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Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M, Cichowska AW. Molecular Biomarkers of Canine Reproductive Functions. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6139-6168. [PMID: 38921038 PMCID: PMC11202846 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study is to review potential molecular biomarker substances selected so far as useful for assessing the quality of dog semen. Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and ions can serve as molecular biomarkers of reproductive functions (BRFs) for evaluating male reproductive health and identifying potential risk factors for infertility or reproductive disorders. Evaluation of BRF levels in semen samples or reproductive tissues may provide insights into the underlying causes of infertility, such as impaired sperm function, abnormal sperm-egg interaction, or dysfunction of the male reproductive tract. Molecular biomarker proteins may be divided into two groups: proteins that are well-studied, such as A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), albumins (ALBs), alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), clusterin (CLU), canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE), cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2), lactotransferrin (LTF), metalloproteinases (MMPs), and osteopontin (OPN) and proteins that are not well-studied. Non-protein markers include lipid-based substances (fatty acids, phosphatidylcholine), carbohydrates (glycosaminoglycans), and ions (zinc, calcium). Assessing the levels of BRFs in semen samples may provide valuable information for breeding management and reproductive assessments in dogs. This review systematizes current knowledge that could serve as a starting point for developing practical tests with the use of biomarkers of canine reproductive functions and their predictive value for assisted reproductive technique outcomes and semen preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Mogielnicka-Brzozowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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2
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Ali W, Deng K, Bian Y, Liu Z, Zou H. Spectacular role of epididymis and bio-active cargo of nano-scale exosome in sperm maturation: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114889. [PMID: 37209627 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114889] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is responsible for post-testicular sperm maturation as it provides a favorable environment for spermatozoa to gain the ability for movement and fertilization. The recent evidence has shown that, the spermatozoa are vulnerable to dynamic variations driven by various cellular exposure mechanisms mediated by epididymosomes. Exosomes provide new insight into a mechanism of intercellular communication because they provide direct evidence for the transfer of several important bio-active cargo elements (proteins, lipid, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, circular RNA, long noncoding RNA) between epididymis and spermatozoa. In broad sense, proteomic analysis of exosomes from epididymis indicates number of proteins that are involved in sperm motility, acrosomal reaction, prevent pre-mature sperm capacitation and male infertility. Pinpointing, how reproductive disorders are associated with bio-active cargo elements of nano-scale exosome in the male reproductive tract. Therefore, the current review presents evidence regarding the distinctive characteristics and functions of nano-scale exosome in the male reproductive tract in both pathological and physiological developments, and argue that these vesicles serve as an important regulator of male reproduction, fertility, and disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Kai Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Yusheng Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China.
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3
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Neumann GB, Korkuć P, Arends D, Wolf MJ, May K, König S, Brockmann GA. Genomic diversity and relationship analyses of endangered German Black Pied cattle (DSN) to 68 other taurine breeds based on whole-genome sequencing. Front Genet 2023; 13:993959. [PMID: 36712857 PMCID: PMC9875303 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.993959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
German Black Pied cattle (Deutsches Schwarzbuntes Niederungsrind, DSN) are an endangered dual-purpose cattle breed originating from the North Sea region. The population comprises about 2,500 cattle and is considered one of the ancestral populations of the modern Holstein breed. The current study aimed at defining the breeds closest related to DSN cattle, characterizing their genomic diversity and inbreeding. In addition, the detection of selection signatures between DSN and Holstein was a goal. Relationship analyses using fixation index (FST), phylogenetic, and admixture analyses were performed between DSN and 68 other breeds from the 1000 Bull Genomes Project. Nucleotide diversity, observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity were calculated as metrics for genomic diversity. Inbreeding was measured as excess of homozygosity (FHom) and genomic inbreeding (FRoH) through runs of homozygosity (RoHs). Region-wide FST and cross-population-extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) between DSN and Holstein were used to detect selection signatures between the two breeds, and RoH islands were used to detect selection signatures within DSN and Holstein. DSN showed a close genetic relationship with breeds from the Netherlands, Belgium, Northern Germany, and Scandinavia, such as Dutch Friesian Red, Dutch Improved Red, Belgian Red White Campine, Red White Dual Purpose, Modern Angler, Modern Danish Red, and Holstein. The nucleotide diversity in DSN (0.151%) was higher than in Holstein (0.147%) and other breeds, e.g., Norwegian Red (0.149%), Red White Dual Purpose (0.149%), Swedish Red (0.149%), Hereford (0.145%), Angus (0.143%), and Jersey (0.136%). The FHom and FRoH values in DSN were among the lowest. Regions with high FST between DSN and Holstein, significant XP-EHH regions, and RoH islands detected in both breeds harbor candidate genes that were previously reported for milk, meat, fertility, production, and health traits, including one QTL detected in DSN for endoparasite infection resistance. The selection signatures between DSN and Holstein provide evidence of regions responsible for the dual-purpose properties of DSN and the milk type of Holstein. Despite the small population size, DSN has a high level of diversity and low inbreeding. FST supports its relatedness to breeds from the same geographic origin and provides information on potential gene pools that could be used to maintain diversity in DSN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme B. Neumann
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paula Korkuć
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Danny Arends
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel J. Wolf
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gudrun A. Brockmann
- Animal Breeding Biology and Molecular Genetics, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Gudrun A. Brockmann,
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Zmudzinska A, Wisniewski J, Mlynarz P, Olejnik B, Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M. Age-Dependent Variations in Functional Quality and Proteomic Characteristics of Canine (Canis lupus familiaris) Epididymal Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169143. [PMID: 36012418 PMCID: PMC9409041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased male age is associated with a significant reduction in semen quality. Little is known about the sperm proteome changes resulting from the aging process. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the functional quality and proteome of epididymal spermatozoa of dogs that were differing in age. The study was conducted on 30 male dogs that were divided into three age groups. G1—12 to 41 months old, G2—42 to 77 months old, and G3—78 to 132 months old. The sperm samples were assessed using a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). The epididymal sperm proteins were analyzed using gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), nano-liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (NanoUPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and bioinformatic tools. The sperm quality parameters were significantly lower in older dogs. NanoUPLC-Q-TOF/MS identification resulted in 865 proteins that were found in the G1, 472 in G2, and 435 in G3. There were seven proteins that were present in all three age groups, and four of them (ACTB, CE10, NPC2, CRISP2) showed significant changes among the studied groups. Age-dependent variations were detected in the sperm proteome composition and were related to important metabolite pathways, which might suggest that several proteins are implicated in sperm maturation and could be potential aging biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zmudzinska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jerzy Wisniewski
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Mlynarz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Olejnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 10, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marzena Mogielnicka-Brzozowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-89-524-5259
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5
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Chen H, Scott-Boyer MP, Droit A, Robert C, Belleannée C. Sperm Heterogeneity Accounts for Sperm DNA Methylation Variations Observed in the Caput Epididymis, Independently From DNMT/TET Activities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:834519. [PMID: 35392175 PMCID: PMC8981467 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.834519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Following their production in the testis, spermatozoa enter the epididymis where they gain their motility and fertilizing abilities. This post-testicular maturation coincides with sperm epigenetic profile changes that influence progeny outcome. While recent studies highlighted the dynamics of small non-coding RNAs in maturing spermatozoa, little is known regarding sperm methylation changes and their impact at the post-fertilization level. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to purify spermatozoa from the testis and different epididymal segments (i.e., caput, corpus and cauda) of CAG/su9-DsRed2; Acr3-EGFP transgenic mice in order to map out sperm methylome dynamics. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS-Seq) performed on DNA from these respective sperm populations indicated that high methylation changes were observed between spermatozoa from the caput vs. testis with 5,546 entries meeting our threshold values (q value <0.01, methylation difference above 25%). Most of these changes were transitory during epididymal sperm maturation according to the low number of entries identified between spermatozoa from cauda vs. testis. According to enzymatic and sperm/epididymal fluid co-incubation assays, (de)methylases were not found responsible for these sperm methylation changes. Instead, we identified that a subpopulation of caput spermatozoa displayed distinct methylation marks that were susceptible to sperm DNAse treatment and accounted for the DNA methylation profile changes observed in the proximal epididymis. Our results support the paradigm that a fraction of caput spermatozoa has a higher propensity to bind extracellular DNA, a phenomenon responsible for the sperm methylome variations observed at the post-testicular level. Further investigating the degree of conservation of this sperm heterogeneity in human will eventually provide new considerations regarding sperm selection procedures used in fertility clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Arnaud Droit
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Animal Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Clémence Belleannée,
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6
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Griffin RA, Swegen A, Baker MA, Ogle RA, Smith N, Aitken RJ, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Fair S, Gibb Z. Proteomic analysis of spermatozoa reveals caseins play a pivotal role in preventing short-term periods of subfertility in stallions. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:741-755. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Stallions experience transient fluctuations in fertility throughout the breeding season. Considering pregnancy diagnoses cannot be ascertained until ~14 days post-breeding, the timely detection of decreases in stallion fertility would enhance industry economic and welfare outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the proteomic signatures reflective of short-term fertility fluctuations, and to determine the biological mechanisms governing such differences. Using LC–MS/MS, we compared the proteomic profile of semen samples collected from commercially “fertile” stallions, during high- and low-fertility periods. A total of 1702 proteins were identified, of which, 38 showed a significant change in abundance (p ≤ 0.05). Assessment of intra- and inter-stallion variability revealed that caseins (namely κ-, α-S1-, and α-S2-casein), were significantly more abundant during “high-fertility” periods, while several epididymal, and seminal plasma proteins (chiefly, epididymal sperm binding protein 1 [ELSPbP1], horse seminal plasma protein 1 [HSP-1] and clusterin), were significantly more abundant during “low-fertility” periods. We hypothesised that an increased abundance of caseins offers greater protection from potentially harmful seminal plasma proteins, thereby preserving cell functionality and fertility. In vitro exposure of spermatozoa to casein resulted in decreased levels of lipid scrambling (Merocyanine 540), higher abundance of sperm-bound caseins (α-S1-, α-S2-, and κ-casein), and lower abundance of sperm-bound HSP-1 (p ≤ 0.05). This study demonstrates key pathways governing short-term fertility fluctuations in the stallion, thereby providing a platform to develop robust, fertility assessment strategies into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róisín Ann Griffin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aleona Swegen
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Baker
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachel Ann Ogle
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nathan Smith
- Analytical and Biomedical Research Facility, Research Division, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Anthony Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Zamira Gibb
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Nejabati HR, Shahnazi V, Faridvand Y, Fathi-Maroufi N, Bahrami-Asl Z, Nikanfar S, Nouri M. Epididymosomes: the black box of Darwin’s pangenesis? Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6031918. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Darwin, in the pangenesis theory, imagined particles, named as ‘gemmules’, which are released from all (‘pan’) cells of the body. By cell–cell communication and also circulation through the body, they finally reach the germ cells to participate in the generation (‘genesis’) of the new individual. It has been shown that circulatory exosomes are affected by environmental stressors and they can reach the parental germ cells. Therefore, in the mirror of his theory, circulatory exosomes could interact with epididymosomes: epididymis-derived exosomes which have a wide spectrum of variation in content and size, are very sensitive to environmental stressors, and may be involved in translating external information to the germ cells. The protein and RNA cargo would be transferred by epididymosomes to sperm during sperm maturation, which would be then delivered to the embryo at fertilization and inherited by offspring. Therefore, in this study, we will briefly discuss Darwin’s pangenesis theory and its possible relation with epididymosomes. We believed that epididymosomes could be considered as an attractive candidate for the storage of RNA contents, changing the epigenome of the next generations, and allowing the reappearance acquired characteristics of ancestors. Therefore, epididymosomes, as a black box of Darwin’s pangenesis, may unravel parental life history and also disclose the historical events that affect the life of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Nejabati
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Medical Philosophy and History Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahideh Shahnazi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yousef Faridvand
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Fathi-Maroufi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Bahrami-Asl
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saba Nikanfar
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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8
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Elucidating the processes and pathways enriched in buffalo sperm proteome in regulating semen quality. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 383:881-903. [PMID: 33151454 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03303-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sperm carries a reservoir of proteins regulating the molecular functions to attain functional competence. Semen samples collected from buffalo bulls were assessed for sperm functional attributes (n = 11) and proteome profiling (n = 6). Sperm proteins were extracted and profiled by employing LC-MS/MS. Overall, the buffalo sperm contained 1365 proteins, of which 458 were common between the groups. The unique proteins were 477 and 430 in good and poor quality semen, respectively. In the whole proteome of buffalo sperm, sexual reproduction with phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein1 (PEBP1), fetuin-B (FETUB) and acrosin (ACR) was the most enriched (p = 8.44E-19) biological process, also with thermogenesis (p = 0.003), oocyte meiosis (p = 0.007) and vascular smooth muscle contraction (p = 0.009) apart from metabolic pathways. In good quality semen, mesenchyme migration (p = 1.24E-07) and morphogenesis (p = 0.001) were abundant biological processes. In good quality semen, the fluid shear stress (p = 0.01) and, in poor quality semen, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation (p = 3.8E-05) pathways were enriched. In good quality semen, 7 proteins were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated and 33 proteins were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated. On validating the abundantly expressed sperm proteins, serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 2-like (SPINK2; 2.17-fold) and neddylin (NEDD8; 1.13-fold) were upregulated and YBX2 was downregulated (0.41-fold) in good quality semen as compared with poor quality semen (1-fold). The present findings revealed the importance of sperm proteins in oocyte maturation, fertilization process and early embryonic development. The variations in the proteomic composition can be used as potential markers for the selection of breeding bulls.
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9
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Tamessar CT, Trigg NA, Nixon B, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Sharkey DJ, Robertson SA, Bromfield EG, Schjenken JE. Roles of male reproductive tract extracellular vesicles in reproduction. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13338. [PMID: 32885533 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted cell-derived membrane structures present in all organisms across animal, bacterial, and plant phyla. These vesicles play important roles in cell-cell communication in many processes integral to health and disease. Recent studies demonstrate that EVs and their cargo have influential and conserved roles in male reproduction. While EVs have been isolated from virtually all specialized tissues comprising the male reproductive tract, they are best characterized in the epididymis (epididymosomes) and seminal fluid (seminal fluid extracellular vesicles or prostasomes). Broadly speaking, EVs promote reproductive success through supporting sperm development and function, as well as influencing the physiology of female reproductive tract cells after mating. In this review, we present current knowledge on the composition and function of male reproductive tract EV populations in both normal physiology and pathology, and argue that their functions identify them as critical regulators of fertility and fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cottrell T Tamessar
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Sharkey
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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10
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Baskaran S, Finelli R, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Reactive oxygen species in male reproduction: A boon or a bane? Andrologia 2020; 53:e13577. [PMID: 32271474 DOI: 10.1111/and.13577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are free radicals derived from oxygen during normal cellular metabolism. ROS play a crucial role in the physiological processes and signalling pathways associated with male fertility. At physiological concentrations, ROS act as molecular mediators of signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. They also trigger the morphological changes required for sperm maturation, such as DNA compaction and flagellar modification. Furthermore, ROS modulate crucial processes involved in the attainment of sperm fertilising ability such as capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion. Conversely, oxidative stress prevails when the concentration of ROS overwhelms the body's antioxidant defence. Various endogenous and exogenous factors enhance the synthesis of ROS resulting in the disruption of structural and functional integrity of spermatozoa through the induction of apoptotic pathway and oxidation of molecules, such as lipids, proteins and DNA. Therefore, maintenance of a balanced redox state is critical for normal male reproductive functions. This article discusses the dual role of ROS in male reproduction, highlighting the physiological role as well as their pathological implications on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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11
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Abstract
Exosomes are nanosized membrane vesicles secreted by wide variety of cells and found in abundance in biological fluids including semen. They contain cargo of lipids, proteins, microRNAs and mRNAs, and are known to play a major role in intracellular communication. Seminal exosomes mainly include epididymosomes and prostasomes. Most of the proteins associated with the epididymosomes are transferred to the sperm subcellular or membranous domains during their epididymal transit and are involved in the acquisition of fertilizing ability, modulation of motility and protection against oxidative stress. Proteins associated with prostasomes stimulate sperm motility and regulate the timing of capacitation to avoid premature induction of acrosome reaction. Furthermore, prostasomes protect the sperm from immune responses within the female reproductive tract. Overall, exosome-associated proteins play an indispensable role in maturation of spermatozoa and therefore, serve as an excellent biomarker in early diagnosis of male infertility.
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Simon C, Greening DW, Bolumar D, Balaguer N, Salamonsen LA, Vilella F. Extracellular Vesicles in Human Reproduction in Health and Disease. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:292-332. [PMID: 29390102 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extensive evidence suggests that the release of membrane-enclosed compartments, more commonly known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), is a potent newly identified mechanism of cell-to-cell communication both in normal physiology and in pathological conditions. This review presents evidence about the formation and release of different EVs, their definitive markers and cargo content in reproductive physiological processes, and their capacity to convey information between cells through the transfer of functional protein and genetic information to alter phenotype and function of recipient cells associated with reproductive biology. In the male reproductive tract, epididymosomes and prostasomes participate in regulating sperm motility activation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. In the female reproductive tract, follicular fluid, oviduct/tube, and uterine cavity EVs are considered as vehicles to carry information during oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo-maternal crosstalk. EVs via their cargo might be also involved in the triggering, maintenance, and progression of reproductive- and obstetric-related pathologies such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and erectile dysfunction. In this review, we provide current knowledge on the present and future use of EVs not only as biomarkers, but also as therapeutic targeting agents, mainly as vectors for drug or compound delivery into target cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Simon
- Igenomix Foundation, Valencia, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Valencia University, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - David W Greening
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Bolumar
- Igenomix Foundation, Valencia, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Balaguer
- Igenomix Foundation, Valencia, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Felipe Vilella
- Igenomix Foundation, Valencia, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico (INCLIVA), Valencia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
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13
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Légaré C, Akintayo A, Blondin P, Calvo E, Sullivan R. Impact of male fertility status on the transcriptome of the bovine epididymis. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:355-369. [PMID: 28379507 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can region-specific transcriptional profiling of the epididymis from fertile and sub-fertile bulls predict the etiology of fertility/sub-fertility in males? SUMMARY ANSWER The highly regulated gene expression along the bovine epididymis is affected by the fertility status of bulls used for artificial insemination. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In mammals, sperm maturation and storage occur in the epididymis. Each epididymal segment has his own transcriptomic signature that modulates the intraluminal composition and consequently governs sequential modifications of the maturing male gamete. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Epididymides from six Holstein bulls with documented fertility were used. These bulls were divided into two groups: high fertility (n = 3), and medium-low fertility (n = 3) and their epididymal transcriptomic profiles were analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Bovine cDNA microarray probing and bioinformatic tools were used to identify genes that are differentially expressed in caput, corpus and cauda epididymidal tissues of bulls with the documented fertility index. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis revealed a clear separation between caput, corpus and cauda epididymides. Some transcripts characterize a particular anatomical segment, whereas others are expressed in two out of three epididymal segments. Gene ontology analysis allowed deduction of specific functions played by each epididymal segment. The transcriptional profiles between fertile versus sub-fertile conditions clustered most closely in the corpus and cauda segments, whereas the profiles in the caput segment were distinct between fertile and sub-fertile bulls. Of the differently expressed genes, 10 (AKAP4, SMCP, SPATA3, TCP11, ODF1, CTCFL, SPATA18, ADAM28, SORD and FAM161A) were found to exert functions related to reproductive systems and 5 genes (DEAD, CYST11, DEFB119, DEFB124 and MX1) were found to be associated with the defense response. LARGE SCALE DATA The GEO number for public access of bovine epididymis microarray data is GSE96602. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Further work is required to link these modulations of epididymal functions with sperm fertilizing ability in order to understand the etiology of certain cases of idiopathic infertility in livestock and men. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS As fertility can be quantified in bulls used for artificial insemination, this species is a unique model to aid in the understanding of male fertility/sub-fertility in man. Our data provide a molecular characterization that will facilitate advances in understanding the involvement of epididymal physiology in sub/infertility etiology. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by a grant to R.S. from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. C.L., A.A., E.C. and R.S. have no conflict of interest to declare. P.B. is R&D director at Alliance Boviteq Inc., a bovine artificial insemination company.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Légaré
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Ayodélé Akintayo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- L'Alliance Boviteq, Inc., 19320 Rang Grand Saint François Ouest, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2T 5H1, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
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14
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Camargo M, Intasqui P, Bertolla RP. Proteomic profile of seminal plasma in adolescents and adults with treated and untreated varicocele. Asian J Androl 2016; 18:194-201. [PMID: 26643563 PMCID: PMC4770485 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.168788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Varicocele, the most important treatable cause of male infertility, is present in 15% of adult males, 35% of men with primary infertility, and 80% of men with secondary infertility. On the other hand, 80% of these men will not present infertility. Therefore, there is a need to differentiate a varicocele that is exerting a deleterious effect that is treatable from a “silent” varicocele. Despite the growing evidence of the cellular effects of varicocele, its underlying molecular mechanisms are still eluding. Proteomics has become a promising area to determine the reproductive biology of semen as well as to improve diagnosis of male infertility. This review aims to discuss the state-of-art in seminal plasma proteomics in patients with varicocele to discuss the challenges in undertaking these studies, as well as the future outlook derived from the growing body of evidence on the seminal proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Sao Paulo Federal University, R. Embau, 231, 04039-060; Sao Paulo Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Gelatin Binding Proteins in Reproductive Physiology. Indian J Microbiol 2016; 56:383-393. [PMID: 27784933 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-016-0618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to advance the assisted reproductive technologies used in animals and human beings, it is important to accumulate basic informations about underlying molecular mechanisms that shape the biological processes of reproduction. From within seminal plasma, proteins perform a wide variety of distinct functions that regulate major reproductive events such as fertilization. The ability of such proteins to bind and interact with different antagonistic ions and biomolecules such as polysaccharides, lipids, and other proteins present in the male and female reproductive tract define these capabilities. Over the last two decades, extensive work has been undertaken in an attempt to define the role of seminal plasma proteins, of which, Gelatin binding proteins (GBPs) represent a large family. GBPs comprise of known group of Bovine seminal plasma (BSP) protein family, matrix metallo proteinases (MMP 2 and MMP 9) and fibronectin, which have been widely studied. The presence of a type II repeat is a characteristic feature of GBPs, which is similar in structure to the fibronectin type II domain (fn2), which has ability to bind multiple ligands including gelatin, glycosaminoglycans, choline phospholipids, and lipoproteins. Two fn2 domains are present within the BSP protein family, while, three fn2 domains are found in gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP9), and ELSPBP1 (Epididymosomes Transfer Epididymal Sperm Binding Protein 1) contains four long fn2 domains. For the most part BSP proteins are exclusively expressed in seminal vesicles although mBSPH1, mBSPH2 and hBSPH1 are all expressed in the epididymis. The expression of gelatinases has been demonstrated in several organs and tissues such as the prostate, testis, epididymis, ovary, human placenta, cervix and endometrial wall. This review intends to bring current updates on the role of GBPs in reproductive physiology to light, which may act as basis for future studies on GBPs.
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16
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Westfalewicz B, Dietrich MA, Ciereszko A. Impact of cryopreservation on bull () semen proteome. J Anim Sci 2016; 93:5240-53. [PMID: 26641044 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-9237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of bull spermatozoa is a well-established technique, allowing artificial insemination of cattle on a commercial scale. However, the extent of proteome changes in seminal plasma and spermatozoa during cryopreservation are not yet fully known. The objective of this study was to compare the proteomes of fresh, equilibrated, and cryopreserved bull semen (spermatozoa and seminal plasma) to establish the changes in semen proteins during the cryopreservation process. Semen was collected from 6 mature Holstein Friesian bulls. After sample processing, comparative analysis and identification of proteins was performed using 2-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Analysis of spermatozoa extracts revealed that 25 identified protein spots, representing 16 proteins, underwent significant ( < 0.05) changes in abundance due to equilibration and cryopreservation. Eighteen protein spots decreased in abundance, 5 protein spots increased in abundance, and 2 protein spots showed different, specific patterns of abundance changes. Analysis of seminal fluid containing seminal plasma showed that 6 identified protein spots, representing 4 proteins, underwent significant ( < 0.05) changes in abundance due to equilibration and cryopreservation. Two protein spots increased in abundance and 4 decreased in abundance. Semen extending and equilibration seems to be responsible for a significant portion of the proteome changes related to cryopreservation technology. Most sperm proteins affected by equilibration and cryopreservation are membrane bound, and loss of those proteins may reduce natural spermatozoa coating. Further research is needed to unravel the mechanisms of the particular protein changes described in this study and establish the relationship between those changes and sperm quality.
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17
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Sullivan R. Epididymosomes: a heterogeneous population of microvesicles with multiple functions in sperm maturation and storage. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:726-9. [PMID: 26112475 PMCID: PMC4577580 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.155255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular microvesicles present in the epididymal fluid have been named epididymosomes. Many epididymosome-associated proteins are transferred to spermatozoa during their maturation in the excurrent duct. Epididymosomes are heterogeneous, with their size varying between 50 and 250 nm. Two distinct population of epididymosomes characterized by different protein compositions and diameters have been isolated from the bovine epididymal fluid using different centrifugation protocols. One subpopulation of epididymosomes was characterized by CD9 and other tetraspanin partners. Transfer of proteins from these epididymosomes to maturing spermatozoa in co-incubation experiments was inhibited by antibodies against tetraspanin proteins. This suggests that this subpopulation of epididymosomes is involved in the acquisition of proteins involved in maturation by spermatozoa in the epididymis. The other population of epididymosomes was characterized by ELSPBP1 (epididymal sperm binding protein 1), known for its affinity for the phospholipid choline group. Flow cytometric analyses showed that ELSPBP1-positive epididymosomes only interacted with dying or dead epididymal spermatozoa in a Zn 2 + -dependent manner. BLVRA (biliverdin reductase) was identified as a partner of ELSPBP1. This enzyme reduces biliverdin to bilirubin: two molecules with powerful anti-oxidant properties. We hypothesize that BLVRA is involved in an ROS-scavenging mechanism protecting live epididymal spermatozoa against detrimental molecules (ROS) released by dying cells. Therefore, it appears that there are at least two epididymosome population with distinct functions: targeting specific proteins to transiting spermatozoa by tetraspanin-mediated membrane fusion, and protection of epididymal spermatozoa against ROS released from dying cells. Further work is needed to understand functions of epididymosomes in epididymal physiology and sperm maturation and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sullivan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval and Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division, Research Center CHU de Québec, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada
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18
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Montanholi Y, Fontoura A, Diel de Amorim M, Foster R, Chenier T, Miller S. Seminal plasma protein concentrations vary with feed efficiency and fertility-related measures in young beef bulls. Reprod Biol 2016; 16:147-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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19
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Dacheux JL, Dacheux F, Druart X. Epididymal protein markers and fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 169:76-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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20
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Del Giudice PT, Belardin LB, Camargo M, Zylbersztejn DS, Carvalho VM, Cardozo KHM, Bertolla RP, Cedenho AP. Determination of testicular function in adolescents with varicocoele - a proteomics approach. Andrology 2016; 4:447-55. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. T. Del Giudice
- Division of Urology; Human Reproduction Section; Department of Surgery; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - L. B. Belardin
- Division of Urology; Human Reproduction Section; Department of Surgery; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - M. Camargo
- Division of Urology; Human Reproduction Section; Department of Surgery; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - D. S. Zylbersztejn
- Division of Urology; Human Reproduction Section; Department of Surgery; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
- Hospital São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | | | | | - R. P. Bertolla
- Division of Urology; Human Reproduction Section; Department of Surgery; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
- Hospital São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - A. P. Cedenho
- Division of Urology; Human Reproduction Section; Department of Surgery; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
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21
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Agarwal A, Bertolla RP, Samanta L. Sperm proteomics: potential impact on male infertility treatment. Expert Rev Proteomics 2016; 13:285-96. [DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2016.1151357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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22
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Camargo M, Intasqui P, Bertolla RP. Proteomic profile of seminal plasma in adolescents and adults with treated and untreated varicocele. Asian J Androl 2015. [PMID: 26643563 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682χ.168788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Varicocele, the most important treatable cause of male infertility, is present in 15% of adult males, 35% of men with primary infertility, and 80% of men with secondary infertility. On the other hand, 80% of these men will not present infertility. Therefore, there is a need to differentiate a varicocele that is exerting a deleterious effect that is treatable from a "silent" varicocele. Despite the growing evidence of the cellular effects of varicocele, its underlying molecular mechanisms are still eluding. Proteomics has become a promising area to determine the reproductive biology of semen as well as to improve diagnosis of male infertility. This review aims to discuss the state-of-art in seminal plasma proteomics in patients with varicocele to discuss the challenges in undertaking these studies, as well as the future outlook derived from the growing body of evidence on the seminal proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Sao Paulo Federal University, R. Embau, 231, 04039-060; Sao Paulo Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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23
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Rodríguez-Villamil P, Hoyos-Marulanda V, Martins JAM, Oliveira AN, Aguiar LH, Moreno FB, Velho ALMCS, Monteiro-Moreira AC, Moreira RA, Vasconcelos IM, Bertolini M, Moura AA. Purification of binder of sperm protein 1 (BSP1) and its effects on bovine in vitro embryo development after fertilization with ejaculated and epididymal sperm. Theriogenology 2015; 85:540-54. [PMID: 26553567 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated functional aspects of binder of sperm 1 (BSP1) in the bovine species. In a first experiment, cumulus-oocyte complexes (n = 1274) were incubated with frozen-thawed ejaculated sperm (18 hours) in Fert-TALP medium containing: heparin, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL BSP1. Heparin followed by gelatin affinity chromatography was used for purification of BSP1 from bovine seminal vesicle fluid. With ejaculated sperm, cleavage rates were similar when Fert-TALP medium was incubated with heparin (74.1 ± 2.7%), 10 μg/mL BSP1 (77.8 ± 3.1%), or 20 μg/mL BSP1 (74 ± 2.0%). Day-7 blastocyst rates were equivalent after incubations with heparin (40.8 ± 5.0%) and 10 μg/mL BSP1 (34.1 ± 4.4%), but reduced after 20 μg/mL BSP1 (22.4 ± 2.9%) and 40 μg/mL BSP1 (19.3 ± 4.1%; P < 0.05). In the second experiment, cumulus-oocyte complexes (n = 1213) were incubated with frozen-thawed cauda epididymal sperm (18 hours) in Fert-TALP medium containing: no heparin, heparin, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were similar after treatments with heparin (68.5 ± 1.3% and 24.7 ± 3.2%, respectively) or without heparin (65.5 ± 1.8% and 27.3 ± 1.6%, respectively). Cleavage was higher after treatment with any BSP1 concentrations (74.2 ± 2.7%-79.0 ± 1.1%) than without heparin (P < 0.05). Also, cleavage was better after Fert-TALP medium incubation with 40 μg/mL BSP1 (79.0 ± 1.1%) than with heparin (68.5 ± 1.3%; P < 0.05). Embryo development was higher (P < 0.05) after treatment with 20 μg/mL BSP1 (35.6 ± 2.5%) and 40 μg/mL (41.1 ± 2%) than after incubations with heparin (24.7 ± 3.2%) or without heparin (27.3 ± 1.6%). Interestingly, BSP1 did not cause reductions in blastocyst rates after fertilization with epididymal sperm, as observed with ejaculated sperm. On the basis of immunocytochemistry, there was BSP1 binding to frozen-thawed ejaculated but not to epididymal sperm. Also, anti-BSP1 reaction remained on ejaculated sperm (as expected) and appeared on epididymal sperm after incubation with purified BSP1. Acrosome reaction of ejaculated and epididymal sperm was induced after incubation with purified BSP1 as well, indicating an effect of BSP1 on capacitation. In conclusion, purified BSP1 from bull seminal vesicles was able to bind to and induce capacitation of ejaculated and epididymal sperm. Also, BSP1 added to fertilization media and allowed proper cleavage and embryo development, with the effects being modulated by previous exposure or not of spermatozoa to seminal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rodríguez-Villamil
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - V Hoyos-Marulanda
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - J A M Martins
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - A N Oliveira
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - L H Aguiar
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Laboratory, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - F B Moreno
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - A L M C S Velho
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - R A Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - I M Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - M Bertolini
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Laboratory, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - A A Moura
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil.
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24
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D'Amours O, Frenette G, Caron P, Belleannée C, Guillemette C, Sullivan R. Evidences of Biological Functions of Biliverdin Reductase A in the Bovine Epididymis. J Cell Physiol 2015; 231:1077-89. [PMID: 26395865 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Epididymal sperm binding protein 1 (ELSPBP1) is secreted by the epididymal epithelium via epididymosomes and is specifically transferred to dead spermatozoa during epididymal transit. We identified biliverdin reductase A (BLVRA) as a partner of ELSPBP1 by immunoprecipitation followed by tandem mass spectrometry. Pull down assays showed that these two proteins interact in the presence of zinc ions. The BLVRA enzyme is known to convert biliverdin to bilirubin, both of which possess antioxidant activity. Assessment by real-time RT-PCR showed that BLVRA is highly expressed in the caput and the corpus epididymis, but is expressed at lower levels in the testis and the cauda epididymis. It is primarily found in the soluble fraction of the caput epididymal fluid, is barely detectable in the cauda fluid, and is detectable to a lesser extent in the epididymosome fraction of both caput and cauda fluids. Immunocytometry on epididymal sperm showed that BLVRA is found on all sperm recovered from the caput region, whereas it is undetectable on cauda sperm. Biliverdin and bilirubin are found in higher concentrations in the caput epididymal fluid, as measured by mass spectrometry. Lipid peroxidation was limited by 1 μM of biliverdin, but not bilirubin when caput spermatozoa were challenged with 500 μM H2O2. Since immature spermatozoa are a source of reactive oxygen species, BLVRA may be involved in the protection of maturing spermatozoa. It is also plausible that BLVRA is implicated in haemic protein catabolism in the epididymal luminal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier D'Amours
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Gilles Frenette
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Caron
- Laboratoire de pharmacogénomique, Faculté de Pharmacie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Chantal Guillemette
- Laboratoire de pharmacogénomique, Faculté de Pharmacie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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25
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Evolution and function of mammalian binder of sperm proteins. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:105-127. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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26
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Odhiambo JF, DeJarnette J, Geary TW, Kennedy CE, Suarez SS, Sutovsky M, Sutovsky P. Increased Conception Rates in Beef Cattle Inseminated with Nanopurified Bull Semen1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:97. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.121897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Mishra C, Palai TK, Sarangi LN, Prusty BR, Maharana BR. Candidate gene markers for sperm quality and fertility in bulls. Vet World 2013. [DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2013.905-910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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Sullivan R, Saez F. Epididymosomes, prostasomes, and liposomes: their roles in mammalian male reproductive physiology. Reproduction 2013; 146:R21-35. [PMID: 23613619 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa are unique cells in many ways, and the acquisition of their main function, i.e. fertilization capacity, is a multistep process starting in the male gonad and ending near the female egg for the few cells reaching this point. Owing to the unique character of this cell, the molecular pathways necessary to achieve its maturation also show some specific characteristics. One of the most striking specificities of the spermatozoon is that its DNA is highly compacted after the replacement of histones by protamines, making the classical processes of transcription and translation impossible. The sperm cells are thus totally dependent on their extracellular environment for their protection against oxidative stress, for example, or for the molecular changes occurring during the transit of the epididymis; the first organ in which post-testicular maturation takes place. The molecular mechanisms underlying sperm maturation are still largely unknown, but it has been shown in the past three decades that extracellular vesicles secreted by the male reproductive tract are involved in this process. This review will examine the roles played by two types of naturally occurring extracellular vesicles, epididymosomes and prostasomes, secreted by the epididymis and the prostate respectively. We will also describe how the use of artificial vesicles, liposomes, contributed to the study of male reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sullivan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval and Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Research Axes, Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 Boul Laurier, Québec, Canada, G1V 4G2.
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D'Amours O, Frenette G, Bordeleau LJ, Allard N, Leclerc P, Blondin P, Sullivan R. Epididymosomes transfer epididymal sperm binding protein 1 (ELSPBP1) to dead spermatozoa during epididymal transit in bovine. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:94. [PMID: 22875906 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.100990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we showed that epididymal sperm binding protein 1 (ELSPBP1) characterizes spermatozoa already dead before ejaculation in bovine. In this study, we investigated the presence of ELSPBP1 in bull genital tract as well as its acquisition by spermatozoa during epididymal transit. As assessed by real-time RT-PCR, ELSPBP1 was highly expressed in the caput and the corpus epididymis but was present in lower expression levels in the testis and the cauda epididymis. Immunohistochemistry revealed the same expression pattern. However, Western blot on tissue homogenates showed some discrepancies, as ELSPBP1 was found in a comparable concentration all along the epididymis. This difference was due to the presence of ELSPBP1 in the epididymal fluid. In both caput and cauda epididymal fluid, ELSPBP1 was associated with the epididymosomes, small membranous vesicles secreted by epithelial cells of the epididymis and implicated in the transfer of proteins to spermatozoa. As assessed by immunocytometry, ELSPBP1 was found on a subset of dead spermatozoa in caput epididymis but was found on all dead spermatozoa in cauda epididymis. To assess ELSPBP1 acquisition by spermatozoa, caput epididymal spermatozoa were incubated with cauda epididymosomes under various conditions. ELSPBP1 detection by immunocytometry assay revealed that only spermatozoa already dead before incubation were receptive to ELSPBP1 transfer by epididymosomes. This receptivity was enhanced by the presence of zinc in the incubation medium. This specificity for a sperm subpopulation suggests that an underlying mechanism is involved and that ELSPBP1 could be a tag for the recognition of dead spermatozoa during epididymal transit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier D'Amours
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Ste Foy, Québec, Canada
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