1
|
Morohoshi K, Yamazaki T, Kito K, Sato B, Kang W, Hibino T, Yoshida M, Yoshida K, Iwamoto T, Yamada M, Miyado K, Kawano N. Identification of an antibacterial polypeptide in mouse seminal vesicle secretions. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103436. [PMID: 34700103 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In both men and women, pathogenic bacteria enter the reproductive tract and cause harmful symptoms. Intrauterine and oviductal inflammation after copulation may have severe effects, such as infertility, implantation failure, oviduct obstruction, and robust life-threatening bacterial infection. Human seminal plasma is considered to be protective against bacterial infection. Among its components, Semenogelin-I/-II proteins are digested to function as bactericidal factors; however, their sequences are not conserved in mammals. Therefore, alternative antibacterial (bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic) systems may exist across mammals. In this study, we examined the antibacterial activity in the seminal plasma of mice lacking a gene cluster encoding Semenogelin-I/-II counterparts. Even in the absence of the majority of seminal proteins, antibacterial activity remained in the seminal plasma. Moreover, a combination of gel chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry revealed that the prostate and testis expressed 4 protein as a novel antibacterial (specifically, bacteriostatic) protein, the sequence of which is broadly conserved across mammals. Our results provide the first evidence of a bacteriostatic protein that is widely present in the mammalian seminal plasma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazunori Morohoshi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Takeo Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Keiji Kito
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Ban Sato
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan
| | - Woojin Kang
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Taku Hibino
- Faculty of Education, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Okubo, Sakura, Saitama City, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, the University of Tokyo, 1024 Koajiro, Misaki, Miura, Kanagawa, 238-0225, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Toin University of Yokohama, 1614 Kurogane, Aoba, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 225-8503, Japan
| | - Teruaki Iwamoto
- Division of Male Infertility, Center for Human Reproduction, Sanno Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, 8-10-21 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, 107-0052, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Natsuko Kawano
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sangeeta K, Yenugu S. Transgenesis and active immunization mediated reduction of sperm associated antigen 11A mRNA and protein levels affect fecundity in the rat. Theriogenology 2020; 157:517-524. [PMID: 32927355 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.027] [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: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa acquire motility and fertilizing ability during their transit through the epididymis. A wide variety of proteins secreted into the epididymal lumen are added on to the sperm surface to allow morphological and molecular changes involved in sperm maturation. Proteins of the Sperm Associated Antigen 11 (SPAG11) family are known to be localized on the sperm surface. The rat SPAG11A protein was implicated in sperm maturation during epididymal transit in vitro. However, systematic analyses on the significance of SPAG11A in fertility and sperm function is not yet reported in vivo. In this study, using testicular electroporation, we generated transgenic rats that express shRNA to ablate endogenous Spag11a mRNA. Genotyping revealed the integration of the plasmid that expresses shRNA against Spag11a mRNA. Significant decrease in the mRNA levels of Spag11a and its encoded protein was observed in the caput epididymis of transgenic rats. We also generated an active immunization rat model to ablate endogenous SPAG11A protein by administering recombinant SPAG11A protein. Immunized rats had a high antibody titer in the serum and the tissue fluids of caput, cauda and testis. In both these model systems, the litter size and sperm count was significantly reduced. However, spermatozoa obtained from the transgenic or immunized rats underwent capacitation and acrosome reaction and the associated calcium release. Results of this study indicate the role of SPAG11A in fecundity and sperm production and not in sperm function, especially capacitation and acrosome reaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Sangeeta
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, India
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500 046, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Babu Munipalli S, Yenugu S. Uroplakin expression in the male reproductive tract of rat. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 281:153-163. [PMID: 31181195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Uroplakins (UPKs) play an important role in the normal and pathophysiology of the urothelium. They protect the urothelium and play a crucial role during urothelial infections by Uropathogenic E. coli. However, their functions beyond this organ system remain unexplored. A wide variety of proteins secreted in the male reproductive tract tissues contribute to spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, fertilization and innate immunity. However, the presence of UPKs and their possible contribution to the male reproductive tract physiology is not yet reported. Hence, in this study, we characterized UPKs in the male reproductive tract of rats. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, we report the expression of UPKs in the male reproductive system. Upk1a, Upk1b, Upk2 and Upk3b mRNA and their corresponding proteins were abundantly expressed in the caput, cauda, testis, seminal vesicles and the prostate. Their expression was not developmentally regulated. UPK protein expression was also localized on the spermatozoa, suggesting a role for these proteins in sperm function. To study the role of UPKs in innate immunity, Upk mRNA expression in response to endotoxin challenge was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In the rat testicular and epididymal cell lines, Upk mRNA levels increased in response to lipopolysaccharide challenge. However, in the caput, cauda, testes, seminal vesicle and prostate obtained from LPS treated rats, Upk mRNA expression was significantly reduced. Results of this study indicate a role for UPKs in male reproductive physiology and innate immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rajesh A, Yenugu S. shRNA mediated ablation of prostate and testis expressed (Pate
) messenger RNA results in impaired sperm function and fertility. Andrology 2017; 5:541-547. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Rajesh
- Department of Animal Biology; University of Hyderabad; Gachibowli Hyderabad India
| | - S. Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology; University of Hyderabad; Gachibowli Hyderabad India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Narmadha G, Yenugu S. In Silico and Biochemical Characterization of Lysozyme-Like Proteins in the Rat. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161909. [PMID: 27611690 PMCID: PMC5017655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation in the male reproductive tract is dictated by a variety of proteins secreted in the testis and epididymis. Though the proteome of these tissues is known, the functional role of many of these proteins remains uncharacterized. In this study, we characterize the rat Lysozyme-like (Lyzl) genes and proteins. Methods In silico tools were used to predict the primary, secondary and tertiary structures. Reverse transcription PCR, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were used to determine the expression pattern. Lysozyme like enzyme activity was assessed by standard assays. Results Six rat Lyzl genes namely Lyzl1, Lyzl3, Lyzl4, Lyzl5, Lyzl6 and Lyzl7 were found to be highly conserved among the vertebrates with higher homology to mouse counterparts than with human counterparts. All the LYZL proteins contained the characteristic 4 disulfide bridges similar to c-type lysozyme. Only LYZL 1 and 6, conserved the active site amino acids of the lysozyme. Molecular modeling studies indicated that LYZL proteins exhibit strikingly similar three-dimensional structures among themselves. The secondary structure analysis of the recombinant LYZL proteins indicated the presence of α-helix, β-sheet and random coil with α-helix being the majority. Docking studies indicated the peptidoglycan binding nature of LYZL proteins. All the rat Lyzl mRNA transcripts (Lyzl1, Lyzl3, Lyzl4, Lyzl5, Lyzl6 and Lyzl7) are predominantly expressed in testes though some of them are expressed in tissues other than reproductive tract. Their expression was androgen independent. The rat LYZL proteins are localized in the germinal epithelium and on the spermatozoa. Recombinant LYZL1 and 6 possessed muramidase, isopeptidase and antibacterial activities. The mechanism of antibacterial action of LYZL1 and LYZL6 involved bacterial membrane damage and leakage of cellular contents. Only LYZL1 and 6 possess peptidoglycan binding ability, whereas LYZL3, LYZL4 and LYZL5 possess hyaluronan binding ability suggesting a possible functional divergence of these proteins. LYZL3, LYZL4 and LYZL7 possessed free radical scavenging property, suggesting that they may act as antioxidants. Conclusion The divergent properties of LYZL proteins indicate that they may have a role in sperm function, innate immunity and other physiological process as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ganapathy Narmadha
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad—500 046, India
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad—500 046, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang M, Li L, Guo Q, Zhang S, Ji D, Li H. Identification and expression of a new Ly6 gene cluster in zebrafish Danio rerio, with implications of being involved in embryonic immunity. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 54:230-240. [PMID: 27071517 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte antigen-6 (Ly6) superfamily is a large family of proteins and characterized by precisely spaced cysteine motifs, termed the three-finger fold. To date, a large number of members of the Ly6/uPAR family were identified among many species. In this study, we first report the identification and characterization of the secreted Ly2.1-3 proteins on the chromosome 2 in zebrafish and determine the expression pattern. Ly2.1-3 all possess a conserved LU domain and adopt similar three-finger structure with human CD59, SLURP1 and other Ly6 family members. Ly2.1-3 cluster on chromosome 2 and share high homology, possibly originated from chromosomal gene duplication. Ly2.1-3 exhibit distinct expression pattern in the endoderm, they were found abundantly and specifically in the digestive tract, liver and pancreas respectively. The differential expression pattern may suggest Ly2.1-3 acquire new function during gene duplication. The expression level of Ly2.1-3 were up-regulating challenged with LPS indicated that they have a role in innate immune responses of the digestive system during endotoxin challenge in early stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man Wang
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lingyi Li
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Quanyang Guo
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Dongrui Ji
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Hongyan Li
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Evolution & Development, Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moriwaki Y, Takada K, Nagasaki T, Kubo N, Ishii T, Kose K, Kageyama T, Tsuji S, Kawashima K, Misawa H. IL-22/STAT3-Induced Increases in SLURP1 Expression within Psoriatic Lesions Exerts Antimicrobial Effects against Staphylococcus aureus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140750. [PMID: 26474319 PMCID: PMC4608685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SLURP1 is the causal gene for Mal de Meleda (MDM), an autosomal recessive skin disorder characterized by diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma and transgressive keratosis. Moreover, although SLURP1 likely serves as an important proliferation/differentiation factor in keratinocytes, the possible relation between SLURP1 and other skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, has not been studied, and the pathophysiological control of SLURP1 expression in keratinocytes is largely unknown. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to examine the involvement of SLURP1 in the pathophysiology of psoriasis using an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model mice and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). RESULTS SLURP1 expression was up-regulated in the skin of IMQ-induced psoriasis model mice. In NHEKs stimulated with the inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-22 and TNF-α, which are reportedly expressed in psoriatic lesions, SLURP1 mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated by IL-22 but not the other two cytokines. The stimulatory effect of IL-22 was completely suppressed in NHEKs treated with a STAT3 inhibitor or transfected with siRNA targeting STAT3. Because IL-22 induces production of antimicrobial proteins in epithelial cells, the antibacterial activity of SLURP1 was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is known to be associated with disease severity in psoriasis. SLURP1 significantly suppressed the growth of S. aureus. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate SLURP1 participates in pathophysiology of psoriasis by regulating keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, and by suppressing the growth of S. aureus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Moriwaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105–8512, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Takada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105–8512, Japan
| | - Toshinori Nagasaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105–8512, Japan
| | - Natsuki Kubo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105–8512, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105–8512, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Kose
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105–8512, Japan
| | - Taihei Kageyama
- Molecular Diagnostics Project, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shoutaro Tsuji
- Molecular Diagnostics Project, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmacy, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidemi Misawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105–8512, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Effect of immunization against prostate- and testis-expressed (PATE) proteins on sperm function and fecundity in the rat. J Reprod Immunol 2015; 110:117-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
9
|
Guo Q, Ji D, Wang M, Zhang S, Li H. Identification and expression of an uncharacterized Ly-6 gene cluster in zebrafish Danio rerio. Funct Integr Genomics 2015; 15:577-85. [PMID: 26113395 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-015-0449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The Ly-6/uPAR/CD59/neurotoxin superfamily (Ly-6SF) identified in most metazoan has been shown to play important roles in different biological processes including immunity, cellular adhesion, and cell signaling. Members of this superfamily contain one or more conserved domains known as Ly-6/uPAR (LU) domain, which harbors 8 or 10 conserved cysteine residues forming 4-5 disulfide bonds. In this study, we reported the identification of a novel zebrafish Ly-6 gene cluster on chromosome 21, which consists of seven genes ly21.1, ly21.2, ly21.3, ly21.4, ly21.5, ly21.6, and ly21.7 and their spatiotemporal expression pattern during development. All the seven genes possess features typical of the Ly-6/neurotoxin superfamily, and phylogenetic analysis shows that these genes form a single cluster branching form other members of Ly-6 family, suggesting that the seven genes evolved by an event of intra-chromosome gene duplication. However, deduced Ly21.1-7 proteins share little homology with Ly-6 family proteins from other species, no orthologs are identified in vertebrates, including teleosts, hinting that ly21.1-7 genes are evolutionarily a novel addition to zebrafish. Expression analyses show that maternal mRNAs of ly21.1-7 genes are detected during early developmental stages, but later in development, they exhibit tissue-specific expression. Except for ly21.2 which is expressed in the skin ionocytes, all the remaining six genes are mainly expressed in the developing brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quanyang Guo
- Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Room 301, Darwin Building, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Saritha K, Rajesh A, Manjulatha K, Setty OH, Yenugu S. Mechanism of antibacterial action of the alcoholic extracts of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. ex Schult, Leucas aspera (Wild.), Plumbago zeylanica L., and Tridax procumbens (L.) R. Br. ex Schult. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:577. [PMID: 26106379 PMCID: PMC4460426 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal products derived from Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. ex Schult, Leucas aspera (Wild.), Plumbago zeylanica L., and Tridax procumbens (L.) R. Br. ex Schult. are widely used in traditional medicine. Though the extracts of these plants were found to be antimicrobial in nature and have the potential to be used in clinics, the mechanism of action of is not reported. The ethanolic extracts of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. ex Schult, Hemidesmus indicus ethanolic extract (HIEE), Leucas aspera (Wild.), Leucas aspera ethanolic extract (LAEE), Plumbago zeylanica L., Plumbago zeylanica ethanolic extract (PZEE), and Tridax procumbens (L.) R. Br. ex Schult, Tridax procumbens ethanolic extract (TPEE) were tested for their antibacterial activity against E. coli. Antibacterial activity was analyzed by CFU assay and the effect on the bacterial membrane by fluorescence activated cell sorting and scanning electron microscopy. LAEE, PZEE, and HIEE displayed potent bacterial killing activity in a time and concentration dependent manner. TPEE did not display appreciable antibacterial activity. The antibacterial action involved disruption of membrane potential, inner membrane permeabilization, blebbing and leakage of cellular contents. Our results contribute to the understanding of the antibacterial mechanism of alcoholic extracts of the medicinal plants used in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kongari Saritha
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad , Hyderabad, India
| | - Angireddy Rajesh
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad , Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Oruganti H Setty
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad , Hyderabad, India
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad , Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Awad M, Kizaki K, Takahashi T, Hashizume K. Dynamic expression of SOLD1 in bovine uteroplacental tissues during gestation. Placenta 2013; 34:635-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
12
|
Pujianto DA, Loanda E, Sari P, Midoen YH, Soeharso P. Sperm-associated antigen 11A is expressed exclusively in the principal cells of the mouse caput epididymis in an androgen-dependent manner. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:59. [PMID: 23815807 PMCID: PMC3710511 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epididymal sperm maturation occurs via interactions between sperm and proteins secreted by the epididymal epithelium. Although this is an important process, the genes that encode the involved proteins remain largely uncharacterized. Previous studies have demonstrated that the genes involved in sperm maturation are regulated by androgen. Spag11a is an epididymal gene that is influenced by androgen. However, little is known about the putative role of this gene in the sperm maturation process. The objective of this study was to characterize Spag11a in the mouse epididymis. METHODS In silico analyses were performed to predict signal peptides and functional domains. Spag11a expression was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Western blots and immunocytochemistry were performed to determine protein expression. RESULTS SPAG11A is a member of the beta defensin protein family and constitutes a secretory protein. Spag11a was expressed exclusively in the epididymis. Moreover, it exhibited region-specific expression in the caput, which is typical for genes that are involved in creating a suitable microenvironment for sperm maturation. Mouse Spag11a was regulated by androgen. A significant decrease of Spag11a expression was observed at third day following a gonadectomy (P < 0.001). Interestingly, testosterone replacement therapy was able to maintain the expression almost at the normal level, indicating a dependency on androgen. Besides androgen, testicular factors influenced Spag11a expression in a different way. This was revealed by efferent duct ligation in which Spag11a was transiently up-regulated at the third day following the ligation before returning to the normal level at day 5. Spag11a regional expression was also observed at protein level detected by western immunoblotting which revealed a clear band in the caput but not in other regions. The prediction that SPAG11A is a secretory protein was confirmed by immunocytochemical analyses indicating cell-specific expression mainly in the caput principal cells and detection of the protein in epididymal luminal fluid and spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Based on the characteristics of Spag11a, it is likely that this gene has a specific role in epididymal sperm maturation. Further studies using functional assays are necessary to confirm this finding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dwi A Pujianto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Evelyn Loanda
- Master Program for Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University, Jl. Pluit Raya 2, Jakarta 14440, Indonesia
| | - Puji Sari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Yurnadi H Midoen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Purnomo Soeharso
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|