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Dai P, Zou M, Cai Z, Zeng X, Zhang X, Liang M. pH Homeodynamics and Male Fertility: A Coordinated Regulation of Acid-Based Balance during Sperm Journey to Fertilization. Biomolecules 2024; 14:685. [PMID: 38927088 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
pH homeostasis is crucial for spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, sperm physiological function, and fertilization in mammals. HCO3- and H+ are the most significant factors involved in regulating pH homeostasis in the male reproductive system. Multiple pH-regulating transporters and ion channels localize in the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa, such as HCO3- transporters (solute carrier family 4 and solute carrier family 26 transporters), carbonic anhydrases, and H+-transport channels and enzymes (e.g., Na+-H+ exchangers, monocarboxylate transporters, H+-ATPases, and voltage-gated proton channels). Hormone-mediated signals impose an influence on the production of some HCO3- or H+ transporters, such as NBCe1, SLC4A2, MCT4, etc. Additionally, ion channels including sperm-specific cationic channels for Ca2+ (CatSper) and K+ (SLO3) are directly or indirectly regulated by pH, exerting specific actions on spermatozoa. The slightly alkaline testicular pH is conducive to spermatogenesis, whereas the epididymis's low HCO3- concentration and acidic lumen are favorable for sperm maturation and storage. Spermatozoa pH increases substantially after being fused with seminal fluid to enhance motility. In the female reproductive tract, sperm are subjected to increasing concentrations of HCO3- in the uterine and fallopian tube, causing a rise in the intracellular pH (pHi) of spermatozoa, leading to hyperpolarization of sperm plasma membranes, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ultimately fertilization. The physiological regulation initiated by SLC26A3, SLC26A8, NHA1, sNHE, and CFTR localized in sperm is proven for certain to be involved in male fertility. This review intends to present the key factors and characteristics of pHi regulation in the testes, efferent duct, epididymis, seminal fluid, and female reproductive tract, as well as the associated mechanisms during the sperm journey to fertilization, proposing insights into outstanding subjects and future research trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Dai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Meng Zou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Ziyi Cai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
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Meng Z, Qiao Y, Xue J, Wu T, Gao W, Huang X, Lv J, Liu M, Shen C. Slc26a1 is not essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16558. [PMID: 38111663 PMCID: PMC10726749 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Thousands of genes are expressed in the testis of mice. However, the details about their roles during spermatogenesis have not been well-clarified for most genes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Slc26a1 deficiency on mouse spermatogenesis and male fertility. Slc26a1-knockout (KO) mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology on C57BL/6J background. We found no obvious differences between Slc26a1-KO and Slc26a1-WT mice in fertility tests, testicular weight, sperm concentrations, or morphology. Histological analysis found that Slc26a1-KO mouse testes had normal germ cell types and mature sperm. These findings indicated that Slc26a1 was dispensable for male fertility in mice. Our results may save time and resources by allowing other researchers to focus on genes that are more meaningful for fertility studies. We also found that mRNAs of two Slc26a family members (Slc26a5 and Slc26a11) were expressed on higher mean levels in Slc26a1-KO total mouse testes, compared to Slc26a1-WT mice. This effect was not found in mouse GC-1 and GC-2 germ cell lines with the Slc26a1 gene transiently knocked down. This result may indicate that a gene compensation phenomenon was present in the testes of Slc26a1-KO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Meng
- Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Center for Reproduction, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Qiao
- The Affiliated Huai’an No.1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Center for Reproduction, Huai’an, Jiang Su, China
| | - Jiajia Xue
- Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Center for Reproduction, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiantian Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenxin Gao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinxing Lv
- Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Center for Reproduction, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cong Shen
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Bernardino RL, Carrageta DF, Sousa M, Alves MG, Oliveira PF. pH and male fertility: making sense on pH homeodynamics throughout the male reproductive tract. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:3783-3800. [PMID: 31165202 PMCID: PMC11105638 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03170-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the male reproductive tract, ionic equilibrium is essential to maintain normal spermatozoa production and, hence, the reproductive potential. Among the several ions, HCO3- and H+ have a central role, mainly due to their role on pH homeostasis. In the male reproductive tract, the major players in pH regulation and homeodynamics are carbonic anhydrases (CAs), HCO3- membrane transporters (solute carrier 4-SLC4 and solute carrier 26-SLC26 family transporters), Na+-H+ exchangers (NHEs), monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) and voltage-gated proton channels (Hv1). CAs and these membrane transporters are widely distributed throughout the male reproductive tract, where they play essential roles in the ionic balance of tubular fluids. CAs are the enzymes responsible for the production of HCO3- which is then transported by membrane transporters to ensure the maturation, storage, and capacitation of the spermatozoa. The transport of H+ is carried out by NHEs, Hv1, and MCTs and is essential for the electrochemical balance and for the maintenance of the pH within the physiological limits along the male reproductive tract. Alterations in HCO3- production and transport of ions have been associated with some male reproductive dysfunctions. Herein, we present an up-to-date review on the distribution and role of the main intervenient on pH homeodynamics in the fluids throughout the male reproductive tract. In addition, we discuss their relevance for the establishment of the male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel L Bernardino
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - David F Carrageta
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Institute for Innovation and Health Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Seidler U, Nikolovska K. Slc26 Family of Anion Transporters in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Expression, Function, Regulation, and Role in Disease. Compr Physiol 2019; 9:839-872. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Wedenoja S, Khamaysi A, Shimshilashvili L, Anbtawe-Jomaa S, Elomaa O, Toppari J, Höglund P, Aittomäki K, Holmberg C, Hovatta O, Tapanainen JS, Ohana E, Kere J. A missense mutation in SLC26A3 is associated with human male subfertility and impaired activation of CFTR. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14208. [PMID: 29079751 PMCID: PMC5660164 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14606-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chloride absorption and bicarbonate excretion through exchange by the solute carrier family 26 member 3 (SLC26A3) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) are crucial for many tissues including sperm and epithelia of the male reproductive tract. Homozygous SLC26A3 mutations cause congenital chloride diarrhea with male subfertility, while homozygous CFTR mutations cause cystic fibrosis with male infertility. Some homozygous or heterozygous CFTR mutations only manifest as male infertility. Accordingly, we studied the influence of SLC26A3 on idiopathic infertility by sequencing exons of SLC26A3 in 283 infertile and 211 control men. A heterozygous mutation c.2062 G > C (p.Asp688His) appeared in nine (3.2%) infertile men, and additionally, in two (0.9%) control men, whose samples revealed a sperm motility defect. The p.Asp688His mutation is localized in the CFTR-interacting STAS domain of SLC26A3 and enriched in Finland, showing a significant association with male infertility in comparison with 6,572 Finnish (P < 0.05) and over 120,000 global alleles (P < 0.0001) (ExAC database). Functional studies showed that while SLC26A3 is a strong activator of CFTR-dependent anion transport, SLC26A3-p.Asp688His mutant retains normal Cl−/HCO3− exchange activity but suppresses CFTR, despite unaffected domain binding and expression. These results suggest a novel mechanism for human male infertility─impaired anion transport by the coupled SLC26A3 and CFTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Wedenoja
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ahlam Khamaysi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Liana Shimshilashvili
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shireen Anbtawe-Jomaa
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Outi Elomaa
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, and Molecular Neurology Research Program, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, and Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, FI-20014, Turku, Finland
| | - Pia Höglund
- City of Kauniainen, Health Care Services, FI-02700, Kauniainen, Finland
| | - Kristiina Aittomäki
- HUSLAB, Laboratory of Genetics, Helsinki University Hospital, and Genome-Scale Biology research program, University of Helsinki, FI-00029, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christer Holmberg
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Outi Hovatta
- Department of Clinical Science, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juha S Tapanainen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, FI-90220, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ehud Ohana
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Juha Kere
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, and Molecular Neurology Research Program, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183, Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, England
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