1
|
Raj G, Nitin K, Abhishek S, Dey S, Rajakumara E. Computational and in vitro binding studies of theophylline against phosphodiesterases functioning in sperm in presence and absence of pentoxifylline. Biophys Chem 2024; 313:107294. [PMID: 39029164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107294] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Fertility is a result of a synergy among the sperm's various functions including capacitation, motility, chemotaxis, acrosome reaction, and, finally, the fertilization of the oocyte. Subpar motility is the most common cause of infertility in males. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signalling underlies motility and is depleted by the phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in sperm, such as PDE10A, PDE1, and PDE4. Therefore, the PDE inhibitor (PDEI) category of fertility drugs aim to enhance motility in assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) through inhibition of PDEs, though they might have adverse effects on other physiological variables. For example, the popular drug pentoxifylline (PTX), widely used in ARTs, improves motility but causes premature acrosome reaction and exerts toxicity on the fertilized oocyte. Another xanthine-derived drug, theophylline (TP), has been repurposed for treating infertility, but its mechanism of PDE inhibition remains unexplored. Here, using biophysical and computational approaches, we identified that TP binds to the same binding pocket as PTX with higher affinity than PTX. We also found that PTX and TP co-bind to the same binding pocket, but at different sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gupta Raj
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Kulhar Nitin
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Suman Abhishek
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India.
| | - Sreenath Dey
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Eerappa Rajakumara
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Structure-based redesigning of pentoxifylline analogs against selective phosphodiesterases to modulate sperm functional competence for assisted reproductive technologies. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12293. [PMID: 34112881 PMCID: PMC8192908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91636-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, such as pentoxifylline (PTX), are used as pharmacological agents to enhance sperm motility in assisted reproductive technology (ART), mainly to aid the selection of viable sperm in asthenozoospermic ejaculates and testicular spermatozoa, prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, PTX is reported to induce premature acrosome reaction (AR) and, exert toxic effects on oocyte function and early embryo development. Additionally, in vitro binding studies as well as computational binding free energy (ΔGbind) suggest that PTX exhibits weak binding to sperm PDEs, indicating room for improvement. Aiming to reduce the adverse effects and to enhance the sperm motility, we designed and studied PTX analogues. Using structure-guided in silico approach and by considering the physico-chemical properties of the binding pocket of the PDEs, designed analogues of PTX. In silico assessments indicated that PTX analogues bind more tightly to PDEs and form stable complexes. Particularly, ex vivo evaluation of sperm treated with one of the PTX analogues (PTXm-1), showed comparable beneficial effect at much lower concentration-slower AR, higher DNA integrity and extended longevity of spermatozoa and superior embryo quality. PTXm-1 is proposed to be a better pharmacological agent for ART than PTX for sperm function enhancement.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lavoie-Ouellet C, Clark MÈ, Ruiz J, Saindon AA, Leclerc P. The protein phosphatase with EF-hand domain 1 is a calmodulin-binding protein that interacts with proteins involved in sperm capacitation, binding to the zona pellucida, and motility. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:302-317. [PMID: 33783058 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells whose fertilizing and motility functions highly depend on intracellular Ca2+ -mediated events and protein posttranslational modifications like phosphorylation. Our group previously identified PPEF1, the Ser/Thr phosphatase with EF-hand domain 1, among calmodulin-affinity pulled down sperm proteins. As the mammalian ortholog of the Drosophila phosphatase rdgC that dephosphorylates rhodopsin, PPEF1 has been studied mostly in the retina. The presence and importance of this Ca2+ /calmodulin-binding protein phosphatase has not been studied in sperm or testicular functions despite its high expression level. In this study, we show that PPEF1 is present in testicular germ cells, and in mouse, human and bull spermatozoa where it is localized predominantly in the neck and acrosome areas. Different transcript variants encoding four predicted isoforms were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in bull testis, spermatocytes and spermatids. Phosphatase activity of immunoprecipitated sperm PPEF1 was detected using the substrate pNPP and analysis of the coimmunoprecipitated proteins reveal an enrichment in the biological processes of sperm capacitation, binding to the zona pellucida and motility. Although this is the first demonstration of the presence of PPEF1 in sperm and testicular germ cells, its involvement in sperm fertilizing ability and motility, and the mechanisms regulating its activity remain to be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Clark
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Juliana Ruiz
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrée-Anne Saindon
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Leclerc
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leclerc P, Goupil S, Rioux J, Lavoie‐Ouellet C, Clark M, Ruiz J, Saindon A. Study on the role of calmodulin in sperm function through the enrichment and identification of calmodulin‐binding proteins in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:5340-5352. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Leclerc
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Serge Goupil
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Jean‐François Rioux
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Camille Lavoie‐Ouellet
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Marie‐Ève Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Juliana Ruiz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Andrée‐Anne Saindon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Balbach M, Beckert V, Hansen JN, Wachten D. Shedding light on the role of cAMP in mammalian sperm physiology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:111-120. [PMID: 29146556 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization relies on sperm finding the egg and penetrating the egg vestments. All steps in a sperm's lifetime crucially rely on changes in the second messenger cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). In recent years, it has become clear that signal transduction in sperm is not a continuum, but rather organized in subcellular domains, e.g. the sperm head and the sperm flagellum, with the latter being further separated into the midpiece, principal piece, and endpiece. To understand the underlying signaling pathways controlling sperm function in more detail, experimental approaches are needed that allow to study sperm signaling with spatial and temporal precision. Here, we will give a comprehensive overview on cAMP signaling in mammalian sperm, describing the molecular players involved in these pathways and the sperm functions that are controlled by cAMP. Furthermore, we will highlight recent advances in analyzing and manipulating sperm signaling with spatio-temporal precision using light.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Balbach
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vera Beckert
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan N Hansen
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), Minerva Max Planck Research Group, Molecular Physiology, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Robichaux WG, Cheng X. Intracellular cAMP Sensor EPAC: Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutics Development. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:919-1053. [PMID: 29537337 PMCID: PMC6050347 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00025.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on one family of the known cAMP receptors, the exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPACs), also known as the cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factors (cAMP-GEFs). Although EPAC proteins are fairly new additions to the growing list of cAMP effectors, and relatively "young" in the cAMP discovery timeline, the significance of an EPAC presence in different cell systems is extraordinary. The study of EPACs has considerably expanded the diversity and adaptive nature of cAMP signaling associated with numerous physiological and pathophysiological responses. This review comprehensively covers EPAC protein functions at the molecular, cellular, physiological, and pathophysiological levels; and in turn, the applications of employing EPAC-based biosensors as detection tools for dissecting cAMP signaling and the implications for targeting EPAC proteins for therapeutic development are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William G Robichaux
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maréchal L, Guillemette C, Goupil S, Blondin P, Leclerc P, Richard FJ. Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases in human spermatozoa and seminal fluid: Presence of an active PDE10A in human spermatozoa. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:147-156. [PMID: 27836756 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays a crucial role as a signaling molecule for sperm functions such as capacitation, motility and acrosome reaction. It is well known that cAMP degradation by phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzyme has a major impact on sperm functions. The present study was undertaken to characterize cAMP-PDE activity in human semen. METHODS cAMP-PDE activity was measured in human sperm and seminal plasma using family specific PDE inhibitors. Three sperm fractionation methods were applied to assess cAMP-PDE activity in spermatozoa. Western blots were used to validate the presence of specific family in sperm and seminal plasma. RESULTS Using three sperm fractionation methods, we demonstrated that in human sperm, the major cAMP-PDE activity is papaverine-sensitive and thus ascribed to PDE10. In seminal plasma, total cAMP-PDE activity was 1.14±0.39fmol of cAMP hydrolyzed per minute per μg of protein. Using specific inhibitors, we showed that the major cAMP-PDE activity found in human seminal plasma is ascribed to PDE4 and PDE11. Western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation with a specific monoclonal antibody, and mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of PDE10 in human spermatozoa. CONCLUSION This study provides the first demonstration of the presence of functional PDE10 in human spermatozoa and functional PDE4 and PDE11 in human seminal plasma. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Since the contribution of cyclic nucleotides in several sperm functions is well known, the finding that PDE10 is an active enzyme in human spermatozoa is novel and may lead to new insight into fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loïze Maréchal
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Christine Guillemette
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Québec, Canada
| | - Serge Goupil
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- L'Alliance Boviteq Inc, 19320 Grand rang St-François, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2T 5H1, Canada
| | - Pierre Leclerc
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - François J Richard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Québec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|