treatment caused a reduction in seminal vesicle secretion weight (36% reduction, p = 0.009) and total protein content (25% reduction, p = 0.017). Together these findings support the interpretation that toxicant exposure influences male accessory gland physiology and highlights the need to consider the response of all male reproductive tract tissues when interpreting the impact of environmental stressors on male reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Lily A MacDougall
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lough-Stevens M, Ghione CR, Urness M, Hobbs A, Sweeney CM, Dean MD. Male-derived copulatory plugs enhance implantation success in female Mus musculus. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:684-694. [PMID: 33355341 PMCID: PMC7962766 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Among a wide diversity of sexually reproducing species, male ejaculates coagulate to form what has been termed a copulatory plug. A number of functions have been attributed to copulatory plugs, including the inhibition of female remating and the promotion of ejaculate movement. Here we demonstrate that copulatory plugs also influence the likelihood of implantation, which occurs roughly 4 days after copulation in mice. Using a bead transfer method to control for differences in ejaculate retention and fertilization rates, we show that implantation rates significantly drop among females mated to genetically engineered males incapable of forming plugs (because they lack functional transglutaminase 4, the main enzyme responsible for its formation). Surprisingly, this result does not correlate with differences in circulating progesterone levels among females, an important hormone involved in implantation. We discuss three models that connect male-derived copulatory plugs to implantation success, including the hypothesis that plugs contribute to a threshold amount of stimulation required for females to become receptive to implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lough-Stevens
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Caleb R Ghione
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Urness
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adelaide Hobbs
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Colleen M Sweeney
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew D Dean
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zou X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Zhang R, Yang W. The Role of AIRE Deficiency in Infertility and Its Potential Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:641164. [PMID: 33679804 PMCID: PMC7933666 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641164] [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: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of patients with infertility is recognized as an emerging problem worldwide. However, little is known about the cause of infertility. At present, it is believed that infertility may be related to genetic or abnormal immune responses. It has long been indicated that autoimmune regulator (AIRE), a transcription factor, participates in immune tolerance by regulating the expression of thousands of promiscuous tissue-specific antigens in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which play a pivotal role in preventing autoimmune diseases. AIRE is also expressed in germ cell progenitors. Importantly, the deletion of AIRE leads to severe oophoritis and age-dependent depletion of follicular reserves and causes altered embryonic development in female mice. AIRE-deficient male mice exhibit altered apoptosis during spermatogenesis and have a significantly decreased breeding capacity. These reports suggest that AIRE deficiency may be responsible for infertility. The causes may be related to the production of autoantibodies against sperm, poor development of germ cells, and abnormal ovarian function, which eventually lead to infertility. Here, we focus on the potential associations of AIRE deficiency with infertility as well as the possible pathogenesis, providing insight into the significance of AIRE in the development of infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Zou
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rongchao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bayram HL, Franco C, Brownridge P, Claydon AJ, Koch N, Hurst JL, Beynon RJ, Stockley P. Social status and ejaculate composition in the house mouse. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20200083. [PMID: 33070725 PMCID: PMC7661446 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm competition theory predicts that males should tailor ejaculates according to their social status. Here, we test this in a model vertebrate, the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus), combining experimental data with a quantitative proteomics analysis of seminal fluid composition. Our analyses reveal that both sperm production and the composition of proteins found in seminal vesicle secretions differ according to social status. Dominant males invested more in ejaculate production overall. Their epididymides contained more sperm than those of subordinate or control males, despite similar testes size between the groups. Dominant males also had larger seminal vesicle glands than subordinate or control males, despite similar body size. However, the seminal vesicle secretions of subordinate males had a significantly higher protein concentration than those of dominant males. Moreover, detailed proteomic analysis revealed subtle but consistent differences in the composition of secreted seminal vesicle proteins according to social status, involving multiple proteins of potential functional significance in sperm competition. These findings have significant implications for understanding the dynamics and outcome of sperm competition, and highlight the importance of social status as a factor influencing both sperm and seminal fluid investment strategies. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen L. Bayram
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Catarina Franco
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Philip Brownridge
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Amy J. Claydon
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Natalie Koch
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Jane L. Hurst
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Robert J. Beynon
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Paula Stockley
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ramm SA. Seminal fluid and accessory male investment in sperm competition. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20200068. [PMID: 33070740 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm production and allocation strategies have been a central concern of sperm competition research for the past 50 years. But during the 'sexual cascade' there may be strong selection for alternative routes to maximizing male fitness. Especially with the evolution of internal fertilization, a common and by now well-studied example is the accessory ejaculate investment represented by seminal fluid, the complex mixture of proteins, peptides and other components transferred to females together with sperm. How seminal fluid investment should covary with sperm investment probably depends on the mechanism of seminal fluid action. If seminal fluid components boost male paternity success by directly enhancing sperm function or use, we might often expect a positive correlation between the two forms of male investment, whereas trade-offs seem more likely if seminal fluid acts independently of sperm. This is largely borne out by a broad taxonomic survey to establish the prevailing patterns of seminal fluid production and allocation during animal evolution, in light of which I discuss the gaps that remain in our understanding of this key ejaculate component and its relationship to sperm investment, before outlining promising approaches for examining seminal fluid-mediated sperm competitiveness in the post-genomic era. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Ramm
- Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Promiscuous mating by females leads to competition between males for fertilization success. When fertilization is internal, this means that rival males’ sperm must compete within the female reproductive tract to reach the eggs. Males of diverse species deposit a mating plug during copulation, which is hypothesized to assist in the race for fertilization following multiple mating. Here, we tested this by using stable isotope labeling to discriminate the ejaculates of competing male voles in direct competition. This revealed that the mating plug simultaneously inhibits the sperm of rival males while promoting transport of a male’s own sperm, both of which are beneficial in the competition for fertilizations. Mating plugs are produced by many sexually reproducing animals and are hypothesized to promote male fertilization success under promiscuous mating. However, tests of this hypothesis have been constrained by an inability to discriminate ejaculates of different males in direct competition. Here, we use stable isotope labeling in vivo and proteomics to achieve this in a promiscuous rodent, Myodes glareolus. We show that, although the first male’s plug is usually dislodged, it can be retained throughout the second male’s copulation. Retained plugs did not completely block rival sperm but did significantly limit their numbers. Differences in the number of each male’s sperm progressing through the female reproductive tract were also explained by natural variation in the size of mating plugs and reproductive accessory glands from which major plug proteins originate. Relative sperm numbers in turn predicted the relative fertilization success of rival males. Our application of stable isotopes to label ejaculates resolves a longstanding debate by revealing how rodent mating plugs promote fertilization success under competitive conditions. This approach opens new opportunities to reveal cryptic mechanisms of postcopulatory sexual selection among diverse animal taxa.
Collapse
|
17
|
Anamthathmakula P, Winuthayanon W. Mechanism of semen liquefaction and its potential for a novel non-hormonal contraception†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:411-426. [PMID: 32529252 PMCID: PMC7523691 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen liquefaction is a proteolytic process where a gel-like ejaculated semen becomes watery due to the enzymatic activity of prostate-derived serine proteases in the female reproductive tract. The liquefaction process is crucial for the sperm to gain their motility and successful transport to the fertilization site in Fallopian tubes (or oviducts in animals). Hyperviscous semen or failure in liquefaction is one of the causes of male infertility. Therefore, the biochemical inhibition of serine proteases in the female reproductive tract after ejaculation is a prime target for novel contraceptive development. Herein, we will discuss protein components in the ejaculates responsible for semen liquefaction and any developments of contraceptive methods in the past that involve the liquefaction process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Anamthathmakula
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Noda T, Fujihara Y, Matsumura T, Oura S, Kobayashi S, Ikawa M. Seminal vesicle secretory protein 7, PATE4, is not required for sperm function but for copulatory plug formation to ensure fecundity†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1035-1045. [PMID: 30452524 PMCID: PMC6483057 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal vesicle secretions (SVSs), together with spermatozoa, are ejaculated into the female reproductive tract. SVS7, also known as PATE4, is one of the major SVS proteins found in the seminal vesicle, copulatory plug, and uterine fluid after copulation. Here, we generated Pate4 knockout (-/-) mice and examined the detailed function of PATE4 on male fecundity. The morphology and weight of Pate4-/- seminal vesicles were comparable to the control. Although Pate4-/- cauda epididymal spermatozoa have no overt defects during in vitro fertilization, Pate4-/- males were subfertile. We found that the copulatory plugs were smaller in the vagina of females mated with Pate4-/- males, leading to semen leakage and a decreased sperm count in the uterus. When the females mated with Pate4-/- males were immediately re-caged with Pate4+/+ males, the females had subsequent productive matings. When the cauda epididymal spermatozoa were injected into the uterus and plugged artificially [artificial insemination (AI)], Pate4-/- spermatozoa could efficiently fertilize eggs as compared to wild-type spermatozoa. We finally examined the effect of SVSs on AI, and observed no difference in fertilization rates between Pate4+/+ and Pate4-/- SVSs. In conclusion, PATE4 is a novel factor in forming the copulatory plug that inhibits sequential matings and maintains spermatozoa in the uterus to ensure male fecundity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Matsumura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiya Oura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sumire Kobayashi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Patlar B, Weber M, Temizyürek T, Ramm SA. Seminal Fluid-Mediated Manipulation of Post-mating Behavior in a Simultaneous Hermaphrodite. Curr Biol 2020; 30:143-149.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
20
|
Simmons LW, Sloan NS, Firman RC. Sexual Selection Shapes Seminal Vesicle Secretion Gene Expression in House Mice. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 37:1114-1117. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Reproductive proteins typically have high rates of molecular evolution, and are assumed to be under positive selection from sperm competition and cryptic female choice. However, ascribing evolutionary divergence in the genome to these processes of sexual selection from patterns of association alone is problematic. Here, we use an experimental manipulation of postmating sexual selection acting on populations of house mice and explore its consequences for the expression of seminal vesicle secreted (SVS) proteins. Following 25 generations of selection, males from populations subjected to postmating sexual selection had evolved increased expression of at least two SVS genes that exhibit the signature of positive selection at the molecular level, SVS1 and SVS2. These proteins contribute to mating plug formation and sperm survival in the female reproductive tract. Our data thereby support the view that sexual selection is responsible for the evolution of these seminal fluid proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh W Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Nadia S Sloan
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Renée C Firman
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Balu R, Ramachandran SS, Paramasivam SG. Evidence for mouse sulfhydryl oxidase-assisted cross-linking of major seminal vesicle proteins. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1682-1693. [PMID: 31448842 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Copulatory plug formation in animals is a general phenomenon by which competition is reduced among rival males. In mouse, the copulatory plug formation results from the coagulation of highly viscous seminal vesicle secretion (SVS) that is rich in proteins, such as dimers of SVS I, SVS I + II + III, and SVS II. These high-molecular-weight complexes (HMWCs) are also reported to be the bulk of proteins in the copulatory plug of the female mouse following copulation. In addition, mouse SVS contributes to the existence of sulfhydryl oxidase (Sox), which mediates the disulfide bond formation between cysteine residues. In this study, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent Sox was purified from mouse SVS using ion exchange and high-performance liquid chromatography. The purified enzyme was identified to be Sox, based on western blot analysis with Sox antiserum and its capability of oxidizing dithiothreitol as substrate. The pH optima and thermal stability of the enzyme were determined. Among the metal ions tested, zinc showed an inhibitory effect on Sox activity. A prosthetic group of the enzyme was identified as FAD. The Km and Vmax of the enzyme was also determined. In addition to purification and biochemical characterization of seminal vesicle Sox, the major breakthrough of this study was proving its cross-linking activity among SVS I-III monomers to form HMWCs in SVS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubhadevi Balu
- Department of Biotechnology, BIT-Campus, Anna University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Noda T, Ikawa M. Physiological function of seminal vesicle secretions on male fecundity. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:241-246. [PMID: 31312102 PMCID: PMC6613004 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A mixture of spermatozoa and accessory gland secretions (from seminal vesicles, prostates, and coagulating glands) is ejaculated into the female reproductive tract at copulation. However, the physiological function of accessory glands on male fecundity remains unclear. METHODS Publications regarding the physiological functions of male accessory glands were summarized. MAIN FINDINGS RESULTS The functions of accessory glands have been studied using male rodents surgically removed coagulating glands (CG), prostates (PR), or seminal vesicles (SV). CG-removed males are fertile or subfertile, while the fecundity of PR-removed males is controversial. SV-removed males show copulatory plug defects, leading to fewer sperm in the uterus and severe subfertility. TGM4, SVS2, and PATE4 were identified as essential factors for copulatory plug formation. When the sufficient number of epididymal spermatozoa was artificially injected into a uterus (AI method), they could efficiently fertilize oocytes, implicating that accessory gland secretions are not essential. Seminal vesicle secretions (SVSs) improved fertilization rates only when low numbers of spermatozoa were used for AI. The changes of uterine environment by SVSs could not improve the pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION Accessory gland factors are critical for copulatory plug formation and support sperm fertilizing ability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoMinato‐kuJapan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Parga JA, Nansen SC. Heteropaternity of twins in ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 169:270-278. [PMID: 30951607 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This project investigated paternity among 14 sets of twins born into a colony of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) on St. Catherines Island, GA. Female L. catta commonly mate with >1 male, and twins of different sexes confirm that dizygotic twinning can occur in this species. However, no study has previously evaluated twins using genetic data to measure the proportion of mono versus dizygotic twinning in L. catta, and no study has tested for heteropaternity (sirehood by two different males) in this species. We predicted that L. catta would show a predominance of dizygosity and evidence for heteropaternity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Paternity was determined for 28 infants (14 sets of twins) via paternity exclusion analyses using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers, and data were collected on sexual behavior across four mating seasons during the first cycle of mating in each year, which overlapped with the conceptive periods of these infants. RESULTS All twins were found to be dizygotic, as evidenced by dissimilar multilocus genotypes between the two infants of each twin pair. Heteropaternity was found in 3 of 14 (21% of) twin pairs, whereas the remaining 11 pairs of twins (79%) shared the same sire. In one case of heteropaternity, one sire was a resident male, and one sire was an extra-group male. An extra-group male also sired one of the same-sire twin pairs. All other sires of twins were group residents. DISCUSSION Female multiple mating, which is common to many primates including L. catta, can be viewed as an adaptive reproductive strategy whose function-in addition to fertility assurance or stimulating sperm competition-may be to increase the genetic diversity of a female's offspring, even among infants born in the same birth event. Therefore, during the course of primate evolution, the adaptive benefits of heteropaternity would be expected to have contributed to positive selection for female promiscuity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce A Parga
- Department of Anthropology, California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shira C Nansen
- Department of Anthropology, California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Are baculum size and allometry a response to post-copulatory sexual selection in promiscuous males of the house mouse? ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-019-00436-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
25
|
Sun H, Kaartinen MT. Transglutaminases in Monocytes and Macrophages. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 6:medsci6040115. [PMID: 30545030 PMCID: PMC6313455 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6040115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages are key players in various inflammatory disorders and pathological conditions via phagocytosis and orchestrating immune responses. They are highly heterogeneous in terms of their phenotypes and functions by adaptation to different organs and tissue environments. Upon damage or infection, monocytes are rapidly recruited to tissues and differentiate into macrophages. Transglutaminases (TGs) are a family of structurally and functionally related enzymes with Ca2+-dependent transamidation and deamidation activity. Numerous studies have shown that TGs, particularly TG2 and Factor XIII-A, are extensively involved in monocyte- and macrophage-mediated physiological and pathological processes. In the present review, we outline the current knowledge of the role of TGs in the adhesion and extravasation of monocytes, the expression of TGs during macrophage differentiation, and the regulation of TG2 expression by various pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators in macrophages. Furthermore, we summarize the role of TGs in macrophage phagocytosis and the understanding of the mechanisms involved. Finally, we review the roles of TGs in tissue-specific macrophages, including monocytes/macrophages in vasculature, alveolar and interstitial macrophages in lung, microglia and infiltrated monocytes/macrophages in central nervous system, and osteoclasts in bone. Based on the studies in this review, we conclude that monocyte- and macrophage-derived TGs are involved in inflammatory processes in these organs. However, more in vivo studies and clinical studies during different stages of these processes are required to determine the accurate roles of TGs, their substrates, and the mechanisms-of-action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Sun
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada.
| | - Mari T Kaartinen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Martucciello S, Paolella G, Esposito C, Lepretti M, Caputo I. Anti-type 2 transglutaminase antibodies as modulators of type 2 transglutaminase functions: a possible pathological role in celiac disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:4107-4124. [PMID: 30136165 PMCID: PMC11105699 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2902-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Auto-antibodies to the ubiquitous enzyme type-2 transglutaminase (TG2) are a specific hallmark of celiac disease (CD), a widely diffused, multi-factorial disease, affecting genetically predisposed subjects. In CD an inflammatory response, at the intestinal level, is triggered by diet consumption of gluten-containing cereals. Intestinal mucosa displays various degrees of atrophy and hyperplasia, with consequent global intestinal dysfunction and other relevant extra-intestinal symptoms. Through deamidation of specific glutamines of gluten-derived gliadin peptides, TG2 strongly enhances gliadin immunogenicity. In addition, TG2 cross-linking activity may generate complexes between TG2 itself and gliadin peptides, and these complexes seem to cause the auto-immune response by means of an apten-carrier-like mechanism of antigen presentation. Anti-TG2 antibodies can be early detected in the intestinal mucosa of celiac patients and are also abundantly present into the serum, thus potentially reaching other organs and tissues by blood circulation. Recently, the possible pathogenetic role of auto-antibodies to TG2 in CD has been investigated. Here, we report an overview about the genesis of these antibodies, their specificity, their modulating ability toward TG2 enzymatic or non-enzymatic activities and their biological effects exerted by interacting with extracellular TG2 or with cell-surface TG2. We also discuss the auto-immune response occurring in CD against other TG members (i.e. type 3 and type 6) and analyze the occurrence of anti-TG2 antibodies in other auto-immune CD-related diseases. Data now available let us to suppose that, even if antibodies to TG2 do not represent the triggering molecules in CD, they could be important players in disease progression and manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Martucciello
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Gaetana Paolella
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Carla Esposito
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
- Interuniversity Centre "European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food-Induced Diseases" (ELFID), University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Marilena Lepretti
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Ivana Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy.
- Interuniversity Centre "European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food-Induced Diseases" (ELFID), University of Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bogle OA, Carrasco RA, Ratto MH, Singh J, Adams GP. Source and localization of ovulation-inducing factor/nerve growth factor in male reproductive tissues among mammalian species†. Biol Reprod 2018; 99:1194-1204. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Orleigh A Bogle
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Rodrigo A Carrasco
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Marcelo H Ratto
- Department of Animal Science, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Jaswant Singh
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Gregg P Adams
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Quantitative evolutionary proteomics of seminal fluid from primates with different mating systems. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:488. [PMID: 29929489 PMCID: PMC6014011 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4872-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic data from various organisms have been used to study how sexual selection has shaped genetic diversity in reproductive proteins, and in particular, to elucidate how mating systems may have influenced evolution at the molecular and phenotypic levels. However, large-scale proteomic data including protein identifications and abundances are only now entering the field of evolutionary and comparative genomics. Variation in both protein sequence and expression level may play important roles in the evolution of sexual traits and behaviors. RESULTS Here, we broadly analyze the components of seminal fluid from primates with diverse mating systems ranging from monogamous to polygynous, and include genomics, proteomics, phylogenetic and quantitative characters into our framework. Our analyses show that seminal fluid proteins are undergoing rapid evolution and some of these quickly evolving proteins may be influenced by sexual selection. Through evolutionary analyses and protein abundance differences, we identified 84 genes whose evolutionary rates or expression levels were correlated with mating system and other sexual characters. We found that many proteins differ in abundance between monogamous and polygynous primate mating systems. Many of these proteins are enriched in the copulatory plug pathway, which suggests that post-zygotic selective barriers are important regardless of mating system type. CONCLUSIONS This work is the first to comprehensively compare seminal fluid proteins between human and non-human primates using high-throughput proteomics. Our findings highlight the impact of mating system variation on seminal fluid protein evolution and abundance.
Collapse
|
29
|
Heykants M, Scherb H, Michel G, Mahabir E. Influence of polygamous versus monogamous mating on embryo production in four different strains of mice after superovulatory treatment. Theriogenology 2018; 114:85-94. [PMID: 29602136 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We determined the effect of monogamous or polygamous mating with 2 females on vaginal plug (VP) rate, embryo donors (ED), 2-cell embryo production, and male performance after superovulation of females aging 24d or 45-48d. C57BL/6NCrl (B6N), BALB/cAnCrl (BALB/cN), FVB/NCrl (FVB/N), and Crl:CD1(ICR) (CD-1) females received 5 IU eCG and 5 IU hCG (24d) or 7.5 IU eCG and 7.5 IU hCG (45-48d) 48 h apart. After the hCG injection, females were paired with males, which alternated weekly in monogamous or polygamous mating. Significant differences in the percentage of VP-positive females between monogamous and polygamous mating were observed for B6N (71% vs. 49%), FVB/N (77% vs. 51%), and CD-1 (90% vs. 67%) at 45-48d. BALB/cN and CD-1 showed higher VP rates than B6N and FVB/N. A significantly higher percentage of ED was found for monogamous than for polygamous mating for FVB/N (87% vs. 61%) at 24d and for B6N (91% vs. 53%) and CD-1 (90% vs. 68%) at 45-48d. In all strains of mice and in both age groups, no significant differences were observed in the number of intact 2-cells per VP-positive female, ED or treated female between monogamous and polygamous mating except in the B6N strain where monogamous mating resulted in a significantly higher number of intact 2-cell embryos per treated female than polygamous mating at both ages. The present results imply that polygamous mating can be implemented for 2-cell embryo production in all strains studied except for B6N when all females are euthanized. However, when only VP+ females are sacrificed polygamous mating can be employed for all 4 strains studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malte Heykants
- Comparative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne (CMMC), Robert-Koch-Straße 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hagen Scherb
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Geert Michel
- FEM, Transgenic Technologies Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Esther Mahabir
- Comparative Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne (CMMC), Robert-Koch-Straße 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Garrels W, Wedekind D, Wittur I, Freischmidt U, Korthaus D, Rülicke T, Dorsch M. Direct comparison of vasectomized males and genetically sterile Gapdhs knockout males for the induction of pseudopregnancy in mice. Lab Anim 2017; 52:365-372. [PMID: 29277131 DOI: 10.1177/0023677217748282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The laboratory mouse is the most used animal model in biomedical research. Several artificial reproductive techniques, such as revitalization of cryopreserved strains, rederivation after hygienic contaminations and the production of transgenic mouse models, require the transfer of preimplantation embryos to surrogate mothers. Pseudopregnancy is essential in recipient females and is induced by mating with sterile males. Commonly, surgically vasectomized males are used for this purpose. As an alternative, genetically modified mouse strains have been identified, in which homozygous infertile males are sexually active. Here, we investigated the suitability of genetically infertile Gapdhstm1Dao males under routine laboratory conditions with respect to plug rates, pregnancy rates and frequency of born offspring after embryo transfer. Our results showed no significant differences for these aspects between Gapdhstm1Dao and vasectomized CD2F1 males. In addition, we evaluated the efforts to obtain a defined number of sterile males either by breeding of sterile mutants or surgical vasectomy, and addressed the impact of both options on animal welfare. In conclusion, infertile males of the Gapdhstm1Dao line are a reliable alternative to vasectomized males for the induction of pseudopregnancy, and can contribute to the refinement of the procedure by avoiding surgical interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Garrels
- 1 Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Dirk Wedekind
- 1 Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Isabell Wittur
- 1 Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Ulrike Freischmidt
- 1 Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Dirk Korthaus
- 2 Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- 2 Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Dorsch
- 1 Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lee SJ, Lee KB, Son YH, Shin J, Lee JH, Kim HJ, Hong AY, Bae HW, Kwon MA, Lee WJ, Kim JH, Lee DH, Jeong EM, Kim IG. Transglutaminase 2 mediates UV-induced skin inflammation by enhancing inflammatory cytokine production. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e3148. [PMID: 29072680 PMCID: PMC5680918 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
UV irradiation elicits acute inflammation in the skin by increasing proinflammatory cytokine production in keratinocytes. However, the downstream protein target(s) that link UV radiation to the activation of signaling pathways responsible for cytokine expression have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we report a novel role of transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a member of the TG enzyme family whose activities are critical for cornified envelope formation, in mediating UV-induced inflammation. Our results showed that TG2-deficient mice exhibited reduced inflammatory responses to UV irradiation, including reduced erythema, edema, dilation of blood vessels, inflammatory cell infiltration, and levels of inflammatory cytokines. Using primary mouse keratinocytes and HaCaT cells, we found that UV irradiation-induced cytokine production by activating TG2, but not by upregulating TG2 expression, and that ER calcium release triggered by the UV-induced activation of phospholipase C was required for TG2 activation. Moreover, TG2 activity enhanced p65 phosphorylation, leading to an increase in NF-κB transcriptional activity. These results indicate that TG2 is a critical mediator of cytokine expression in the UV-induced inflammatory response of keratinocytes, and suggest that TG2 inhibition might be useful for preventing UV-related skin disorders, such as photoaging and skin cancer caused by chronic UV exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seok-Jin Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Baek Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Son
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwoong Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Haeng Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Young Hong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Won Bae
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee-Ae Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Jong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Cheongju University College of Health Science, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hun Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui Man Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Gyu Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pathogenic and Protective Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal Dystrophy (APECED). Antibodies (Basel) 2017; 6:antib6010001. [PMID: 31548517 PMCID: PMC6698825 DOI: 10.3390/antib6010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, leading to defects in T cell selection. The disease manifestations include both autoimmune tissue destruction and immunodeficiency, with specific susceptibility to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. Studies have demonstrated a wide repertoire of high affinity tissue- and cytokine-specific antibodies in patients with APECED. Here, we review the antigenic targets and function of these disease-causing and disease-ameliorating antibodies.
Collapse
|
33
|
Borziak K, Álvarez-Fernández A, L Karr T, Pizzari T, Dorus S. The Seminal fluid proteome of the polyandrous Red junglefowl offers insights into the molecular basis of fertility, reproductive ageing and domestication. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35864. [PMID: 27804984 PMCID: PMC5090203 DOI: 10.1038/srep35864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are emerging as fundamental contributors to sexual selection given their role in post-mating reproductive events, particularly in polyandrous species where the ejaculates of different males compete for fertilisation. SFP identification however remains taxonomically limited and little is known about avian SFPs, despite extensive work on sexual selection in birds. We characterize the SF proteome of the polyandrous Red junglefowl, Gallus gallus, the wild species that gave rise to the domestic chicken. We identify 1,141 SFPs, including proteins involved in immunity and antimicrobial defences, sperm maturation, and fertilisation, revealing a functionally complex SF proteome. This includes a predominant contribution of blood plasma proteins that is conserved with human SF. By comparing the proteome of young and old males with fast or slow sperm velocity in a balanced design, we identify proteins associated with ageing and sperm velocity, and show that old males that retain high sperm velocity have distinct proteome characteristics. SFP comparisons with domestic chickens revealed both qualitative and quantitative differences likely associated with domestication and artificial selection. Collectively, these results shed light onto the functional complexity of avian SF, and provide a platform for molecular studies of fertility, reproductive ageing, and domestication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Borziak
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, US
| | | | - Timothy L Karr
- Drosophila Genetic Resource Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Saga Ippongi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8354, Japan
| | - Tommaso Pizzari
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Steve Dorus
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, US
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Avila FW, Wong A, Sitnik JL, Wolfner MF. Don't pull the plug! the Drosophila mating plug preserves fertility. Fly (Austin) 2016; 9:62-7. [PMID: 26695093 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2015.1120931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mating plugs are hardened structures--typically a coagulation of seminal fluid components--that are transferred to, or formed within, the female reproductive tract of numerous animal species (both mammals and insects). Analysis of the role(s) of the mating plug in reproduction has been conducted in a wide array of diverse species. These structures have been proposed to have a multitude of functions, which include altering female re-mating rate, acting as a barrier to re-mating and being required for sperm storage or sperm movement to occur in mated females. A recent analysis of the Drosophila melanogaster mating plug has shown that proper formation of the structure is required for optimal fertility in flies: the Drosophila mating plug is required to retain the ejaculate within the female reproductive tract once mating has terminated. Here, we discuss the possible implications of the Drosophila mating plug in the fertility of this species in light of these new results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank W Avila
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics ; Cornell University ; Ithaca , NY , USA
| | - Alex Wong
- b Department of Biology ; Carleton University ; Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Jessica L Sitnik
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics ; Cornell University ; Ithaca , NY , USA
| | - Mariana F Wolfner
- a Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics ; Cornell University ; Ithaca , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Iismaa SE. The prostate-specific protein, transglutaminase 4 (TG4), is an autoantigen associated with male subfertility. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 4:S35. [PMID: 27868003 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2016.10.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Siiri E Iismaa
- Division of Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; ; St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Schneider MR, Mangels R, Dean MD. The molecular basis and reproductive function(s) of copulatory plugs. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:755-767. [PMID: 27518218 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In many animals, male ejaculates coagulate to form what has been termed a copulatory plug, a structure that varies in size and shape but often fills and seals the female's reproductive tract. The first published observation of a copulatory plug in a mammal was made more than 160 years ago, and questions about its formation and role in reproduction continue to endear evolutionary and population geneticists, behavioral ecologists, and molecular, reproductive, and developmental biologists alike. Here, we review the current knowledge of copulatory plugs, focusing on rodents and asking two main questions: how is it formed and what does it do? An evolutionary biology perspective helps us understand the latter, potentially leading to insights into the selective regimes that have shaped the diversity of this structure. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 755-767, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Mangels
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matthew D Dean
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mangels R, Tsung K, Kwan K, Dean MD. Copulatory plugs inhibit the reproductive success of rival males. J Evol Biol 2016; 29:2289-2296. [PMID: 27488082 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculated proteins play important roles in reproductive fitness. In many species, seminal fluid coagulates and forms what has been referred to as a copulatory plug in the female's reproductive tract. In mice, previous work demonstrated that knockout males missing a key seminal fluid protein were unable to form a plug and less successful at siring litters in noncompetitive matings (one female, one male), probably the result of reduced sperm transport or insufficient stimulation of the female. Here, we extend these previous studies to competitive matings (one female, two males) and make two key insights. First, when first males were unable to form a plug, they lost almost all paternity to second males to mate. Thus, the copulatory plugs of second males could not rescue the reduced fertility of first males. Second, we showed that the copulatory plug of first males effectively blocked fertilization by second males, even if first males were vasectomized. Taken together, our experiments demonstrated that first males lost almost all paternity if they never formed a plug. We discuss our results in the context of natural populations, where in spite of the strong effects seen here, pregnant female mice regularly carry litters fertilized by more than one male.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Mangels
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Kathleen Tsung
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Kelly Kwan
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Matthew D Dean
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, 1050 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Plakke MS, Deutsch AB, Meslin C, Clark NL, Morehouse NI. Dynamic digestive physiology of a female reproductive organ in a polyandrous butterfly. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 218:1548-55. [PMID: 25994634 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.118323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive traits experience high levels of selection because of their direct ties to fitness, often resulting in rapid adaptive evolution. Much of the work in this area has focused on male reproductive traits. However, a more comprehensive understanding of female reproductive adaptations and their relationship to male characters is crucial to uncover the relative roles of sexual cooperation and conflict in driving co-evolutionary dynamics between the sexes. We focus on the physiology of a complex female reproductive adaptation in butterflies and moths: a stomach-like organ in the female reproductive tract called the bursa copulatrix that digests the male ejaculate (spermatophore). Little is known about how the bursa digests the spermatophore. We characterized bursa proteolytic capacity in relation to female state in the polyandrous butterfly Pieris rapae. We found that the virgin bursa exhibits extremely high levels of proteolytic activity. Furthermore, in virgin females, bursal proteolytic capacity increases with time since eclosion and ambient temperature, but is not sensitive to the pre-mating social environment. Post copulation, bursal proteolytic activity decreases rapidly before rebounding toward the end of a mating cycle, suggesting active female regulation of proteolysis and/or potential quenching of proteolysis by male ejaculate constituents. Using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, we report identities for nine proteases actively transcribed by bursal tissue and/or expressed in the bursal lumen that may contribute to observed bursal proteolysis. We discuss how these dynamic physiological characteristics may function as female adaptations resulting from sexual conflict over female remating rate in this polyandrous butterfly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Plakke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Aaron B Deutsch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Camille Meslin
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Nathan L Clark
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Nathan I Morehouse
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sutter A, Lindholm AK. The copulatory plug delays ejaculation by rival males and affects sperm competition outcome in house mice. J Evol Biol 2016; 29:1617-30. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Sutter
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies; University of Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| | - A. K. Lindholm
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies; University of Zurich; Zurich Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Proteomics of reproductive systems: Towards a molecular understanding of postmating, prezygotic reproductive barriers. J Proteomics 2016; 135:26-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
41
|
|
42
|
Mangels R, Young B, Keeble S, Ardekani R, Meslin C, Ferreira Z, Clark NL, Good JM, Dean MD. Genetic and phenotypic influences on copulatory plug survival in mice. Heredity (Edinb) 2015; 115:496-502. [PMID: 26103947 PMCID: PMC4806896 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2015.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Across a diversity of animals, male seminal fluid coagulates upon ejaculation to form a hardened structure known as a copulatory plug. Previous studies suggest that copulatory plugs evolved as a mechanism for males to impede remating by females, but detailed investigations into the time course over which plugs survive in the female's reproductive tract are lacking. Here, we cross males from eight inbred strains to females from two inbred strains of house mice (Mus musculus domesticus). Plug survival was significantly affected by male genotype. Against intuition, plug survival time was negatively correlated with plug size: long-lasting plugs were small and relatively more susceptible to proteolysis. Plug size was associated with divergence in major protein composition of seminal vesicle fluid, suggesting that changes in gene expression may play an important role in plug dynamics. In contrast, we found no correlation to genetic variation in the protein-coding regions of five genes thought to be important in copulatory plug formation (Tgm4, Svs1, Svs2, Svs4 and Svs5). Our study demonstrates a complex relationship between copulatory plug characteristics and survival. We discuss several models to explain unexpected variation in plug phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Mangels
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - B Young
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - S Keeble
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - R Ardekani
- Translational Imaging Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - C Meslin
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Z Ferreira
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - N L Clark
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J M Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - M D Dean
- Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Winuthayanon W, Bernhardt ML, Padilla-Banks E, Myers PH, Edin ML, Lih FB, Hewitt SC, Korach KS, Williams CJ. Oviductal estrogen receptor α signaling prevents protease-mediated embryo death. eLife 2015; 4:e10453. [PMID: 26623518 PMCID: PMC4718728 DOI: 10.7554/elife.10453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of uterine endometrial receptivity for implantation is orchestrated by cyclic steroid hormone-mediated signals. It is unknown if these signals are necessary for oviduct function in supporting fertilization and preimplantation development. Here we show that conditional knockout (cKO) mice lacking estrogen receptor α (ERα) in oviduct and uterine epithelial cells have impaired fertilization due to a dramatic reduction in sperm migration. In addition, all successfully fertilized eggs die before the 2-cell stage due to persistence of secreted innate immune mediators including proteases. Elevated protease activity in cKO oviducts causes premature degradation of the zona pellucida and embryo lysis, and wild-type embryos transferred into cKO oviducts fail to develop normally unless rescued by concomitant transfer of protease inhibitors. Thus, suppression of oviductal protease activity mediated by estrogen-epithelial ERα signaling is required for fertilization and preimplantation embryo development. These findings have implications for human infertility and post-coital contraception. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10453.001 In female mammals, eggs made in the ovaries travel to the uterus via tubes called oviducts (or Fallopian tubes). If sperm fertilize these eggs on the way, they complete this journey as early embryos and then implant into the wall of the uterus. As sperm and then newly fertilized embryos travel down these tubes, they encounter fluid inside the oviduct, which is generated by the cells that line the tube. The hormonal changes that occur with the menstrual cycle alter the complexity and cellular composition of the uterus. When an egg is fertilized, further changes in the levels of the hormones, estrogen and progesterone, ensure the uterus becomes receptive to the embryo. However, it remains unknown whether such hormone-mediated signals also regulate the oviduct to support fertilization and early embryo development. To investigate this question, Winuthayanon et al. studied female mice that lack an important estrogen receptor in the cells that line their oviducts and uterus. These mice are infertile. This is partly because most sperm become stuck in the uterus and fail to reach the eggs in the oviduct in order to fertilize them. The oviduct also becomes a hostile environment for both eggs and embryos, as reflected in damaged eggs and the complete loss of all new embryos by two days after fertilization. These embryos die, not because their development fails, but because their outer membrane becomes damaged and breaks apart. Winuthayanon et al. showed that this is due to the persistence of enzymes that form part of the immune system inside the oviduct. These enzymes can degrade proteins and damage cell membranes. The presence of this estrogen receptor on the inner lining of the oviduct thus appears to be crucially important for reproduction (these effects were not seen when it is removed from other cells of the oviduct). The loss of this receptor also reveals the vital role that estrogen plays in suppressing parts of the immune response to ensure the oviduct provides a supportive environment for fertilization and embryo development. These findings could also have future application in the development of new contraceptives and might also shed light on the causes of human infertility. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.10453.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wipawee Winuthayanon
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, United States.,School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, United States
| | - Miranda L Bernhardt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, United States
| | - Elizabeth Padilla-Banks
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, United States
| | - Page H Myers
- Comparative Medicine Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, United States
| | - Matthew L Edin
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, United States
| | - Fred B Lih
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, USA
| | - Sylvia C Hewitt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, United States
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, United States
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ramm SA, Edward DA, Claydon AJ, Hammond DE, Brownridge P, Hurst JL, Beynon RJ, Stockley P. Sperm competition risk drives plasticity in seminal fluid composition. BMC Biol 2015; 13:87. [PMID: 26507392 PMCID: PMC4624372 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-015-0197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ejaculates contain a diverse mixture of sperm and seminal fluid proteins, the combination of which is crucial to male reproductive success under competitive conditions. Males should therefore tailor the production of different ejaculate components according to their social environment, with particular sensitivity to cues of sperm competition risk (i.e. how likely it is that females will mate promiscuously). Here we test this hypothesis using an established vertebrate model system, the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus), combining experimental data with a quantitative proteomics analysis of seminal fluid composition. Our study tests for the first time how both sperm and seminal fluid components of the ejaculate are tailored to the social environment. Results Our quantitative proteomics analysis reveals that the relative production of different proteins found in seminal fluid – i.e. seminal fluid proteome composition – differs significantly according to cues of sperm competition risk. Using a conservative analytical approach to identify differential expression of individual seminal fluid components, at least seven of 31 secreted seminal fluid proteins examined showed consistent differences in relative abundance under high versus low sperm competition conditions. Notably three important proteins with potential roles in sperm competition – SVS 6, SVS 5 and CEACAM 10 – were more abundant in the high competition treatment groups. Total investment in both sperm and seminal fluid production also increased with cues of heightened sperm competition risk in the social environment. By contrast, relative investment in different ejaculate components was unaffected by cues of mating opportunities. Conclusions Our study reveals significant plasticity in different ejaculate components, with the production of both sperm and non-sperm fractions of the ejaculate strongly influenced by the social environment. Sperm competition risk is thus shown to be a key factor in male ejaculate production decisions, including driving plasticity in seminal fluid composition. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-015-0197-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Ramm
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK. .,Evolutionary Biology, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Dominic A Edward
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - Amy J Claydon
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK. .,Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Dean E Hammond
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Philip Brownridge
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Jane L Hurst
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - Robert J Beynon
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Paula Stockley
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Rubinstein CD, Wolfner MF. Reproductive hacking. A male seminal protein acts through intact reproductive pathways in female Drosophila. Fly (Austin) 2015; 8:80-5. [PMID: 25483253 DOI: 10.4161/fly.28396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal proteins are critical for reproductive success in all animals that have been studied. Although seminal proteins have been identified in many taxa, and female reproductive responses to receipt of these proteins have been documented in several, little is understood about the mechanisms by which seminal proteins affect female reproductive physiology. To explore this topic, we investigated how a Drosophila seminal protein, ovulin, increases ovulation rate in mated females. Ovulation is a relatively simple physiological process, with known female regulators: previous studies have shown that ovulation rate is promoted by the neuromodulator octopamine (OA) in D. melanogaster and other insects. We found that ovulin stimulates ovulation by increasing OA signaling in the female. This finding supports a model in which a male seminal protein acts through "hacking" a well-conserved, regulatory system females use to adjust reproductive output, rather than acting downstream of female mechanisms of control or in parallel pathways altogether. We also discuss similarities between 2 forms of intersexual control of behavior through chemical communication: seminal proteins and pheromones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Dustin Rubinstein
- a Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology; University of Wisconsin; Madison, WI USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Uren Webster TM, Shears JA, Moore K, Santos EM. Identification of conserved hepatic transcriptomic responses to 17β-estradiol using high-throughput sequencing in brown trout. Physiol Genomics 2015; 47:420-31. [PMID: 26082144 PMCID: PMC4556936 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00123.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogenic chemicals are major contaminants of surface waters and can threaten the sustainability of natural fish populations. Characterization of the global molecular mechanisms of toxicity of environmental contaminants has been conducted primarily in model species rather than species with limited existing transcriptomic or genomic sequence information. We aimed to investigate the global mechanisms of toxicity of an endocrine disrupting chemical of environmental concern [17β-estradiol (E2)] using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) in an environmentally relevant species, brown trout (Salmo trutta). We exposed mature males to measured concentrations of 1.94, 18.06, and 34.38 ng E2/l for 4 days and sequenced three individual liver samples per treatment using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Exposure to 34.4 ng E2/L resulted in 2,113 differentially regulated transcripts (FDR < 0.05). Functional analysis revealed upregulation of processes associated with vitellogenesis, including lipid metabolism, cellular proliferation, and ribosome biogenesis, together with a downregulation of carbohydrate metabolism. Using real-time quantitative PCR, we validated the expression of eight target genes and identified significant differences in the regulation of several known estrogen-responsive transcripts in fish exposed to the lower treatment concentrations (including esr1 and zp2.5). We successfully used RNA-Seq to identify highly conserved responses to estrogen and also identified some estrogen-responsive transcripts that have been less well characterized, including nots and tgm2l. These results demonstrate the potential application of RNA-Seq as a valuable tool for assessing mechanistic effects of pollutants in ecologically relevant species for which little genomic information is available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamsyn M Uren Webster
- Biosciences, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Janice A Shears
- Biosciences, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Moore
- Biosciences, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Eduarda M Santos
- Biosciences, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sutter A, Simmons LW, Lindholm AK, Firman RC. Function of copulatory plugs in house mice: mating behavior and paternity outcomes of rival males. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
|
48
|
Landegren N, Sharon D, Shum AK, Khan IS, Fasano KJ, Hallgren Å, Kampf C, Freyhult E, Ardesjö-Lundgren B, Alimohammadi M, Rathsman S, Ludvigsson JF, Lundh D, Motrich R, Rivero V, Fong L, Giwercman A, Gustafsson J, Perheentupa J, Husebye ES, Anderson MS, Snyder M, Kämpe O. Transglutaminase 4 as a prostate autoantigen in male subfertility. Sci Transl Med 2015; 7:292ra101. [PMID: 26084804 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaa9186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1), a monogenic disorder caused by AIRE gene mutations, features multiple autoimmune disease components. Infertility is common in both males and females with APS1. Although female infertility can be explained by autoimmune ovarian failure, the mechanisms underlying male infertility have remained poorly understood. We performed a proteome-wide autoantibody screen in APS1 patient sera to assess the autoimmune response against the male reproductive organs. By screening human protein arrays with male and female patient sera and by selecting for gender-imbalanced autoantibody signals, we identified transglutaminase 4 (TGM4) as a male-specific autoantigen. Notably, TGM4 is a prostatic secretory molecule with critical role in male reproduction. TGM4 autoantibodies were detected in most of the adult male APS1 patients but were absent in all the young males. Consecutive serum samples further revealed that TGM4 autoantibodies first presented during pubertal age and subsequent to prostate maturation. We assessed the animal model for APS1, the Aire-deficient mouse, and found spontaneous development of TGM4 autoantibodies specifically in males. Aire-deficient mice failed to present TGM4 in the thymus, consistent with a defect in central tolerance for TGM4. In the mouse, we further link TGM4 immunity with a destructive prostatitis and compromised secretion of TGM4. Collectively, our findings in APS1 patients and Aire-deficient mice reveal prostate autoimmunity as a major manifestation of APS1 with potential role in male subfertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Landegren
- Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE 171 76, Sweden. Department of Medical Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE 751 85, Sweden.
| | - Donald Sharon
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford 94305, CA, USA. Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Anthony K Shum
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Imran S Khan
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kayla J Fasano
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Åsa Hallgren
- Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE 171 76, Sweden. Department of Medical Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE 751 85, Sweden
| | - Caroline Kampf
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE 751 85, Sweden
| | - Eva Freyhult
- Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Bioinformatics Infrastructure for Life Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE 751 85, Sweden
| | - Brita Ardesjö-Lundgren
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala SE 750 07, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alimohammadi
- Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE 171 76, Sweden. Department of Medical Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE 751 85, Sweden. Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE 751 85, Sweden
| | - Sandra Rathsman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Microbiology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro SE 701 85, Sweden
| | - Jonas F Ludvigsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE 171 76, Sweden
| | - Dan Lundh
- School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Skövde SE 541 28, Sweden
| | - Ruben Motrich
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Virginia Rivero
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Lawrence Fong
- University of California San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Molecular Reproduction Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö SE 205 02, Sweden
| | - Jan Gustafsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE 751 85, Sweden
| | - Jaakko Perheentupa
- The Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Eystein S Husebye
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, and Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michael Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford 94305, CA, USA
| | - Olle Kämpe
- Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE 171 76, Sweden. Department of Medical Sciences, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE 751 85, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Retention of Ejaculate by Drosophila melanogaster Females Requires the Male-Derived Mating Plug Protein PEBme. Genetics 2015; 200:1171-9. [PMID: 26058847 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.115.176669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the mated reproductive tracts of females of many taxa, seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) coagulate into a structure known as the mating plug (MP). MPs have diverse roles, including preventing female remating, altering female receptivity postmating, and being necessary for mated females to successfully store sperm. The Drosophila melanogaster MP, which is maintained in the mated female for several hours postmating, is comprised of a posterior MP (PMP) that forms quickly after mating begins and an anterior MP (AMP) that forms later. The PMP is composed of seminal proteins from the ejaculatory bulb (EB) of the male reproductive tract. To examine the role of the PMP protein PEBme in D. melanogaster reproduction, we identified an EB GAL4 driver and used it to target PEBme for RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown. PEBme knockdown in males compromised PMP coagulation in their mates and resulted in a significant reduction in female fertility, adversely affecting postmating uterine conformation, sperm storage, mating refractoriness, egg laying, and progeny generation. These defects resulted from the inability of females to retain the ejaculate in their reproductive tracts after mating. The uncoagulated MP impaired uncoupling by the knockdown male, and when he ultimately uncoupled, the ejaculate was often pulled out of the female. Thus, PEBme and MP coagulation are required for optimal fertility in D. melanogaster. Given the importance of the PMP for fertility, we identified additional MP proteins by mass spectrometry and found fertility functions for two of them. Our results highlight the importance of the MP and the proteins that comprise it in reproduction and suggest that in Drosophila the PMP is required to retain the ejaculate within the female reproductive tract, ensuring the storage of sperm by mated females.
Collapse
|
50
|
Integrated 3D view of postmating responses by the Drosophila melanogaster female reproductive tract, obtained by micro-computed tomography scanning. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:8475-80. [PMID: 26041806 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1505797112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological changes in females during and after mating are triggered by seminal fluid components in conjunction with female-derived molecules. In insects, these changes include increased egg production, storage of sperm, and changes in muscle contraction within the reproductive tract (RT). Such postmating changes have been studied in dissected RT tissues, but understanding their coordination in vivo requires a holistic view of the tissues and their interrelationships. Here, we used high-resolution, multiscale micro-computed tomography (CT) scans to visualize and measure postmating changes in situ in the Drosophila female RT before, during, and after mating. These studies reveal previously unidentified dynamic changes in the conformation of the female RT that occur after mating. Our results also reveal how the reproductive organs temporally shift in concert within the confines of the abdomen. For example, we observed chiral loops in the uterus and in the upper common oviduct that relax and constrict throughout sperm storage and egg movement. We found that specific seminal fluid proteins or female secretions mediate some of the postmating changes in morphology. The morphological movements, in turn, can cause further changes due to the connections among organs. In addition, we observed apparent copulatory damage to the female intima, suggesting a mechanism for entry of seminal proteins, or other exogenous components, into the female's circulatory system. The 3D reconstructions provided by high-resolution micro-CT scans reveal how male and female molecules and anatomy interface to carry out and coordinate mating-dependent changes in the female's reproductive physiology.
Collapse
|