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Hanley PJ. Elusive physiological role of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP): generation of choline for sperm motility via auto-and paracrine cholinergic signaling. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1327769. [PMID: 38187135 PMCID: PMC10766772 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1327769] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) exists as two splice variants, secreted PAP and transmembrane PAP, the latter of which is implicated in antinociceptive signaling in dorsal root ganglia. However, PAP is predominantly expressed in the prostate gland and the physiological role of seminal PAP, first identified in 1938, is largely unknown. Here, the author proposes that PAP, following ejaculation, functions to hydrolyze phosphocholine (PC) in seminal fluid and generate choline, which is imported by sperm via a choline transporter and converted to acetylcholine (ACh) by choline acetyltransferase. Auto- and paracrine cholinergic signaling, or choline directly, may subsequently stimulate sperm motility via α7 nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and contractility of the female reproductive tract through muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs). Consistent with a role of PAP in cholinergic signaling, 1) seminal vesicles secrete PC, 2) the prostate gland secretes PAP, 3) PAP specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of PC into inorganic phosphate and choline, 4) seminal choline levels increase post-ejaculation, 5) pharmacological inhibition of choline acetyltransferase inhibits sperm motility, 6) inhibition or genetic deletion of α7 nAChRs impairs sperm motility, and 7) mAChRs are expressed in the uterus and oviduct (fallopian tube). Notably, PAP does not degrade glycerophosphocholine (GPC), the predominant choline source in the semen of rats and other mammals. Instead, uterine GPC phosphodiesterases may liberate choline from seminal GPC. In summary, the author deduces that PAP in humans, and uterine GPC phosphodiesterases in other mammals, function to generate choline for sperm cholinergic signaling, which promotes sperm motility and possibly contractility of the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Hanley
- IMM Institute for Molecular Medicine, HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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2
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Amaral A. Energy metabolism in mammalian sperm motility. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1569. [DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Amaral
- Department of Developmental Genetics Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics Berlin Germany
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3
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Dambrova M, Makrecka-Kuka M, Kuka J, Vilskersts R, Nordberg D, Attwood MM, Smesny S, Sen ZD, Guo AC, Oler E, Tian S, Zheng J, Wishart DS, Liepinsh E, Schiöth HB. Acylcarnitines: Nomenclature, Biomarkers, Therapeutic Potential, Drug Targets, and Clinical Trials. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:506-551. [PMID: 35710135 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acylcarnitines are fatty acid metabolites that play important roles in many cellular energy metabolism pathways. They have historically been used as important diagnostic markers for inborn errors of fatty acid oxidation and are being intensively studied as markers of energy metabolism, deficits in mitochondrial and peroxisomal β -oxidation activity, insulin resistance, and physical activity. Acylcarnitines are increasingly being identified as important indicators in metabolic studies of many diseases, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, neurologic disorders, and certain cancers. The US Food and Drug Administration-approved drug L-carnitine, along with short-chain acylcarnitines (acetylcarnitine and propionylcarnitine), is now widely used as a dietary supplement. In light of their growing importance, we have undertaken an extensive review of acylcarnitines and provided a detailed description of their identity, nomenclature, classification, biochemistry, pathophysiology, supplementary use, potential drug targets, and clinical trials. We also summarize these updates in the Human Metabolome Database, which now includes information on the structures, chemical formulae, chemical/spectral properties, descriptions, and pathways for 1240 acylcarnitines. This work lays a solid foundation for identifying, characterizing, and understanding acylcarnitines in human biosamples. We also discuss the emerging opportunities for using acylcarnitines as biomarkers and as dietary interventions or supplements for many wide-ranging indications. The opportunity to identify new drug targets involved in controlling acylcarnitine levels is also discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review provides a comprehensive overview of acylcarnitines, including their nomenclature, structure and biochemistry, and use as disease biomarkers and pharmaceutical agents. We present updated information contained in the Human Metabolome Database website as well as substantial mapping of the known biochemical pathways associated with acylcarnitines, thereby providing a strong foundation for further clarification of their physiological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Dambrova
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Marina Makrecka-Kuka
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Janis Kuka
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Reinis Vilskersts
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Didi Nordberg
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Misty M Attwood
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Stefan Smesny
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Zumrut Duygu Sen
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - An Chi Guo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Eponine Oler
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Siyang Tian
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Jiamin Zheng
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - David S Wishart
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Edgars Liepinsh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
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4
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Lavanya M, Selvaraju S, Krishnappa B, Krishnaswamy N, Nagarajan G, Kumar H. Microenvironment of the male and female reproductive tracts regulate sperm fertility: Impact of viscosity, pH, and osmolality. Andrology 2021; 10:92-104. [PMID: 34420258 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Terminally differentiated mammalian sperm are exposed to gradients of viscosity, pH, and osmolality both in the male and female reproductive tract during their perilous journey to quest the ovum. The complex physicochemical factors play an integral role in preparing sperm for the fertilization process. OBJECTIVES To elucidate the influence of the reproductive tract microenvironment especially viscosity, pH, and osmolality in regulating sperm functional and fertilization competence. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data used in this review were collected from the research papers and online databases focusing on the influence of viscosity, pH, and osmolality on sperm function. DISCUSSION The gradients of viscosity, pH, and osmolality exist across various segments of the male and female reproductive tract. The changes in the viscosity create a physical barrier, pH aid in capacitation and hyperactivation, and the osmotic stress selects a progressive sperm subpopulation for accomplishing fertilization. The sperm function tests are developed based on the concept that the male genotype is the major contributor to the reproductive outcome. However, recent studies demonstrate the significance of sperm genotype-environment interactions that are essentially contributing to reproductive success. Hence, it is imperative to assess the impact of physicochemical stresses and the adaptive ability of the terminally differentiated sperm, which in turn would improve the outcome of the assisted reproductive technologies and male fertility assessment. CONCLUSION Elucidating the influence of the reproductive tract microenvironment on sperm function provides newer insights into the procedures that need to be adopted for selecting fertile males for breeding, and ejaculates for the assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maharajan Lavanya
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India.,Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | - Balaganur Krishnappa
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Govindasamy Nagarajan
- Southern Regional Research Centre under ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (ICAR-CSWRI), Kodaikanal, India
| | - Harendra Kumar
- Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India
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5
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Ghanbari A, Jalili C, Abdolmaleki A, Shokri V. Effects of cisplatin and acacetin on total antioxidant status, apoptosis and expression of OCTN3 in mouse testis. Biotech Histochem 2021; 97:185-191. [PMID: 33998937 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2021.1925347] [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: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic medication that also exhibits toxic effects on normal cells. Acacetin (ACA) is an herbal compound that exhibits anticancer properties with few side effects. We investigated the use and side effects of ACA and cisplatin on the male reproductive system. Mature male mice were divided into six groups: control group treated with DMSO, cisplatin group treated with 1 mg/kg cisplatin and three ACA groups treated with 10, 25 or 50 mg/kg ACA. All treatments were applied for three days. A final experimental group was treated with 50 mg/kg ACA for 10 days. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), OCTN3 gene expression and apoptosis were measured in testis. TAC and OCTN3 gene expression were decreased, while ROS and apoptosis were increased in cisplatin group compared to other groups. All ACA groups exhibited decreased apoptosis and ROS levels, and increased TAC and OCTN3 gene expression compared to the cisplatin treated mice. ACA caused fewer adverse effects in testicular tissue than cisplatin. ACA appears to improve the oxidant-antioxidant system, accelerates cell regeneration and inhibits apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ghanbari
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Cyrus Jalili
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amir Abdolmaleki
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Vahid Shokri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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6
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Gyawali A, Hyeon SJ, Ryu H, Kang YS. The Alteration of L-Carnitine Transport and Pretreatment Effect under Glutamate Cytotoxicity on Motor Neuron-Like NSC-34 Lines. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040551. [PMID: 33919926 PMCID: PMC8070968 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
L-Carnitine (LC) is essential for transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria for β-oxidation. This study was performed to examine the alteration of the LC transport system in wild type (WT, NSC-34/hSOD1WT) and mutant type (MT, NSC-34/hSOD1G93A) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) models. The uptake of [3H]L-carnitine was dependent on time, temperature, concentration, sodium, pH, and energy in both cell lines. The Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) value as well as maximum transport velocity (Vmax) indicated that the MT cell lines showed the higher affinity and lower capacity transport system, compared to that of the WT cell lines. Additionally, LC uptake was inhibited by organic cationic compounds but unaffected by organic anions. OCTN1/slc22a4 and OCTN2/slc22a5 siRNA transfection study revealed both transporters are involved in LC transport in NSC-34 cell lines. Additionally, slc22a4 and slc22a5 was significantly decreased in mouse MT models compared with that in ALS WT littermate models in the immune-reactivity study. [3H]L-Carnitine uptake and mRNA expression pattern showed the pretreatment of LC and acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) attenuated glutamate induced neurotoxicity in NSC-34 cell lines. These findings indicate that LC and ALC supplementation can prevent the neurotoxicity and neuro-inflammation induced by glutamate in motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmita Gyawali
- College of Pharmacy and Drug Information Research Institute, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea;
| | - Seung Jae Hyeon
- Laboratory for Brain Gene Regulation and Epigenetics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea; (S.J.H.); (H.R.)
| | - Hoon Ryu
- Laboratory for Brain Gene Regulation and Epigenetics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea; (S.J.H.); (H.R.)
| | - Young-Sook Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Drug Information Research Institute, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-710-9562; Fax: +82-2-710-9871
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7
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Vamecq J, Papegay B, Nuyens V, Boogaerts J, Leo O, Kruys V. Mitochondrial dysfunction, AMPK activation and peroxisomal metabolism: A coherent scenario for non-canonical 3-methylglutaconic acidurias. Biochimie 2019; 168:53-82. [PMID: 31626852 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of 3-methylglutaconic aciduria (3-MGA) is a well understood phenomenon in leucine oxidation and ketogenesis disorders (primary 3-MGAs). In contrast, its genesis in non-canonical (secondary) 3-MGAs, a growing-up group of disorders encompassing more than a dozen of inherited metabolic diseases, is a mystery still remaining unresolved for three decades. To puzzle out this anthologic problem of metabolism, three clues were considered: (i) the variety of disorders suggests a common cellular target at the cross-road of metabolic and signaling pathways, (ii) the response to leucine loading test only discriminative for primary but not secondary 3-MGAs suggests these latter are disorders of extramitochondrial HMG-CoA metabolism as also attested by their failure to increase 3-hydroxyisovalerate, a mitochondrial metabolite accumulating only in primary 3-MGAs, (iii) the peroxisome is an extramitochondrial site possessing its own pool and displaying metabolism of HMG-CoA, suggesting its possible involvement in producing extramitochondrial 3-methylglutaconate (3-MG). Following these clues provides a unifying common basis to non-canonical 3-MGAs: constitutive mitochondrial dysfunction induces AMPK activation which, by inhibiting early steps in cholesterol and fatty acid syntheses, pipelines cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA to peroxisomes where a rise in HMG-CoA followed by local dehydration and hydrolysis may lead to 3-MGA yield. Additional contributors are considered, notably for 3-MGAs associated with hyperammonemia, and to a lesser extent in CLPB deficiency. Metabolic and signaling itineraries followed by the proposed scenario are essentially sketched, being provided with compelling evidence from the literature coming in their support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Vamecq
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Univ Lille, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Hormonology, Metabolism-Nutrition & Oncology (HMNO), Center of Biology and Pathology (CBP) Pierre-Marie Degand, CHRU Lille, EA 7364 RADEME, University of North France, Lille, France.
| | - Bérengère Papegay
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine (ULB unit 222), University Hospital Center, Charleroi, (CHU Charleroi), Belgium
| | - Vincent Nuyens
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine (ULB unit 222), University Hospital Center, Charleroi, (CHU Charleroi), Belgium
| | - Jean Boogaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine (ULB unit 222), University Hospital Center, Charleroi, (CHU Charleroi), Belgium
| | - Oberdan Leo
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Immunology Research Center (UIRC), Free University of Brussels (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Véronique Kruys
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of the Gene, Department of Molecular Biology, ULB Immunology Research Center (UIRC), Free University of Brussels (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
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8
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Tucker RAJ, Cheah IK, Halliwell B. Specificity of the ergothioneine transporter natively expressed in HeLa cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 513:22-27. [PMID: 30929922 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.02.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Ergothioneine is a biologically important compound that has been shown to be transported by the organic cation transporter novel type 1 (OCTN1). Following this discovery, a variety of alternate functions for OCTN1 have been suggested including an integral function in the extra-neuronal cholinergic system. The present study reaffirms the primacy of ergothioneine over these alternate substrates using natively expressed OCTN1 in HeLa cells. Besides the general transport inhibitors, quinidine, verapamil and pyrilamine no other putative substrate inhibited ergothioneine transport significantly, with only a slight inhibition demonstrated by carnitine. Even compounds structurally similar to ergothioneine failed to inhibit ergothioneine uptake, suggesting high selectivity of OCTN1. Ergothioneine was found to be avidly accumulated even at low concentrations (300 nM) by HeLa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A J Tucker
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore
| | - Irwin K Cheah
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore
| | - Barry Halliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore.
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9
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Cancer Induced Infertility and the Role of L-Carnitine: A Review for Possible Future Clinical Applications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER MANAGEMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/ijcm.9857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Huang Z, Danshina PV, Mohr K, Qu W, Goodson SG, O’Connell TM, O’Brien DA. Sperm function, protein phosphorylation, and metabolism differ in mice lacking successive sperm-specific glycolytic enzymes†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:586-597. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Mongioi L, Calogero AE, Vicari E, Condorelli RA, Russo GI, Privitera S, Morgia G, La Vignera S. The role of carnitine in male infertility. Andrology 2016; 4:800-7. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Mongioi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - A. E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - E. Vicari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - R. A. Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - G. I. Russo
- Department of Urology; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - S. Privitera
- Department of Urology; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - G. Morgia
- Department of Urology; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - S. La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; University of Catania; Catania Italy
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Droździk M, Oronowicz K, Piasecka M, Kazienko A, Rosiak A, Gill K, Dziedziejko V, Safranow K, Kurzawa R, Kurzawski M. Organic cation/carnitine transporter OCTN2 (SLC22A5) -207C>G (rs2631367) polymorphism is not associated with male infertility. Reprod Biol 2015; 15:178-83. [PMID: 26370461 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Carnitine is an important factor in the initiation of progressive sperm motility and end stage of sperm maturation. The compound is transported by an organic cation/carnitine transporter (OCTN2), which is expressed in the male reproductive system. OCTN2 is encoded by SLC22A5 gene with proven -207C>G functional polymorphism. The aim of the case-control study was to investigate a potential association between the -207C>G SLC22A5 polymorphism and male infertility. The -207C>G SLC22A5 polymorphism was determined by means of TaqMan assay in 206 infertile Caucasian males and 256 ethnically matched controls. Besides genotyping study, sperm mitochondrial function was assessed using NADH-dependent NBT assay. The distribution of SLC22A5 genotypes in infertile men was as follows: CC - 29.6%, CG - 53.9%, GG - 16.5% and in fertile men: CC - 32.0%, CG - 50.0%, GG - 18.0%, and was comparable in both evaluated groups. Likewise, the studied polymorphism did not affect sperm mitochondrial function. The results of the current study demonstrated that -207C>G polymorphism of the SLC22A5 gene is not associated with male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Droździk
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Oronowicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, County Hospital, Mączna 4, 70-780 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Piasecka
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Kazienko
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Siedlecka 2, Police, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Rosiak
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland; VitroLive Fertility Clinic, Kasprzaka 2A, 71-074 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Kamil Gill
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Żołnierska 48, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Violetta Dziedziejko
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Rafał Kurzawa
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, Pomeranian Medical University, Siedlecka 2, Police, Poland; VitroLive Fertility Clinic, Kasprzaka 2A, 71-074 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kurzawski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
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Anuradha, Krishna A. Role of adiponectin in delayed embryonic development of the short-nosed fruit bat,Cynopterus sphinx. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:1086-102. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha
- Departmentof Zoology; Banaras Hindu University; Varanasi India
| | - Amitabh Krishna
- Departmentof Zoology; Banaras Hindu University; Varanasi India
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14
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Cabral REL, Okada FK, Stumpp T, Vendramini V, Miraglia SM. Carnitine partially protects the rat testis against the late damage produced by doxorubicin administered during pre-puberty. Andrology 2014; 2:931-42. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. E. L. Cabral
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology; Department of Morphology and Genetics; Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP); Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - F. K. Okada
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology; Department of Morphology and Genetics; Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP); Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - T. Stumpp
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology; Department of Morphology and Genetics; Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP); Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - V. Vendramini
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology; Department of Morphology and Genetics; Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP); Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - S. M. Miraglia
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology; Department of Morphology and Genetics; Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP); Sao Paulo Brazil
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15
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Manee-In S, Parmornsupornvichit S, Kraiprayoon S, Tharasanit T, Chanapiwat P, Kaeoket K. L-carnitine Supplemented Extender Improves Cryopreserved-thawed Cat Epididymal Sperm Motility. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2014; 27:791-6. [PMID: 25050016 PMCID: PMC4093175 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.2013.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of epididymal sperm is an effective technique to preserve genetic materials of domestic cats and wild felids when they unexpectedly die. However, this technique inevitably causes detrimental changes of cryopreserved-thawed spermatozoa, for example, by physical damage and excessive oxidative stress. L-carnitine is an antioxidant that has been used to improve sperm motility in humans and domestic animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of L-carnitine on cat epididymal sperm quality following cryopreservation and thawing. After routine castration, cauda epididymides were collected from 60 cat testes. The epididymal spermatozoa from 3 cauda epididymides were pooled as 1 replicate. Spermatozoa samples (16 replicates) were examined for spermatozoa quality and then randomly divided into 4 groups: 0 mM L-carnitine (control), 12.5 mM, 25 mM and 50 mM L-carnitine. The sperm aliquots were then equilibrated and conventionally frozen. After thawing, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity and acrosome integrity were evaluated. The 25 mM L-carnitine significantly improved sperm motility compared with a control group (p<0.05), although this was not significantly different among other concentrations. In conclusion, supplementation of 25 mM L-carnitine in freezing extender improves cauda epididymal spermatozoa motility. The effects of L-carnitine on the levels of oxidative stress during freezing and thawing remains to be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Manee-In
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Prathom 73170, Thailand
| | | | - S Kraiprayoon
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Prathom 73170, Thailand
| | - T Tharasanit
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - P Chanapiwat
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Prathom 73170, Thailand
| | - K Kaeoket
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Prathom 73170, Thailand
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16
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Indiveri C, Galluccio M, Scalise M, Pochini L. Strategies of bacterial over expression of membrane transporters relevant in human health: the successful case of the three members of OCTN subfamily. Mol Biotechnol 2013; 54:724-36. [PMID: 22843325 PMCID: PMC3636443 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-012-9586-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The OCTN subfamily includes OCTN1, 2, and 3 which are structurally and functionally related. These transporters are involved in maintenance of the carnitine homeostasis, which is essential in mammals for fatty acid β-oxidation, VLDL assembly, post-translational modifications, and other essential functions. Indeed, defects of these transporters lead to severe pathologies. OCTN1 and OCTN2 are expressed in many human tissues, while OCTN3 gene has been identified only in mouse and rat. The transporters mediate transport of carnitine and other substrates with different efficiencies and mechanisms. In order to over express the three proteins, a screening of many combinations of E. coli strains with plasmid constructs has been conducted. Only Rosetta(DE3) or Rosettagami2(DE3) gave significant expression. Higher protein amounts were firstly obtained with pET-41a(+) or pGEX-4T1 carrying fusion protein tags which required additional purification passages. Vectors carrying only a 6His tag, suitable for single passage purification, were preferred even though they lead to lower initial expression levels. Expressions were then increased optimizing several critical parameters. hOCTN1 was obtained with pH6EX3 in RosettaGami2(DE3)pLysS. hOCTN2 and mOCTN3 were obtained using pET-21a(+) in Rosetta(DE3). In particular, hOCTN2 was expressed only after codon bias, substituting the second triplet CGG with AAA (R2K mutant). The best growth conditions for hOCTN1 and mOCTN3 were 28 °C and 6 h of induction, while 4 h of induction for hOCTN2R2K. The proteins collected in the insoluble fraction of cell lysates, solubilized with sarkosyl, were purified by Ni-chelating chromatography. Final yield was 2.0, 3.0, or 3.5 mg/l of cell culture for mOCTN3, hOCTN1, or hOCTN2R2K. The data indicated that, in spite of the close evolutionary relations, several factors play different critical roles in bacterial expression of the three proteins, thus general criteria cannot be underlined. However, the strategy of dealing with related proteins revealed to be finally successful for over expressing all the three subfamily members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Indiveri
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
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17
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Koepsell H. The SLC22 family with transporters of organic cations, anions and zwitterions. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 34:413-35. [PMID: 23506881 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The SLC22 family contains 13 functionally characterized human plasma membrane proteins each with 12 predicted α-helical transmembrane domains. The family comprises organic cation transporters (OCTs), organic zwitterion/cation transporters (OCTNs), and organic anion transporters (OATs). The transporters operate as (1) uniporters which mediate facilitated diffusion (OCTs, OCTNs), (2) anion exchangers (OATs), and (3) Na(+)/zwitterion cotransporters (OCTNs). They participate in small intestinal absorption and hepatic and renal excretion of drugs, xenobiotics and endogenous compounds and perform homeostatic functions in brain and heart. Important endogeneous substrates include monoamine neurotransmitters, l-carnitine, α-ketoglutarate, cAMP, cGMP, prostaglandins, and urate. It has been shown that mutations of the SLC22 genes encoding these transporters cause specific diseases like primary systemic carnitine deficiency and idiopathic renal hypouricemia and are correlated with diseases such as Crohn's disease and gout. Drug-drug interactions at individual transporters may change pharmacokinetics and toxicities of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Koepsell
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Koellikerstr. 6, 97070 Würzburg, Germany.
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18
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Roy VK, Krishna A. Changes in glucose and carnitine levels and their transporters in utero-tubal junction in relation to sperm storage in the vespertilionid bat, Scotophilus heathi. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 319:517-26. [PMID: 24039231 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged sperm storage over winter is a common feature of reproduction in some bats. In order to understand how sperm storage in the female genital tract of the vespertilionid bat, Scotophilus heathi (Greater yellow bat), is controlled, we compared concentrations of glucose and the fatty-acid carrier carnitine in the blood, and carnitine concentrations and levels of expression of the glucose transporters (GLUTs) and the carnitine transporter OCTN2 in the utero-tubal junction of females during non-storage (early winter) and sperm-storage periods (late winter-early spring). During the sperm-storage period (December-January) blood glucose concentrations declined, as did the expression of GLUT3 and GLUT5 in the utero-tubal junction. At the same time there were increases in the concentration of carnitine, and expression of OCTN2 and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the utero-tubal junction. These results suggest that prolonged sperm storage is enhanced by decreased glucose availability but increased free fatty acid availability at the site of sperm storage. Increases in expression of GLUT4 and GLUT8 in late winter suggest a role for these GLUTs in increasing sperm motility prior to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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19
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Pochini L, Scalise M, Galluccio M, Indiveri C. OCTN cation transporters in health and disease: role as drug targets and assay development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 18:851-67. [PMID: 23771822 DOI: 10.1177/1087057113493006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The three members of the organic cation transporter novel subfamily are known to be involved in interactions with xenobiotic compounds. These proteins are characterized by 12 transmembrane segments connected by nine short loops and two large hydrophilic loops. It has been recently pointed out that acetylcholine is a physiological substrate of OCTN1. Its transport could be involved in nonneuronal cholinergic functions. OCTN2 maintains the carnitine homeostasis, resulting from intestinal absorption, distribution to tissues, and renal excretion/reabsorption. OCTN3, identified only in mouse, mediates also carnitine transport. OCTN1 and OCTN2 are associated with several pathologies, such as inflammatory bowel disease, primary carnitine deficiency, diabetes, neurological disorders, and cancer, thus representing useful pharmacological targets. The function and interaction with drugs of OCTNs have been studied in intact cell systems and in proteoliposomes. The latter experimental model enables reduced interference from other transporters or enzyme pathways. Using proteoliposomes, the molecular bases of toxicity of some drugs have recently been revealed. Therefore, proteoliposomes represent a promising experimental tool suitable for large-scale molecular screening of interactions of OCTNs with chemicals regarding human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pochini
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Department BEST (Biologia, Ecologia, Scienze della Terra), University of Calabria, Italy
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20
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Tamai I. Pharmacological and pathophysiological roles of carnitine/organic cation transporters (OCTNs: SLC22A4, SLC22A5 and Slc22a21). Biopharm Drug Dispos 2012; 34:29-44. [PMID: 22952014 DOI: 10.1002/bdd.1816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The carnitine/organic cation transporter (OCTN) family consists of three transporter isoforms, i.e. OCTN1 (SLC22A4) and OCTN2 (SLC22A5) in humans and animals and Octn3 (Slc22a21) in mice. These transporters are physiologically essential to maintain appropriate systemic and tissue concentrations of carnitine by regulating its membrane transport during intestinal absorption, tissue distribution and renal reabsorption. Among them, OCTN2 is a sodium-dependent, high-affinity transporter of carnitine, and a functional defect of OCTN2 due to genetic mutation causes primary systemic carnitine deficiency (SCD). Since carnitine is essential for beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids to produce ATP, OCTN2 gene mutation causes a range of symptoms, including cardiomyopathy, skeletal muscle weakness, fatty liver and male infertility. These functional consequences of Octn2 gene mutation can be seen clearly in an animal model, jvs mouse, which exhibits the SCD phenotype. In addition, although the mechanism is not clear, single nucleotide polymorphisms of OCTN1 and OCTN2 genes are associated with increased incidences of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and asthma. OCTN1 and OCTN2 accept cationic drugs as substrates and contribute to intestinal and pulmonary absorption, tissue distribution (including to tumour cells), and renal excretion of these drugs. Modulation of the transport activity of OCTN2 by externally administered drugs may cause drug-induced secondary carnitine deficiency. Rodent Octn3 transports carnitine specifically, particularly in male reproductive tissues. Thus, the OCTNs are physiologically, pathologically and pharmacologically important. Detailed characterization of these transporters will greatly improve our understanding of the pathology associated with common diseases caused by functional deficiency of OCTNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikumi Tamai
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
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21
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Staud F, Cerveny L, Ceckova M. Pharmacotherapy in pregnancy; effect of ABC and SLC transporters on drug transport across the placenta and fetal drug exposure. J Drug Target 2012; 20:736-63. [PMID: 22994411 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2012.716847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacotherapy during pregnancy is often inevitable for medical treatment of the mother, the fetus or both. The knowledge of drug transport across placenta is, therefore, an important topic to bear in mind when deciding treatment in pregnant women. Several drug transporters of the ABC and SLC families have been discovered in the placenta, such as P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein, or organic anion/cation transporters. It is thus evident that the passage of drugs across the placenta can no longer be predicted simply on the basis of their physical-chemical properties. Functional expression of placental drug transporters in the trophoblast and the possibility of drug-drug interactions must be considered to optimize pharmacotherapy during pregnancy. In this review we summarize current knowledge on the expression and function of ABC and SLC transporters in the trophoblast. Furthermore, we put this data into context with medical conditions that require maternal and/or fetal treatment during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, HIV infection, fetal arrhythmias and epilepsy. Proper understanding of the role of placental transporters should be of great interest not only to clinicians but also to pharmaceutical industry for future drug design and development to control the degree of fetal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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Scalise M, Galluccio M, Pochini L, Indiveri C. Over-expression in Escherichia coli, purification and reconstitution in liposomes of the third member of the OCTN sub-family: the mouse carnitine transporter OCTN3. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 422:59-63. [PMID: 22561016 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.04.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
pET-21a(+)-mOCTN3-6His was constructed and used for over-expression in Escherichia coli Rosetta(DE3)pLysS. After IPTG induction a protein with apparent molecular mass of 53 kDa was collected in the insoluble fraction of the cell lysate and purified by Ni(2+)-chelating chromatography with a yield of 2mg/l of cell culture. The over-expressed protein was identified with mOCTN3 by anti-His antibody and reconstitution in liposomes. mOCTN3 required peculiar conditions for optimal expression and reconstitution in liposomes. The protein catalyzed a time dependent [(3)H]carnitine uptake which was stimulated by intraliposomal ATP and nearly independent of the pH. The K(m) for carnitine was 36 μM. [(3)H]carnitine transport was inhibited by carnitine analogues and some Cys and NH(2) reagents. This paper represents the first outcome in over-expressing, in active form, the third member of the OCTN sub-family, mOCTN3, in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafrancesca Scalise
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci 4c, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
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Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in the mammalian body. It divides the seminiferous epithelium into the basal and the apical (adluminal) compartments. Meiosis I and II, spermiogenesis, and spermiation all take place in a specialized microenvironment behind the BTB in the apical compartment, but spermatogonial renewal and differentiation and cell cycle progression up to the preleptotene spermatocyte stage take place outside of the BTB in the basal compartment of the epithelium. However, the BTB is not a static ultrastructure. Instead, it undergoes extensive restructuring during the seminiferous epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis at stage VIII to allow the transit of preleptotene spermatocytes at the BTB. Yet the immunological barrier conferred by the BTB cannot be compromised, even transiently, during the epithelial cycle to avoid the production of antibodies against meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells. Studies have demonstrated that some unlikely partners, namely adhesion protein complexes (e.g., occludin-ZO-1, N-cadherin-β-catenin, claudin-5-ZO-1), steroids (e.g., testosterone, estradiol-17β), nonreceptor protein kinases (e.g., focal adhesion kinase, c-Src, c-Yes), polarity proteins (e.g., PAR6, Cdc42, 14-3-3), endocytic vesicle proteins (e.g., clathrin, caveolin, dynamin 2), and actin regulatory proteins (e.g., Eps8, Arp2/3 complex), are working together, apparently under the overall influence of cytokines (e.g., transforming growth factor-β3, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1α). In short, a "new" BTB is created behind spermatocytes in transit while the "old" BTB above transiting cells undergoes timely degeneration, so that the immunological barrier can be maintained while spermatocytes are traversing the BTB. We also discuss recent findings regarding the molecular mechanisms by which environmental toxicants (e.g., cadmium, bisphenol A) induce testicular injury via their initial actions at the BTB to elicit subsequent damage to germ-cell adhesion, thereby leading to germ-cell loss, reduced sperm count, and male infertility or subfertility. Moreover, we also critically evaluate findings in the field regarding studies on drug transporters in the testis and discuss how these influx and efflux pumps regulate the entry of potential nonhormonal male contraceptives to the apical compartment to exert their effects. Collectively, these findings illustrate multiple potential targets are present at the BTB for innovative contraceptive development and for better delivery of drugs to alleviate toxicant-induced reproductive dysfunction in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB), which is created by adjacent Sertoli cells near the basement membrane, serves as a 'gatekeeper' to prohibit harmful substances from reaching developing germ cells, most notably postmeiotic spermatids. The BTB also divides the seminiferous epithelium into the basal and adluminal (apical) compartment so that postmeiotic spermatid development, namely spermiogenesis, can take place in a specialized microenvironment in the apical compartment behind the BTB. The BTB also contributes, at least in part, to the immune privilege status of the testis, so that anti-sperm antibodies are not developed against antigens that are expressed transiently during spermatogenesis. Recent studies have shown that numerous drug transporters are expressed by Sertoli cells. However, many of these same drug transporters are also expressed by spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids, elongating spermatids, and elongated spermatids, suggesting that the developing germ cells are also able to selectively pump drugs 'in' and/or 'out' via influx or efflux pumps. We review herein the latest developments regarding the role of drug transporters in spermatogenesis. We also propose a model utilized by the testis to protect germ cell development from 'harmful' environmental toxicants and xenobiotics and/or from 'therapeutic' substances (e.g. anticancer drugs). We also discuss how drug transporters that are supposed to protect spermatogenesis can work against the testis in some instances. For example, when drugs (e.g. male contraceptives) that can perturb germ cell adhesion and/or maturation are actively pumped out of the testis or are prevented from entering the apical compartment, such as by efflux pumps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Su
- The Mary M Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065, USA
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25
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Cooper TG. The epididymis, cytoplasmic droplets and male fertility. Asian J Androl 2011; 13:130-8. [PMID: 21076437 PMCID: PMC3739406 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of spermatozoa to become motile during post-testicular maturation, and the relationship between the cytoplasmic droplet and fertilizing capacity are reviewed. Post-testicular maturation of spermatozoa involves the autonomous induction of motility, which can occur in vivo in testes with occluded excurrent ducts and in vitro in testicular explants, and artefactual changes in morphology that appear to occur in the testis in vitro. Both modifications may reflect time-dependent oxidation of disulphide bonds of head and tail proteins. Regulatory volume decrease (RVD), which counters sperm swelling at ejaculation, is discussed in relation to loss of cytoplasmic droplets and consequences for fertility. It is postulated that: (i) fertile males possess spermatozoa with sufficient osmolytes to drive RVD at ejaculation, permitting the droplet to round up and pinch off without membrane rupture; and (ii) infertile males possess spermatozoa with insufficient osmolytes so that RVD is inadequate, the droplet swells and the resulting flagellar angulation prevents droplet loss. Droplet retention at ejaculation is a harbinger of infertility caused by failure of the spermatozoon to negotiate the uterotubal junction or mucous and reach the egg. In this hypothesis, the epididymis regulates fertility indirectly by the extent of osmolyte provision to spermatozoa, which influences RVD and therefore droplet loss. Man is an exception, because ejaculated human spermatozoa retain their droplets. This may reflect their short midpiece, approximating head length, permitting a swollen droplet to extend along the entire midpiece; this not only obviates droplet migration and flagellar angulation but also hampers droplet loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor G Cooper
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster D-48149, Germany.
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26
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Jones SR, Cyr DG. Regulation and characterization of the ATP-binding cassette transporter-B1 in the epididymis and epididymal spermatozoa of the rat. Toxicol Sci 2010; 119:369-79. [PMID: 20961954 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfq318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that following administration, alkylphenols, such as octylphenol, reach the testis and epididymis but fail to accumulate in these tissues, suggesting the rapid expulsion of these chemicals by transporters. Specialized transporters that function to restrict compounds that enter target cells have been identified. ABCB1 is a member of the ATP-binding cassette family of proteins capable of transporting a broad range of drugs and xenobiotics out of tissues. The objective of this study was to characterize the expression profile and functional role of ABCB1a and ABCB1b along the different regions (initial segment, caput, corpus [CS], and cauda [CA]) of the adult rat epididymis. ABCB1a and ABCB1b transcripts were detected in all four regions of the epididymis. Immunolocalization revealed minimal ABCB1 staining in epithelial cells or spermatozoa of proximal regions of the epididymis; however, this progressively increased in the CS and CA epididymis. This expression gradient was confirmed by Western blot, suggesting that spermatozoa acquire ABCB1 during epididymal maturation. Multidrug resistance (MDR) assays revealed that rat epididymal cells and epididymal spermatozoa display an MDR phenotype that can be inhibited under control conditions. To assess whether or not the system was inducible by alkylphenols, cells from an immortalized epididymal cell line (RCE) were exposed to different concentrations of nonylphenol. Results revealed a significant induction of both ABCB1a and ABCB1b messenger RNA and ABCB1 protein in RCE cells. Our findings demonstrate a role for ABCB1 in protecting both epididymal principal cells and spermatozoa from xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Jones
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand-Frappier, University of Quebec, Laval Quebec, Canada
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Schnabolk GW, Gupta B, Mulgaonkar A, Kulkarni M, Sweet DH. Organic anion transporter 6 (Slc22a20) specificity and Sertoli cell-specific expression provide new insight on potential endogenous roles. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 334:927-35. [PMID: 20519554 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.110.168765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Organic anion transporter 6 (Oat6; Slc22a20), a member of the OAT family, was demonstrated previously to mediate the transport of organic anions (Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 291:F314-F321, 2006). In the present study, we sought to further delineate the function of murine Oat6 (mOat6) by analyzing the effect of select organic anions on mOat6-mediated transport by using a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line stably expressing mOat6 (CHO-mOat6). When examined, kinetic analysis demonstrated that the mechanism of inhibition of mOat6 and mOat3 was competitive. Homovanillic acid, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, 2,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate, hippurate, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) each significantly reduced mOat6 activity with inhibitory constant (K(i)) values of 3.0 +/- 0.5, 48.9 +/- 10.3, 61.4 +/- 7.1, 59.9 +/- 4.9, and 38.8 +/- 3.1 microM, respectively. Comparison to K(i) values determined for mOat3 (67.8 +/- 7.2, 134.5 +/- 27.0, 346.7 +/- 97.9, 79.3 +/- 4.0, and 3.8 +/- 1.1 microM, respectively) revealed that there are significant differences in compound affinity between each transporter. Fluoroquinolone antimicrobials and reduced folates were without effect on mOat6-mediated uptake. Investigation of testicular cell type-specific expression of mOat6 by laser capture microdissection and quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed significant mRNA expression in Sertoli cells, but not in Leydig cells or spermatids. Overall, these data should aid further refinements to the interpretation and modeling of the in vivo disposition of OAT substrates. Specifically, expression in Sertoli cells suggests Oat6 may be an important determinant of blood-testis barrier function, with Oat6-mediated transport of estrone sulfate and DHEAS possibly representing a critical step in the maintenance of testicular steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloriane W Schnabolk
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Klaassen CD, Aleksunes LM. Xenobiotic, bile acid, and cholesterol transporters: function and regulation. Pharmacol Rev 2010; 62:1-96. [PMID: 20103563 PMCID: PMC2835398 DOI: 10.1124/pr.109.002014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 558] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transporters influence the disposition of chemicals within the body by participating in absorption, distribution, and elimination. Transporters of the solute carrier family (SLC) comprise a variety of proteins, including organic cation transporters (OCT) 1 to 3, organic cation/carnitine transporters (OCTN) 1 to 3, organic anion transporters (OAT) 1 to 7, various organic anion transporting polypeptide isoforms, sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter, peptide transporters (PEPT) 1 and 2, concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNT) 1 to 3, equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) 1 to 3, and multidrug and toxin extrusion transporters (MATE) 1 and 2, which mediate the uptake (except MATEs) of organic anions and cations as well as peptides and nucleosides. Efflux transporters of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily, such as ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), multidrug resistance proteins (MDR) 1 and 2, bile salt export pump, multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRP) 1 to 9, breast cancer resistance protein, and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G members 5 and 8, are responsible for the unidirectional export of endogenous and exogenous substances. Other efflux transporters [ATPase copper-transporting beta polypeptide (ATP7B) and ATPase class I type 8B member 1 (ATP8B1) as well as organic solute transporters (OST) alpha and beta] also play major roles in the transport of some endogenous chemicals across biological membranes. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of these transporters (both rodent and human) with regard to tissue distribution, subcellular localization, and substrate preferences. Because uptake and efflux transporters are expressed in multiple cell types, the roles of transporters in a variety of tissues, including the liver, kidneys, intestine, brain, heart, placenta, mammary glands, immune cells, and testes are discussed. Attention is also placed upon a variety of regulatory factors that influence transporter expression and function, including transcriptional activation and post-translational modifications as well as subcellular trafficking. Sex differences, ontogeny, and pharmacological and toxicological regulation of transporters are also addressed. Transporters are important transmembrane proteins that mediate the cellular entry and exit of a wide range of substrates throughout the body and thereby play important roles in human physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis D Klaassen
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66160-7417, USA.
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