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Balestrini PA, Sulzyk V, Jabloñski M, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, González SN, Ferreira JJ, Gómez-Elías MD, Pomata P, Luque GM, Krapf D, Cuasnicu PS, Santi CM, Buffone MG. Membrane potential hyperpolarization: a critical factor in acrosomal exocytosis and fertilization in sperm within the female reproductive tract. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1386980. [PMID: 38803392 PMCID: PMC11128623 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1386980] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization of the membrane potential (Em), a phenomenon regulated by SLO3 channels, stands as a central feature in sperm capacitation-a crucial process conferring upon sperm the ability to fertilize the oocyte. In vitro studies demonstrated that Em hyperpolarization plays a pivotal role in facilitating the mechanisms necessary for the development of hyperactivated motility (HA) and acrosomal exocytosis (AE) occurrence. Nevertheless, the physiological significance of sperm Em within the female reproductive tract remains unexplored. As an approach to this question, we studied sperm migration and AE incidence within the oviduct in the absence of Em hyperpolarization using a novel mouse model established by crossbreeding of SLO3 knock-out (KO) mice with EGFP/DsRed2 mice. Sperm from this model displays impaired HA and AE in vitro. Interestingly, examination of the female reproductive tract shows that SLO3 KO sperm can reach the ampulla, mirroring the quantity of sperm observed in wild-type (WT) counterparts, supporting that the HA needed to reach the fertilization site is not affected. However, a noteworthy distinction emerges-unlike WT sperm, the majority of SLO3 KO sperm arrive at the ampulla with their acrosomes still intact. Of the few SLO3 KO sperm that do manage to reach the oocytes within this location, fertilization does not occur, as indicated by the absence of sperm pronuclei in the MII-oocytes recovered post-mating. In vitro, SLO3 KO sperm fail to penetrate the ZP and fuse with the oocytes. Collectively, these results underscore the vital role of Em hyperpolarization in AE and fertilization within their physiological context, while also revealing that Em is not a prerequisite for the development of the HA motility, essential for sperm migration through the female tract to the ampulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Sulzyk
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liza J. Schiavi-Ehrenhaus
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soledad N. González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan J. Ferreira
- Department of OB/GYN, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Matías D. Gómez-Elías
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Pomata
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M. Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas–Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patricia S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of OB/GYN, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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2
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M, Bonet S, Pinart E. Physiological role of potassium channels in mammalian germ cell differentiation, maturation, and capacitation. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38436215 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ion channels are essential for differentiation and maturation of germ cells, and even for fertilization in mammals. Different types of potassium channels have been identified, which are grouped into voltage-gated channels (Kv), ligand-gated channels (Kligand ), inwardly rectifying channels (Kir ), and tandem pore domain channels (K2P ). MATERIAL-METHODS The present review includes recent findings on the role of potassium channels in sperm physiology of mammals. RESULTS-DISCUSSION While most studies conducted thus far have been focused on the physiological role of voltage- (Kv1, Kv3, and Kv7) and calcium-gated channels (SLO1 and SLO3) during sperm capacitation, especially in humans and rodents, little data about the types of potassium channels present in the plasma membrane of differentiating germ cells exist. In spite of this, recent evidence suggests that the content and regulation mechanisms of these channels vary throughout spermatogenesis. Potassium channels are also essential for the regulation of sperm cell volume during epididymal maturation and for preventing premature membrane hyperpolarization. It is important to highlight that the nature, biochemical properties, localization, and regulation mechanisms of potassium channels are species-specific. In effect, while SLO3 is the main potassium channel involved in the K+ current during sperm capacitation in rodents, different potassium channels are implicated in the K+ outflow and, thus, plasma membrane hyperpolarization during sperm capacitation in other mammalian species, such as humans and pigs. CONCLUSIONS Potassium conductance is essential for male fertility, not only during sperm capacitation but throughout the spermiogenesis and epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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3
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Mohanty G, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Paudel B, Tourzani DA, Salicioni AM, Santi CM, Gervasi MG, Pilsner JR, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Differential role of bovine serum albumin and HCO3- in the regulation of GSK3 alpha during mouse sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae007. [PMID: 38341666 PMCID: PMC10914453 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae007] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To become fertile, mammalian sperm are required to undergo capacitation in the female tract or in vitro in defined media containing ions (e.g. HCO3 -, Ca2+, Na+, and Cl-), energy sources (e.g. glucose, pyruvate) and serum albumin (e.g. bovine serum albumin (BSA)). These different molecules initiate sequential and concomitant signaling pathways, leading to capacitation. Physiologically, capacitation induces changes in the sperm motility pattern (e.g. hyperactivation) and prepares sperm for the acrosomal reaction (AR), two events required for fertilization. Molecularly, HCO3 - activates the atypical adenylyl cyclase Adcy10 (aka sAC), increasing cAMP and downstream cAMP-dependent pathways. BSA, on the other hand, induces sperm cholesterol release as well as other signaling pathways. How these signaling events, occurring in different sperm compartments and with different kinetics, coordinate among themselves is not well established. Regarding the AR, recent work has proposed a role for glycogen synthase kinases (GSK3α and GSK3β). GSK3α and GSK3β are inactivated by phosphorylation of residues Ser21 and Ser9, respectively, in their N-terminal domain. Here, we present evidence that GSK3α (but not GSK3β) is present in the anterior head and that it is regulated during capacitation. Interestingly, BSA and HCO3 - regulate GSK3α in opposite directions. While BSA induces a fast GSK3α Ser21 phosphorylation, HCO3 - and cAMP-dependent pathways dephosphorylate this residue. We also show that the HCO3--induced Ser21 dephosphorylation is mediated by hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential (Em) and by intracellular pH alkalinization. Previous reports indicate that GSK3 kinases mediate the progesterone-induced AR. Here, we show that GSK3 inhibition also blocks the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin-induced AR, suggesting a role for GSK3 kinases downstream of the increase in intracellular Ca2+ needed for this exocytotic event. Altogether, our data indicate a temporal and biphasic GSK3α regulation with opposite actions of BSA and HCO3 -. Our results also suggest that this regulation is needed to orchestrate the AR during sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Claudia Sanchez-Cardenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Bidur Paudel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Darya A Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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4
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Huang C, Ji XR, Huang ZH, Liu Q, Wang RJ, Fan LQ, Wu HL, Bo H, Zhu WB. Long-term storage modifies the microRNA expression profile of cryopreserved human semen. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:51-60. [PMID: 37573539 PMCID: PMC10787610 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9421] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The global practice of cryopreservation of human semen is commonplace in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) labs and sperm banks. However, information on the effects of long-term cryopreservation on semen is limited to clinical data summaries and descriptions. For this study, we prepared 4 semen specimens of fresh semen, 4 specimens cryostored for at least 1 year, 3 specimens cryostored for at least 5 years, 4 specimens cryostored for at least 10 years, and 3 specimens cryostored for at least 15 years. Total RNA was extracted from each sample, amplified, labeled, and mapped to the known primary microRNA (miRNA) in the miRBase database, enabling the prediction of novel miRNAs. We found that cryopreservation can lead to changes in miRNA expression, and with the increase in storage time, these changes became more pronounced. Meanwhile, the expression of let-7d-3p, let-7c-5p and let-7i-3p miRNAs changed dynamically over cryostorage time in frozen-thawed human sperm. Furthermore, we analyzed the time-dependent dynamics of cryostorage-expressed miRNAs and their target mRNAs and found that half of the target genes were expressed in oocytes. These intersection genes were mainly enriched in cancer and cytoskeletal signaling pathways. Our findings showed that the miRNA expression profile of cryopreserved human semen is modified by long-term storage. Furthermore, as the storage time increases, the impact on human sperm becomes more pronounced in terms of miRNAs, which may have an effect on subsequent fertilization and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Huang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi-Ren Ji
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zeng-Hui Huang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Rui-Jun Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui-Lan Wu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Bo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wen-Bing Zhu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Basic Medicine College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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5
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Gardner CC, James PF. Na +/H + Exchangers (NHEs) in Mammalian Sperm: Essential Contributors to Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14981. [PMID: 37834431 PMCID: PMC10573352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914981] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are known to be important regulators of pH in multiple intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells. Sperm function is especially dependent on changes in pH and thus it has been postulated that NHEs play important roles in regulating the intracellular pH of these cells. For example, in order to achieve fertilization, mature sperm must maintain a basal pH in the male reproductive tract and then alkalize in response to specific signals in the female reproductive tract during the capacitation process. Eight NHE isoforms are expressed in mammalian testis/sperm: NHE1, NHE3, NHE5, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, NHE10, and NHE11. These NHE isoforms are expressed at varying times during spermatogenesis and localize to different subcellular structures in developing and mature sperm where they contribute to multiple aspects of sperm physiology and male fertility including proper sperm development/morphogenesis, motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. Previous work has provided evidence for NHE3, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, and NHE10 being critical for male fertility in mice and NHE10 has recently been shown to be essential for male fertility in humans. In this article we review what is known about each NHE isoform expressed in mammalian sperm and discuss the physiological significance of each NHE isoform with respect to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul F. James
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA;
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6
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Lyon MD, Ferreira JJ, Li P, Bhagwat S, Butler A, Anderson K, Polo M, Santi CM. SLO3: A Conserved Regulator of Sperm Membrane Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11205. [PMID: 37446382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells must undergo a complex maturation process after ejaculation to be able to fertilize an egg. One component of this maturation is hyperpolarization of the membrane potential to a more negative value. The ion channel responsible for this hyperpolarization, SLO3, was first cloned in 1998, and since then much progress has been made to determine how the channel is regulated and how its function intertwines with various signaling pathways involved in sperm maturation. Although Slo3 was originally thought to be present only in the sperm of mammals, recent evidence suggests that a primordial form of the gene is more widely expressed in some fish species. Slo3, like many reproductive genes, is rapidly evolving with low conservation between closely related species and different regulatory and pharmacological profiles. Despite these differences, SLO3 appears to have a conserved role in regulating sperm membrane potential and driving large changes in response to stimuli. The effect of this hyperpolarization of the membrane potential may vary among mammalian species just as the regulation of the channel does. Recent discoveries have elucidated the role of SLO3 in these processes in human sperm and provided tools to target the channel to affect human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian D Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Juan J Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shweta Bhagwat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alice Butler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kelsey Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maria Polo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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7
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Wang Y, Gao T, Shan L, Li K, Liang F, Yu J, Ni Y, Sun P. Iberiotoxin and clofilium regulate hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ion homeostasis synergistically during human sperm capacitation. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:129-140. [PMID: 36682071 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Potassium channels play essential roles in the regulation of male fertility. However, potassium channels mediating K+ currents in human sperm (IKSper ) remain controversial. Besides SLO3, the SLO1 potassium channel is a potential candidate for human sperm KSper. This study intends to elucidate the function of SLO1 potassium channel during human sperm capacitation. Human sperm were treated with iberiotoxin (IbTX, a SLO1 specific inhibitor) and clofilium (SLO3 inhibitor) separately or simultaneously during in vitro capacitation. A computer-assisted sperm analyzer was used to assess sperm motility. The sperm acrosome reaction (AR) was analyzed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin staining. Sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation was studied using western blotting. Intracellular Ca2+ , K+ , Cl- , and pH were analyzed using ion fluorescence probes. Independent inhibition with IbTX or clofilium decreased the sperm hyperactivation, AR, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and was accompanied by an increase in [K+ ]i , [Cl- ]i , and pHi , but a decrease in [Ca2+ ]i . Simultaneously inhibition with IbTX and clofilium lower sperm hyperactivation and AR more than independent inhibition. The increase in [K+ ]i , [Cl- ]i , and pHi , and the decrease in [Ca2+ ]i were more pronounced. This study suggested that the SLO1 potassium channel may have synergic roles with SLO3 during human sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijun Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peibei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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8
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Lyon M, Li P, Ferreira JJ, Lazarenko RM, Kharade SV, Kramer M, McClenahan SJ, Days E, Bauer JA, Spitznagel BD, Weaver CD, Borrego Alvarez A, Puga Molina LC, Lybaert P, Khambekar S, Liu A, Lindsley CW, Denton J, Santi CM. A selective inhibitor of the sperm-specific potassium channel SLO3 impairs human sperm function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2212338120. [PMID: 36649421 PMCID: PMC9942793 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2212338120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To fertilize an oocyte, the membrane potential of both mouse and human sperm must hyperpolarize (become more negative inside). Determining the molecular mechanisms underlying this hyperpolarization is vital for developing new contraceptive methods and detecting causes of idiopathic male infertility. In mouse sperm, hyperpolarization is caused by activation of the sperm-specific potassium (K+) channel SLO3 [C. M. Santi et al., FEBS Lett. 584, 1041-1046 (2010)]. In human sperm, it has long been unclear whether hyperpolarization depends on SLO3 or the ubiquitous K+ channel SLO1 [N. Mannowetz, N. M. Naidoo, S. A. S. Choo, J. F. Smith, P. V. Lishko, Elife 2, e01009 (2013), C. Brenker et al., Elife 3, e01438 (2014), and S. A. Mansell, S. J. Publicover, C. L. R. Barratt, S. M. Wilson, Mol. Hum. Reprod. 20, 392-408 (2014)]. In this work, we identified the first selective inhibitor for human SLO3-VU0546110-and showed that it completely blocked heterologous SLO3 currents and endogenous K+ currents in human sperm. This compound also prevented sperm from hyperpolarizing and undergoing hyperactivated motility and induced acrosome reaction, which are necessary to fertilize an egg. We conclude that SLO3 is the sole K+ channel responsible for hyperpolarization and significantly contributes to the fertilizing ability of human sperm. Moreover, SLO3 is a good candidate for contraceptive development, and mutation of this gene is a possible cause of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Juan J. Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Roman M. Lazarenko
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Sujay V. Kharade
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Meghan Kramer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
| | | | - Emily Days
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Joshua A. Bauer
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | | | - C. David Weaver
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Aluet Borrego Alvarez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Lis C. Puga Molina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Laboratoire de recherche en Reproduction humaine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles1050, Belgium
| | - Saayli Khambekar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Alicia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Jerod Denton
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
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9
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Mendoza-Sánchez JE, Rodríguez-Tobón A, Arenas-Ríos E, Orta-Salazar GJ, León-Galván MA, Treviño Santa Cruz CL, Chávez JC. Sperm calcium flux and membrane potential hyperpolarization observed in the Mexican big-eared bat Corynorhinus mexicanus. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:286150. [PMID: 36541225 PMCID: PMC10086540 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244878] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm capacitation involves biochemical and physiological changes, such as an increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i), hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane potential and sperm hyperactivation, among others. These changes provide sperm with the ability to fertilize. In the bat Corynorhinus mexicanus, there is an asynchrony between spermatogenesis and sperm storage in the male with the receptivity of the female. For instance, in C. mexicanus, spermatogenesis occurs before the reproductive season. During the reproductive period, sperm are stored in the epididymis for a few months and the testis undergoes a regression, indicating low or almost null sperm production. Therefore, it is unclear whether the elements necessary for sperm fertilization success undergo maturation or preparation during epididymis storage. Here, we characterized pH-sensitive motility hyperactivation and Ca2+ influx in sperm, regulated by alkalinization and progesterone. In addition, by electrophysiological recordings, we registered currents that were stimulated by alkalinization and inhibited by RU1968 (a CatSper-specific inhibitor), strongly suggesting that these currents were evoked via CatSper, a sperm Ca2+-specific channel indispensable for mammalian fertilization. We also found hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, such as in other mammalian species, which increased according to the month of capture, reaching the biggest hyperpolarization during the mating season. In conclusion, our results suggest that C. mexicanus sperm have functional CatSper and undergo a capacitation-like process such as in other mammals, particularly Ca2+ influx and membrane potential hyperpolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Edwin Mendoza-Sánchez
- Doctorado en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ahiezer Rodríguez-Tobón
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edith Arenas-Ríos
- Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gerardo J Orta-Salazar
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Miguel A León-Galván
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Claudia L Treviño Santa Cruz
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Julio C Chávez
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
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10
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Hernández-Garduño S, Chavez JC, Matamoros-Volante A, Sánchez-Guevara Y, Torres P, Treviño CL, Nishigaki T. Hyperpolarization induces cytosolic alkalization of mouse sperm flagellum probably through sperm Na+/H+ exchanger. Reproduction 2022; 164:125-134. [PMID: 35900329 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The sperm-specific sodium/proton exchanger (sNHE) is an indispensable protein for male fertility in mammals. Nevertheless, it is still unknown how mammalian sNHE is regulated. Evidence obtained from sea urchin sNHE indicates that hyperpolarization of plasma membrane potential (Vm), which is a hallmark of mammalian capacitation, positively regulates the sNHE. Therefore, we explored the activity of sNHE in mouse and human sperm by fluorescence imaging of intracellular pH (pHi) with a ratiometric dye, SNARF-5F. A valinomycin-induced Vm hyperpolarization elevated sperm flagellar pHi of wild-type mouse, but not in sNHE-KO mouse. Moreover, this pHi increase was inhibited in a high K+ (40 mM) medium. These results support the idea that mouse sNHE is activated by Vm hyperpolarization. Interestingly, we observed different types of kinetics derived from valinomycin-induced alkalization, including some (30 %) without any pHi changes. Our quantitative pHi determinations revealed that unresponsive cells had a high resting pHi (> 7.5), suggesting that the activity of mouse sNHE is regulated by the resting pHi. On the other hand, valinomycin did not increase the pHi of human sperm in the head or the flagellum, regardless of their resting pHi values. Our findings suggest that the regulatory mechanisms of mammalian sNHEs are probably distinct depending on the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Hernández-Garduño
- S Hernández-Garduño, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Julio C Chavez
- J Chavez, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Arturo Matamoros-Volante
- A Matamoros-Volante, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Yoloxochitl Sánchez-Guevara
- Y Sánchez-Guevara, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Paulina Torres
- P Torres, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- C Treviño, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- T Nishigaki, Genetica del Desarrollo y Fisiologia Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia UNAM, Cuernavaca, 62210, Mexico
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11
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Bicarbonate-Triggered In Vitro Capacitation of Boar Spermatozoa Conveys an Increased Relative Abundance of the Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Cation (TRPC) Channels 3, 4, 6 and 7 and of CatSper-γ Subunit mRNA Transcripts. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12081012. [PMID: 35454259 PMCID: PMC9031844 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The detection of sub-fertile boars has been a difficult task, and despite their prevalence being low, its impact is very significant because it implies economic drawbacks for artificial insemination (AI) centers and farms. Unfortunately, some crucial reproductive processes fall beyond the routine analysis performed in the porcine model, such as sperm capacitation, which is a necessary event for fertilization. A synergistic action of bicarbonate (HCO3−) with calcium (Ca2+) is needed to achieve capacitation. The transport of Ca2+ is mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We quantified mRNA transcripts of different subunits of CatSper (β, γ and δ) and TRPC (1, 3, 4, 6 and 7) before and after in vitro capacitation by HCO3− ions. Our results showed that in vitro capacitation using HCO3− increases the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all subunits of Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1, which were significantly reduced. More studies are needed to elucidate the specific roles of the TRPC channels at a physiological and functional level. Abstract Sperm capacitation is a stepwise complex biochemical process towards fertilization. It includes a crucial early calcium (Ca2+) transport mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We studied the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts changes of the CatSper β, γ and δ subunits and TRPC-channels 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 in pig spermatozoa, after triggering in vitro capacitation by bicarbonate ions at levels present in vivo at the fertilization site. For this purpose, we analyzedfive5 ejaculate pools (from three fertile adult boars) before (control-fresh samples) and after in vitro exposure to capacitation conditions (37 mM NaHCO3, 2.25 mM CaCl2, 2 mM caffeine, 0.5% bovine serum albumin and 310 mM lactose) at 38 °C, 5% CO2 for 30 min. In vitro capacitation using bicarbonate elicits an increase in the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all studied Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1 (significantly reduced). These findings open new avenues of research to identify the specific role of each channel in boar sperm capacitation and elucidate the physiological meaning of the changes on sperm mRNA cargo.
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12
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de Prelle B, Lybaert P, Gall D. A Minimal Model Shows that a Positive Feedback Loop Between sNHE and SLO3 can Control Mouse Sperm Capacitation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:835594. [PMID: 35399518 PMCID: PMC8990769 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.835594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
When mammalian spermatozoa are released in the female reproductive tract, they are incapable of fertilizing the oocyte. They need a prolonged exposure to the alkaline medium of the female genital tract before their flagellum gets hyperactivated and the acrosome reaction can take place, allowing the sperm to interact with the oocyte. Ionic fluxes across the sperm membrane are involved in two essential aspects of capacitation: the increase in intracellular pH and the membrane hyperpolarization. In particular, it has been shown that the SLO3 potassium channel and the sNHE sodium-proton exchanger, two sperm-specific transmembrane proteins, are necessary for the capacitation process to occur. As the SLO3 channel is activated by an increase in intracellular pH and sNHE is activated by hyperpolarization, they act together as a positive feedback system. Mathematical modeling provides a unique tool to capture the essence of a molecular mechanism and can be used to derive insight from the existing data. We have therefore developed a theoretical model formalizing the positive feedback loop between SLO3 and sHNE in mouse epididymal sperm to see if this non-linear interaction can provide the core mechanism explaining the existence of uncapacited and capacitated states. We show that the proposed model can fully explain the switch between the uncapacitated and capacited states and also predicts the existence of a bistable behaviour. Furthermore, our model indicates that SLO3 inhibition, above a certain threshold, can be effective to completely abolish capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand de Prelle
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Gall
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Aguado-García A, Priego-Espinosa DA, Aldana A, Darszon A, Martínez-Mekler G. Mathematical model reveals that heterogeneity in the number of ion transporters regulates the fraction of mouse sperm capacitation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245816. [PMID: 34793454 PMCID: PMC8601445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Capacitation is a complex maturation process mammalian sperm must undergo in the female genital tract to be able to fertilize an egg. This process involves, amongst others, physiological changes in flagellar beating pattern, membrane potential, intracellular ion concentrations and protein phosphorylation. Typically, in a capacitation medium, only a fraction of sperm achieve this state. The cause for this heterogeneous response is still not well understood and remains an open question. Here, one of our principal results is to develop a discrete regulatory network, with mostly deterministic dynamics in conjunction with some stochastic elements, for the main biochemical and biophysical processes involved in the early events of capacitation. The model criterion for capacitation requires the convergence of specific levels of a select set of nodes. Besides reproducing several experimental results and providing some insight on the network interrelations, the main contribution of the model is the suggestion that the degree of variability in the total amount and individual number of ion transporters among spermatozoa regulates the fraction of capacitated spermatozoa. This conclusion is consistent with recently reported experimental results. Based on this mathematical analysis, experimental clues are proposed for the control of capacitation levels. Furthermore, cooperative and interference traits that become apparent in the modelling among some components also call for future theoretical and experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Aguado-García
- Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | | | - Andrés Aldana
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Gustavo Martínez-Mekler
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
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14
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Ferreira JJ, Lybaert P, Puga-Molina LC, Santi CM. Conserved Mechanism of Bicarbonate-Induced Sensitization of CatSper Channels in Human and Mouse Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:733653. [PMID: 34650979 PMCID: PMC8505895 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.733653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To fertilize an egg, mammalian sperm must undergo capacitation in the female genital tract. A key contributor to capacitation is the calcium (Ca2+) channel CatSper, which is activated by membrane depolarization and intracellular alkalinization. In mouse epididymal sperm, membrane depolarization by exposure to high KCl triggers Ca2+ entry through CatSper only in alkaline conditions (pH 8.6) or after in vitro incubation with bicarbonate (HCO3–) and bovine serum albumin (capacitating conditions). However, in ejaculated human sperm, membrane depolarization triggers Ca2+ entry through CatSper in non-capacitating conditions and at lower pH (< pH 7.4) than is required in mouse sperm. Here, we aimed to determine the mechanism(s) by which CatSper is activated in mouse and human sperm. We exposed ejaculated mouse and human sperm to high KCl to depolarize the membrane and found that intracellular Ca2+ concentration increased at pH 7.4 in sperm from both species. Conversely, intracellular Ca2+ concentration did not increase under these conditions in mouse epididymal or human epididymal sperm. Furthermore, pre-incubation with HCO3– triggered an intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase in response to KCl in human epididymal sperm. Treatment with protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors during exposure to HCO3– inhibited Ca2+ concentration increases in mouse epididymal sperm and in both mouse and human ejaculated sperm. Finally, we show that soluble adenylyl cyclase and increased intracellular pH are required for the intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase in both human and mouse sperm. In summary, our results suggest that a conserved mechanism of activation of CatSper channels is present in both human and mouse sperm. In this mechanism, HCO3– in semen activates the soluble adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A pathway, which leads to increased intracellular pH and sensitizes CatSper channels to respond to membrane depolarization to allow Ca2+ influx. This indirect mechanism of CatSper sensitization might be an early event capacitation that occurs as soon as the sperm contact the semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Lis C Puga-Molina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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15
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Balestrini PA, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Luque GM, Baro Graf C, Sierra JM, Hernández-Cruz A, Visconti PE, Krapf D, Darszon A, Buffone MG. Membrane hyperpolarization abolishes calcium oscillations that prevent induced acrosomal exocytosis in human sperm. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21478. [PMID: 33991146 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002333rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is essential to gain fertilizing capacity. During this process, a series of biochemical and physiological modifications occur that allow sperm to undergo acrosomal exocytosis (AE). At the molecular level, hyperpolarization of the sperm membrane potential (Em) takes place during capacitation. This study shows that human sperm incubated under conditions that do not support capacitation (NC) can become ready for an agonist stimulated AE by pharmacologically inducing Em hyperpolarization with Valinomycin or Amiloride. To investigate how Em hyperpolarization promotes human sperm's ability to undergo AE, live single-cell imaging experiments were performed to simultaneously monitor changes in [Ca2+ ]i and the occurrence of AE. Em hyperpolarization turned [Ca2+ ]i dynamics in NC sperm from spontaneously oscillating into a sustained slow [Ca2+ ]i increase. The addition of progesterone (P4) or K+ to Valinomycin-treated sperm promoted that a significant number of cells displayed a transitory rise in [Ca2+ ]i which then underwent AE. Altogether, our results demonstrate that Em hyperpolarization is necessary and sufficient to prepare human sperm for the AE. Furthermore, this Em change decreased Ca2+ oscillations that block the occurrence of AE, providing strong experimental evidence of the molecular mechanism that drives the acquisition of acrosomal responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Sanchez-Cardenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, México
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Baro Graf
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jessica M Sierra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arturo Hernández-Cruz
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, México
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Aldana A, Carneiro J, Martínez-Mekler G, Darszon A. Discrete Dynamic Model of the Mammalian Sperm Acrosome Reaction: The Influence of Acrosomal pH and Physiological Heterogeneity. Front Physiol 2021; 12:682790. [PMID: 34349664 PMCID: PMC8328089 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.682790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction (AR) is an exocytotic process essential for mammalian fertilization. It involves diverse physiological changes (biochemical, biophysical, and morphological) that culminate in the release of the acrosomal content to the extracellular medium as well as a reorganization of the plasma membrane (PM) that allows sperm to interact and fuse with the egg. In spite of many efforts, there are still important pending questions regarding the molecular mechanism regulating the AR. Particularly, the contribution of acrosomal alkalinization to AR triggering physiological conditions is not well understood. Also, the dependence of the proportion of sperm capable of undergoing AR on the physiological heterogeneity within a sperm population has not been studied. Here, we present a discrete mathematical model for the human sperm AR based on the physiological interactions among some of the main components of this complex exocytotic process. We show that this model can qualitatively reproduce diverse experimental results, and that it can be used to analyze how acrosomal pH (pH a ) and cell heterogeneity regulate AR. Our results confirm that a pH a increase can on its own trigger AR in a subpopulation of sperm, and furthermore, it indicates that this is a necessary step to trigger acrosomal exocytosis through progesterone, a known natural inducer of AR. Most importantly, we show that the proportion of sperm undergoing AR is directly related to the detailed structure of the population physiological heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Aldana
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge Carneiro
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Gustavo Martínez-Mekler
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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17
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Baro Graf C, Ritagliati C, Stival C, Luque GM, Gentile I, Buffone MG, Krapf D. Everything you ever wanted to know about PKA regulation and its involvement in mammalian sperm capacitation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110992. [PMID: 32853743 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein kinase (PKA) is a tetrameric holoenzyme comprising a set of two regulatory subunits (PKA-R) and two catalytic (PKA-C) subunits. The PKA-R subunits act as sensors of cAMP and allow PKA-C activity. One of the first signaling events observed during mammalian sperm capacitation is PKA activation. Thus, understanding how PKA activity is restricted in space and time is crucial to decipher the critical steps of sperm capacitation. It is widely accepted that PKA specificity depends on several levels of regulation. Anchoring proteins play a pivotal role in achieving proper localization signaling, subcellular targeting and cAMP microdomains. These multi-factorial regulation steps are necessary for a precise spatio-temporal activation of PKA. Here we discuss recent understanding of regulatory mechanisms of PKA in mammalian sperm, such as post-translational modifications, in the context of its role as the master orchestrator of molecular events conducive to capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Baro Graf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Iñaki Gentile
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
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18
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Zalazar L, Stival C, Nicolli AR, De Blas GA, Krapf D, Cesari A. Male Decapacitation Factor SPINK3 Blocks Membrane Hyperpolarization and Calcium Entry in Mouse Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:575126. [PMID: 33102481 PMCID: PMC7554638 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.575126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm acquire ability to fertilize through a process called capacitation, occurring after ejaculation and regulated by both female molecules and male decapacitation factors. Bicarbonate and calcium present in the female reproductive tract trigger capacitation in sperm, leading to acrosomal responsiveness and hyperactivated motility. Male decapacitating factors present in the semen avert premature capacitation, until detached from the sperm surface. However, their mechanism of action remains elusive. Here we describe for the first time the molecular basis for the decapacitating action of the seminal protein SPINK3 in mouse sperm. When present in the capacitating medium, SPINK3 inhibited Src kinase, a modulator of the potassium channel responsible for plasma membrane hyperpolarization. Lack of hyperpolarization affected calcium channels activity, impairing the acquisition of acrosomal responsiveness and blocking hyperactivation. Interestingly, SPINK3 acted only on non-capacitated sperm, as it did not bind to capacitated cells. Binding selectivity allows its decapacitating action only in non-capacitated sperm, without affecting capacitated cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Zalazar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas (IIB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Anabella R Nicolli
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas (IIB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Gerardo A De Blas
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andreina Cesari
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas (IIB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina.,Escuela Superior de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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19
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Oviductal high concentration of K + suppresses hyperpolarization but does not prevent hyperactivation, acrosome reaction and in vitro fertilization in hamsters. ZYGOTE 2020; 29:66-74. [PMID: 33012301 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199420000532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm have to undergo capacitation to be fertilization competent. Capacitated sperm in vitro show hyperpolarization of the membrane potential. It has been reported that in mouse membrane hyperpolarization is necessary for the acrosome reaction. We recently found that the fluid of the hamster oviduct, where fertilization occurs, contained a high potassium (K+) concentration (~20 mEq/l). This high K+ concentration could depolarize the membrane potential and prevent the acrosome reaction/fertilization. Conversely, some beneficial effects on capacitation of high K+ concentration or a high K/Na ratio were also reported. In the present study, we investigated the effects of oviduct high K+ concentration on hamster sperm capacitation-associated events and fertilization. The present study confirmed that, in hamster sperm, membrane potential was hyperpolarized upon in vitro capacitation, indicating that capacitation-associated hyperpolarization is a universal phenomenon among mammalian species. An increase in KCl concentration in the medium to 20 mM significantly depolarized the membrane potential and suppressed hyperpolarization when in the presence of >101 mM NaCl. However, an increase in the KCl concentration to 20 mM did not significantly affect the percentage of motile sperm, hyperactivation or the acrosome reaction. No effect of 20 mM KCl on in vitro fertilization was observed. In addition, no correlative changes in hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction with K/Na ratio were observed. These results suggested that in hamsters the oviduct K+ concentration suppressed hyperpolarization but had no effect on capacitation and in vitro fertilization. Our results raised a question over the physiological significance of capacitation-associated hyperpolarization.
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20
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Darszon A, Nishigaki T, López-González I, Visconti PE, Treviño CL. Differences and Similarities: The Richness of Comparative Sperm Physiology. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 35:196-208. [PMID: 32293232 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00033.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species preservation depends on the success of fertilization. Sperm are uniquely equipped to fulfill this task, and, although several mechanisms are conserved among species, striking functional differences have evolved to contend with particular sperm-egg environmental characteristics. This review highlights similarities and differences in sperm strategies, with examples within internal and external fertilizers, pointing out unresolved issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Ignacio López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
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21
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Molina LCP, Gunderson S, Riley J, Lybaert P, Borrego-Alvarez A, Jungheim ES, Santi CM. Membrane Potential Determined by Flow Cytometry Predicts Fertilizing Ability of Human Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 7:387. [PMID: 32039203 PMCID: PMC6985285 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 10 to 15% of couples worldwide, with a male factor contributing up to 50% of these cases. The primary tool for diagnosing male infertility is traditional semen analysis, which reveals sperm concentration, morphology, and motility. However, 25% of infertile men are diagnosed as normozoospermic, meaning that, in many cases, normal-appearing sperm fail to fertilize an egg. Thus, new information regarding the mechanisms by which sperm acquire fertilizing ability is needed to develop a clinically feasible test that can predict sperm function failure. An important feature of sperm fertilization capability in many species is plasma membrane hyperpolarization (membrane potential becoming more negative inside) in response to signals from the egg or female genital tract. In mice, this hyperpolarization is necessary for sperm to undergo the changes in motility (hyperactivation) and acrosomal exocytosis required to fertilize an egg. Human sperm also hyperpolarize during capacitation, but the physiological relevance of this event has not been determined. Here, we used flow cytometry combined with a voltage-sensitive fluorescent probe to measure absolute values of human sperm membrane potential. We found that hyperpolarization of human sperm plasma membrane correlated positively with fertilizing ability. Hyperpolarized human sperm had higher in vitro fertilization (IVF) ratios and higher percentages of acrosomal exocytosis and hyperactivated motility than depolarized sperm. We propose that measurements of human sperm membrane potential could be used to diagnose men with idiopathic infertility and predict IVF success in normozoospermic infertile patients. Patients with depolarized values could be guided toward intracytoplasmic sperm injection, preventing unnecessary cycles of intrauterine insemination or IVF. Conversely, patients with hyperpolarized values of sperm membrane potential could undergo only conventional IVF, avoiding the risks and costs associated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lis C. Puga Molina
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Stephanie Gunderson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Joan Riley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Pascal Lybaert
- Laboratory of Experimental Hormonology, School of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aluet Borrego-Alvarez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Emily S. Jungheim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, United States
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22
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Yang Y, Liu D, Wu L, Huang W, Yang S, Xia J, Liu X, Meng Z. Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal changes of gene expression in fresh and cryopreserved yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) sperm and the effects of Cryoprotectant Me 2SO. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 133:457-465. [PMID: 31002905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study, for the first time in fish, compared the transcriptome of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm, and would help to better understand the effect of cryopreservation on fish sperm and then better preserve the aquatic germplasm resources. Here, we employed high-throughput sequencing technology to obtain the transcriptome of yellow catfish from fresh sperm, cryopreserved sperm with and without cryoprotectant. When cryoprotectant (Me2SO) was excluded, down-regulated genes were significantly enriched into calcium ion binding, cytoskeletal protein binding, microfilament motor activity, calmodulin binding and carnitine O-acyltransferase activity, which affected Ca2+ regulation, cellular morphology, motility and metabolism. Moreover, heat shock proteins and genes associated with regulation of cholesterol, HCO3- and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) were down-regulated, and thus would impair ability against stress, membrane rigidity, pH regulation and signal transduction of cryopreserved sperm. After Me2SO was added, the amounts of DEGs decreased significantly and down-regulation of genes were found mainly in cytoskeleton and heat shock proteins, thereby suggesting that Me2SO effectively reduced the impact caused by low temperature on gene expression. Whether adding Me2SO or not, the up-regulated genes were mainly found in ribosomal proteins genes. However, when Me2SO was added, over-expression of some genes might contribute to maintain normal function of cryopreserved sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongqing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lina Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Sen Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhong Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zining Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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23
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Baro Graf C, Ritagliati C, Stival C, Balestrini PA, Buffone MG, Krapf D. Determination of a Robust Assay for Human Sperm Membrane Potential Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:101. [PMID: 31245370 PMCID: PMC6579818 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm must undergo a complex process called capacitation in order to fertilize the egg. During this process, hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane has been mostly studied in mouse, and associated to its importance in the preparation to undergo the acrosome reaction (AR). However, despite the increasing evidence of membrane hyperpolarization in human sperm capacitation, no reliable techniques have been set up for its determination. In this report we describe human sperm membrane potential (Em) measurements by a fluorimetric population assay, establishing optimal conditions for Em determination. In addition, we have conducted parallel measurements of the same human sperm samples by flow cytometry and population fluorimetry, before and after capacitation, to conclusively address their reliability. This integrative analysis sets the basis for the study of Em in human sperm allowing future work aiming to understand its role in human sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Baro Graf
- CONICET-UNR, Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.,UNR, Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- CONICET-UNR, Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- CONICET-UNR, Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío Krapf
- CONICET-UNR, Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.,UNR, Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Rosario, Argentina
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24
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Li Y, Li RH, Ran MX, Zhang Y, Liang K, Ren YN, He WC, Zhang M, Zhou GB, Qazi IH, Zeng CJ. High throughput small RNA and transcriptome sequencing reveal capacitation-related microRNAs and mRNA in boar sperm. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:736. [PMID: 30305024 PMCID: PMC6180635 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Capacitation, a prerequisite for oocyte fertilization, is a complex process involving series of structural and functional changes in sperms such as membrane modifications, modulation of enzyme activities, and protein phosphorylation. In order to penetrate and fertilize an oocyte, mammalian sperms must undergo capacitation. Nevertheless, the process of sperm capacitation remains poorly understood and requires further elucidation. In the current study, via high throughput sequencing, we identified and explored the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs involved in boar sperm capacitation. Results We identified a total of 5342 mRNAs and 204 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in fresh and capacitated boar sperms. From these, 12 miRNAs (8 known and 4 newly identified miRNAs) and their differentially expressed target mRNAs were found to be involved in sperm capacitation-related PI3K-Akt, MAPK, cAMP-PKA and Ca2+signaling pathways. Conclusions Our study is first to provide the complete miRNA and transcriptome profiles of boar sperm. Our findings provide important insights for the understanding of the RNA profile in boar sperm and future elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanism relevant to mammalian sperm capacitation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5132-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Rong-Hong Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming-Xia Ran
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Kai Liang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ying-Nan Ren
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wen-Cheng He
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guang-Bin Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Sindh, 67210, Pakistan
| | - Chang-Jun Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China.
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25
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Ritagliati C, Luque GM, Stival C, Baro Graf C, Buffone MG, Krapf D. Lysine acetylation modulates mouse sperm capacitation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13334. [PMID: 30190490 PMCID: PMC6127136 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31557-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are unable to fertilize the egg immediately after ejaculation. To gain fertilization competence, they need to undergo a series of modifications inside the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. Capacitation involves several molecular events such as phosphorylation cascades, hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane and intracellular Ca2+ changes, which prepare the sperm to develop two essential features for fertilization competence: hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. Since sperm cells lack new protein biosynthesis, post-translational modification of existing proteins plays a crucial role to obtain full functionality. Here, we show the presence of acetylated proteins in murine sperm, which increase during capacitation. Pharmacological hyperacetylation of lysine residues in non-capacitated sperm induces activation of PKA, hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane, CatSper opening and Ca2+ influx, all capacitation-associated molecular events. Furthermore, hyperacetylation of non-capacitated sperm promotes hyperactivation and prepares the sperm to undergo acrosome reaction. Together, these results indicate that acetylation could be involved in the acquisition of fertilization competence of mammalian sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ritagliati
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, 2000, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, 2000, Argentina
| | - Carolina Baro Graf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, 2000, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, 2000, Argentina.
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26
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Puga Molina LC, Luque GM, Balestrini PA, Marín-Briggiler CI, Romarowski A, Buffone MG. Molecular Basis of Human Sperm Capacitation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:72. [PMID: 30105226 PMCID: PMC6078053 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the early 1950s, Austin and Chang independently described the changes that are required for the sperm to fertilize oocytes in vivo. These changes were originally grouped under name of “capacitation” and were the first step in the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in humans. Following these initial and fundamental findings, a remarkable number of observations led to characterization of the molecular steps behind this process. The discovery of certain sperm-specific molecules and the possibility to record ion currents through patch-clamp approaches helped to integrate the initial biochemical observation with the activity of ion channels. This is of particular importance in the male gamete due to the fact that sperm are transcriptionally inactive. Therefore, sperm must control all these changes that occur during their transit through the male and female reproductive tracts by complex signaling cascades that include post-translational modifications. This review is focused on the principal molecular mechanisms that govern human sperm capacitation with particular emphasis on comparing all the reported pieces of evidence with the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lis C Puga Molina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara I Marín-Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Stival C, Ritagliati C, Xu X, Gervasi MG, Luque GM, Baró Graf C, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, Torres N, Darszon A, Krapf D, Buffone MG, Visconti PE, Krapf D. Disruption of protein kinase A localization induces acrosomal exocytosis in capacitated mouse sperm. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9435-9447. [PMID: 29700114 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase A (PKA) is a broad-spectrum Ser/Thr kinase involved in the regulation of several cellular activities. Thus, its precise activation relies on being localized at specific subcellular places known as discrete PKA signalosomes. A-Kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) form scaffolding assemblies that play a pivotal role in PKA regulation by restricting its activity to specific microdomains. Because one of the first signaling events observed during mammalian sperm capacitation is PKA activation, understanding how PKA activity is restricted in space and time is crucial to decipher the critical steps of sperm capacitation. Here, we demonstrate that the anchoring of PKA to AKAP is not only necessary but also actively regulated during sperm capacitation. However, we find that once capacitated, the release of PKA from AKAP promotes a sudden Ca2+ influx through the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper, starting a tail-to-head Ca2+ propagation that triggers the acrosome reaction. Three-dimensional super-resolution imaging confirmed a redistribution of PKA within the flagellar structure throughout the capacitation process, which depends on anchoring to AKAP. These results represent a new signaling event that involves CatSper Ca2+ channels in the acrosome reaction, sensitive to PKA stimulation upon release from AKAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Stival
- From the Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- From the Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Xinran Xu
- the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
| | - Maria G Gervasi
- the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Carolina Baró Graf
- From the Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - José Luis De la Vega-Beltrán
- the Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México, and
| | - Nicolas Torres
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Alberto Darszon
- the Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México, and
| | - Diego Krapf
- the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523.,the School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Dario Krapf
- From the Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina,
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28
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Ritagliati C, Baro Graf C, Stival C, Krapf D. Regulation mechanisms and implications of sperm membrane hyperpolarization. Mech Dev 2018; 154:33-43. [PMID: 29694849 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are unable to fertilize the egg immediately after ejaculation. In order to gain fertilization competence, they need to undergo a series of biochemical and physiological modifications inside the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. Capacitation correlates with two essential events for fertilization: hyperactivation, an asymmetric and vigorous flagellar motility, and the ability to undergo the acrosome reaction. At a molecular level, capacitation is associated to: phosphorylation cascades, modification of membrane lipids, alkalinization of the intracellular pH, increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential. Hyperpolarization is a crucial event in capacitation since it primes the sperm to undergo the exocytosis of the acrosome content, essential to achieve fertilization of the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ritagliati
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina.
| | - Carolina Baro Graf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina; Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquimicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina.
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29
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Gervasi MG, Visconti PE. Chang's meaning of capacitation: A molecular perspective. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 83:860-874. [PMID: 27256723 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dr. Min Chue Chang's contributions to the field of reproductive biology set the stage for the development of the contraceptive pill and in vitro fertilization. Throughout his publications, Dr. Chang was also able to transmit his view of the fertilization process in ways that organized research for newer generations of reproductive biologists. Particularly relevant for the achievement of in vitro fertilization in mammals was the discovery that the sperm required a period of residence in the female tract to become fertilization-competent; Dr. Chang and Dr. Austin, in Australia, independently reported this process, now known as sperm capacitation. This review discusses Dr. Chang's views on capacitation, and puts them in the context of recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of this process. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 860-874, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, ISB, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, ISB, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts.
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30
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Candenas L, Pinto FM, Cejudo-Román A, González-Ravina C, Fernández-Sánchez M, Pérez-Hernández N, Irazusta J, Subirán N. Veratridine-sensitive Na + channels regulate human sperm fertilization capacity. Life Sci 2018; 196:48-55. [PMID: 29307525 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The sperm plasma membrane contains specific ion channels and transporters that initiate changes in Ca2+, Na+, K+ and H+ ions in the sperm cytoplasm. Ion channels are key regulators of the sperm membrane potential, cytoplasmic Ca2+ and intracellular pH (pHi), which leads to regulate motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and other physiological processes crucial for successful fertilization. Expression of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) and voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) in human spermatozoa has been reported, but the role of Na+ fluxes sodium channels in the regulation of sperm cell function remains poorly understood. In this context, we aimed to analyze the physiological role of Nav channels in human sperm. MAIN METHODS Motility and hyperactivation analysis was conducted by CASA analysis. Flow cytometry and spectrophotometry approaches were carried out to measure Capacitation, Acrosome reaction, immunohistochemistry for Tyr-residues phosporylation, [Ca2+]i levels and membrane potential. KEY FINDINGS Functional studies showed that veratridine, a voltage-gated sodium channel activator, increased sperm progressive motility without producing hyperactivation while the Nav antagonist lidocaine did induce hyperactivated motility. Veratridine increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation, an event occurring during capacitation, and its effects were inhibited in the presence of lidocaine and tetrodotoxin. Veratridine had no effect on the acrosome reaction by itself, but was able to block the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. Moreover, veratridine caused a membrane depolarization and modified the effect of progesterone on [Ca2+]i and sperm membrane potential. SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that veratridine-sensitive Nav channels are involved on human sperm fertility acquisition regulating motility, capacitation and the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction in human sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (L.C., F.M.P., A.C.-R., N.P.), CSIC, Seville, Spain.
| | - F M Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (L.C., F.M.P., A.C.-R., N.P.), CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - A Cejudo-Román
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (L.C., F.M.P., A.C.-R., N.P.), CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - C González-Ravina
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (C.G.R., M.F.-S.), Seville, Spain
| | | | - N Pérez-Hernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (L.C., F.M.P., A.C.-R., N.P.), CSIC, Seville, Spain
| | - J Irazusta
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad del País Vasco (J.I., N.S.), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - N Subirán
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad del País Vasco (J.I., N.S.), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
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31
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Arima H, Tsutsui H, Okamura Y. Conservation of the Ca 2+-permeability through the voltage sensor domain of mammalian CatSper subunit. Channels (Austin) 2018; 12:240-248. [PMID: 30001172 PMCID: PMC7560727 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2018.1476791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cation channel of Spermatozoa (CatSper) is one of the voltage-gated ion channels consisting of voltage sensor domains (VSDs) and pore-gate domains. CatSper is exclusively expressed in spermatozoa and indispensable for Ca2+ influx into cytosol. Recently, we have reported that the VSD of ascidian CatSper induces Ca2+-permeable pathways in heterologous expression systems. However, it is not known whether ion permeability through the VSD of CatSper is conserved in mammals. In the present study, electrophysiology and fluorometry in Xenopus oocytes revealed that Ca2+-permeable paths are also formed by expressing the VSD of murine CatSper. We also examined the permeability to monovalent cations other than Na+ in the VSD of ascidian CatSper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Arima
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, OsakaJapan
| | - Hidekazu Tsutsui
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, OsakaJapan
- Department of Material Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Nomi, IshikawaJapan
| | - Yasushi Okamura
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, OsakaJapan
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, OsakaJapan
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32
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Geng Y, Ferreira JJ, Dzikunu V, Butler A, Lybaert P, Yuan P, Magleby KL, Salkoff L, Santi CM. A genetic variant of the sperm-specific SLO3 K + channel has altered pH and Ca 2+ sensitivities. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:8978-8987. [PMID: 28377504 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.776013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To fertilize an oocyte, sperm must first undergo capacitation in which the sperm plasma membrane becomes hyperpolarized via activation of potassium (K+) channels and resultant K+ efflux. Sperm-specific SLO3 K+ channels are responsible for these membrane potential changes critical for fertilization in mouse sperm, and they are only sensitive to pH i However, in human sperm, the major K+ conductance is both Ca2+- and pH i -sensitive. It has been debated whether Ca2+-sensitive SLO1 channels substitute for human SLO3 (hSLO3) in human sperm or whether human SLO3 channels have acquired Ca2+ sensitivity. Here we show that hSLO3 is rapidly evolving and reveal a natural structural variant with enhanced apparent Ca2+ and pH sensitivities. This variant allele (C382R) alters an amino acid side chain at a principal interface between the intramembrane-gated pore and the cytoplasmic gating ring of the channel. Because the gating ring contains sensors to intracellular factors such as pH and Ca2+, the effectiveness of transduction between the gating ring and the pore domain appears to be enhanced. Our results suggest that sperm-specific genes can evolve rapidly and that natural genetic variation may have led to a SLO3 variant that differs from wild type in both pH and intracellular Ca2+ sensitivities. Whether this physiological variation confers differences in fertility among males remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Geng
- the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136
| | | | | | | | | | - Peng Yuan
- Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 and
| | - Karl L Magleby
- the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136
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Puga Molina LC, Pinto NA, Torres Rodríguez P, Romarowski A, Vicens Sanchez A, Visconti PE, Darszon A, Treviño CL, Buffone MG. Essential Role of CFTR in PKA-Dependent Phosphorylation, Alkalinization, and Hyperpolarization During Human Sperm Capacitation. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:1404-1414. [PMID: 27714810 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm require to spend a limited period of time in the female reproductive tract to become competent to fertilize in a process called capacitation. It is well established that HCO3- is essential for capacitation because it activates the atypical soluble adenylate cyclase ADCY10 leading to cAMP production, and promotes alkalinization of cytoplasm, and membrane hyperpolarization. However, how HCO3- is transported into the sperm is not well understood. There is evidence that CFTR activity is involved in the human sperm capacitation but how this channel is integrated in the complex signaling cascades associated with this process remains largely unknown. In the present work, we have analyzed the extent to which CFTR regulates different events in human sperm capacitation. We observed that inhibition of CFTR affects HCO3- -entrance dependent events resulting in lower PKA activity. CFTR inhibition also affected cAMP/PKA-downstream events such as the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation, hyperactivated motility, and acrosome reaction. In addition, we demonstrated for the first time, that CFTR and PKA activity are essential for the regulation of intracellular pH, and membrane potential in human sperm. Addition of permeable cAMP partially recovered all the PKA-dependent events altered in the presence of inh-172 which is consistent with a role of CFTR upstream of PKA activation. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1404-1414, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lis C Puga Molina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás A Pinto
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paulina Torres Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Vicens Sanchez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Paternal exposure to cigarette smoke condensate leads to reproductive sequelae and developmental abnormalities in the offspring of mice. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 65:283-294. [PMID: 27589885 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Paternal smoking is associated with infertility, birth defects and childhood cancers. Our earlier studies using cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) demonstrated several deleterious changes in male germ cells. Here, we hypothesize that chronic paternal exposure to CSC causes molecular and phenotypic changes in the sire and the offspring, respectively. In this mouse study, CSC caused DNA damage and cytotoxicity in testes via accumulation of benzo(a)pyrene (B[a]P) and cotinine. Decreased expression of growth arrest and DNA damage inducible alpha (Gadd45a), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (P21) was seen in CSC exposed testes. Apoptotic germ cell death was detected by induction of Fas, FasL, and activated caspase-3. The CSC-exposed males displayed reduction in sperm motility and fertilizing ability and sired pups with reduced body weight and crown-rump length, and smaller litter size with higher numbers of resorption. This model of CSC exposure demonstrates testicular toxicity and developmental defects in the offspring.
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35
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Beltrán C, Treviño CL, Mata-Martínez E, Chávez JC, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Baker M, Darszon A. Role of Ion Channels in the Sperm Acrosome Reaction. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:35-69. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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36
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Sperm Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction in Mammalian Sperm. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:93-106. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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37
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Fechner S, Alvarez L, Bönigk W, Müller A, Berger TK, Pascal R, Trötschel C, Poetsch A, Stölting G, Siegfried KR, Kremmer E, Seifert R, Kaupp UB. A K(+)-selective CNG channel orchestrates Ca(2+) signalling in zebrafish sperm. eLife 2015; 4:e07624. [PMID: 26650356 PMCID: PMC4749565 DOI: 10.7554/elife.07624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium in the flagellum controls sperm navigation. In sperm of marine invertebrates and mammals, Ca(2+) signalling has been intensely studied, whereas for fish little is known. In sea urchin sperm, a cyclic nucleotide-gated K(+) channel (CNGK) mediates a cGMP-induced hyperpolarization that evokes Ca(2+) influx. Here, we identify in sperm of the freshwater fish Danio rerio a novel CNGK family member featuring non-canonical properties. It is located in the sperm head rather than the flagellum and is controlled by intracellular pH, but not cyclic nucleotides. Alkalization hyperpolarizes sperm and produces Ca(2+) entry. Ca(2+) induces spinning-like swimming, different from swimming of sperm from other species. The "spinning" mode probably guides sperm into the micropyle, a narrow entrance on the surface of fish eggs. A picture is emerging of sperm channel orthologues that employ different activation mechanisms and serve different functions. The channel inventories probably reflect adaptations to species-specific challenges during fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Fechner
- Abteilung Molekulare Neurosensorik, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
| | - Luis Alvarez
- Abteilung Molekulare Neurosensorik, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bönigk
- Abteilung Molekulare Neurosensorik, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
| | - Astrid Müller
- Abteilung Molekulare Neurosensorik, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas K Berger
- Abteilung Molekulare Neurosensorik, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rene Pascal
- Abteilung Molekulare Neurosensorik, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Ansgar Poetsch
- Lehrstuhl Biochemie der Pflanzen, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Gabriel Stölting
- Institute of Complex Systems 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Kellee R Siegfried
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, United States
| | - Elisabeth Kremmer
- Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, München, Germany
| | - Reinhard Seifert
- Abteilung Molekulare Neurosensorik, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
| | - U Benjamin Kaupp
- Abteilung Molekulare Neurosensorik, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
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38
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Stival C, La Spina FA, Baró Graf C, Arcelay E, Arranz SE, Ferreira JJ, Le Grand S, Dzikunu VA, Santi CM, Visconti PE, Buffone MG, Krapf D. Src Kinase Is the Connecting Player between Protein Kinase A (PKA) Activation and Hyperpolarization through SLO3 Potassium Channel Regulation in Mouse Sperm. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:18855-64. [PMID: 26060254 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.640326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane hyperpolarization is crucial for mammalian sperm to acquire acrosomal responsiveness during capacitation. Among the signaling events leading to mammalian sperm capacitation, the immediate activation of protein kinase A plays a pivotal role, promoting the subsequent stimulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation that associates with fertilizing capacity. We have shown previously that mice deficient in the tyrosine kinase cSrc are infertile and exhibit improper cauda epididymis development. It is therefore not clear whether lack of sperm functionality is due to problems in epididymal maturation or to the absence of cSrc in sperm. To further address this problem, we investigated the kinetics of cSrc activation using anti-Tyr(P)-416-cSrc antibodies that only recognize active cSrc. Our results provide evidence that cSrc is activated downstream of PKA and that inhibition of its activity blocks the capacitation-induced hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane without blocking the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation that accompanies capacitation. In addition, we show that cSrc inhibition also blocks the agonist-induced acrosome reaction and that this inhibition is overcome by pharmacological hyperpolarization. Considering that capacitation-induced hyperpolarization is mediated by SLO3, we evaluated the action of cSrc inhibitors on the heterologously expressed SLO3 channel. Our results indicate that, similar to SLO1 K(+) channels, cSrc blockers significantly decreased SLO3-mediated currents. Together, these results are consistent with findings showing that hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane is necessary and sufficient to prepare the sperm for the acrosome reaction and suggest that changes in sperm membrane potential are mediated by cSrc activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Stival
- From the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Florenza A La Spina
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Carolina Baró Graf
- From the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Enid Arcelay
- the Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Silvia E Arranz
- From the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Juan J Ferreira
- the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, and
| | - Sibylle Le Grand
- the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, and
| | - Victor A Dzikunu
- the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, and
| | - Celia M Santi
- the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, and
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- the Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- From the Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina,
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39
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Escoffier J, Navarrete F, Haddad D, Santi CM, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Flow cytometry analysis reveals that only a subpopulation of mouse sperm undergoes hyperpolarization during capacitation. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:121. [PMID: 25855261 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To gain fertilizing capacity, mammalian sperm should reside in the female tract for a period of time. The physiological changes that render the sperm able to fertilize are known as capacitation. Capacitation is associated with an increase in intracellular pH, an increase in intracellular calcium, and phosphorylation of different proteins. This process is also accompanied by the hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential (Em). In the present work, we used flow cytometry to analyze changes in sperm Em during capacitation in individual cells. Our results indicate that a subpopulation of hyperpolarized mouse sperm can be clearly distinguished by sperm flow cytometry analysis. Using sperm bearing green fluorescent protein in their acrosomes, we found that this hyperpolarized subpopulation is composed of sperm with intact acrosomes. In addition, we show that the capacitation-associated hyperpolarization is blocked by high extracellular K(+), by PKA inhibitors, and by SLO3 inhibitors in CD1 mouse sperm, and undetectable in Slo3 knockout mouse sperm. On the other hand, in sperm incubated in conditions that do not support capacitation, sperm membrane hyperpolarization can be induced by amiloride, high extracellular NaHCO3, and cAMP agonists. Altogether, our observations are consistent with a model in which sperm Em hyperpolarization is downstream of a cAMP-dependent pathway and is mediated by the activation of SLO3 K(+) channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Escoffier
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Doug Haddad
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
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McDermott J, Sánchez G, Nangia AK, Blanco G. Role of human Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 in sperm function, derived from studies in transgenic mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:167-81. [PMID: 25640246 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Most of our knowledge on the biological role of the testis-specific Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 isoform derives from studies performed in non-human species. Here, we studied the function of human Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 after its expression in transgenic mice. Using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) construct containing the human ATP1A4 gene locus, we obtained expression of the human α4 transgene specifically in mouse sperm testis and, in the sperm flagellum. The expressed human alpha 4 was active, and compared to wild-type sperm, those from transgenic mice displayed higher Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 activity and greater binding of fluorescently labeled ouabain, which is typical of the alpha 4 isoform. The expression and activity of endogenous alpha 4 and the other Na,K-ATPase alpha isoform present in sperm, alpha 1, remained unchanged. Male mice expressing the human ATP1A4 transgene exhibited similar testis size and morphology, normal sperm number and shape, and no changes in overall fertility compared to wild-type mice. Sperm carrying the human transgene exhibited enhanced total motility and an increase in multiple parameters of sperm movement, including higher sperm hyperactive motility. In contrast, no statistically significant changes in sperm membrane potential, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, or spontaneous acrosome reaction were found between wild-type and transgenic mice. Altogether, these results provide new genetic evidence for an important role of human Na,K-ATPase alpha 4 in sperm motility and hyperactivation, and establishes a new animal model for future studies of this isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey McDermott
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Department of Urology and Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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41
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Miller RL, Denny GO, Knuepfer MM, Kleyman TR, Jackson EK, Salkoff LB, Loewy AD. Blockade of ENaCs by amiloride induces c-Fos activation of the area postrema. Brain Res 2014; 1601:40-51. [PMID: 25557402 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) are strongly expressed in the circumventricular organs (CVOs), and these structures may play an important role in sensing plasma sodium levels. Here, the potent ENaC blocker amiloride was injected intraperitoneally in rats and 2h later, the c-Fos activation pattern in the CVOs was studied. Amiloride elicited dose-related activation in the area postrema (AP) but only ~10% of the rats showed c-Fos activity in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) and subfornical organ (SFO). Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (catecholamine) AP neurons were activated, but tryptophan hydroxylase-immunoreactive (serotonin) neurons were unaffected. The AP projects to FoxP2-expressing neurons in the dorsolateral pons which include the pre-locus coeruleus nucleus and external lateral part of the parabrachial nucleus; both cell groups were c-Fos activated following systemic injections of amiloride. In contrast, another AP projection target--the aldosterone-sensitive neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius which express the enzyme 11-β-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2) were not activated. As shown here, plasma concentrations of amiloride used in these experiments were near or below the IC50 level for ENaCs. Amiloride did not induce changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or regional vascular resistance, so sensory feedback from the cardiovascular system was probably not a causal factor for the c-Fos activity seen in the CVOs. In summary, amiloride may have a dual effect on sodium homeostasis causing a loss of sodium via the kidney and inhibiting sodium appetite by activating the central satiety pathway arising from the AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Miller
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8108, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - George O Denny
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8108, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Mark M Knuepfer
- Department of Pharmacological & Physiological Science, St. Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Thomas R Kleyman
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Edwin K Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Lawrence B Salkoff
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8108, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Arthur D Loewy
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8108, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Chávez JC, Ferreira JJ, Butler A, De La Vega Beltrán JL, Treviño CL, Darszon A, Salkoff L, Santi CM. SLO3 K+ channels control calcium entry through CATSPER channels in sperm. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:32266-32275. [PMID: 25271166 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.607556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we show how a sperm-specific potassium channel (SLO3) controls Ca(2+) entry into sperm through a sperm-specific Ca(2+) channel, CATSPER, in a totally unanticipated manner. The genetic deletion of either of those channels confers male infertility in mice. During sperm capacitation SLO3 hyperpolarizes the sperm, whereas CATSPER allows Ca(2+) entry. These two channels may be functionally connected, but it had not been demonstrated that SLO3-dependent hyperpolarization is required for Ca(2+) entry through CATSPER channels, nor has a functional mechanism linking the two channels been shown. In this study we show that Ca(2+) entry through CATSPER channels is deficient in Slo3 mutant sperm lacking hyperpolarization; we also present evidence supporting the hypothesis that SLO3 channels activate CATSPER channels indirectly by promoting a rise in intracellular pH through a voltage-dependent mechanism. This mechanism may work through a Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (sNHE) and/or a bicarbonate transporter, which utilizes the inward driving force of the Na(+) gradient, rendering it intrinsically voltage-dependent. In addition, the sperm-specific Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (sNHE) possess a putative voltage sensor that might be activated by membrane hyperpolarization, thus increasing the voltage sensitivity of internal alkalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio César Chávez
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 and; Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 62210 Cuernavaca, México
| | - Juan José Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 and
| | - Alice Butler
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 and
| | | | - Claudia L Treviño
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 62210 Cuernavaca, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 62210 Cuernavaca, México
| | - Lawrence Salkoff
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 and
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 and
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Zeng XH, Navarro B, Xia XM, Clapham DE, Lingle CJ. Simultaneous knockout of Slo3 and CatSper1 abolishes all alkalization- and voltage-activated current in mouse spermatozoa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 142:305-13. [PMID: 23980198 PMCID: PMC3753610 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201311011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During passage through the female reproductive tract, mammalian sperm undergo a maturation process termed capacitation that renders sperm competent to produce fertilization. Capacitation involves a sequence of changes in biochemical and electrical properties, the onset of a hyperactivated swimming behavior, and development of the ability to undergo successful fusion and penetration with an egg. In mouse sperm, the development of hyperactivated motility is dependent on cytosolic alkalization that then results in an increase in cytosolic Ca2+. The elevation of Ca2+ is thought to be primarily driven by the concerted interplay of two alkalization-activated currents, a K+ current (KSPER) composed of pore-forming subunits encoded by the Kcnu1 gene (also termed Slo3) and a Ca2+ current arising from a family of CATSPER subunits. After deletion of any of four CATSPER subunit genes (CATSPER1–4), the major remaining current in mouse sperm is alkalization-activated KSPER current. After genetic deletion of the Slo3 gene, KSPER current is abolished, but there remains a small voltage-activated K+ current hypothesized to reflect monovalent flux through CATSPER. Here, we address two questions. First, does the residual outward K+ current present in the Slo3 −/− sperm arise from CATSPER? Second, can any additional membrane K+ currents be detected in mouse sperm by patch-clamp methods other than CATSPER and KSPER? Here, using mice bred to lack both SLO3 and CATSPER1 subunits, we show conclusively that the voltage-activated outward current present in Slo3 −/− sperm is abolished when CATSPER is also deleted. Any leak currents that may play a role in setting the resting membrane potential in noncapacitated sperm are likely smaller than the pipette leak current and thus cannot be resolved within the limitation of the patch-clamp technique. Together, KSPER and CATSPER appear to be the sole ion channels present in mouse sperm that regulate membrane potential and Ca2+ influx in response to alkalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Hui Zeng
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, China
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López-González I, Torres-Rodríguez P, Sánchez-Carranza O, Solís-López A, Santi CM, Darszon A, Treviño CL. Membrane hyperpolarization during human sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:619-29. [PMID: 24737063 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is a complex and indispensable physiological process that spermatozoa must undergo in order to acquire fertilization capability. Spermatozoa from several mammalian species, including mice, exhibit a capacitation-associated plasma membrane hyperpolarization, which is necessary for the acrosome reaction to occur. Despite its importance, this hyperpolarization event has not been adequately examined in human sperm. In this report we used flow cytometry to show that a subpopulation of human sperm indeed undergo a plasma membrane hyperpolarization upon in vitro capacitation. This hyperpolarization correlated with two other well-characterized capacitation parameters, namely an increase in intracellular pH and Ca(2+) concentration, measured also by flow cytometry. We found that sperm membrane hyperpolarization was completely abolished in the presence of a high external K(+) concentration (60 mM), indicating the participation of K(+) channels. In order to identify, which of the potential K(+) channels were involved in this hyperpolarization, we used different K(+) channel inhibitors including charybdotoxin, slotoxin and iberiotoxin (which target Slo1) and clofilium (a more specific blocker for Slo3). All these K(+) channel antagonists inhibited membrane hyperpolarization to a similar extent, suggesting that both members of the Slo family may potentially participate. Two very recent papers recorded K(+) currents in human sperm electrophysiologically, with some contradictory results. In the present work, we show through immunoblotting that Slo3 channels are present in the human sperm membrane. In addition, we found that human Slo3 channels expressed in CHO cells were sensitive to clofilium (50 μM). Considered altogether, our data indicate that Slo1 and Slo3 could share the preponderant role in the capacitation-associated hyperpolarization of human sperm in contrast to what has been previously reported for mouse sperm, where Slo3 channels are the main contributors to the hyperpolarization event.
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Affiliation(s)
- I López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - P Torres-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - O Sánchez-Carranza
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - A Solís-López
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - C M Santi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - A Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - C L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
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Naz RK. The Effect of Curcumin on Intracellular pH (pHi), Membrane Hyperpolarization and Sperm Motility. J Reprod Infertil 2014; 15:62-70. [PMID: 24918078 PMCID: PMC4032971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Curcumin has shown to affect sperm motility and function in vitro and fertility in vivo. The molecular mechanism(s) by which curcumin affects sperm motility has not been delineated. Since modulation of intracellular pH (pHi) and plasma membrane polarization is involved in sperm motility, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of curcumin on these sperm (human and murine) parameters. METHODS The effect of curcumin on sperm forward motility was examined by counting percentages of forward moving sperm. The effect of curcumin on intracellular pH (pHi) was measured by the fluorescent pH indicator 2,7-bicarboxyethyl-5,6-carboxyfluorescein-acetoxymethyl ester (BCECF-AM). The effect of curcumin on plasma membrane polarization was examined using the fluorescence sensitive dye bis (1,3-dibarbituric acid)-trimethine oxanol [DiBAC4(3)]. RESULTS Curcumin caused a concentration-dependent (p<0.05) decrease in forward motility of both human and mouse sperm. It also caused a concentration-dependent decrease in intracellular pH (pHi) in both human and mouse sperm. Curcumin induced significant (p<0.05) hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane in both human and mouse sperm. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that curcumin inhibits sperm forward motility by intracellular acidification and hyperpolarization of sperm plasma membrane. This is the first study to our knowledge which examined the effect of curcumin on sperm pHi and membrane polarization that affect sperm forward motility. These exciting findings will have application in deciphering the signal transduction pathway involved in sperm motility and function and in development of a novel non-steroidal contraceptive for infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K. Naz
- Corresponding Author: Rajesh K. Naz, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center North, West Virginia University, School of Medicine, Room 2085, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. E-mail:
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The voltage-gated sodium channel nav1.8 is expressed in human sperm. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76084. [PMID: 24086692 PMCID: PMC3785426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Na(+) fluxes through voltage-gated sodium channels in the regulation of sperm cell function remains poorly understood. Previously, we reported that several genes encoding voltage-gated Na(+) channels were expressed in human testis and mature spermatozoa. In this study, we analyzed the presence and function of the TTX-resistant VGSC α subunit Nav1.8 in human capacitated sperm cells. Using an RT-PCR assay, we found that the mRNA of the gene SCN10A, that encode Na v1.8, was abundantly and specifically expressed in human testis and ejaculated spermatozoa. The Na v1.8 protein was detected in capacitated sperm cells using three different specific antibodies against this channel. Positive immunoreactivity was mainly located in the neck and the principal piece of the flagellum. The presence of Na v1.8 in sperm cells was confirmed by Western blot. Functional studies demonstrated that the increases in progressive motility produced by veratridine, a voltage-gated sodium channel activator, were reduced in sperm cells preincubated with TTX (10 μM), the Na v1.8 antagonist A-803467, or a specific Na v1.8 antibody. Veratridine elicited similar percentage increases in progressive motility in sperm cells maintained in Ca(2+)-containing or Ca(2+)-free solution and did not induce hyperactivation or the acrosome reaction. Veratridine caused a rise in sperm intracellular Na(+), [Na(+)]i, and the sustained phase of the response was inhibited in the presence of A-803467. These results verify that the Na(+) channel Na v1.8 is present in human sperm cells and demonstrate that this channel participates in the regulation of sperm function.
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Miller RL, Wang MH, Gray PA, Salkoff LB, Loewy AD. ENaC-expressing neurons in the sensory circumventricular organs become c-Fos activated following systemic sodium changes. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 305:R1141-52. [PMID: 24049115 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00242.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The sensory circumventricular organs (CVOs) are specialized collections of neurons and glia that lie in the midline of the third and fourth ventricles of the brain, lack a blood-brain barrier, and function as chemosensors, sampling both the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. These structures, which include the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), subfornical organ (SFO), and area postrema (AP), are sensitive to changes in sodium concentration but the cellular mechanisms involved remain unknown. Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-expressing neurons of the CVOs may be involved in this process. Here we demonstrate with immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization methods that ENaC-expressing neurons are densely concentrated in the sensory CVOs. These neurons become c-Fos activated, a marker for neuronal activity, after various manipulations of peripheral levels of sodium including systemic injections with hypertonic saline, dietary sodium deprivation, and sodium repletion after prolonged sodium deprivation. The increases seen c-Fos activity in the CVOs were correlated with parallel increases in plasma sodium levels. Since ENaCs play a central role in sodium reabsorption in kidney and other epithelia, we present a hypothesis here suggesting that these channels may also serve a related function in the CVOs. ENaCs could be a significant factor in modulating CVO neuronal activity by controlling the magnitude of sodium permeability in neurons. Hence, some of the same circulating hormones controlling ENaC expression in kidney, such as angiotensin II and atrial natriuretic peptide, may coordinate ENaC expression in sensory CVO neurons and could potentially orchestrate sodium appetite, osmoregulation, and vasomotor sympathetic drive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Miller
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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