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Felten M, Distler U, von Wiegen N, Łącki M, Behl C, Tenzer S, Stöcker W, Körschgen H. Substrate profiling of the metalloproteinase ovastacin uncovers specific enzyme-substrate interactions and discloses fertilization-relevant substrates. FEBS J 2024; 291:114-131. [PMID: 37690456 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16954] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The metalloproteinase ovastacin is released by the mammalian egg upon fertilization and cleaves a distinct peptide bond in zona pellucida protein 2 (ZP2), a component of the enveloping extracellular matrix. This limited proteolysis causes zona pellucida hardening, abolishes sperm binding, and thereby regulates fertility. Accordingly, this process is tightly controlled by the plasma protein fetuin-B, an endogenous competitive inhibitor. At present, little is known about how the cleavage characteristics of ovastacin differ from closely related proteases. Physiological implications of ovastacin beyond ZP2 cleavage are still obscure. In this study, we employed N-terminal amine isotopic labeling of substrates (N-TAILS) contained in the secretome of mouse embryonic fibroblasts to elucidate the substrate specificity and the precise cleavage site specificity. Furthermore, we were able to unravel the physicochemical properties governing ovastacin-substrate interactions as well as the individual characteristics that distinguish ovastacin from similar proteases, such as meprins and tolloid. Eventually, we identified several substrates whose cleavage could affect mammalian fertilization. Consequently, these substrates indicate newly identified functions of ovastacin in mammalian fertilization beyond zona pellucida hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Felten
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Ute Distler
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Nele von Wiegen
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Mateusz Łącki
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Behl
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
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Wu H, Che J, Zheng W, Cheng D, Gong F, Lu G, Lin G, Dai C. Novel biallelic ASTL variants are associated with polyspermy and female infertility: A successful live birth following ICSI treatment. Gene 2023; 887:147745. [PMID: 37640117 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147745] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization of the egg by the sperm is the first vital stage of embryogenesis. In mammals, only one sperm is incorporated into the oocyte. Polyspermy is a key anomaly of fertilization that is generally lethal to the embryo. To date, only a few causative genes for polyspermy have been reported. In a recent study, a homozygous variant in astacin-like metalloendopeptidase (ASTL), which encodes the ovastacin enzyme that cleaves ZP2 to prevent polyspermy, was found to be associated with female infertility characterized by polyspermy in vitro. Herein, we identified two ASTL variants in a Chinese woman likely responsible for her primary infertility and polyspermy in in vitro fertilization. Both variants were located within the key catalytic domain and predicted to alter hydrogen bonds, potentially impairing protein stability. Moreover, expression and immunoblot analyses in CHO-K1 cells indicated abnormal ovastacin zymogen activation or decreased enzyme stability. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment successfully bypassed the defect in polyspermy blocking and resulted in a live birth. Our study associates ASTL variants with human infertility and further supports the contribution of this gene to blocking polyspermy in humans. Our findings expand the spectrum of ASTL mutations and should facilitate the diagnosis of oocyte-borne polyspermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixia Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jianfang Che
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Dehua Cheng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China; National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China.
| | - Can Dai
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China.
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Zhang YR, Yin TL, Zhou LQ. CRISPR/Cas9 technology: applications in oocytes and early embryos. J Transl Med 2023; 21:746. [PMID: 37875936 PMCID: PMC10594749 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9, a highly versatile genome-editing tool, has garnered significant attention in recent years. Despite the unique characteristics of oocytes and early embryos compared to other cell types, this technology has been increasing used in mammalian reproduction. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the fundamental principles of CRISPR/Cas9-related methodologies and explore their wide-ranging applications in deciphering molecular intricacies during oocyte and early embryo development as well as in addressing associated diseases. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the limitations inherent to these technologies, including the potential for off-target effects, as well as the ethical concerns surrounding the manipulation of human embryos. Thus, a judicious and thoughtful approach is warranted. Regardless of these challenges, CRISPR/Cas9 technology undeniably represents a formidable tool for genome and epigenome manipulation within oocytes and early embryos. Continuous refinements in this field are poised to fortify its future prospects and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ran Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tai-Lang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Jena SR, Mohanty G, Kesari KK, Durairajanayagam D, Samanta L. Editorial: Omics for infertility and contraception: two sides of same coin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1293677. [PMID: 37822867 PMCID: PMC10562682 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1293677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Ranjan Jena
- Redox Biology and Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| | - Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
- Research and Development Cell, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | | | - Luna Samanta
- Redox Biology and Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
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Kang I, Koo M, Yoon H, Park BS, Jun JH, Lee J. Ovastacin: An oolemma protein that cleaves the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:154-159. [PMID: 37643828 PMCID: PMC10477413 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.05981] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Monospermy occurs in the process of normal fertilization where a single sperm fuses with the egg, resulting in the formation of a diploid zygote. During the process of fertilization, the sperm must penetrate the zona pellucida (ZP), the outer layer of the egg, to reach the egg's plasma membrane. Once a sperm binds to the ZP, it undergoes an acrosomal reaction, which involves the release of enzymes from the sperm's acrosome that help it to penetrate the ZP. Ovastacin is one of the enzymes that is involved in breaking down the ZP. Studies have shown that ovastacin is necessary for the breakdown of the ZP and for successful fertilization to occur. However, the activity of ovastacin is tightly regulated to ensure that only one sperm can fertilize the egg. One way in which ovastacin helps to prevent polyspermy (the fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm) is by rapidly degrading the ZP after a sperm has penetrated it. This makes it difficult for additional sperm to penetrate the ZP and fertilize the egg. Ovastacin is also thought to play a role in the block to polyspermy, a mechanism that prevents additional sperm from fusing with the egg's plasma membrane after fertilization has occurred. In summary, the role of ovastacin in monospermic fertilization is to help ensure that only one sperm can fertilize the egg, while preventing polyspermy and ensuring successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoungjoo Koo
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Yoon
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Eulji Medi-Bio Research Institute (EMBRI), Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Suri K, Rajput N, Sharma P, Omble AD, Kulkarni K, Gahlay GK. In silico identification and characterization of the SNPs in the human ASTL gene and their probable role in female infertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1151672. [PMID: 37363721 PMCID: PMC10285486 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1151672] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovastacin (ASTL), a zinc metalloprotease, is released from a fertilized egg during exocytosis of cortical granules which occurs minutes after the sperm and egg fuse. ASTL cleaves ZP2, one of the four primary glycoproteins of human zona pellucida, and this cleavage prevents polyspermy, causes zona pellucida hardening, and also protects the pre-implantation embryo. Any perturbation in the activity of ASTL can thus disturb this process and may lead to infertility without changing the gross morphology of the oocyte. A small amount of ASTL is also released by unfertilized oocytes but its catalytic activity is absent as it is bound by its inhibitor, Fetuin-B (FETUB). Pre-mature release of ASTL when FETUB is absent also causes infertility. To identify and understand the structural and functional effects of deleterious SNPs of ASTL on its interaction with ZP2 and FETUB and hence on fertility, a total of 4,748 SNPs from the dbSNP database were evaluated using a variety of in silico tools. All of the 40 shortlisted nsSNPs were present in the catalytic domain of the protein. Comparison of the wild type with mutants using MutPred2 suggests an alteration in the catalytic activity/zinc binding site in many SNPs. Docking studies show the involvement of hydrophobic interactions and H bonding between ASTL and ZP2 and also between ASTL and FETUB. Four positions in ASTL involved in the hydrophobic interactions (P105 and D200 between ASTL and ZP2; D198 and L278 between ASTL and FETUB) and 5 in H bonding (E75 and R159 between ASTL and ZP2; and K93, R159, and C281 between ASTL and FETUB) have SNP's associated with them validating their importance. Interestingly, a cluster of multiple SNPs was found in the motif 198DRD200, which is also a well-conserved region among several species. Statistical Coupling Analysis (SCA) suggested that the deleterious SNPs were present in the functionally important amino acid positions of ASTL and are evolutionarily coupled. Thus, these results attempt to identify the regions in ASTL, mutations in which can affect its binding with ZP2 or FETUB and cause female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kapali Suri
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Neha Rajput
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Priya Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Aishwarya D. Omble
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
| | - Kiran Kulkarni
- Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
| | - Gagandeep K. Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
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Zhu Y, Ye J, Qin P, Yan X, Gong X, Li X, Liu Y, Li Y, Yu T, Zhang Y, Ling Y, Wang J, Cao H, Fang F. Analysis of serum reproductive hormones and ovarian genes in pubertal female goats. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:69. [PMID: 37024956 PMCID: PMC10080748 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01150-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age at puberty is an important factor affecting goat fertility, with endocrine and genetic factors playing a crucial role in the onset of puberty. To better understand the relationship between endocrine and genetic factors and mechanisms underlying puberty onset in goats, reproductive hormone levels were analyzed by ELISA and ultraperformance liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring-multistage/mass spectrometry and RNA sequencing was performed to analyze ovarian genes. RESULTS Serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, cortisone, and cortisol levels were found to be higher but progesterone were lower in pubertal goats as compared to those in prepubertal goats (P < 0.05). A total of 18,139 genes were identified in cDNA libraries, and 75 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (|log2 fold change|≥ 1, P ≤ 0.05), of which 32 were significantly up- and 43 were down-regulated in pubertal goats. Gene ontology enrichment analyses indicated that DEGs were mainly involved in "metabolic process," "signaling," "reproduction," and "growth." Further, DEGs were significantly enriched in 91 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, including estrogen signaling pathway, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and cAMP signaling pathway. Bioinformatics analysis showed that PRLR and THBS1 were highly expressed in pubertal ovaries, and ZP3, ZP4, and ASTL showed low expression, suggesting their involvement in follicular development and lutealization. CONCLUSIONS To summarize, serum hormone changes and ovarian DEGs expression were investigated in our study. Further studies are warranted to comprehensively explore the functions of DEGs in goat puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Zhu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Ping Qin
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xu Yan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xinbao Gong
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xiaoqian Li
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yunsheng Li
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Juhua Wang
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Hongguo Cao
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Fugui Fang
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
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Wang R, Chen J, Cui Z, Li Y, Gao Q, Miao Y, Wang H, Xiong B. Exposure to diisononyl phthalate deteriorates the quality of porcine oocytes by inducing the apoptosis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 254:114768. [PMID: 36917878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Diisononyl phthalate (DINP), a mixture of chemical compounds composed of diverse isononyl esters of phthalic acid, is commonly applied as a plasticizer to substitute for di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). It has been demonstrated that DINP exposure impairs the functions of kidney and liver in animals. However, the effects and potential mechanisms of DINP exposure on the female reproduction, especially the oocyte quality are still poorly understood. Here, we discovered that DINP exposure weakened the porcine oocyte meiotic competency (78.9% vs 53.6%, P < 0.001) and fertilization ability (78.5% vs 34.1%, P < 0.0001) during in vitro maturation. Specifically, DINP exposure induced the persistent spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activation caused by the disorganized spindle/chromosome apparatus (spindle: 20.0% vs 83.3%, P < 0.001; chromosome: 20.0% vs 80.0%, P < 0.01) to arrest meiotic progression of oocytes at metaphase I stage. In addition, DINP exposure disturbed the dynamics of sperm binding (146.7 vs 58.6, P < 0.0001) and fusion proteins (19.5 vs 11.6, P < 0.0001) in oocytes to compromise their fertilization ability. In particular, transcriptome data uncovered that the action mechanism of DINP on the oocyte maturation was associated with oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis and autophagy pathways. Lastly, we validated that DINP exposure resulted in the mitochondrial dysfunction (27.2 vs 19.8, P < 0.0001) and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS; 8.9 vs 19.9, P < 0.0001) to trigger the occurrence of apoptosis (7.2 vs 13.1, P < 0.0001) and protective autophagy (68.6 vs 139.3, P < 0.01). Altogether, our findings not only testify that DINP has a potentially adverse impact on the mammalian oocyte quality, but also provide a scientific reference regarding how environment pollutants act on the female germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jingyue Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130112, China
| | - Zhaokang Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Institue of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qian Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yilong Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huili Wang
- Institue of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Simulated microgravity reduces quality of ovarian follicles and oocytes by disrupting communications of follicle cells. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36690655 PMCID: PMC9870914 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00248-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian follicles are the fundamental structures that support oocyte development, and communications between oocytes and follicle somatic cells are crucial for oogenesis. However, it is unknown that whether exposure to microgravity influences cellular communications and ovarian follicle development, which might be harmful for female fertility. By 3D culturing of ovarian follicles under simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions in a rotating cell culture system, we found that SMG treatment did not affect the survival or general growth of follicles but decreased the quality of cultured follicles released oocytes. Ultrastructure detections by high-resolution imaging showed that the development of cellular communicating structures, including granulosa cell transzonal projections and oocyte microvilli, were markedly disrupted. These abnormalities caused chaotic polarity of granulosa cells (GCs) and a decrease in oocyte-secreted factors, such as Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF9), which led to decreased quality of oocytes in these follicles. Therefore, the quality of oocytes was dramatically improved by the supplementations of GDF9 and NADPH-oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Together, our results suggest that exposure to simulated microgravity impairs the ultrastructure of ovarian follicles. Such impairment may affect female fertility in space environment.
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Peng Y, Lin Y, Deng K, Shen J, Cui Y, Liu J, Yang X, Diao F. Mutations in PLCZ1 induce male infertility associated with polyspermy and fertilization failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:53-64. [PMID: 36529831 PMCID: PMC9840742 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the genetic causes of polyspermy and total fertilization failure (TFF) in two independent male patients suffering from male infertility. METHODS Immunofluorescence (IF) staining was used to detect the localization of the PLCζ protein in sperm and the maternal pronucleus in the zygote. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from the peripheral blood of patients and their families. The ExAC database was used to identify the frequency of corresponding mutations. The PLCZ1 mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the identified mutations and their possible effects on the protein were assessed using in silico tools and molecular modeling. RESULTS We identified a reported homozygous mutation c.588C > A (p.Cys196Ter) and a compound heterozygous mutation c.2 T > C(p.Met1Thr)/c.590G > A (p.Arg197His) with one novel mutation in PLCZ1. The IF results showed that these multipronuclear zygotes formed as a result of polyspermy. In silico analysis predicted that the mutations result in disease-causing proteins. IF staining revealed that PLCζ is abnormally localized in the sperm samples from the two affected patients. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) successfully rescued polyspermy and TFF and achieved pregnancy in two patients with the PLCZ1 mutation. CONCLUSION We identified a homozygous mutation in PLCZ1 (c.588C > A [p.Cys196Ter]) in a male patient with polyspermy after in vitro fertilization (IVF) as well as a compound heterozygous mutation c.2 T > C(p.Met1Thr)/c.590G > A (p.Arg197His) with one novel mutation in a male patient with fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and we provide evidence that the homozygous mutation can cause polyspermy and the compound heterozygous mutation can cause fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuting Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiandong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Feiyang Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
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11
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Zhang M, Sun L, Zhang Z, Shentu L, Zhang Y, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation restores the meiotic competency and fertilization capacity of porcine oocytes induced by arsenite. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943757. [PMID: 36263016 PMCID: PMC9574060 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenite is known as a well-known endocrine disrupting chemicals, and reported to be associated with an increased incidence of negative health effects, including reproductive disorders and dysfunction of the endocrine system. However, it still lacks of the research regarding the beneficial effects of ALA on arsenite exposed oocytes, and the underlying mechanisms have not been determined. Here, we report that supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a strong antioxidant naturally present in all cells of the humans, is able to restore the declined meiotic competency and fertilization capacity of porcine oocytes induced by arsenite. Notably, ALA recovers the defective nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes caused by arsenite exposure, including the impaired spindle formation and actin polymerization, the defective mitochondrion integrity and cortical granules distribution. Also, ALA recovers the compromised sperm binding ability to maintain the fertilization potential of arsenite-exposed oocytes. Importantly, ALA suppresses the oxidative stress by reducing the levels of ROS and inhibits the occurrence of DNA damage along with apoptosis. Above all, we provide a new perspective for the application of ALA in effectively preventing the declined oocyte quality induced by environmental EDCs.
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Li R, Qu J, Huang D, He Y, Niu J, Qi J. Expression Analysis of ZPB2a and Its Regulatory Role in Sperm-Binding in Viviparous Teleost Black Rockfish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169498. [PMID: 36012756 PMCID: PMC9409380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Black rockfish is a viviparous teleost whose sperm could be stored in the female ovary for five months. We previously proposed that zona pellucida (ZP) proteins of black rockfish play a similar sperm-binding role as in mammals. In this study, SsZPB2a and SsZPB2c were identified as the most similar genes with human ZPA, ZPB1 and ZPB2 by Blastp method. Immunohistochemistry showed that ovary-specific SsZPB2a was initially expressed in the cytoplasm of oocytes at stage III. Then it gradually transferred to the region close to the cell membrane and zona pellucida of oocytes at stage IV. The most obvious protein signal was observed at the zona pellucida region of oocytes at stage V. Furthermore, we found that the recombinant prokaryotic proteins rSsZPB2a and rSsZPB2c could bind with the posterior end of sperm head and rSsZPB2a was able to facilitate the sperm survival in vitro. After knocking down Sszpb2a in ovarian tissues cultivated in vitro, the expressions of sperm-specific genes were down-regulated (p < 0.05). These results illustrated the regulatory role of ZP protein to the sperm in viviparous teleost for the first time, which could advance our understanding about the biological function of ZP proteins in the teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jiangbo Qu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Yan He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Jingjing Niu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Correspondence: (J.N.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jie Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya 572000, China
- Correspondence: (J.N.); (J.Q.)
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13
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Transglutaminase 2 crosslinks zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 to prevent polyspermy. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:1466-1473. [PMID: 35017645 PMCID: PMC9345939 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-00933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Soon after fertilization, the block mechanisms are developed in the zona pellucida (ZP) and plasma membrane of the egg to prevent any additional sperm from binding, penetration, and fusion. However, the molecular basis and underlying mechanism for the post-fertilization block to sperm penetration through ZP has not yet been determined. Here, we find that transglutaminase 2 (Tgm2), an enzyme that catalyzes proteins by the formation of an isopeptide bond within or between polypeptide chains, crosslinks zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) to result in the ZP hardening after fertilization and thus prevents polyspermy. Tgm2 abundantly accumulates in the subcortical region of the oocytes and vanishes upon fertilization. Both inhibition of Tgm2 activity in oocytes by the specific inhibitor in vitro and genetic ablation of Tgm2 in vivo cause the presence of additional sperm in the perivitelline space of fertilized eggs, consequently leading to the polyploid embryos. Biochemically, recombinant Tgm2 binds to and crosslinks ZP3 proteins in vitro, and incubation of oocytes with recombinant Tgm2 protein inhibits the polyspermy. Altogether, our data identify Tgm2 as a participant of zona block to the post-fertilization sperm penetration via hardening ZP surrounding fertilized eggs, extending our current understanding about the molecular basis of block to polyspermy.
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14
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Wang X, Zhao X, Chen Y, Wang Q, Yang H, Xia F. Para-phenylenediamine deteriorates oocyte quality by impairing mitochondrial function. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:1803-1813. [PMID: 35363429 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Several studies demonstrate that para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is often added to permanent oxidative hair dyes. Sub-chronic topical exposure to PPD in male rats damages their testicular function; however, little is known about the effects of PPD exposure on the female reproductive system, especially on oocyte quality. In this study, we found that PPD can affect the meiotic capacity of oocytes and their fertilization potential. In particular, PPD can damage the spindle/chromosome structure and prevent oocytes from developing and maturing normally. Furthermore, PPD exposure compromised the dynamics of cortical granules and their component, ovastacin. In addition to the protein level of Juno, the sperm receptors on the egg membrane, were substantially impaired in PPD-administered oocytes, thus leading to fertilization failure. Finally, we found that PPD exposure resulted in abnormal mitochondrial function, which led to oocyte degeneration, apoptosis, and increased ROS levels. Altogether, our study illustrates that mitochondrial dysfunction and redox perturbation are the major causes of the poor quality of oocytes exposed to PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yannan Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qingxin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
| | - Fei Xia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China
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15
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Song M, Li Y, Zhou Y, Yan J, Zhou X, Gao Q, Miao Y, Xiong B. Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation improves the quality of porcine oocytes under heat stress. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:68. [PMID: 35706001 PMCID: PMC9202089 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elevated ambient temperature-caused heat stress is a major concern for livestock production due to its negative impact on animal feed intake, growth, reproduction, and health. Particularly, the germ cells are extremely sensitive to the heat stress. However, the effective approach and strategy regarding how to protect mammalian oocytes from heat stress-induced defects have not been determined. Methods Germinal vesicle (GV) porcine oocytes were cultured at 41.5 °C for 24 h to induce heat stress, and then cultured at 38.5 °C to the specific developmental stage for subsequent analysis. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) was dissolved in water to 1 mol/L for a stock solution and further diluted with the maturation medium to the final concentrations of 10 μmol/L, 20 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L or 100 μmol/L, respectively, during heat stress. Immunostaining and fluorescence intensity quantification were applied to assess the effects of heat stress and NMN supplementation on the key processes during the oocyte meiotic maturation. Results Here, we report that NMN supplementation improves the quality of porcine oocytes under heat stress. Specifically, we found that heat stress resulted in oocyte maturation failure by disturbing the dynamics of meiotic organelles, including the cytoskeleton assembly, cortical granule distribution and mitochondrial function. In addition, heat stress induced the production of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage, leading to the occurrence of apoptosis in oocytes and subsequent embryonic development arrest. More importantly, we validated that supplementation of NMN during heat stress restored the meiotic defects during porcine oocyte maturation. Conclusions Taken together, our study documents that NMN supplementation is an effective approach to improve the quality of oocytes under heat stress by promoting both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yihang Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiner Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Qian Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yilong Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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16
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Lu Y, Tang H, Xu J, Sun F. Toxic effects of 4-methylimidazole on the maturation and fertilization of mouse oocytes. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 164:113051. [PMID: 35460824 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Individuals of all ages, including children and teenagers, consume 4-methylimidazole (4-MI) in their food. 4-MI is a caramel-colored waste product that has previously been linked to human carcinogenesis and has shown possible signs of reproductive toxicity. This study aimed to determine whether 4-MI is harmful to oocytes during meiosis and fertilization. Female mice were intragastrically administered 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg body weight of 4-MI daily for 10 days. We found that 4-MI affects the quality of oocytes by affecting their meiotic ability and fertility potential. Specifically, 4-MI rendered the meiotic spindles and chromosomes less stable, which halted oocyte maturation and resulted in aneuploidy. 4-MI also slowed the decrease in the levels of cortical granules and their component ovastacin; consequently, sperms could not be bound and fertilization could not occur. We also found that mitochondrial dysfunction was associated with oocytes deterioration. This led to reactive oxygen species accumulation and cell death. Altogether, our findings reveal that the poor condition of oocytes subjected to 4-MI is primarily attributable to mitochondrial malfunction and redox alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Lu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanyu Tang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China.
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Legg MSG, Gagnon SML, Powell CJ, Boulanger MJ, Li AJJ, Evans SV. Monoclonal antibody 7H2.2 binds the C-terminus of the cancer-oocyte antigen SAS1B through the hydrophilic face of a conserved amphipathic helix corresponding to one of only two regions predicted to be ordered. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 78:623-632. [DOI: 10.1107/s2059798322003011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The structure of the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of mouse monoclonal antibody 7H2.2 in complex with a 15-residue fragment from the metalloproteinase sperm acrosomal SLLP1 binding protein (SAS1B), which is a molecular and cellular candidate for both cancer therapy and female contraception, has been determined at 2.75 Å resolution by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Although the crystallization conditions contained the final 148 C-terminal residues of SAS1B, the Fab was observed to crystallize in complex with a 15-residue fragment corresponding to one of only two elements of secondary structure that are predicted to be ordered within the C-terminal region of SAS1B. The antigen forms an amphipathic α-helix that binds the 7H2.2 combining site via hydrophilic residues in an epitope that spans the length of the antigen α-helix, with only two CH–π interactions observed along the edge of the interface between the antibody and antigen. Interestingly, the paratope contains two residues mutated away from the germline (YL32F and YH58R), as well as a ProH96-ThrH97-AspH98-AspH99 insertion within heavy chain CDR3. The intact 7H2.2 antibody exhibits high affinity for the SAS1B antigen, with 1:1 binding and nanomolar affinity for both the SAS1B C-terminal construct used for crystallization (3.38 ± 0.59 nM) and a 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide construct corresponding to the helical antigen observed within the crystal structure (1.60 ± 0.31 nM). The SAS1B–antibody structure provides the first structural insight into any portion of the subdomain architecture of the C-terminal region of the novel cancer-oocyte tumor surface neoantigen SAS1B and provides a basis for the targeted use of SAS1B.
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18
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Dai X, Qiu L, Rashida C, Xu C, Mu Y, Gao Y, Chu Z, Zhao B. 2,4-DCP compromises the fertilization capacity of mouse oocytes. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7605-7611. [PMID: 33928643 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
2,4-DCP (2,4-dichlorophenol) is an environmental estrogen that is ubiquitously distributed in the environment and widely used to produce herbicides and pharmaceutical intermediates. Although 2,4-DCP is suspected to have endocrine disruption, the reproductive toxicity of 2,4-DCP in mammals has not been adequately assessed. In the present study, we examined the effect of 2,4-DCP on the fertility of mouse eggs. The data showed that oral administration of 2,4-DCP (180 mg/kg/day for 7 days) compromises the fertilization rate of mouse oocytes. To further analyze the mechanism by which 2,4-DCP decreases fertilization, the key regulators and events during fertilization of mouse eggs were investigated. We found that the dynamics of cortical granules (CGs) were disrupted by showing the redistribution of CG free domain in 2,4-DCP-administered oocytes. This abnormality perturbed the sperm binding site in the zona pellucida (ZP) and dramatically reduced the number of sperm binding to the ZP of 2,4-DCP-administered oocytes. In addition, the abundance of Juno, a sperm receptor on the egg membrane, was also decreased and its distribution was mislocated in 2,4-DCP-administered oocytes. Finally, we validated that the defects of fertilization participants and events caused by 2,4-DCP might be mediated by the increased level of reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis of oocytes. Therefore, we demonstrate that 2,4-DCP compromises the fertilization ability of mouse oocytes via inducing oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Dai
- Department of Aquaculture, School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijun Qiu
- Department of Aquaculture, School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Churi Rashida
- Department of Aquaculture, School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunying Xu
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Development Center, Zhoushan Municipal Bureau of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Zhoushan People's Government, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Mu
- Department of Aquaculture, School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Aquaculture, School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhangjie Chu
- Department of Aquaculture, School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Aquaculture, School of Fisheries, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
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Maddirevula S, Coskun S, Al-Qahtani M, Aboyousef O, Alhassan S, Aldeery M, Alkuraya FS. ASTL is mutated in female infertility. Hum Genet 2021; 141:49-54. [PMID: 34704130 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Female infertility is a relatively common phenotype with a growing number of single gene causes although these account for only a minority of cases. Here, we report a consanguineous family in which adult females who are homozygous for a truncating variant in ASTL display markedly reduced fertility in a pattern strikingly similar to Astl-/- female mice. ASTL encodes ovastacin, which is known to trigger zona pellucida hardening (ZPH) as part of the cortical reaction upon fertilization. ZPH is required for normal early embryonic development and its absence can be caused by pathogenic variants in other zona pellucida proteins that result in a similar infertility phenotype in humans and mouse. This is the first report of ASTL-related infertility in humans and suggests that the inclusion of ASTL in female infertility gene panels is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sateesh Maddirevula
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Al-Qahtani
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Aboyousef
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alhassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshael Aldeery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Saudi Arabia.
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Shi X, Miao Y, Zhang K, Gong S, Xiong B. Ethylene glycol butyl ether deteriorates oocyte quality via impairing mitochondrial function. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21280. [PMID: 33710673 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002157r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that is commonly used in maquillage, industrial, and household products. EGBE has been shown to cause blood toxicity, carcinogenicity, and organ malformations. However, little is known about the impact of EGBE on the female reproductive system, especially oocyte quality. Here, we reported that EGBE influenced oocyte quality by showing the disturbed oocyte meiotic capacity, fertilization potential, and early embryonic development competency. Specifically, EGBE exposure impaired spindle/chromosome structure, microtubule stability, and actin polymerization to result in the oocyte maturation arrest and aneuploidy. In addition, EGBE exposure compromised the dynamics of cortical granules and their component ovastacin, leading to the failure of sperm binding and fertilization. Last, single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed that EGBE-induced oocyte deterioration was caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, which led to the accumulation of ROS and occurrence of apoptosis. Altogether, our study illustrates that mitochondrial dysfunction and redox perturbation is the major cause of the poor quality of oocytes exposed to EGBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yilong Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kemei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Shuai Gong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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21
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Feng X, Zhang S, Xu X, Li L, Niu S, Bo Y, Wang C, Li Z, Xia G, Zhang H. Oocyte-derived microvilli control female fertility by optimizing ovarian follicle selection in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2523. [PMID: 33953177 PMCID: PMC8100162 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22829-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Crosstalk between oocytes and surrounding somatic cells is crucial for mammalian oogenesis, but the structural mechanisms on oocytes to control female reproduction remain unknown. Here we combine endogenous-fluorescent tracing mouse models with a high-resolution live-cell imaging system to characterize oocyte-derived mushroom-like microvilli (Oo-Mvi), which mediate germ-somatic communication in mice. We perform 3D live-cell imaging to show that Oo-Mvi exhibit cellular characteristics that fit an exocrine function for signaling communication. We find that deletion of the microvilli-forming gene Radixin in oocytes leads to the loss of Oo-Mvi in ovaries, and causes a series of abnormalities in ovarian development, resulting in shortened reproductive lifespan in females. Mechanistically, we find that Oo-Mvi enrich oocyte-secreted factors and control their release, resulting in optimal selection of ovarian follicles. Taken together, our data show that the Oo-Mvi system controls the female reproductive lifespan by governing the fate of follicles. How structural features on oocytes regulate mammalian female reproduction is unclear. Here, the authors provide imaging and physiological evidence (for example on Radixin knockout) to identify oocyte-derived mushroom-like microvilli that control the female reproductive lifespan by governing the fate of follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xie'an Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueqiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shudong Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingnan Bo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
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Dai X, Qiu L, Zhao B, Gao Y, Mu Y, Chu Z, Du L, Xiong B. Melatonin ameliorates the fertilization capacity of oocytes exposed to 17α-ethynylestradiol. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 93:61-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Gao YR, Mei D, He YB, Chen RX, Gao J, Liu HX, Zhang Y, Yu WH, Wang LX. Effects of programmed cell death protein 10 on the Schistosoma japonicum female reproductive system. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105253. [PMID: 31678234 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of programmed cell death protein 10 (PCDP10) on the female reproductive system of Schistosoma japonicum, one of the major infectious agents of schistosomiasis. We found that PCDP10 was widely distributed in the integument, the worm parenchymal area, and the vitellarium of the female worm, but was localized to a lesser extent in the ovary and testicles. RNAi experiments successfully achieved gene knockdown, and the ultrastructural morphology of the adult reproductive organs was observed. The results demonstrated that, compared with those of the negative control group, the number of cortical granules around oocytes decreased and the number of immature oocyte cells increased. Fusion of yolk globules occurred, and the number and the diameter of yolk droplets decreased significantly. Real-time PCR showed that the expression of yolk glands reached its peak before ovulation and then decreased. The TUNEL assay results showed that apoptosis in the RNAi group was significantly higher than that in the negative control group. These results suggested that SjPCDP10 plays an important role in the female reproductive system. In conclusion, PCD10 is involved in oocyte growth and development, especially in eggshell formation, which may provide a reference for further elucidating the molecular mechanism of PCDP10 involved in egg formation and embryo development in Schistosoma japonicum.
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Fahrenkamp E, Algarra B, Jovine L. Mammalian egg coat modifications and the block to polyspermy. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:326-340. [PMID: 32003503 PMCID: PMC7155028 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization by more than one sperm causes polyploidy, a condition that is generally lethal to the embryo in the majority of animal species. To prevent this occurrence, eggs have developed a series of mechanisms that block polyspermy at the level of the plasma membrane or their extracellular coat. In this review, we first introduce the mammalian egg coat, the zona pellucida (ZP), and summarize what is currently known about its composition, structure, and biological functions. We then describe how this specialized extracellular matrix is modified by the contents of cortical granules (CG), secretory organelles that are exocytosed by the egg after gamete fusion. This process releases proteases, glycosidases, lectins and zinc onto the ZP, resulting in a series of changes in the properties of the egg coat that are collectively referred to as hardening. By drawing parallels with comparable modifications of the vitelline envelope of nonmammalian eggs, we discuss how CG‐dependent modifications of the ZP are thought to contribute to the block to polyspermy. Moreover, we argue for the importance of obtaining more information on the architecture of the ZP, as well as systematically investigating the many facets of ZP hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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25
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Abstract
The perpetuation and preservation of distinct species rely on mechanisms that ensure that only interactions between gametes of the same species can give rise to viable and fertile offspring. Species-specificity can act at various stages, ranging from physical/behavioral pre-copulatory mechanisms, to pre-zygotic incompatibility during fertilization, to post-zygotic hybrid incompatibility. Herein, we focus on our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible for species-specificity during fertilization. While still poorly understood, decades of research have led to the discovery of molecules implicated in species-specific gamete interactions, starting from initial sperm-egg attraction to the binding of sperm and egg. While many of these molecules have been described as species-specific in their mode of action, relatively few have been demonstrated as such with definitive evidence. Thus, we also raise remaining questions that need to be addressed in order to characterize gamete interaction molecules as species-specific.
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Bhakta HH, Refai FH, Avella MA. The molecular mechanisms mediating mammalian fertilization. Development 2019; 146:146/15/dev176966. [PMID: 31375552 DOI: 10.1242/dev.176966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a key biological process in which the egg and sperm must recognize one another and fuse to form a zygote. Although the process is a continuum, mammalian fertilization has been studied as a sequence of steps: sperm bind and penetrate through the zona pellucida of the egg, adhere to the egg plasma membrane and finally fuse with the egg. Following fusion, effective blocks to polyspermy ensure monospermic fertilization. Here, we review how recent advances obtained using genetically modified mouse lines bring new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating mammalian fertilization. We discuss models for these processes and we include studies showing that these mechanisms may be conserved across different mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanisha H Bhakta
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Fares H Refai
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Matteo A Avella
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
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27
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Lee J, Lee HC, Kim SY, Cho GJ, Woodruff TK. Poorly-Controlled Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Impairs LH-LHCGR Signaling in the Ovaries and Decreases Female Fertility in Mice. Yonsei Med J 2019; 60:667-678. [PMID: 31250581 PMCID: PMC6597468 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2019.60.7.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate how type I diabetes mellitus (T1D) affects the folliculogenesis and oocyte development, fertilization, and embryo development. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comparative animal study was conducted using two different mouse models of T1D, a genetic AKITA model and a streptozotocin-induced diabetes model. Ovarian function was assessed by gross observation, immunoblot, immunohistochemistry, oocyte counting, and ELISA for serum hormones (insulin, anti-Mullerian hormone, estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone). Maturation and developmental competence of metaphase II oocytes from control and T1D animals was evaluated by immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical detection of biomarkers and in vitro fertilization. RESULTS Animals from both T1D models showed increased blood glucose levels, while only streptozotocin (STZ)-injected mice showed reduced body weight. Folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and preimplantation embryogenesis were impaired in both T1D mouse models. Interestingly, exogenous streptozotocin injection to induce T1D led to marked decreases in ovary size, expression of luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor in the ovaries, the number of corpora lutea per ovary, oocyte maturation, and serum progesterone levels. Both T1D models exhibited significantly reduced pre-implantation embryo quality compared with controls. There was no significant difference in embryo quality between STZ-injected and AKITA diabetic mice. CONCLUSION These results suggest that T1D affects folliculogenesis, oogenesis, and embryo development in mice. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying the observed reproductive effects of diabetes need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - So Youn Kim
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Geum Joon Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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28
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Vogt EJ, Tokuhiro K, Guo M, Dale R, Yang G, Shin SW, Movilla MJ, Shroff H, Dean J. Anchoring cortical granules in the cortex ensures trafficking to the plasma membrane for post-fertilization exocytosis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2271. [PMID: 31118423 PMCID: PMC6531442 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10171-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Following fertilization, cortical granules exocytose ovastacin, a metalloendopeptidase that cleaves ZP2 in the zona pellucida surrounding mouse eggs to prevent additional sperm binding. Using high- and super-resolution imaging with ovastacinmCherry as a fluorescent marker, we characterize cortical granule dynamics at single granule resolution in transgenic mouse eggs. Newly-developed imaging protocols provide an unprecedented view of vesicular dynamics near the plasma membrane in mouse eggs. We discover that cortical granule anchoring in the cortex is dependent on maternal MATER and document that myosin IIA is required for biphasic trafficking to the plasma membrane. We observe local clearance of cortical actin during exocytosis and determine that pharmacologic or genetic disruption of trafficking to the plasma membrane impairs secretion of cortical granules and results in polyspermy. Thus, the regulation of cortical granule dynamics at the cortex-plasma membrane interface is critical for exocytosis and the post-fertilization block to sperm binding that ensures monospermic fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar-John Vogt
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Keizo Tokuhiro
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Department of Genome Editing, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1010, Japan
| | - Min Guo
- Section on High Resolution Optical Imaging, NIBIB, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ryan Dale
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Guanghui Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Seung-Wook Shin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Maria Jimenez Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, University of Murcia, IMIB, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Hari Shroff
- Section on High Resolution Optical Imaging, NIBIB, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jurrien Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Karmilin K, Schmitz C, Kuske M, Körschgen H, Olf M, Meyer K, Hildebrand A, Felten M, Fridrich S, Yiallouros I, Becker-Pauly C, Weiskirchen R, Jahnen-Dechent W, Floehr J, Stöcker W. Mammalian plasma fetuin-B is a selective inhibitor of ovastacin and meprin metalloproteinases. Sci Rep 2019; 9:546. [PMID: 30679641 PMCID: PMC6346019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate fetuins are multi-domain plasma-proteins of the cystatin-superfamily. Human fetuin-A is also known as AHSG, α2-Heremans-Schmid-glycoprotein. Gene-knockout in mice identified fetuin-A as essential for calcified-matrix-metabolism and bone-mineralization. Fetuin-B deficient mice, on the other hand, are female infertile due to zona pellucida ‘hardening’ caused by the metalloproteinase ovastacin in unfertilized oocytes. In wildtype mice fetuin-B inhibits the activity of ovastacin thus maintaining oocytes fertilizable. Here we asked, if fetuins affect further proteases as might be expected from their evolutionary relation to single-domain-cystatins, known as proteinase-inhibitors. We show that fetuin-A is not an inhibitor of any tested protease. In stark contrast, the closely related fetuin-B selectively inhibits astacin-metalloproteinases such as meprins and ovastacin, but not astacins of the tolloid-subfamily, nor any other proteinase. The analysis of fetuin-B expressed in various mammalian cell types, insect cells, and truncated fish-fetuin expressed in bacteria, showed that the cystatin-like domains alone are necessary and sufficient for inhibition. This report highlights fetuin-B as a specific antagonist of ovastacin and meprin-metalloproteinases. Control of ovastacin was shown to be indispensable for female fertility. Meprin inhibition, on the other hand, renders fetuin-B a potential key-player in proteolytic networks controlling angiogenesis, immune-defense, extracellular-matrix-assembly and general cell-signaling, with implications for inflammation, fibrosis, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Karmilin
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Carlo Schmitz
- Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Biointerface Laboratory, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Kuske
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Olf
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Meyer
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - André Hildebrand
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Felten
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sven Fridrich
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Irene Yiallouros
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry RWTH, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Willi Jahnen-Dechent
- Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Biointerface Laboratory, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Floehr
- Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Biointerface Laboratory, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Cell and Matrix Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany.
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30
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Tokuhiro K, Dean J. Glycan-Independent Gamete Recognition Triggers Egg Zinc Sparks and ZP2 Cleavage to Prevent Polyspermy. Dev Cell 2018; 46:627-640.e5. [PMID: 30122633 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The zona pellucida surrounding ovulated eggs regulates monospermic fertilization necessary for successful development. Using mouse transgenesis, we document that the N terminus of ZP2 is sufficient for sperm binding to the zona matrix and for in vivo fertility. Sperm binding is independent of ZP2 glycans and does not occur after complete cleavage of ZP2 by ovastacin, a zinc metalloendopeptidase stored in egg cortical granules. Immediately following fertilization, a rapid block to sperm penetration of the zona pellucida is established that precedes ZP2 cleavage but requires ovastacin enzymatic activity. This block to penetration is associated with release of zinc from cortical granules coincident with exocytosis. High levels of zinc affect forward motility of sperm to prevent their passage through the zona matrix. This transient, post-fertilization block to sperm penetration provides a temporal window to complete the cleavage of ZP2, which prevents sperm binding to ensure monospermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Tokuhiro
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jurrien Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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31
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Körschgen H, Kuske M, Karmilin K, Yiallouros I, Balbach M, Floehr J, Wachten D, Jahnen-Dechent W, Stöcker W. Intracellular activation of ovastacin mediates pre-fertilization hardening of the zona pellucida. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:607-616. [PMID: 28911209 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How and where is pro-ovastacin activated and how does active ovastacin regulate zona pellucida hardening (ZPH) and successful fertilization? STUDY FINDING Ovastacin is partially active before exocytosis and pre-hardens the zona pellucida (ZP) before fertilization. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The metalloproteinase ovastacin is stored in cortical granules, it cleaves zona pellucida protein 2 (ZP2) upon fertilization and thereby destroys the ZP sperm ligand and triggers ZPH. Female mice deficient in the extracellular circulating ovastacin-inhibitor fetuin-B are infertile due to pre-mature ZPH. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS We isolated oocytes from wild-type and ovastacin-deficient (Astlnull) FVB mice before and after fertilization (in vitro and in vivo) and quantified ovastacin activity and cleavage of ZP2 by immunoblot. We assessed ZPH by measuring ZP digestion time using α-chymotrypsin and by determining ZP2 cleavage. We determined cellular distribution of ovastacin by immunofluorescence using domain-specific ovastacin antibodies. Experiments were performed at least in triplicate with a minimum of 20 oocytes. Data were pre-analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test. In case of normal distribution, significance was determined via two-sided Student's t-test, whereas in case of non-normal distribution via Mann-Whitney U-test. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Metaphase II (MII) oocytes contained both inactive pro-ovastacin and activated ovastacin. Immunoblot and ZP digestion assays revealed a partial cleavage of ZP2 even before fertilization in wild-type mice. Partial cleavage coincided with germinal-vesicle breakdown and MII, despite the presence of fetuin-B protein, an endogenous ovastacin inhibitor, in the follicular and oviductal fluid. Upon exocytosis, part of the C-terminal domain of ovastacin remained attached to the plasmalemma, while the N-terminal active ovastacin domain was secreted. This finding may resolve previously conflicting data showing that ovastacin acts both as an oolemmal receptor termed SAS1B (sperm acrosomal SLLP1 binding protein; SLLP, sperm lysozyme like protein) and a secreted protease mediating ZP2 cleavage. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION For this study, only oocytes isolated from wild-type and ovastacin-deficient FVB mice were investigated. Some experiments involved oocyte activation by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 to trigger ZPH. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides a detailed spatial and temporal view of pre-mature cleavage of ZP2 by ovastacin, which is known to adversely affect IVF rate in mice and humans. LARGE SCALE DATA None. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Center of Natural Sciences and Medicine and by a start-up grant of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz to W.S., and by a grant from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and by the START program of the Medical Faculty of RWTH Aachen University to J.F. and W.J.D. There are no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Körschgen
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Kuske
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Konstantin Karmilin
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Irene Yiallouros
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Melanie Balbach
- Max-Planck Research Group Molecular Physiology, Center of Advanced European Studies And Research (CAESAR), 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Floehr
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Max-Planck Research Group Molecular Physiology, Center of Advanced European Studies And Research (CAESAR), 53175 Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Willi Jahnen-Dechent
- Biointerface Laboratory, Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Walter Stöcker
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany
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32
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Miao Y, Zhou C, Cui Z, Zhang M, ShiYang X, Lu Y, Xiong B. Postovulatory aging causes the deterioration of porcine oocytes via induction of oxidative stress. FASEB J 2018; 32:1328-1337. [PMID: 29109171 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700908r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Negative effects of postovulatory aging on fertilization ability and subsequent embryo development have been reported in rodents; however, the molecular and cellular changes during this process have not been fully defined. Here, we used porcine oocytes, a model that is physiologically and developmentally similar to humans, to explore the molecular mechanisms that underlie how postovulatory aging affects oocyte quality and fertilization capacity. We found that postovulatory aging caused the morphologic change of porcine oocytes by exhibiting the incompact expansion of cumulus cells and an increased occurrence of fragmentation. Aging also impaired oocyte quality by disrupting organelle structures, including the spindle assembly, actin polymerization, and mitochondrial integrity. Moreover, postovulatory aging led to the abnormal distribution of cortical granules and ovastacin, which, in turn, resulted in defective sperm binding and consequently compromised fertilization potential. Of note, we observed that postovulatory aging induced oxidative stress with a high level of reactive oxygen species and apoptotic rate in oocytes, thereby resulting in the deterioration of critical factors in the maintenance of oocyte quality and fertilization capacity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that postovulatory aging perturbs a variety of molecular and cellular changes in porcine oocytes by inducing oxidative stress.-Miao, Y., Zhou, C., Cui, Z., Zhang, M., ShiYang, X., Lu, Y., Xiong, B. Postovulatory aging causes the deterioration of porcine oocytes via induction of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changyin Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaokang Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mianqun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiayan ShiYang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yajuan Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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33
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Miao Y, Zhou C, Cui Z, Tang L, ShiYang X, Lu Y, Zhang M, Dai X, Xiong B. Dynein promotes porcine oocyte meiotic progression by maintaining cytoskeletal structures and cortical granule arrangement. Cell Cycle 2017; 16:2139-2145. [PMID: 28933593 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1380133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic dynein is a family of cytoskeletal motor proteins that move towards the minus-end of the microtubules to perform functions in a variety of mitotic processes such as cargo transport, organelle positioning, chromosome movement and centrosome assembly. However, its specific roles during mammalian oocyte meiosis have not been fully defined. Herein, we investigated the critical events during porcine oocyte meiotic maturation after inhibition of dynein by Ciliobrevin D treatment. We found that oocyte meiotic progression was arrested when inhibited of dynein by showing the poor expansion of cumulus cells and decreased rate of polar body extrusion. Meanwhile, the spindle assembly and chromosome alignment were disrupted, accompanied by the reduced level of acetylated α-tubulin, indicative of weakened microtubule stability. Defective actin polymerization on the plasma membrane was also observed in dynein-inhibited oocytes. In addition, inhibition of dynein caused the abnormal distribution of cortical granules and precocious exocytosis of ovastacin, a cortical granule component, which predicts that ZP2, the sperm binding site in the zona pellucida, might be prematurely cleaved in the unfertilized dynein-inhibited oocytes, potentially leading to the fertilization failure. Collectively, our findings reveal that dynein plays a part in porcine oocyte meiotic progression by regulating the cytoskeleton dynamics including microtubule stability, spindle assembly, chromosome alignment and actin polymerization. We also find that dynein mediates the normal cortical granule distribution and exocytosis timing of ovastacin in unfertilized eggs which are the essential for the successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Miao
- a College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Changyin Zhou
- a College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Zhaokang Cui
- a College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Liansheng Tang
- b Shandong Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Drugs , Jinan , China
| | - Xiayan ShiYang
- a College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yajuan Lu
- a College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Mianqun Zhang
- a College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Xiaoxin Dai
- a College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
| | - Bo Xiong
- a College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing , China
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34
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Zhang M, Miao Y, Chen Q, Cai M, Dong W, Dai X, Lu Y, Zhou C, Cui Z, Xiong B. BaP exposure causes oocyte meiotic arrest and fertilization failure to weaken female fertility. FASEB J 2017; 32:342-352. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700514r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mianqun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Yilong Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Qian Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Meng Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Wenkang Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Xiaoxin Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Yajuan Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Changyin Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Zhaokang Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
| | - Bo Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University Nanjing China
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