1
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Lu Y, Ma W, Tang H, Wu X, Yang X, Sun F. 4-methylimidazole exposure impairs sperm mobility by reducing the expression of blood-testis barrier junction protein in mouse testes. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100928. [PMID: 39083984 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
4-methylimidazole (4-MI), a derivative of imidazole, is a widely used component in caramel-colored food products such as soy sauce, beer and other soft drinks. The present study is aimed to investigate the effects of 4-MI on the male reproduction. The results revealed that 8 weeks of 4-MI exposure did not significantly alter the body weight and testicular weight of male mice. However, testicular morphology and computer-assisted sperm analysis showed that exposed to 4-MI caused irregular arrangement of spermatogenic cells in the testes and weakened sperm motility. Consistently, we observed the decreased fertilization ability in vivo of 4-MI-treated male mice. We further demonstrated that 4-MI disrupted the blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity by decreasing the protein expression of BTB-related junction with permeability assay and western blot. In addition, the apoptosis of Sertoli cells (TM4) occurred in 4-MI treated mice, which might be caused by the generation of oxidative stress. Collectively, our findings document that 4-MI exposure damages the sperm mobility via disruption of BTB integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Lu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Hanyu Tang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiwen Yang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
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2
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Santiago J, Silva JV, Santos MAS, Fardilha M. Age-Dependent Alterations in Semen Parameters and Human Sperm MicroRNA Profile. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2923. [PMID: 38001924 PMCID: PMC10669352 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The trend to delay parenthood is increasing, impacting fertility and reproductive outcomes. Advanced paternal age (APA), defined as men's age above 40 years at conception, has been linked with testicular impairment, abnormal semen parameters, and poor reproductive and birth outcomes. Recently, the significance of sperm microRNA for fertilization and embryonic development has emerged. This work aimed to investigate the effects of men's age on semen parameters and sperm microRNA profiles. The ejaculates of 333 Portuguese men were collected between 2018 and 2022, analyzed according to WHO guidelines, and a density gradient sperm selection was performed. For microRNA expression analysis, 16 normozoospermic human sperm samples were selected and divided into four age groups: ≤30, 31-35, 36-40, and >40 years. microRNA target genes were retrieved from the miRDB and TargetScan databases and Gene Ontology analysis was performed using the DAVID tool. No significant correlation was found between male age and conventional semen parameters, except for volume. Fifteen differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) between groups were identified. Enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of DEMs in the sperm of men with advanced age in critical biological processes like embryonic development, morphogenesis, and male gonad development. Targets of DEMs were involved in signaling pathways previously associated with the ageing process, including cellular senescence, autophagy, insulin, and mTOR pathways. These results suggest that although conventional semen parameters were not affected by men's age, alterations in microRNA regulation may occur and be responsible for poor fertility and reproductive outcomes associated with APA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Santiago
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
| | - Joana V. Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
| | - Manuel A. S. Santos
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing, MIA-Portugal, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
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3
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Ntostis P, Swanson G, Kokkali G, Iles D, Huntriss J, Pantou A, Tzetis M, Pantos K, Picton HM, Krawetz SA, Miller D. Trophectoderm non-coding RNAs reflect the higher metabolic and more invasive properties of young maternal age blastocysts. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:3-19. [PMID: 36576378 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2153636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing female age is accompanied by a corresponding fall in her fertility. This decline is influenced by a variety of factors over an individual's life course including background genetics, local environment and diet. Studying both coding and non-coding RNAs of the embryo could aid our understanding of the causes and/or effects of the physiological processes accompanying the decline including the differential expression of sub-cellular biomarkers indicative of various diseases. The current study is a post-hoc analysis of the expression of trophectoderm RNA data derived from a previous high throughput study. Its main aim is to determine the characteristics and potential functionalities that characterize long non-coding RNAs. As reported previously, a maternal age-related component is potentially implicated in implantation success. Trophectoderm samples representing the full range of maternal reproductive ages were considered in relation to embryonic implantation potential, trophectoderm transcriptome dynamics and reproductive maternal age. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) biomarkers identified here are consistent with the activities of embryo-endometrial crosstalk, developmental competency and implantation and share common characteristics with markers of neoplasia/cancer invasion. Corresponding genes for expressed lncRNAs were more active in the blastocysts of younger women are associated with metabolic pathways including cholesterol biosynthesis and steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Ntostis
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Grace Swanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Georgia Kokkali
- Genesis Athens Clinic, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Athens, Greece
| | - David Iles
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - John Huntriss
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Agni Pantou
- Genesis Athens Clinic, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Tzetis
- Department of Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Helen M Picton
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - David Miller
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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4
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Chan SY, Wan CWT, Law TYS, Chan DYL, Fok EKL. The Sperm Small RNA Transcriptome: Implications beyond Reproductive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415716. [PMID: 36555356 PMCID: PMC9779749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from the paternal half of the genetic material, the male gamete carries assorted epigenetic marks for optimal fertilization and the developmental trajectory for the early embryo. Recent works showed dynamic changes in small noncoding RNA (sncRNA) in spermatozoa as they transit through the testicular environment to the epididymal segments. Studies demonstrated the changes to be mediated by epididymosomes during the transit through the adluminal duct in the epididymis, and the changes in sperm sncRNA content stemmed from environmental insults significantly altering the early embryo development and predisposing the offspring to metabolic disorders. Here, we review the current knowledge on the establishment of the sperm sncRNA transcriptome and their role in male-factor infertility, evidence of altered offspring health in response to the paternal life experiences through sperm sncRNA species and, finally, their implications in assisted reproductive technology in terms of epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Yan Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Crystal Wing Tung Wan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tin Yu Samuel Law
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: (D.Y.L.C.); (E.K.L.F.)
| | - Ellis Kin Lam Fok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China
- Correspondence: (D.Y.L.C.); (E.K.L.F.)
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5
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Forni G, Mikheyev AS, Luchetti A, Mantovani B. Gene transcriptional profiles in gonads of Bacillus taxa (Phasmida) with different cytological mechanisms of automictic parthenogenesis. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2022; 8:14. [PMID: 36435814 PMCID: PMC9701443 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-022-00197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of automixis - i.e., meiotic parthenogenesis - requires several features, including ploidy restoration after meiosis and maintenance of fertility. Characterizing the relative contribution of novel versus pre-existing genes and the similarities in their expression and sequence evolution is fundamental to understand the evolution of reproductive novelties. Here we identify gonads-biased genes in two Bacillus automictic stick-insects and compare their expression profile and sequence evolution with a bisexual congeneric species. The two parthenogens restore ploidy through different cytological mechanisms: in Bacillus atticus, nuclei derived from the first meiotic division fuse to restore a diploid egg nucleus, while in Bacillus rossius, diploidization occurs in some cells of the haploid blastula through anaphase restitution. Parthenogens' gonads transcriptional program is found to be largely assembled from genes that were already present before the establishment of automixis. The three species transcriptional profiles largely reflect their phyletic relationships, yet we identify a shared core of genes with gonad-biased patterns of expression in parthenogens which are either male gonads-biased in the sexual species or are not differentially expressed there. At the sequence level, just a handful of gonads-biased genes were inferred to have undergone instances of positive selection exclusively in the parthenogen species. This work is the first to explore the molecular underpinnings of automixis in a comparative framework: it delineates how reproductive novelties can be sustained by genes whose origin precedes the establishment of the novelty itself and shows that different meiotic mechanisms of reproduction can be associated with a shared molecular ground plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giobbe Forni
- Dip. Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
- Dip. Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alexander S Mikheyev
- Australian National University, ACT, Canberra, 2600, Australia
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Andrea Luchetti
- Dip. Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Barbara Mantovani
- Dip. Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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6
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Zhao P, Shi C, Wang L, Sun MX. The parental contributions to early plant embryogenesis and the concept of maternal-to-zygotic transition in plants. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 65:102144. [PMID: 34823206 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2021.102144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) is a major developmental transition in the life cycles of animals. It consists of two associated processes: maternal transcript clearance and zygotic genome activation (ZGA). The concept of MZT has been controversially discussed in plants. In this short review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the timing of ZGA and the similarities and differences between ZGA in eudicots and monocots. We discuss the parental contributions to the transcriptome of the proembryo and parental control of early embryogenesis, and we examine distinct differences in the ZGA between animals and plants, update relevant concepts on MZT, and highlight outstanding questions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ce Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Meng-Xiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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7
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Santiago J, Silva JV, Howl J, Santos MAS, Fardilha M. All you need to know about sperm RNAs. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:67-91. [PMID: 34624094 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis generates a small and highly specialised type of cell that is apparently incapable of transcription and translation. For many years, this dogma was supported by the assumption that (i) the compact sperm nucleus, resulting from the substitution of histones by protamine during spermatogenesis, renders the genome inaccessible to the transcriptional machinery; and (ii) the loss of most organelles, including endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes, limits or prevents translational activity. Despite these observations, several types of coding and non-coding RNAs have been identified in human sperm. Their functional roles, particularly during fertilisation and embryonic development, are only now becoming apparent. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aimed to summarise current knowledge of the origin, types and functional roles of sperm RNAs, and to evaluate the clinical benefits of employing these transcripts as biomarkers of male fertility and reproductive outcomes. The possible contribution of sperm RNAs to intergenerational or transgenerational phenotypic inheritance is also addressed. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive literature search on PubMed was conducted using the search terms 'sperm' AND 'RNA'. Searches focussed upon articles written in English and published prior to August 2020. OUTCOMES The development of more sensitive and accurate RNA technologies, including RNA sequencing, has enabled the identification and characterisation of numerous transcripts in human sperm. Though a majority of these RNAs likely arise during spermatogenesis, other data support an epididymal origin of RNA transmitted to maturing sperm by extracellular vesicles. A minority may also be synthesised by de novo transcription in mature sperm, since a small portion of the sperm genome remains packed by histones. This complex RNA population has important roles in paternal chromatin packaging, sperm maturation and capacitation, fertilisation, early embryogenesis and developmental maintenance. In recent years, additional lines of evidence from animal models support a role for sperm RNAs in intergenerational or transgenerational inheritance, modulating both the genotype and phenotype of progeny. Importantly, several reports indicate that the sperm RNA content of fertile and infertile men differs considerably and is strongly modulated by the environment, lifestyle and pathological states. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Transcriptional profiling has considerable potential for the discovery of fertility biomarkers. Understanding the role of sperm transcripts and comparing the sperm RNA fingerprint of fertile and infertile men could help to elucidate the regulatory pathways contributing to male factor infertility. Such data might also provide a molecular explanation for several causes of idiopathic male fertility. Ultimately, transcriptional profiling may be employed to optimise ART procedures and overcome some of the underlying causes of male infertility, ensuring the birth of healthy children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Santiago
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,i3S-Institute for Innovation and Health Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - John Howl
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Manuel A S Santos
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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8
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Núñez-Álvarez Y, Suelves M. HDAC11: a multifaceted histone deacetylase with proficient fatty deacylase activity and its roles in physiological processes. FEBS J 2021; 289:2771-2792. [PMID: 33891374 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The histone deacetylases (HDACs) family of enzymes possess deacylase activity for histone and nonhistone proteins; HDAC11 is the latest discovered HDAC and the only member of class IV. Besides its shared HDAC family catalytical activity, recent studies underline HDAC11 as a multifaceted enzyme with a very efficient long-chain fatty acid deacylase activity, which has open a whole new field of action for this protein. Here, we summarize the importance of HDAC11 in a vast array of cellular pathways, which has been recently highlighted by discoveries about its subcellular localization, biochemical features, and its regulation by microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, as well as its new targets and interactors. Additionally, we discuss the recent work showing the consequences of HDAC11 dysregulation in brain, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue, and during regeneration in response to kidney, skeletal muscle, and vascular injuries, underscoring HDAC11 as an emerging hub protein with physiological functions that are much more extensive than previously thought, and with important implications in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mònica Suelves
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
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9
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Komsky-Elbaz A, Kalo D, Roth Z. Carryover effect of atrazine and its metabolite-from treated bovine spermatozoa to the embryo's transcriptome†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1162-1180. [PMID: 33624745 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrazine (ATZ) is an extensively used herbicide and ubiquitous environmental contaminant. ATZ and its metabolite, diaminochlorotriazine (DACT), cause several cellular and functional alterations in spermatozoa. We aimed to examine the effect of ATZ/DACT on spermatozoon DNA integrity, fertilization competence, embryonic development, and transcriptome profile of in vitro-produced embryos derived from fertilization with pre-exposed sperm. Bovine spermatozoa exposed to ATZ (0.1 or 1 μM) or DACT (1 or 10 μM) during in vitro capacitation were used for in vitro fertilization of untreated oocytes. Cleavage and blastocyst-formation rates were evaluated 42 h and 7 days postfertilization, respectively. The association between DNA fragmentation and apoptosis (annexin V kit) was determined. Fertilization competence of annexin-positive (AV+) and annexin-negative (AV-) spermatozoa was examined. Microarray analysis was performed for 7-day blastocysts. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed with control (AV+, AV-) and DACT (AV+, AV-) spermatozoa. Cleavage rates did not differ between groups and blastocyst formation tended to be higher for AV- vs. AV+ in both control and DACT groups, suggesting that acrosome reaction, rather than DNA fragmentation, underlies the reduced cleavage. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 139 and 230 differentially expressed genes in blastocysts derived from ATZ- and DACT-exposed spermatozoa, respectively, relative to controls. Proteomic analysis shown differential expression of proteins in ATZ- or DACT-treated spermatozoa, in particular proteins related to cellular processes and biological pathways. Therefore, we assume that factors delivered by the spermatozoa, regardless of DNA fragmentation, are also involved. Overall, the current study reveals a deleterious carryover effect of ATZ/DACT from the spermatozoa to the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Komsky-Elbaz
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.,Animal Sperm Research Center, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Center of Excellence in Agriculture and Environmental Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - D Kalo
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.,Animal Sperm Research Center, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Center of Excellence in Agriculture and Environmental Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Z Roth
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel.,Animal Sperm Research Center, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Center of Excellence in Agriculture and Environmental Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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10
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Sperm RNA: Quo vadis? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 97:123-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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11
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Paternal inheritance of diet induced metabolic traits correlates with germline regulation of diet induced coding gene expression. Genomics 2020; 112:567-573. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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12
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Ntostis P, Kokkali G, Iles D, Huntriss J, Tzetis M, Picton H, Pantos K, Miller D. Can trophectoderm RNA analysis predict human blastocyst competency? Syst Biol Reprod Med 2019; 65:312-325. [PMID: 31244343 PMCID: PMC6816490 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2019.1625085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A systematic review of the literature showed that trophectoderm biopsy could assist in the selection of healthy embryos for uterine transfer without affecting implantation rates. However, previous studies attempting to establish the relationship between trophectoderm gene expression profiles and implantation competency using either microarrays or RNA sequencing strategies, were not sufficiently optimized to handle the exceptionally low RNA inputs available from biopsied material. In this pilot study, we report that differential gene expression in human trophectoderm biopsies assayed by an ultra-sensitive next generation RNA sequencing strategy could predict blastocyst implantation competence. RNA expression profiles from isolated human trophectoderm cells were analysed with established clinical pregnancy being the primary endpoint. Following RNA sequencing, a total of 47 transcripts were found to be significantly differentially expressed between the trophectoderm cells from successfully implanted (competent) versus unsuccessful (incompetent) blastocysts. Of these, 36 transcripts were significantly down-regulated in the incompetent blastocysts, including Hydroxysteroid 17-Beta Dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17B1) and Cytochrome P450 Family 11 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP11A1), while the remaining 11 transcripts were significantly up-regulated, including BCL2 Antagonist/Killer 1 (BAK1) and KH Domain Containing 1 Pseudogene 1 (KHDC1P1) of which the latter was always detected in the incompetent and absent in all competent blastocysts. Ontological analysis of differentially expressed RNAs revealed pathways involved in steroidogenic processes with high confidence. Novel differentially expressed transcripts were also noted by reference to a de novo sequence assembly. The selection of the blastocyst with the best potential to support full-term pregnancy following single embryo transfer could reduce the need for multiple treatment cycles and embryo transfers. The main limitation was the low sample size (N = 8). Despite this shortcoming, the pilot suggests that trophectoderm biopsy could assist with the selection of healthy embryos for embryo transfer. A larger cohort of samples is needed to confirm these findings. Abbreviations: AMA: advanced maternal age; ART: assisted reproductive technology; CP: clinical pregnancy; DE: differential expression; FDR: false discovery rate; IVF: in vitro fertilization; LD PCR: long distance PCR; qRT-PCR: quantitative real-time PCR; SET: single embryo transfer; TE: trophectoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Ntostis
- Department of Discovery and Translational Science, LICAMM, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Kokkali
- Genesis Athens hospital, Reproductive medicine Unit, Athens, Greece
| | - David Iles
- Department of Discovery and Translational Science, LICAMM, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - John Huntriss
- Department of Discovery and Translational Science, LICAMM, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Maria Tzetis
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Helen Picton
- Department of Discovery and Translational Science, LICAMM, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - David Miller
- Department of Discovery and Translational Science, LICAMM, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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13
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Jones KT. Mammalian sperm contain two factors for calcium release and egg activation: Phospholipase C zeta and a cryptic activating factor. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:465-468. [PMID: 30257016 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Keith T Jones
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, 5005, South Australia, Australia, and School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
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14
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Abstract
Having been debated for many years, the presence and role of spermatozoal RNAs is resolving, and their contribution to development is now appreciated. Data from different species continue show that sperm contain a complex suite of coding and noncoding RNAs that play a role in an individual's life course. Mature sperm RNAs provide a retrospective of spermatogenesis, with their presence and abundance reflecting sperm maturation, fertility potential, and the paternal contribution to the developmental path the offspring may follow.Sperm RNAs delivered upon fertilization provide some of the initial contacts with the oocyte, directly confront the maternal with the paternal contribution as a prelude to genome consolidation. Following syngamy, early embryo development may in part be modulated by paternal RNAs that can include epidydimal passengers. This provides a direct path to relay an experience and then initiate a paternal response to the environment to the oocyte and beyond. Their epigenetic impact is likely felt prior to embryonic genome activation when the population of sperm delivered transcripts markedly changes. Here, we review the insights gained from sperm RNAs over the years, the subtypes, and the caveats of the RNAs described. We discuss the role of sperm RNAs in fertilization and embryo development, and their possible mechanism(s) influencing offspring phenotype. Approaches to meet the future challenges as the study of sperm RNAs continues, include, elucidating the potential mechanisms underlying how paternal allostatic load, the constant adaptation of health to external conditions, may be relayed by sperm RNAs to affect future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gòdia
- Animal Genomics Group, Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Grace Swanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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15
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Estill MS, Hauser R, Krawetz SA. RNA element discovery from germ cell to blastocyst. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:2263-2275. [PMID: 30576549 PMCID: PMC6411832 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that tissue-specific transcriptomes contain multiple types of RNAs that are transcribed from intronic and intergenic sequences. The current study presents a tool for the discovery of transcribed, unannotated sequence elements from RNA-seq libraries. This RNA Element (RE) discovery algorithm (REDa) was applied to a spectrum of tissues and cells representing germline, embryonic, and somatic tissues and examined as a function of differentiation through the first set of cell divisions of human development. This highlighted extensive transcription throughout the genome, yielding previously unidentified human spermatogenic RNAs. Both exonic and novel X-chromosome REs were subject to robust meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, although an extensive de-repression occurred in the post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis. Surprisingly, 2.4% of the 10,395 X chromosome exonic REs were present in mature sperm. Transcribed genomic repetitive sequences, including simple centromeric repeats, HERVE and HSAT1, were also shown to be associated with RE expression during spermatogenesis. These results suggest that pervasive intergenic repetitive sequence expression during human spermatogenesis may play a role in regulating chromatin dynamics. Repetitive REs switching repeat classes during differentiation upon fertilization and embryonic genome activation was evident.
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MESH Headings
- Algorithms
- Blastocyst/cytology
- Blastocyst/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Line
- Chromatin/genetics
- Chromatin/metabolism
- Chromosomes, Human, X/genetics
- Embryonic Development/genetics
- Exons/genetics
- Female
- Fertilization
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Genomics
- Humans
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/metabolism
- Male
- Meiosis/genetics
- Oocytes/cytology
- Oocytes/metabolism
- Poly A/analysis
- Poly A/genetics
- Poly A/isolation & purification
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/isolation & purification
- Regulatory Sequences, Ribonucleic Acid/genetics
- Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid
- Sequence Analysis, RNA
- Spermatogenesis/genetics
- Spermatozoa/cytology
- Spermatozoa/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
- X Chromosome Inactivation
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly S Estill
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Vincent Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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16
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Castillo J, Jodar M, Oliva R. The contribution of human sperm proteins to the development and epigenome of the preimplantation embryo. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:535-555. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Southern HM, Berger MA, Young PG, Snook RR. Sperm morphology and the evolution of intracellular sperm-egg interactions. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:5047-5058. [PMID: 29876080 PMCID: PMC5980432 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm morphology is incredibly diverse, even among closely related species, yet the coevolution between males and females of fertilization recognition systems is necessary for successful karyogamy (male and female pronuclear fusion). In most species, the entire sperm enters the egg during fertilization so sperm morphological diversity may impact the intracellular sperm-egg interactions necessary for karyogamy. We quantified morphological variation of sperm inside eggs prior to and following karyogamy in several species of Drosophila to understand whether evolution of sperm morphology could influence intracellular sperm-egg interactions (ISEIs). We measured seven parameters that describe ISEIs among species to determine whether these parameters varied both within a species across development and across species at the same developmental stage. We used heterospecific crosses to test the relative role of male origin, female origin, and interaction between the male and female in determining ISEIs. We found that sperm shape changed within a species as development proceeded and, at particular development stages, species varied in some ISEIs. Parental origin had an effect on some ISEIs, with a general trend for a stronger female effect. Overall, our findings identify conserved and variable ISEIs among species and demonstrate the potential to contribute understanding to gamete evolution and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. Southern
- Department of Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | | | - Philippe G. Young
- College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Physical SciencesUniversity of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Rhonda R. Snook
- Department of Animal and Plant SciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Department of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
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