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Han X, Li Y, Zong Y, Zhao Y, Jiang L, Ni A, Yang H, Yuan J, Ma H, Ma L, Chen J, Ma T, Sun Y. Key miRNAs of chicken seminal plasma extracellular vesicles related with sperm motility regulation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:134022. [PMID: 39038569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are bio-active elements cargoed by seminal plasma extracellular vesicles extracellular vesicles (SPEVs) which are crucial for sperm function and fertility modulation. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify the miRNA expression profiles in the SPEVs from high (HSM) and low sperm motility (LSM) groups that could serve as fertility biomarkers and explain the underlying mechanisms. The isolated SPEVs were round spherical structures of approximately 50-200 nm in diameter expressing molecular markers. A total of 1006 and 1084 miRNAs were detected in HSM and LSM, respectively, with 34 being differentially expressed. Their targeted genes involved in SNARE interactions in vesicular transport, Metabolic pathways, and Apelin signaling pathway, etc. The joint analysis with mRNAs of sperm and sperm storage tubules cells highlighted the cellular communication mediated by SPEVs miRNAs, where they may rule fertility by affecting sperm maturation and amino acid metabolism. SPEVs as additives could improve fertility of fresh and frozen sperm, while the knockdown of one of the differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-24-3p, diminished this effect, indicating its crucial roles. This study expands our understanding of SPEVs miRNAs mediated sperm maturation and fertility modulation, and may help to develop new therapeutic strategies for infertility and sperm storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yunlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yunhe Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China; College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, Hebei, China
| | - Lijun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Aixin Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hanhan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jingwei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jilan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tenghe Ma
- College of medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056000, Hebei, China.
| | - Yanyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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2
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Parra A, Barranco I, Martínez-Díaz P, González E, Albóniga OE, Cabrera D, Falcón-Pérez JM, Roca J. Cryogenic electron microscopy reveals morphologically distinct subtypes of extracellular vesicles among porcine ejaculate fractions. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16175. [PMID: 39003421 PMCID: PMC11246463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67229-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) is rich in extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are still poorly studied, especially in livestock species. To better understand their functional role in both spermatozoa and endometrial epithelial cells, proper characterization of EVs is an essential step. The objective was to phenotypically characterize porcine seminal EVs (sEVs) using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), which allows visualization of EVs in their native state. Porcine ejaculates are released in fractions, each containing SP from different source. This allows characterization sEVs released from various male reproductive tissues. Two experiments were performed, the first with SP from the entire ejaculate (n:6) and the second with SP from three ejaculate fractions (n:15): the first 10 mL of the sperm-rich ejaculate fraction (SRF-P1) with SP mainly from the epididymis, the remainder of the SRF (SRF-P2) with SP mainly from the prostate, and the post-SRF with SP mainly from the seminal vesicles. The sEVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography and 1840 cryo-EM sEV images were acquired using a Jeol-JEM-2200FS/CR-EM. The size, electron density, complexity, and peripheral corona layer were measured in each sEV using the ImageJ software. The first experiment showed that sEVs were structurally and morphologically heterogeneous, although most (83.1%) were small (less than 200 nm), rounded, and poorly electrodense, and some have a peripheral coronal layer. There were also larger sEVs (16.9%) that were irregularly shaped, more electrodense, and few with a peripheral coronal layer. The second experiment showed that small sEVs were more common in SRF-P1 and SRF-P2, indicating that they originated mainly from the epididymis and prostate. Large sEVs were more abundant in post-SRF, indicating that they originated mainly from seminal vesicles. Porcine sEVs are structurally and morphologically heterogeneous. This would be explained by the diversity of reproductive organs of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Parra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-Díaz
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Esperanza González
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Oihane E Albóniga
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Diana Cabrera
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Juan M Falcón-Pérez
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Vizcaya, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Madrid, Spain
- Metabolomics Platform, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Derio, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Martínez-Díaz P, Parra A, Sanchez-López CM, Casas J, Lucas X, Marcilla A, Roca J, Barranco I. Small and Large Extracellular Vesicles of Porcine Seminal Plasma Differ in Lipid Profile. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7492. [PMID: 39000599 PMCID: PMC11242203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to characterize the lipidomic profile of two subsets of differently sized sEVs, small (S-) and large (L-), isolated from porcine seminal plasma by size-exclusion chromatography and characterized by an orthogonal approach. High-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry was used for lipidomic analysis. A total of 157 lipid species from 14 lipid classes of 4 major categories (sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, and sterols) were identified. Qualitative differences were limited to two cholesteryl ester species present only in S-sEVs. L-sEVs had higher levels of all quantified lipid classes due to their larger membrane surface area. The distribution pattern was different, especially for sphingomyelins (more in S-sEVs) and ceramides (more in L-sEVs). In conclusion, this study reveals differences in the lipidomic profile of two subsets of porcine sEVs, suggesting that they differ in biogenesis and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Martínez-Díaz
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana Parra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Christian M Sanchez-López
- Àrea de Parasitologia, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Josefina Casas
- Research Unit on BioActive Molecules (RUBAM), Institute for Advanced Chemistry (IQAC-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Marcilla
- Àrea de Parasitologia, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, Universitat de València, 46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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Maes D, Pavani KC, Nauwynck H, Van Soom A. Immunological defense mechanisms of ejaculates and the spread of viral infectious diseases through pig semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107535. [PMID: 38880667 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107535] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
This review focuses on the mechanisms of immune tolerance and antimicrobial defense in the male genital tract of the pig. Sperm cells are foreign to the immune system and, therefore, they must be protected from the immune system. The blood-testis-barrier is mediated by a physical barrier between adjacent Sertoli cells, several cell types within the testis, and interactions between immunomodulatory molecules. The blood-epididymal-barrier is composed of a physical barrier that is lined with principal cells having a network of junctional complexes in their apical lateral membrane and completed by specific transporters. The seminal plasma (SP) contains many signaling agents involved in establishing a state of immune tolerance in the female genital tract, which is essential for successful fertilization. Specific SP-proteins, however, also have pro-inflammatory capacities contributing to transient uterine inflammation, supporting the removal of foreign cells, possible pathogens, and excessive spermatozoa. While many different proteins and other substances present in semen can damage sperm cells, they may also protect them against viral infections. A delicate balance of these substances, therefore, needs to be maintained. Related to this, recent studies have shown the importance of extracellular vesicles (EVs), as they contain these substances and convey immune signals. Yet, viruses may use EVs to interact with the male genital tract and circumvent immune responses. For this reason, further research needs to explore the role of EVs in the male reproductive tract, as it might contribute to elucidating the pathogenesis of viral infections that might be transmitted via semen and to developing better vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominiek Maes
- Unit of Porcine Health Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium.
| | - Krishna C Pavani
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Hans Nauwynck
- Laboratory of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
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Rahbar M, Asadpour R, Mazaheri Z. The effect of epididymosomes on the development of frozen-thawed mouse spermatogonial stem cells after culture in a decellularized testicular scaffold and transplantation into azoospermic mice. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03157-y. [PMID: 38839698 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03157-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined SSC proliferation on an epididymosome-enriched decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) hydrogel and spermatogenesis induction in azoospermic mice. METHODS Epididymosomes were extracted and characterized using SEM and western blotting. After cryopreservation, thawed SSCs were cultured in a hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) culture containing 10 ng/mL GDNF or 20 µg/mL epididymosomes. SSCs were assessed using the MTT assay, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR after two weeks of culture. The isolated SSCs were microinjected into the efferent ducts of busulfan-treated mice. DiI-labeled SSCs were followed, and cell homing was assessed after two weeks. After 8 weeks, the testes were evaluated using morphometric studies and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The expression of PLZF, TGF-β, and miR-10b did not increase statistically significantly in the 3D + GDNF and 3D + epididymosome groups compared to the 3D group. Among the groups, the GDNF-treated group exhibited the highest expression of miR-21 (*P < 0.05). Caspase-3 expression was lower in the epididymosome-treated group than in the other groups (***P < 0.001). Compared to the 3D and negative control groups, the 3D + epididymosomes and 3D + GDNF groups showed an increase in spermatogenic cells. Immunohistochemical results confirmed the growth and differentiation of spermatogonial cells into spermatids in the treatment groups. CONCLUSION The DTM hydrogel containing 20 µg/mL epididymosomes or 10 ng/mL GDNF is a novel and safe culture system that can support SSC proliferation in vitro to obtain adequate SSCs for transplantation success. It could be a novel therapeutic agent that could recover deregulated SSCs in azoospermic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahbar
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Reza Asadpour
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Basic Medical Science Research Center, Histogenotech Company, Tehran, Iran
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Xu Y, Sun S, Fu Y, Wang L, Ren C, Ling Y, Zhang Z, Cao H. Positive In Vitro Effect of ROCK Pathway Inhibitor Y-27632 on Qualitative Characteristics of Goat Sperm Stored at Low Temperatures. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1441. [PMID: 38791659 PMCID: PMC11117216 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101441] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Y-27632, as a cytoskeleton protector, is commonly used for low-temperature preservation of cells. Goat sperm are prone to damage to the cytoskeleton under low-temperature conditions, leading to a loss of sperm vitality. However, the Y-27632 small molecule has not yet been used in research on low-temperature preservation of goat semen. This study aims to address the issue of low temperature-induced loss of sperm motility in goats by using Y-27632, and explore the regulation of Y-27632 on goat sperm metabolism. At a low temperature of 4 °C, different concentrations of Y-27632 were added to the sperm diluent. The regulation of Y-27632 on the quality of low temperature-preserved goat semen was evaluated by detecting goat sperm motility, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial activity, cholesterol levels, and metabolomics analysis. The results indicated that 20 µM Y-27632 significantly increased plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.05), and acrosome integrity (p < 0.05) and sperm motility (p < 0.05), increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < 0.01), increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.01), and significantly increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The levels of ATP, Ca2+, and TC in sperm increased (p < 0.01). Twenty metabolites with significant differences were identified, with six metabolic pathways having a significant impact, among which the D-glutamic acid and D-glutamine metabolic pathways had the most significant impact. The artificial insemination effect of goat semen treated with 20 μM Y-27632 was not significantly different from that of fresh semen. This study indicates that Y-27632 improves the quality of low-temperature preservation of sperm by protecting the sperm plasma membrane, enhancing sperm antioxidant capacity, regulating D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, and promoting the application of low-temperature preservation of semen in artificial insemination technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (Y.X.); (S.S.); (Y.F.); (L.W.); (C.R.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Shixin Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (Y.X.); (S.S.); (Y.F.); (L.W.); (C.R.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Yu Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (Y.X.); (S.S.); (Y.F.); (L.W.); (C.R.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (Y.X.); (S.S.); (Y.F.); (L.W.); (C.R.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Chunhuan Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (Y.X.); (S.S.); (Y.F.); (L.W.); (C.R.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (Y.X.); (S.S.); (Y.F.); (L.W.); (C.R.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (Y.X.); (S.S.); (Y.F.); (L.W.); (C.R.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Hongguo Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (Y.X.); (S.S.); (Y.F.); (L.W.); (C.R.); (Y.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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Toledo-Guardiola SM, Martínez-Díaz P, Martínez-Núñez R, Navarro-Serna S, Soriano-Úbeda C, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Matás C. Sperm functionality is differentially regulated by porcine oviductal extracellular vesicles from the distinct phases of the estrous cycle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23239. [PMID: 38713808 DOI: 10.1071/rd23239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the oviductal fluid (oEVs) play a critical role in various reproductive processes, including sperm capacitation, fertilisation, and early embryo development. Aims To characterise porcine oEVs (poEVs) from different stages of the estrous cycle (late follicular, LF; early luteal, EL; mid luteal, ML; late luteal, LL) and investigate their impact on sperm functionality. Methods poEVs were isolated, characterised, and labelled to assess their binding to boar spermatozoa. The effects of poEVs on sperm motility, viability, acrosomal status, protein kinase A phosphorylation (pPKAs), tyrosine phosphorylation (Tyr-P), and in in vitro fertility were analysed. Key results poEVs were observed as round or cup-shaped membrane-surrounded vesicles. Statistical analysis showed that poEVs did not significantly differ in size, quantity, or protein concentration among phases of the estrous cycle. However, LF poEVs demonstrated a higher affinity for binding to sperm. Treatment with EL, ML, and LL poEVs resulted in a decrease in sperm progressive motility and total motility. Moreover, pPKA levels were reduced in presence of LF, EL, and ML poEVs, while Tyr-P levels did not differ between groups. LF poEVs also reduced sperm penetration rate and the number of spermatozoa per penetrated oocyte (P Conclusions poEVs from different stages of the estrous cycle play a modulatory role in sperm functionality by interacting with spermatozoa, affecting motility and capacitation, and participating in sperm-oocyte interaction. Implications The differential effects of LF and LL poEVs suggest the potential use of poEVs as additives in IVF systems to regulate sperm-oocyte interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Toledo-Guardiola
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Martínez-Díaz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - R Martínez-Núñez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - S Navarro-Serna
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery, and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - J Romero-Aguirregomezcorta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; and Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - C Matás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; and Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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Wang Y, Liu Q, Sun Q, Zheng L, Jin T, Cao H, Zhu C, Li L, Gong Y, Yang F, Dong W. Exosomes from porcine serum as endogenous additive maintain function of boar sperm during liquid preservation at 17 °C in vitro. Theriogenology 2024; 219:147-156. [PMID: 38430799 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.015] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The supplementation of sperm culture media with serum is quite common, and improves both sperm survival and motility. However, the link between serum and sperm remains poorly understood. The present study is the first investigation of the effects on sperm quality and function of endogenous porcine serum exosomes in medium used for culturing boar sperm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that serum-derived exosomes from both castrated boars (cbsExos) and sows (ssExos) exhibited typical nanostructural morphology and expressed CD63, CD9, and Alix, as shown by Western blotting. At 17 °C, the progressive motility and membrane integrity of sperm were significantly increased after incubation of fresh boar semen for 7 days with cbsExos-4 (8 × 1010 particles/mL) or ssExos-16 (32 × 1010 particles/mL). Moreover, cbsExos-4 and ssExos-16 were found to be effective sperm additives, improving mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, total antioxidant activity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity while reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content following preservation at 17 °C after a 5-day incubation. Both fluorescence and SEM showed that the serum exosomes bound directly to the sperm membrane, suggesting an interaction that could influence sperm-zona pellucida binding. Overall, this study provides new insights into the potential benefits of adding cbsExos and ssExos to enhance the quality of boar sperm during ambient temperature preservation, which may lead to advancements in sperm preservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qimin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qingfang Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Lijuan Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tianqi Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Chao Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Ye Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Shaanxi Dayi Xunlong Biotechnology Co., LTD, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Fangxia Yang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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Barranco I, Spinaci M, Nesci S, Mateo-Otero Y, Baldassarro VA, Algieri C, Bucci D, Roca J. Seminal extracellular vesicles alter porcine in vitro fertilization outcome by modulating sperm metabolism. Theriogenology 2024; 219:167-179. [PMID: 38437767 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.024] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Porcine seminal plasma (SP) is loaded with a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that modulate several reproductive-related processes. This study investigated the effect of two sEV subsets, small (S-sEVs) and large (L-sEVs), on porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF). The sEVs were isolated from nine SP pools (five ejaculates/pool) using a size-exclusion chromatography-based procedure and characterized for quantity (total protein), morphology (cryogenic electron microscopy), size distribution (dynamic light scattering), purity and EV-protein markers (flow cytometry; albumin, CD81, HSP90β). The characterization confirmed the existence of two subsets of high purity (low albumin content) sEVs that differed in size (S- and L-sEVs). In vitro fertilization was performed with in vitro matured oocytes and frozen-thawed spermatozoa and the IVF medium was supplemented during gamete coincubation (1 h at 38.5 °C, 5 % CO2 in a humidified atmosphere) with three different concentrations of each sEV subset: 0 (control, without sEVs), 0.1, and 0.2 mg/mL. The first experiment showed that sEVs, regardless of subset and concentration, decreased penetration rates and total IVF efficiency (P < 0.0001). In a subsequent experiment, it was shown that sEVs, regardless of subset and concentration, impaired the ability of spermatozoa to bind to the zona pellucida of oocytes (P < 0.0001). The following experiment showed that sEVs, regardless of the subset, bound to frozen-thawed sperm but not to in vitro matured oocytes, indicating that sEVs would affect sperm functionality but not oocyte functionality. The lack of effect on oocytes was confirmed by incubating sEVs with oocytes prior to IVF, achieving sperm-zona pellucida binding results similar to those of control. In the last experiment, conducted under IVF conditions, sperm functionality was analyzed in terms of tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome integrity and metabolism. The sEVs, regardless of the subset, did not affect sperm tyrosine phosphorylation or acrosome integrity, but did influence sperm metabolism by decreasing sperm ATP production under capacitating conditions. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the presence of sEVs on IVF medium impairs IVF outcomes, most likely by altering sperm metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy; Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
| | - Marcella Spinaci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Nesci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Algieri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Spain
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Zhang X, Liang M, Song D, Huang R, Chen C, Liu X, Chen H, Wang Q, Sun X, Song J, Zhang J, Kang H, Zeng X. Both protein and non-protein components in extracellular vesicles of human seminal plasma improve human sperm function via CatSper-mediated calcium signaling. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:658-673. [PMID: 38335261 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the significance and mechanism of human seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) in regulating human sperm functions? SUMMARY ANSWER EV increases the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations [Ca2+]i via extracellular Ca2+ influx by activating CatSper channels, and subsequently modulate human sperm motility, especially hyperactivated motility, which is attributed to both protein and non-protein components in EV. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY EVs are functional regulators of human sperm function, and EV cargoes from normal and asthenozoospermic seminal plasma are different. Pre-fusion of EV with sperm in the acidic and non-physiological sucrose buffer solution could elevate [Ca2+]i in human sperm. CatSper, a principle Ca2+ channel in human sperm, is responsible for the [Ca2+]i regulation when sperm respond to diverse extracellular stimuli. However, the role of CatSper in EV-evoked calcium signaling and its potential physiological significance remain unclear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION EV isolated from the seminal plasma of normal and asthenozoospermic semen were utilized to investigate the mechanism by which EV regulates calcium signal in human sperm, including the involvement of CatSper and the responsible cargoes in EV. In addition, the clinical application potential of EV and EV protein-derived peptides were also evaluated. This is a laboratory study that went on for more than 5 years and involved more than 200 separate experiments. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen donors were recruited in accordance with the Institutional Ethics Committee on human subjects of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University and Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital. The Flow NanoAnalyzer, western blotting, and transmission electron microscope were used to systematically characterize seminal plasma EV. Sperm [Ca2+]i responses were examined by fluorimetric measurement. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was performed to record CatSper currents. Sperm motility parameters were assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm hyperactivation was also evaluated by examining their penetration ability in viscous methylcellulose media. Protein and non-protein components in EV were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrum. The levels of prostaglandins, reactive oxygen species, malonaldehyde, and DNA integrity were detected by commercial kits. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE EV increased [Ca2+]i via an extracellular Ca2+ influx, which could be suppressed by a CatSper inhibitor. Also, EV potentiated CatSper currents in human sperm. Furthermore, the EV-in [Ca2+]i increase and CatSper currents were absent in a CatSper-deficient sperm, confirming the crucial role of CatSper in EV induced Ca2+ signaling in human sperm. Both proteins and non-protein components of EV contributed to the increase of [Ca2+]i, which were important for the effects of EV on human sperm. Consequently, EV and its cargos promoted sperm hyperactivated motility. In addition, seminal plasma EV protein-derived peptides, such as NAT1-derived peptide (N-P) and THBS-1-derived peptide (T-P), could activate the sperm calcium signal and enhance sperm function. Interestingly, EV derived from asthenozoospermic semen caused a lower increase of [Ca2+]i than that isolated from normal seminal plasma (N-EV), and N-EV significantly improved sperm motility and function in both asthenozoospermic samples and frozen-thawed sperm. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was an in vitro study and caution must be taken when extrapolating the physiological relevance to in vivo regulation of sperm. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings demonstrate that the CatSper-mediated-Ca2+ signaling is involved in EV-modulated sperm function under near physiological conditions, and EV and their derivates are a novel CatSper and sperm function regulators with potential for clinical application. They may be developed to improve sperm motility resulting from low [Ca2+]i response and/or freezing and thawing. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32271167), the Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province (BE2022765), the Nantong Social and People's Livelihood Science and Technology Plan (MS22022087), the Basic Science Research Program of Nantong (JC22022086), and the Jiangsu Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Plan (JSSCRC2021543). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dandan Song
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Rongzu Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Houyang Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Qingxin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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11
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Parkes R, Garcia TX. Bringing proteomics to bear on male fertility: key lessons. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:181-203. [PMID: 38536015 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2327553] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a major public health concern globally. Proteomics has revolutionized our comprehension of male fertility by identifying potential infertility biomarkers and reproductive defects. Studies comparing sperm proteome with other male reproductive tissues have the potential to refine fertility diagnostics and guide infertility treatment development. AREAS COVERED This review encapsulates literature using proteomic approaches to progress male reproductive biology. Our search methodology included systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles up to 2023. Keywords used included 'male fertility proteomics,' 'spermatozoa proteome,' 'testis proteomics,' 'epididymal proteomics,' and 'non-hormonal male contraception.' Inclusion criteria were robust experimental design, significant contributions to male fertility, and novel use of proteomic technologies. EXPERT OPINION Expert analysis shows a shift from traditional research to an integrative approach that clarifies male reproductive health's molecular intricacies. A gap exists between proteomic discoveries and clinical application. The expert opinions consolidated here not only navigate the current findings but also chart the future proteomic applications for scientific and clinical breakthroughs. We underscore the need for continued investment in proteomic research - both in the technological and collaborative arenas - to further unravel the secrets of male fertility, which will be central to resolving fertility issues in the coming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Parkes
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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12
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Zhao Y, Qin J, Sun J, He J, Sun Y, Yuan R, Li Z. Motility-related microRNAs identified in pig seminal plasma exosomes by high-throughput small RNA sequencing. Theriogenology 2024; 215:351-360. [PMID: 38150851 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.028] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Boar fertility is a key determinant of the production efficiency of the whole pig breeding industry and boar sperm motility is the seminal parameter with the greatest impact on the fecundity of a sow. Exosomes are small, extracellular vesicles found in many body fluids. Seminal plasma exosomes, which are secreted by the epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and testes, contain a large number of miRNAs, the types and levels of which can reflect the physiological state of source cells. It has been shown that the expression profile of seminal plasma exosomal miRNA differs between low-motility semen and normal semen. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between semen motility and exosomal miRNA profiles to obtain information that would allow to predict boar fertility, as well as contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms by which exosomal miRNAs regulate semen motility. Three high-motility (semen motility >90 %) and three low-motility (semen motility <80 %) semen samples were collected from Landrace and Yorkshire boars, respectively, and seminal plasma exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation. Exosome characterization was performed using transmission electron microscopy, NTA, and Western blot. The expression profiles of exosomal miRNAs associated with semen motility in the two boar breeds were subsequently determined by small RNA sequencing. The results showed that 297 known miRNAs and 295 novel RNAs were co-expressed in the four groups. Notably, six miRNAs (ssc-miR-122-5p, ssc-miR-486, ssc-miR-451, ssc-miR-345-3p, ssc-miR-362, and ssc-miR-500-5p) were found to be differentially expressed in both boar breeds. Enrichment analysis of the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs showed that they were mainly involved in biological processes such as regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, regulation of gene expression, and intracellular signal transduction and signaling pathways such as the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. The six differentially expressed miRNAs identified in this study have significant potential as noninvasive markers of boar semen motility. Meanwhile, the results of the enrichment analysis provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the regulation of semen motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Zhao
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China; Guangxi Yangxiang Co., LTD, Guigang, 537000, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiali Qin
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China; Guangxi Yangxiang Co., LTD, Guigang, 537000, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jingshuai Sun
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Jian He
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Yanmei Sun
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Renqiang Yuan
- Guangxi Yangxiang Co., LTD, Guigang, 537000, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China.
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13
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Barranco I, Alvarez-Barrientos A, Parra A, Martínez-Díaz P, Lucas X, Roca J. Immunophenotype profile by flow cytometry reveals different subtypes of extracellular vesicles in porcine seminal plasma. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:63. [PMID: 38263049 PMCID: PMC10807091 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01485-1] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porcine seminal plasma (SP) is endowed with a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (sEVs). This study evaluated the immunophenotypic profile by high-sensitivity flow cytometry of eight sEV subpopulations isolated according to their size (small [S-sEVs] and large [L-sEVs]) from four different SP sources, namely three ejaculate fractions (the first 10 mL of the sperm rich fraction [SRF-P1], the remaining SRF [SRF-P2], and the post-SRF [PSRF]) and entire ejaculate (EE). METHODS Seminal EVs were isolated using a size exclusion chromatography-based protocol from six SP pools (five ejaculates/pool) of each SP source and characterized using complementary approaches including total protein (BCA™assay), particle size distribution (dynamic light scattering), morphology (transmission electron microscopy), and purity (albumin by Western blot). Expression of CD9, CD63, CD81, CD44 and HSP90β was analyzed in all sEV subpopulations by high-sensitivity flow cytometry according to MIFlowCyt-EV guidelines, including an accurate calibration, controls, and discrimination by CFSE-labelling. RESULTS Each sEV subpopulation exhibited a specific immunophenotypic profile. The percentage of sEVs positive for CD9, CD63, CD81 and HSP90β differed between S- and L-sEVs (P < 0.0001). Specifically, the percentage of sEVs positive for CD9 and CD63 was higher and that for CD81 was lower in S- than L-sEVs in the four SP sources. However, the percentage of HSP90β-positive sEVs was lower in S-sEVs than L-sEVs in the SRF-P1 and EE samples. The percentage of sEVs positive for CD9, CD63, and CD44 also differed among the four SP sources (P < 0.0001), being highest in PSRF samples. Notably, virtually all sEV subpopulations expressed CD44 (range: 88.04-98.50%). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the utility of high-sensitivity flow cytometry for sEV immunophenotyping, allowing the identification of distinct sEV subpopulations that may have different cellular origin, cargo, functions, and target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | | | - Ana Parra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-Díaz
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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14
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Fu Y, Shen W, Bai H, Zhang Z, Cao Z, Liu Z, Yang C, Sun S, Wang L, Ling Y, Zhang Z, Cao H. Roles of Y-27632 on sheep sperm metabolism. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae020. [PMID: 38263469 PMCID: PMC10889731 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate the effect of Y-27632 on low-temperature metabolism of sheep sperm, different concentrations of Y-27632 were added to sheep semen at 4 °C in this experiment to detect indicators such as sperm motility, plasma membrane, acrosome, antioxidant performance, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and metabolomics. The results showed that the addition of 20 µM Y-27632 significantly increased sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, antioxidant capacity, MMP level, significantly increased sperm adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and total cholesterol content, and significantly reduced sperm Ca2+ content. In metabolomics analysis, compared with the control group, the 20 µM Y-27632 group screened 20 differential metabolites, mainly involved in five metabolic pathways, with the most significant difference in Histidine metabolism (P = 0.001). The results confirmed that Y-27632 significantly improved the quality of sheep sperm preservation under low-temperature conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Wenzheng Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Haiyu Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Zhikun Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Zibo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Chao Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Shixin Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
| | - Hongguo Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, PR China
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15
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Xu Z, Xie Y, Wu C, Gu T, Zhang X, Yang J, Yang H, Zheng E, Huang S, Xu Z, Li Z, Cai G, Liu D, Hong L, Wu Z. The effects of boar seminal plasma extracellular vesicles on sperm fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 213:79-89. [PMID: 37816296 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.026] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant in body fluid and are critical in cell interaction. Seminal plasma contains numerous EVs which affecting sperm function via transferring regulatory cargoes to the sperm. However, the mechanism of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SP-EVs) is still not clear. The present study aimed to isolate the boar SP-EVs and explore its potential function, then identify the key protein involved in SP-EVs and sperms interaction, and elucidate mechanism of SP-EVs protein on sperms. Here, we successfully isolated and concentrated boar SP-EVs, the SP-EVs showed a typical vesicle structure under transmission electron microscopy, most of their diameters range between 50 and 200 nm and express EVs biomarkers CD9 and CD63. We proved that SP-EVs could inhibit sperm acrosome reaction and in vitro fertility. Through a data-independent acquisition analysis of protein profiles of noncapacitated sperms, normal capacitated sperms and SP-EVs treated capacitated sperms, we identified that EZRIN was one of the active proteins that participated in SP-EVs and sperms interaction. Furthermore, we tested that the inhibition of EZRIN could promote boar sperm fertility, which is in consistence with the function of SP-EVs. The results may facilitate future research of SP-EVs on sperm function and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqian Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China
| | - Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, 527400, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Sixiu Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, 527400, Guangdong, China.
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16
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Bertuzzi ML, Torres EY, Durand MGP, Huanca T, Giuliano SM, Carretero MI. Cooling of alpaca spermatozoa using an extender with the addition of different percentages of seminal plasma. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 260:107383. [PMID: 38061197 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107383] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of different percentages of seminal plasma (SP) during the cooling at 5 °C of alpaca spermatozoa from vas deferens. Fifteen pools of sperm from vas deferens were evaluated and then divided into four aliquots that were diluted to a final concentration of 30 × 106 sperm/ml with either: (1) Tris with 20% egg yolk (T-EY) (control, 0% SP), (2) T-EY with 10% SP, (3) T-EY with 25% SP, and (4) T-EY with 50% SP. Samples were cooled at 5 °C and the following sperm parameters were evaluated after 24 and 48 h of storage: motility, viability, membrane function, acrosome integrity, morphology, and chromatin condensation. Motility was also evaluated after 72 h of storage. A significant decrease in progressive and total sperm motility was observed in samples cooled with 50% SP with respect to all diluted samples, while these parameters were preserved in samples cooled with 0%, 10%, and 25% SP. The percentages of sperm viability, normal morphology, and highly condensed chromatin did not change after the cooling process and were similar between cooled samples. Although a significant decrease was observed in the percentage of spermatozoa with functional membranes and with an intact acrosome in all refrigerated samples compared to raw sperm, the greatest decrease was observed in samples cooled with 50% SP. No advantage was observed from the addition of SP to alpaca spermatozoa obtained from vas deferens and being cooled. In addition, to preserve the sperm motility of cooled samples for up to 72 h, it should be recommended to include a 10% SP in the extender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Lucía Bertuzzi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edita Yola Torres
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, Puno, Peru; Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Centro de Investigación y Producción Quinsachata, Puno, Peru
| | - Manuel Guido Pérez Durand
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, Puno, Peru; Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Centro de Investigación y Producción Quinsachata, Puno, Peru
| | - Teodosio Huanca
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria (INIA), Centro de Investigación y Producción Quinsachata, Puno, Peru
| | - Susana María Giuliano
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Ignacia Carretero
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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17
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Zhou C, Zhang H, Wu Y, Ahmed N. Effect of Nano-selenium on exosomes secretion associated with sperm maturation within the epididymis. Micron 2023; 175:103545. [PMID: 37801986 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103545] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Selenium is commonly used as a supplement in the poultry diet and plays an important role in male fertility. However, the effect of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) on exosome secretion associated with spermatozoa in the epididymis is largely unknown. H&E staining, Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence and Western blot were performed to study the effect of Se-NPs on exosomes secretion associated with sperm maturation in epididymis. The results indicated that the Se-NPs showed a significant contribution to sperm concentration by light microscopy. It was observed that there was an increase in the spermatozoa concentration in the epididymis of the treated group as compared to the control group. Furthermore, exosome secretion, the expression of tumor susceptibility gene-101 (TSG-101) and cluster of differentiation (CD-63) proteins was identified by immunochemistry, immunofluorescence assay, and western blotting. After nano-selenium treatment, the exosome markers TSG-101 and CD-63 were strong positive immunoreactivity and immunosignaling in the lumen followed by epithelial lining of the epididymis. However weak positive immunoreactivity and immunosignaling were seen of TSG-101 and CD63 in the control group. In addition, highly significant protein expression of TSG-101 and CD63 in the treated group as compared to the control group was confirmed by western blotting. In conclusion, the above findings provide rich evidence about the Se-NPs play a dynamic role in exosome secretion that might be essential for sperm motility and maturation within epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Zhou
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, No. 19 Wenchang East Road, Jurong 212400, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, No. 19 Wenchang East Road, Jurong 212400, China.
| | - Yi Wu
- Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- Faculty of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, LUAWMS, Uthal 90150, Pakistan
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18
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Han X, Li Y, Zong Y, Li D, Yuan J, Yang H, Ma H, Ni A, Wang Y, Zhao J, Chen J, Ma T, Sun Y. Extracellular vesicle-coupled miRNA profiles of chicken seminal plasma and their potential interaction with recipient cells. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103099. [PMID: 37812871 PMCID: PMC10563059 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103099] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of EVs in seminal plasma (SPEVs) suggests their involvement on fertility via transmitting information between the original cells and recipient cells. SPEVs-coupled miRNAs have been shown to affect sperm motility, maturation, and capacitation in mammals, but rarely in poultry species. The present study aims to reveal the profile of SPEVs miRNAs and their potential effect on sperm storage and function in poultry. The SPEVs was successfully isolated from 4 different chicken breeds by ultracentrifugation and verified. Deep sequencing of SPEVs small RNA library of each breed identified 1077 miRNAs in total and 563 shared ones. The top 10 abundant miRNAs (such as miR-10-5p, miR-100-5p, and miR-10a-5p etc.) accounted for around 60% of total SPEVs miRNA reads and are highly conserved across species, predisposing their functional significance. Target genes prediction and functional enrichment analysis indicated that the most abundantly expressed miRNAs may regulate pathways like ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, endocytosis, mitophagy, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and fatty acid elongation. The high abundant SPEVs-coupled miRNAs were found to target 107 and 64 functionally important mRNAs in the potential recipient cells, sperm and sperm storage tubules (SST) cells, respectively. The pathways that enriched by target mRNAs revealed that the SPEVs-coupled miRNA may rule the fertility by affecting the sperm maturation and regulating the female's immune response and lipid metabolism. In summary, this study presents the distinctive repertoire of SPEVs-coupled miRNAs, and extends our understanding about their potential roles in sperm maturation, capacitation, storage, and fertility, and may help to develop new therapeutic strategies for male infertility and sperm storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China; College of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056038, Hebei, China
| | - Yunlei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yunhe Zong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dongli Li
- Beijing Huadu Yukou Poultry Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing, 101206, China
| | - Jingwei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hanhan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Aixin Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuanmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jinmeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jilan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tenghe Ma
- College of medicine, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, 056000, Hebei, China
| | - Yanyan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal (Poultry) Genetics Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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19
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Toledo-Guardiola SM, Luongo C, Abril-Parreño L, Soriano-Úbeda C, Matás C. Different seminal ejaculated fractions in artificial insemination condition the protein cargo of oviductal and uterine extracellular vesicles in pig. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1231755. [PMID: 37868907 PMCID: PMC10587466 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1231755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The seminal plasma (SP) is the liquid component of semen that facilitates sperm transport through the female genital tract. SP modulates the activity of the ovary, oviductal environment and uterine function during the periovulatory and early pregnancy period. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted in the oviduct (oEVs) and uterus (uEVs) have been shown to influence the expression of endometrial genes that regulate fertilization and early embryo development. In some species, semen is composed of well-separated fractions that vary in concentration of spermatozoa and SP composition and volume. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different accumulative fractions of the porcine ejaculate (F1, composed of the sperm-rich fraction, SRF; F2, composed of F1 plus the intermediate fraction; F3, composed of F2 plus the post-SRF) on oEVs and uEVs protein cargo. Six days after the onset of estrus, we determined the oEVs and uEVs size and protein concentration in pregnant sows by artificial insemination (AI-sows) and in non-inseminated sows as control (C-sows). We also identified the main proteins in oEVs and uEVs, in AI-F1, AI-F2, AI-F3, and C-sows. Our results indicated that although the size of EVs is similar between AI- and C-sows, the protein concentration of both oEVs and uEVs was significantly lower in AI-sows (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis identified 38 unique proteins in oEVs from AI-sows, mainly involved in protein stabilization, glycolytic and carbohydrate processes. The uEVs from AI-sows showed the presence of 43 unique proteins, including already-known fertility-related proteins (EZR, HSPAA901, PDS). We also demonstrated that the protein composition of oEVs and uEVs differed depending on the seminal fraction(s) inseminated (F1, F2, or F3). In conclusion, we found specific protein cargo in oEVs and uEVs according to the type of semen fraction the sow was inseminated with and whose functions these specific EVs proteins are closely associated with reproductive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Toledo-Guardiola
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C. Luongo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - L. Abril-Parreño
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C. Soriano-Úbeda
- Departamento de Medicina, Cirugía y Anatomía Veterinaria, Universidad de Léon, León, Spain
| | - C. Matás
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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20
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Sakr OG, Gad A, Cañón-Beltrán K, Cajas YN, Prochazka R, Rizos D, Rebollar PG. Characterization and identification of extracellular vesicles-coupled miRNA profiles in seminal plasma of fertile and subfertile rabbit bucks. Theriogenology 2023; 209:76-88. [PMID: 37364341 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) provides essential nutrients, transport, and protection to the spermatozoa during their journey through the male and female reproductive tracts. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are one of the main components of the SP with several biomolecular cargoes, including miRNAs, that can influence spermatozoa functions and interact with the cells of the female reproductive tract. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify the miRNA expression profiles in the SP-EVs isolated from fertile (F) and subfertile (S) rabbit bucks that could serve as fertility biomarkers. In this study, the methods to isolate and identify EVs including exosomes, from SP of 3 F and S bucks have been developed. Ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography analysis were using to isolate EVs from SP of F and S males that were qualitative and quantitively characterised using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blotting. In addition, total RNA, including miRNA, was isolated, sequenced and identified from SP-EVs samples. Different SP-EVs concentrations (8.53 × 1011 ± 1.04 × 1011 and 1.84 × 1012 ± 1.75 × 1011 particles/mL of SP; P = 0.008), with a similar average size (143.9 ± 11.9 and 115.5 ± 2.4 nm; P = 0.7422) in F and S males, respectively was observed. Particle size was not significantly correlated with any kinetic parameter. The concentration of SP-EVs was positively correlated with the percentage of abnormal forms (r = 0.94; P < 0.05) and with the percentage of immotile spermatozoa (r = 0.88; P < 0.05). Small-RNA-seq analysis identified a total of 267 and 244 expressed miRNAs in the F and S groups, respectively. Two miRNAs (let-7b-5p and let-7a-5p) were the top most abundant miRNAs in both groups. Differential expression analysis revealed that 9 miRNAs including miR-190b-5p, miR-193b-5p, let-7b-3p, and miR-378-3p, and another 9 miRNAs including miR-7a-5p, miR-33a-5p, miR-449a-5p, and miR-146a-5p were significantly up- and downregulated in the F compared to the S group, respectively. The SP from F and S rabbit males contains EVs with different miRNA cargo correlated with spermatogenesis, homeostasis, and infertility, which could be used as biomarkers for male fertility and potential therapies for assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama G Sakr
- Dept. Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, 12613, Giza, Egypt; Dept. Agrarian Production, Technical University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ahmed Gad
- Dept. Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, 12613, Giza, Egypt; Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 27721, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Dept. Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food, Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28040, Madrid, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yulia N Cajas
- Dept. Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food, Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28040, Madrid, Spain; Dept. de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas (ESPE), Sede, Santo Domingo, 171-5-231, Ecuador
| | - Radek Prochazka
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 27721, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Dept. Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food, Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Pilar G Rebollar
- Dept. Agrarian Production, Technical University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Oluwayiose OA, Houle E, Whitcomb BW, Suvorov A, Rahil T, Sites CK, Krawetz SA, Visconti PE, Pilsner JR. Non-coding RNAs from seminal plasma extracellular vesicles and success of live birth among couples undergoing fertility treatment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1174211. [PMID: 37427387 PMCID: PMC10323426 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1174211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Infertility remains a global health problem with male-factor infertility accounting for around 50% of cases. Understanding the molecular markers for the male contribution of live birth success has been limited. Here, we evaluated the expression levels of seminal plasma extracellular vesicle (spEV) non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in men of couples in relation with those with and without a successful live birth after infertility treatment. Method: Sperm-free spEV small RNA profiles were generated from 91 semen samples collected from male participants of couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Couples were classified into two groups based on successful live birth (yes, n = 28) and (no, n = 63). Mapping of reads to human transcriptomes followed the order: miRNA > tRNA > piRNA > rRNA> "other" RNA > circRNA > lncRNA. Differential expression analysis of biotype-specific normalized read counts between groups were assessed using EdgeR (FDR<0.05). Result: We found a total of 12 differentially expressed spEV ncRNAs which included 10 circRNAs and two piRNAs between the live birth groups. Most (n = 8) of the identified circRNAs were downregulated in the no live birth group and targeted genes related to ontology terms such as negative reproductive system and head development, tissue morphogenesis, embryo development ending in birth or egg hatching, and vesicle-mediated transport. The differentially upregulated piRNAs overlapped with genomic regions including coding PID1 genes previously known to play a role in mitochondrion morphogenesis, signal transduction and cellular proliferation. Conclusion: This study identified novel ncRNAs profiles of spEVs differentiating men of couples with and without live birth and emphasizes the role of the male partner for ART success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A. Oluwayiose
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Emily Houle
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Brian W. Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Tayyab Rahil
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - Cynthia K. Sites
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - J. Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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22
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Müller GA, Müller TD. (Patho)Physiology of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Proteins II: Intercellular Transfer of Matter (Inheritance?) That Matters. Biomolecules 2023; 13:994. [PMID: 37371574 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060994] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (APs) are anchored at the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane (PM) bilayer by covalent linkage to a typical glycolipid and expressed in all eukaryotic organisms so far studied. Lipolytic release from PMs into extracellular compartments and intercellular transfer are regarded as the main (patho)physiological roles exerted by GPI-APs. The intercellular transfer of GPI-APs relies on the complete GPI anchor and is mediated by extracellular vesicles such as microvesicles and exosomes and lipid-free homo- or heteromeric aggregates, and lipoprotein-like particles such as prostasomes and surfactant-like particles, or lipid-containing micelle-like complexes. In mammalian organisms, non-vesicular transfer is controlled by the distance between donor and acceptor cells/tissues; intrinsic conditions such as age, metabolic state, and stress; extrinsic factors such as GPI-binding proteins; hormones such as insulin; and drugs such as anti-diabetic sulfonylureas. It proceeds either "directly" upon close neighborhood or contact of donor and acceptor cells or "indirectly" as a consequence of the induced lipolytic release of GPI-APs from PMs. Those displace from the serum GPI-binding proteins GPI-APs, which have retained the complete anchor, and become assembled in aggregates or micelle-like complexes. Importantly, intercellular transfer of GPI-APs has been shown to induce specific phenotypes such as stimulation of lipid and glycogen synthesis, in cultured human adipocytes, blood cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. As a consequence, intercellular transfer of GPI-APs should be regarded as non-genetic inheritance of (acquired) features between somatic cells which is based on the biogenesis and transmission of matter such as GPI-APs and "membrane landscapes", rather than the replication and transmission of information such as DNA. Its operation in mammalian organisms remains to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter A Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO), Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HDC) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) at the Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Timo D Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO), Helmholtz Diabetes Center (HDC) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) at the Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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23
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Müller K, Müller P, Lui F, Kroh PD, Braun BC. Porcine spermadhesin AQN-3 binds to negatively charged phospholipids. Chem Phys Lipids 2023; 254:105306. [PMID: 37156322 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2023.105306] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The spermadhesin AQN-3 is a major component of porcine seminal plasma. While various studies suggest that this protein binds to boar sperm cells, its attachment to the cells is poorly understood. Therefore, the capacity of AQN-3 to interact with lipids was investigated. For that purpose, AQN-3 was recombinantly expressed in E. coli and purified via the included His-tag. Characterizing the quaternary structure by size exclusion chromatography revealed that recombinant AQN-3 (recAQN-3) is largely present as multimer and/or aggregate. To determine the lipid specificity of recAQN-3, a lipid stripe method and a multilamellar vesicle (MLV)-based binding assay were used. Both assays show that recAQN-3 selectively interacts with negatively charged lipids, like phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol phosphates, and cardiolipin. No interaction was observed with phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamine, or cholesterol. The affinity to negatively charged lipids can be explained by electrostatic interactions because binding is partly reversed under high-salt condition. However, more factors have to be assumed like hydrogen bonds and/or hydrophobic forces because the majority of bound molecules was not released by high salt. To confirm the observed binding behavior for the native protein, porcine seminal plasma was incubated with MLVs comprising phosphatidic acid or phosphatidyl-4,5-bisphosphate. Attached proteins were isolated, digested, and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Native AQN-3 was detected in all samples analyzed and was - besides AWN - the most abundant protein. It remains to be investigated whether AQN-3, together with other sperm associated seminal plasma proteins, acts as decapacitation factor by targeting negative lipids with signaling or other functional roles in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Müller
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Peter Müller
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 42, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fan Lui
- Mass spectrometry, Leibniz Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pascal D Kroh
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate C Braun
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, D-10315 Berlin, Germany.
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24
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Guo XR, Ma Y, Ma ZM, Dai TS, Wei SH, Chu YK, Dan XG. Exosomes: The role in mammalian reproductive regulation and pregnancy-related diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1056905. [PMID: 36969587 PMCID: PMC10036776 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1056905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are a kind of extracellular vesicles that are produced and secreted by different mammalian cells. They serve as cargo proteins and can transfer different kinds of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which consequently act on target cells to exert different biological effects. Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the number of studies on exosomes due to the potential effects of exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated that exosomal contents, especially miRNAs, are implicated in numerous physiological processes such as reproduction, and are crucial regulators of mammalian reproduction and pregnancy-related diseases. Here, we describe the origin, composition, and intercellular communication of exosomes, and discuss their functions in follicular development, early embryonic development, embryonic implantation, male reproduction and development of pregnancy-related diseases in humans and animals. We believe this study will provide a foundation for revealing the mechanism of exosomes in regulating mammalian reproduction, and providing new approaches and ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Ru Guo
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yun Ma
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Zi-Ming Ma
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Tian-Shu Dai
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Shi-Hao Wei
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yuan-Kui Chu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan-Kui Chu, ; Xin-Gang Dan,
| | - Xin-Gang Dan
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan-Kui Chu, ; Xin-Gang Dan,
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Barranco I, Sanchez-López CM, Bucci D, Alvarez-Barrientos A, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Marcilla A, Roca J. The Proteome of Large or Small Extracellular Vesicles in Pig Seminal Plasma Differs, Defining Sources and Biological Functions. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100514. [PMID: 36796643 PMCID: PMC10017305 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains many morphologically heterogeneous extracellular vesicles (sEVs). These are sequentially released by cells of the testis, epididymis, and accessory sex glands and involved in male and female reproductive processes. This study aimed to define in depth sEV subsets isolated by ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography, decode their proteomic profiles using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and quantify identified proteins using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra. The sEV subsets were defined as large (L-EVs) or small (S-EVs) by their protein concentration, morphology, size distribution, and EV-specific protein markers and purity. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified a total of 1034 proteins, 737 of them quantified by SWATH in S-EVs, L-EVs, and non-EVs-enriched samples (18-20 size exclusion chromatography-eluted fractions). The differential expression analysis revealed 197 differentially abundant proteins between both EV subsets, S-EVs and L-EVs, and 37 and 199 between S-EVs and L-EVs versus non-EVs-enriched samples, respectively. The gene ontology enrichment analysis of differentially abundant proteins suggested, based on the type of protein detected, that S-EVs could be mainly released through an apocrine blebbing pathway and be involved in modulating the immune environment of the female reproductive tract as well as during sperm-oocyte interaction. In contrast, L-EVs could be released by fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane becoming involved in sperm physiological processes, such as capacitation and avoidance of oxidative stress. In conclusion, this study provides a procedure capable of isolating subsets of EVs from pig seminal plasma with a high degree of purity and shows differences in the proteomic profile between EV subsets, indicating different sources and biological functions for the sEVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christian M Sanchez-López
- Àrea de Parasitologia, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Marcilla
- Àrea de Parasitologia, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain; Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Padilla L, Barranco I, Martínez-Hernández J, Parra A, Parrilla I, Pastor LM, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Lucas X, Roca J. Extracellular vesicles would be involved in the release and delivery of seminal TGF-β isoforms in pigs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1102049. [PMID: 36846267 PMCID: PMC9950116 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1102049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pig seminal plasma (SP) is rich in active forms of all three isoforms (1-3) of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), a chemokine modulatory of the immune environment in the female genital tract once semen is delivered during mating or artificial insemination (AI). The present study aimed to examine how TGF-βs are secreted by the epithelium of the male reproductive tract and how they are transported in semen, emphasizing the interplay with seminal extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Methods Source of TGF-βs was examined by immunohistochemistry in testis, epididymis, and accessory sex glands, by immunocytochemistry in ejaculated spermatozoa, and by Luminex xMAP® technology in SP and sEVs retrieved from healthy, fertile male pigs used as breeders in AI programs. Results All three TGF-β isoforms were expressed in all reproductive tissues explored and would be released into ductal lumen either in soluble form or associated with sEVs. Ejaculated spermatozoa expressed all three TGF-β isoforms, both inside and outside, probably the outer one associated with membrane-bound sEVs. The results confirmed that pig SP contains all three TGF-β isoforms and demonstrated that a substantial portion of them is associated with sEVs. Discussion Seminal EVs would be involved in the cellular secretion of the active forms of seminal TGF-β isoforms and in their safe transport from the male to the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Padilla
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jesús Martínez-Hernández
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana Parra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Pastor
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Characterization of Extracellular Vesicle-Coupled miRNA Profiles in Seminal Plasma of Boars with Divergent Semen Quality Status. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043194. [PMID: 36834606 PMCID: PMC9961432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm heterogeneity creates challenges for successful artificial insemination. Seminal plasma (SP) surrounding sperm is an excellent source for detecting reliable non-invasive biomarkers of sperm quality. Here, we isolated microRNAs (miRNAs) from SP-derived extracellular vesicles (SP-EV) of boars with divergent sperm quality statuses. Raw semen from sexually mature boars was collected for eight weeks. Sperm motility and normal morphology were analyzed, and the sperm was classified as poor- or good-quality based on standard cutoffs of 70% for the parameters measured. SP-EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and confirmed by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and Western immunoblotting. The SP-EVs were subjected to total exosome RNA isolation, miRNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. The isolated SP-EVs were round spherical structures approximately 30-400 nm in diameter expressing specific molecular markers. miRNAs were detected in both poor- (n = 281) and good (n = 271)-quality sperm, with fifteen being differentially expressed. Only three (ssc-miR-205, ssc-miR-493-5p, and ssc-miR-378b-3p) allowed gene targeting associated with cellular localization (nuclear and cytosol) and molecular functions (acetylation, Ubl conjugation, and protein kinase binding), potentially impairing sperm quality. PTEN and YWHAZ emerged as essential proteins for protein kinase binding. We conclude that SP-EV-derived miRNAs reflect boar sperm quality to enable therapeutic strategies to improve fertility.
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Yue S, Wang S, Liu X, Bian X, Ding C, Wu T, Li D, Zhou J. Ameliorative effect of silymarin on the quality of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:298-306. [PMID: 36269155 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14286] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although Silymarin (SMN) has powerful antioxidant properties, little is known about its effects on the quality of frozen-thawed boar sperm. The present study aimed to evaluate the influences of SMN added to the thawing extender on boar sperm parameters essential for fertilization. The frozen-thawed semen was diluted in a Modena thawing extender supplemented with different concentrations of SMN (0, 5, 10, 20 and 50 μM respectively), and then the changes in quality parameters, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial function and in vitro fertilization (IVF) capability of frozen-thawed sperm were assessed. Here we demonstrated that the motility, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity of frozen-thawed sperm improved efficiently by SMN (p < .05). In antioxidant parameters evaluation, the tROS level and MDA content of frozen-thawed spermatozoa were reduced in the 20 μM SMN group, while the T-AOC activity significantly increased (p < .05), indicating that the supplementation with SMN can promote the antioxidant capacity of frozen-thawed boar sperm. Besides, we also discovered that the addition of SMN significantly upregulated ATP content and enhanced the mitochondrial activity of sperm. More interestingly, SMN promoted the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (MRCC) I, II, III and IV in frozen-thawed sperm significantly. Functionally, the higher penetration rate and increased total efficiency of fertilization were observed in the 20 μM SMN group. In summary, supplementation with SMN in the thawing medium ameliorates the quality of frozen-thawed boar sperm by enhancing mitochondrial respiratory capacity, producing large amounts of ATP and regulating ROS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunli Yue
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shunwei Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaoqi Bian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dantong Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiabo Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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29
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Goss DM, Vasilescu SA, Sacks G, Gardner DK, Warkiani ME. Microfluidics facilitating the use of small extracellular vesicles in innovative approaches to male infertility. Nat Rev Urol 2023; 20:66-95. [PMID: 36348030 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sperm are transcriptionally and translationally quiescent and, therefore, rely on the seminal plasma microenvironment for function, survival and fertilization of the oocyte in the oviduct. The male reproductive system influences sperm function via the binding and fusion of secreted epididymal (epididymosomes) and prostatic (prostasomes) small extracellular vesicles (S-EVs) that facilitate the transfer of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to sperm. Seminal plasma S-EVs have important roles in sperm maturation, immune and oxidative stress protection, capacitation, fertilization and endometrial implantation and receptivity. Supplementing asthenozoospermic samples with normospermic-derived S-EVs can improve sperm motility and S-EV microRNAs can be used to predict non-obstructive azoospermia. Thus, S-EV influence on sperm physiology might have both therapeutic and diagnostic potential; however, the isolation of pure populations of S-EVs from bodily fluids with current conventional methods presents a substantial hurdle. Many conventional techniques lack accuracy, effectiveness, and practicality; yet microfluidic technology has the potential to simplify and improve S-EV isolation and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale M Goss
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven A Vasilescu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- NeoGenix Biosciences pty ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gavin Sacks
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Majid E Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Yu K, Xiao K, Sun QQ, Liu RF, Huang LF, Zhang PF, Xu HY, Lu YQ, Fu Q. Comparative proteomic analysis of seminal plasma exosomes in buffalo with high and low sperm motility. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:8. [PMID: 36624393 PMCID: PMC9830767 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09106-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes are nanosized membranous vesicles secreted by various types of cells, which facilitate intercellular communication by transporting bioactive compounds. Exosomes are abundant in biological fluids including semen, and their protein composition and the potential of seminal plasma exosomes (SPEs) as fertility biomarkers were elucidated in humans, however, little information is available regarding buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Here, we examined protein correlation between spermatozoa, seminal plasma (SP), and SPEs, and we compared and analyzed protein differences between high-motility (H-motility) and low-motility (L-motility) SPEs in buffalo. RESULTS SPEs were concentrated and purified by ultracentrifugation combined with sucrose density gradient centrifugation, followed by verification using western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Protein composition in spermatozoa, SP and SPEs, and protein difference in H- and L-motility SPEs were identified by LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis and were functionally analyzed through comprehensive bioinformatics. Many SPEs proteins originated from spermatozoa and SP, and nearly one third were also present in spermatozoa and SP. A series of proteins associated with reproductive processes including sperm capacitation, spermatid differentiation, fertilization, sperm-egg recognition, membrane fusion, and acrosome reaction were integrated in a functional network. Comparative proteomic analyses showed 119 down-regulated and 41 up-regulated proteins in L-motility SPEs, compared with H-motility SPEs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) showed that most differential proteins were located in sperm and vesicles, with activities of hydrolase and metalloproteinase, and were involved in sperm-egg recognition, fertilization, single fertilization, and sperm-zona pellucida binding processes, etc. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that differential proteins were mainly involved in the PPRP signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway, among others. Furthermore, 6 proteins associated with reproduction were validated by parallel reaction monitoring analysis. CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive description of the seminal plasma exosome proteome and may be of use for further screening of biomarkers associated with male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Kai Xiao
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Qin-qiang Sun
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Run-feng Liu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Liang-feng Huang
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Peng-fei Zhang
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Hui-yan Xu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Yang-qing Lu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China ,grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
| | - Qiang Fu
- grid.256609.e0000 0001 2254 5798State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004 China
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Circ-CREBBP inhibits sperm apoptosis via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by sponging miR-10384 and miR-143-3p. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1339. [PMID: 36476986 PMCID: PMC9729231 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04263-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive diseases are becoming increasingly prominent, and sperm quality is an important indicator to reflect these diseases. Seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SPEVs) are involved in sperm motility. However, their effects on sperm remain unclear. Here, we identified 222 differentially expressed circRNAs in SPEVs between boars with high or low sperm motility. We found that circ-CREBBP promoted sperm motility and inhibited sperm apoptosis by sponging miR-10384 and miR-143-3p. In addition, miR-10384 and miR-143-3p can regulate the expression of MCL1, CREB1 and CREBBP. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MCL1 interacted directly with BAX and that CREBBP interacted with CREB1 in sperm. We showed that inhibition of circ-CREBBP can reduce the expression of MCL1, CREB1 and CREBBP and increase the expression of BAX and CASP3, thus promoting sperm apoptosis. Our results suggest that circ-CREBBP may be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for male reproductive diseases.
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Patlar B. On the Role of Seminal Fluid Protein and Nucleic Acid Content in Paternal Epigenetic Inheritance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314533. [PMID: 36498858 PMCID: PMC9739459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The evidence supports the occurrence of environmentally-induced paternal epigenetic inheritance that shapes the offspring phenotype in the absence of direct or indirect paternal care and clearly demonstrates that sperm epigenetics is one of the major actors mediating these paternal effects. However, in most animals, while sperm makes up only a small portion of the seminal fluid, males also have a complex mixture of proteins, peptides, different types of small noncoding RNAs, and cell-free DNA fragments in their ejaculate. These seminal fluid contents (Sfcs) are in close contact with the reproductive cells, tissues, organs, and other molecules of both males and females during reproduction. Moreover, their production and use are adjusted in response to environmental conditions, making them potential markers of environmentally- and developmentally-induced paternal effects on the next generation(s). Although there is some intriguing evidence for Sfc-mediated paternal effects, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this review, the current evidence regarding the links between seminal fluid and environmental paternal effects and the potential pathways and mechanisms that seminal fluid may follow in mediating paternal epigenetic inheritance are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Patlar
- Animal Ecology, Department of Zoology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Seminal extracellular vesicles subsets modulate gene expression in cumulus cells of porcine in vitro matured oocytes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19096. [PMID: 36351965 PMCID: PMC9646759 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP), a fluid composed mainly by secretions from accessory sex glands, contains a heterogenous population of extracellular vesicles (EVs), involved in several reproductive physiological processes. Seminal plasma has been found to modulate ovary function, in terms of hormone secretion and immune regulation. This study evaluated the potential effect of SP-EV-subsets on the modulation of cumulus-oocyte-complex (COCs) physiology during in vitro maturation (IVM). Two SP-EV-subsets, small-EVs (S-EVs) and large-EVs (L-EVs), were isolated from pig SP by size-exclusion-chromatography. Next, COCs were IVM in the absence (control) or presence of each SP-EV-subset to evaluate their uptake by COCs (PKH67-EVs labelling) and their effect on oocyte and cumulus cells (CCs) (gene expression, and progesterone and estradiol-17β levels). S-EVs and L-EVs were able to bind CCs but not oocytes. Supplementation with L-EVs induced changes (P ≤ 0.05) in the transcript levels of oocyte maturation- (HAS2) and steroidogenesis-related genes (CYP11A1 and HSD3B1) in CCs. No effect on nuclear oocyte maturation and progesterone and estradiol-17β levels was observed when COCs were IVM with any of the two SP-EV-subsets. In conclusion, while SP-EV-subsets can be integrated by CCs during IVM, they do not affect oocyte maturation and only L-EVs are able to modulate CCs function, mainly modifying the expression of steroidogenesis-related genes.
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Lange-Consiglio A, Capra E, Monferini N, Canesi S, Bosi G, Cretich M, Frigerio R, Galbiati V, Bertuzzo F, Cobalchini F, Cremonesi F, Gasparrini B. Extracellular vesicles from seminal plasma to improve fertilizing capacity of bulls. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 3:RAF-22-0037. [PMID: 36374278 PMCID: PMC9782411 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains extracellular vesicles (EVs) that vehicle RNA, proteins, and other molecules able to influence the biological function of sperm. The aim of this study was to improve the fertilizing capacity of male gametes of low-fertility bulls using EVs isolated by ultracentrifugation from the seminal plasma of a bull of proven fertility. After dose-response curve, 10×106 sperm of low-fertility bulls were co-incubated for an hour with 400×106 EVs/ml. In addition, it has been verified that the incorporation of EVs, which takes place in the sperm midpiece, is maintained for 5 hours and even after cryopreservation. Subsequently, the spermatozoa of low-fertility bulls, with EVs incorporated, were used for the in vitro production of embryos. The rate of blastocyst at seventh day yield in vitro, with the use of sperm with EVs incorporated, increased by about twice the yield obtained with the same sperm in the absence of EVs: bulls having an average embryonic yield of 6.41±1.48%, 10.32±4.34% and 10.92±0.95% improved their yield to 21.21±1.99%, 22.17±6.09% and 19.99±5.78%, respectively (P<0.05). These encouraging results suggest that it might be possible to keep breeding bulls with poor fertility. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the in vivo fertility of sperm treated with EVs and understand how the content of EVs is involve in the sperm-vesicle interaction and in the improved sperm performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lange-Consiglio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Emanuele Capra
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche IBBA CNR, Lodi, Italy
| | - Noemi Monferini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Simone Canesi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Bosi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Marina Cretich
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche ‘Giulio Natta’, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche SCITEC-CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Frigerio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche ‘Giulio Natta’, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche SCITEC-CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Galbiati
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Laboratory of Toxicology (DiSFeB), Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Bertuzzo
- Intermizoo National Bull Centre of Vallevecchia, Caorle, Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Fausto Cremonesi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, Italy
| | - Bianca Gasparrini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali (DMVPA), Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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35
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Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Padilla L, Lucas X, Barranco I. Extracellular vesicles in seminal fluid and effects on male reproduction. An overview in farm animals and pets. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106853. [PMID: 34556398 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer nanovesicles released by most functional cells to body fluids, containing bioactive molecules, mainly proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids having actions at target cells. The EVs have essential functions in cell-to-cell communication by regulating different biological processes in target cells. Fluids from the male reproductive tract, including seminal plasma, contain many extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which have been evaluated to a lesser extent than those of other body fluids, particularly in farm animals and pets. Results from the few studies that have been conducted indicated epithelial cells of the testis, epididymis, ampulla of ductus deferens and many accessory sex glands release sEVs mainly via apocrine mechanisms. The sEVs are morphologically heterogeneous and bind to functional cells of the male reproductive tract, spermatozoa, and cells of the functional tissues of the female reproductive tract after mating or insemination. The sEVs encapsulate proteins and miRNAs that modulate sperm functions and male fertility. The sEVs, therefore, could be important as reproductive biomarkers in breeding sires. Many of the current findings regarding sEV functions, however, need experimental confirmation. Further studies are particularly needed to characterize both membranes and contents of sEVs, as well as the interaction between sEVs and target cells (spermatozoa and functional cells of the internal female reproductive tract). A priority for conducting these studies is development of methods that can be standardized and that are scalable, cost-effective and time-saving for isolation of different subtypes of EVs present in the entire population of sEVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, IT-40064 Bologna, Italy
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36
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Xie Y, Xu Z, Wu C, Zhou C, Zhang X, Gu T, Yang J, Yang H, Zheng E, Xu Z, Cai G, Li Z, Liu D, Wu Z, Hong L. Extracellular vesicle-encapsulated miR-21-5p in seminal plasma prevents sperm capacitation via Vinculin inhibition. Theriogenology 2022; 193:103-113. [PMID: 36156422 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
To penetrate the zona pellucida before sperm-egg binding, sperm must undergo highly time-controlled capacitation and acrosome reaction in the female reproductive tract. Our previous study demonstrated that miR-21-5p is the most abundant miRNA in boar seminal plasma (SP)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and can target Vinculin (VCL) gene, which may participate in boar sperm capacitation. Thus, this study aims to explore the potential role of miR-21-5p from SP-derived EVs in preventing sperm capacitation and its underlying mechanism. We observed that sperm could incorporate miR-21-5p from SP-derived EVs. The roles of SP-derived EVs miR-21-5p in sperm capacitation were then determined using gain- and loss-of-function analyses. In addition, the expression levels of miR-21-5p, VCL, and VCL protein in liquid-preserved boar sperm following transfection were determined using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Our results revealed that miR-21-5p overexpression inhibited sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. Similarly, miR-21-5p expression was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in capacitated sperm than un-capacitated sperm. However, the protein level of VCL was also significantly lower (P < 0.05) in capacitated sperm than un-capacitated sperm. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis showed that VCL protein mainly located in sperm head and sperm capacitation was inhibited after treating with VCL protein inhibitor (Chrysin). In conclusion, our study provides reasonable evidence that miR-21-5p expression in SP-derived EVs could prevent sperm capacitation via VCL inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqian Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.
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Extend the Survival of Human Sperm In Vitro in Non-Freezing Conditions: Damage Mechanisms, Preservation Technologies, and Clinical Applications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182845. [PMID: 36139420 PMCID: PMC9496714 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Preservation of human spermatozoa in vitro at normothermia or hypothermia maintaining their functions and fertility for several days plays a significant role in reproductive biology and medicine. However, it is well known that human spermatozoa left in vitro deteriorate over time irreversibly as the consequence of various stresses such as the change of osmolarity, energy deficiency, and oxidative damage, leading to substantial limitations including the need for semen examinations, fertility preservation, and assisted reproductive technology. These problems may be addressed with the aid of non-freezing storage techniques. The main and most effective preservation strategies are the partial or total replacement of seminal plasma with culture medium, named as extenders, and temperature-induced metabolic restriction. Semen extenders consist of buffers, osmolytes, and antioxidants, etc. to protect spermatozoa against the above-mentioned adverse factors. Extended preservation of human spermatozoa in vitro has a negative effect on sperm parameters, whereas its effect on ART outcomes remains inconsistent. The storage duration, temperature, and pre-treatment of semen should be determined according to the aims of preservation. Advanced techniques such as nanotechnology and omics have been introduced and show great potential in the lifespan extension of human sperm. It is certain that more patients will benefit from it in the near future. This review provided an overview of the current knowledge and prospects of prolonged non-freezing storage of human sperm in vitro.
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Sanchez-Lopez JA, Twena S, Apel I, Kornhaeuser SC, Chasnitsky M, Miklosi AG, Vega-Dominguez PJ, Shephard A, Hefetz A, Heifetz Y. Male-female communication enhances release of extracellular vesicles leading to high fertility in Drosophila. Commun Biol 2022; 5:815. [PMID: 35963938 PMCID: PMC9376107 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03770-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract (female-RT) must decipher the repertoire of molecular cues received from the male during copulation in order to activate and coordinate tract functionality necessary for high fertility. In Drosophila, this modulation is partially driven by spermathecal secretory cells (SSC). The SSC are a layer of cuboidal secretory glandular cells surrounding the spermatheca capsule where sperm is stored. It is unclear, however, how the SSC regulate the system’s activity. Here we show that mating activates the secretory machinery of the SSC. The SSC release a heterogeneous population of extracellular vesicles (EVs) which is involved in initiating and managing the increase in egg-laying, and possibly sperm storage. Moreover, sperm and male accessory gland proteins are essential for such mating-mediated SSC activity. Thus, mating regulates secretory/endocytic pathways required for trafficking of vesicles to SSC-female-RT target sites, which modulate and coordinate reproductive tract activity to achieve high fertility. Visualisation of spermathecal secretory cell (SSC) secretion in Drosophila reveals that the SSC produces extracellular vesicles to modulate and coordinate reproductive tract activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shai Twena
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Ido Apel
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | | | - Michael Chasnitsky
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Andras G Miklosi
- ONI (Oxford Nanoimaging), Jordan Hill, Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 8TA, UK
| | | | - Alex Shephard
- NanoView Biosciences, Malvern Hills Science Park, Geraldine Road, Malvern, WR14 3SZ, UK
| | | | - Yael Heifetz
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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Heterogeneous Immunolocalisation of Zinc Transporters ZIP6, ZIP10 and ZIP14 in Human Normo- and Asthenozoospermic Spermatozoa. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3444-3454. [PMID: 36005133 PMCID: PMC9406340 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44080237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc (in the form of Zn2+) is necessary for male fertility. Both Zn2+ quantity and its localisation have been detected in seminal plasma and ejaculated spermatozoa, suggesting its active uptake via zinc import transporters (ZIPs). Immunofluorescence was used to characterise the expression and localisation of three distinct types of ZIP transporters in ejaculated spermatozoa of normo- and asthenozoospermic sperm samples. ZIP6, ZIP10 and ZIP14 showed heterogeneous sperm cell expression and different compartmental distribution. In both types of sperm samples, ZIP6 and ZIP14 were predominantly localised in the sperm head, while ZIP10 was found along the sperm tail. Compartmental localisation of ZIPs in asthenozoospermia was not changed. However, regarding sub-compartmental localisation in sperm head regions, for ZIP6 asthenozoospermia only decreased its acorn/crescent-like pattern. In contrast, ZIP14 immunostaining was altered in favour of crescent-like, as opposed to acorn-like and acorn/crescent-like patterns. The specific ZIPs localisation may reflect their different roles in sperm cell integrity and motility and may change over time. This is the first report of their specific compartmental and sub-compartmental localisation in ejaculated human sperm cells. Further research will lead to a greater understanding of the roles of ZIPs in sperm cell biology, which could positively influence procedures for human infertility therapy.
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40
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Xin M, Xu Y, You S, Li C, Zhu B, Shen J, Chen Z, Shi W, Xue X, Shi J, Sun S. Precision Structural Interpretation of Site-Specific N-Glycans in Seminal Plasma. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:1664-1674. [PMID: 35616904 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
N-Linked glycoproteins are rich in seminal plasma, playing various essential roles in supporting sperm function and the fertilization process. However, the detailed information on these glycoproteins, particularly site-specific glycan structures, is still limited. In this study, a precision site-specific N-glycoproteome map of human seminal plasma was established by employing the site-specific glycoproteomic approach and a recently developed glycan structure interpretation software, StrucGP. A total of 9567 unique glycopeptides identified in human seminal plasma were composed of 773 N-linked glycan structures and 1019 N-glycosites from 620 glycoproteins. These glycans were comprised of four types of core structures and 13 branch structures. The majority of identified glycoproteins functioned in response to stimulus and immunity. As we reported in human spermatozoa, heavy fucosylation (fucose residues ≥6 per glycan) was also detected on seminal plasma glycoproteins such as clusterin and galectin-3-binding protein, which were involved in the immune response of biological processes and reactome pathways. Comparison of site-specific glycans between seminal plasma and spermatozoa revealed more complicated glycan structures in seminal plasma than in spermatozoa, even on their shared glycoproteins. These present data will be greatly beneficial for the in-depth structural and functional study of glycosylation in the male reproduction system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Xin
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710069, PR China.,Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Vodnany 38925, Czech Republic
| | - Yintai Xu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710069, PR China
| | - Shanshan You
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710069, PR China
| | - Cheng Li
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710069, PR China
| | - Bojing Zhu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710069, PR China
| | - Jiechen Shen
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710069, PR China
| | - Zexuan Chen
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710069, PR China
| | - Wenhao Shi
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Xia Xue
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Shisheng Sun
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710069, PR China
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41
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Mahdavinezhad F, Gilani MAS, Gharaei R, Ashrafnezhad Z, Valipour J, Nashtai MS, Amidi F. Protective roles of seminal plasma exosomes and microvesicles during human sperm cryopreservation. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:341-353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Kroh PD, Braun BC, Lui F, Müller P, Müller K. Boar spermadhesin AWN: Novel insights in its binding behavior and localization on sperm. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:775-791. [PMID: 35020825 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a major spermadhesin first found in the seminal plasma of boars, AWN is described to fulfil a variety of reproduction related tasks. Although being the best investigated boar spermadhesin, information about its interaction with membranes is inconsistent. In this regard, previous reports locate AWN either inside or on the surface of sperm cells and at different regions, depending on the method and antibody used. Here, we localize native AWN in/on epididymal, ejaculated, capacitated and acrosome-reacted boar sperm using epifluorescence and electron microscopy, as well as an analysis of potential lipid binding partners of native and recombinant AWN. By applying a custom-made anti-AWN antibody, localization of AWN in the equatorial segment of ejaculated, capacitated and acrosome-reacted boar sperm was discovered. Electron microscopy showed that AWN is localized both on the sperm surface and on the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane, and in close vicinity to the nuclear and both acrosomal membranes of sperm. Analysis of epididymal sperm indicated migration of AWN from the retral postacrosomal part to the equatorial segment during the epididymal passage. In contrast to hypotheses claiming a specific association of AWN to phosphatidylethanolamine and in line with our previous study describing an interaction with phosphatidic acid, the current results show a rather electrostatically-driven binding mechanism of AWN to negative lipids. In conclusion, this work provides new insights into the arrangement of AWN in the equatorial segment that suggest a possible role in sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal D Kroh
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate C Braun
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fan Lui
- Mass Spectrometry, Leibniz Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Müller
- Department of Biology/Biophysics, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin Müller
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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Wang H, Zhu Y, Tang C, Zhou Z, Wang Z, Li Z, Zheng X, Chen S, Zhou Y, Liang A, Li Y, Lin Y, Sun F. Reassessment of the Proteomic Composition and Function of Extracellular Vesicles in the Seminal Plasma. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6396829. [PMID: 34647995 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains a high concentration of extracellular vesicles (EVs). The heterogeneity of small EVs or the presence of nonvesicular extracellular matter (NV) pose major obstacles in understanding the composition and function of seminal EVs. In this study, we employed high-resolution density gradient fractionation to accurately characterize the composition and function of seminal EVs and NV. We found that the seminal EVs could be divided into 3 different subtypes-namely, high-density EV (EV-H), medium-density EV (EV-M), and low-density EV (EV-L)-after purification using iodixanol, while NV was successfully isolated. EVs and NV display different features in size, shape, and expression of some classic exosome markers. Both EV-H and NV could markedly promote sperm motility and capacitation compared with EV-M and EV-L, whereas only the NV fraction induced sperm acrosome reaction. Proteomic analysis results showed that EV-H, EV-M, EV-L, and NV had different protein components and were involved in different physiological functions. Further study showed that EV-M might reduce the production of sperm intrinsic reactive oxygen species through glutathione S-transferase mu 2. This study provides novel insights into important aspects of seminal EVs constituents and sounder footing to explore their functional properties in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshu Wang
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chunhua Tang
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhiyang Zhou
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhengquan Wang
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiaoguo Zheng
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shitao Chen
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yuchuan Zhou
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ajuan Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yanquan Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yu Lin
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Fei Sun
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
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44
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Ding Y, Ding N, Zhang Y, Xie S, Huang M, Ding X, Dong W, Zhang Q, Jiang L. MicroRNA-222 Transferred From Semen Extracellular Vesicles Inhibits Sperm Apoptosis by Targeting BCL2L11. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736864. [PMID: 34820370 PMCID: PMC8607813 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains a large number of extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the roles of these EVs and their interactions with sperm are not clear. To identify the important molecules affecting sperm motility in EVs, we analyzed RNA from seminal plasma EVs of boars with different sperm motility using whole-transcriptome sequencing and proteomic analysis. In total, 7 miRNAs, 67 lncRNAs, 126 mRNAs and 76 proteins were differentially expressed between the two groups. We observed that EV-miR-222 can obviously improve sperm motility. In addition, the results suggested that miR-222 was transferred into sperm by the EVs and that miR-222 affected sperm apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of EGFR, BCL2L11, BAX, CYCs, CASP9 and CASP3. The results of electron microscopy also showed that overexpression of miR-222 in EVs could reduce sperm apoptosis. The study of the whole transcriptomes and proteomes of EVs in boar semen revealed some miRNAs may play an important role in these EVs interactions with Duroc sperm, and the findings suggest that the release of miR-222 by semen EVs is an important mechanism by which sperm viability is maintained and sperm apoptosis is reduced. Our studies provide a new insight of miR-222 in EVs regulation for sperm motility and sperm apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqun Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shenmin Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengna Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Li Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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45
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Khodamoradi K, Golan R, Dullea A, Ramasamy R. Exosomes as Potential Biomarkers for Erectile Dysfunction, Varicocele, and Testicular Injury. Sex Med Rev 2021; 10:311-322. [PMID: 34838504 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2021.10.001] [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: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Optimal male reproductive health is dependent upon critical mediators of cell-cell communication: exosomes or extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are nano-sized particles released into a variety of bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. Exosomes are highly stable and can carry genetic and other molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, which provide information about their origin cells. OBJECTIVE To identify exosomes as potential biomarkers or therapeutic mediators in male sexual and reproductive disorders like erectile dysfunction (ED), varicocele, and testicular injury. METHODS A PubMed search was performed to highlight all articles available relating to exosomes and extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of different male sexual and reproductive disorders, and their importance in clinical use as both diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic mediators. RESULTS Various male reproductive system disorders, such as ED, varicocele, and testicular injury, are linked to increased or decreased levels of exosomes. Exosomes have a higher number of molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, which can give a more precise and comprehensive result when compared to other biomarkers. Exosomes can be considered as plausible diagnostic biomarkers for male sexual and reproductive diseases, with considerable advantages over other diagnostic procedures such as invasive tissue biopsy. Exosomes can carry cargo such certain drugs and therapeutic molecules making them a promising therapeutic approach. Several studies have begun to test treating various male sexual reproductive disorders with exosomes. CONCLUSION Exosomes deliver many components that can regulate gene expression and target signaling pathways. Understanding how extracellular vesicles can be utilized as biomarkers in diagnosing men, particularly those with idiopathic erectile dysfunction, will not only aid in diagnosis but also help with making therapeutic targets. Khodamoradi K, Golan R, Dullea A, et al. Exosomes as Potential Biomarkers for Erectile Dysfunction, Varicocele, and Testicular Injury. Sex Med Rev 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Khodamoradi
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Roei Golan
- Departement of Clinical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Alexandra Dullea
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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46
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Sun J, Zhao Y, He J, Zhou Q, El-Ashram S, Yuan S, Chi S, Qin J, Huang Z, Ye M, Huang S, Li Z. Small RNA expression patterns in seminal plasma exosomes isolated from semen containing spermatozoa with cytoplasmic droplets versus regular exosomes in boar semen. Theriogenology 2021; 176:233-243. [PMID: 34673403 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Multiple physiological pathways are controlled by exosomes. Exosomes may be found in seminal plasma where they carry functional molecules to the sperm, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). Sperm cytoplasmic droplets (CDs) are remnants of cytoplasm, and their migration is a morphological characteristic of epididymal maturation. However, miRNA expression patterns in seminal plasma exosomes found in semen containing spermatozoa with CDs versus regular exosomes in boar semen have not been examined. In this study, seminal plasma exosomes were isolated from semen containing spermatozoa with CDs and miRNA expression profiles were analyzed. A total of 348 known and 206 new miRNAs were identified. Sixteen miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed. Of these, 13 miRNAs (ssc-miR-101, ssc-miR-148a-5p, ssc-miR-184, ssc-miR-202-3p, ssc-miR-221-5p, ssc-miR-2483, ssc-miR-29a-3p, ssc-miR-29c, ssc-miR-31, ssc-miR-362, ssc-miR-500-5p, ssc-miR-542-3p, and ssc-miR-769-5p) were significantly upregulated, whereas three miRNAs (ssc-miR-1249, ssc-miR-155-5p, and ssc-miR-296-5p) were significantly downregulated. GO and KEGG pathway analyses showed that these targeted genes were enriched for functions such as metabolic process, reproductive process, proteasome, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, seminal plasma exosomes are predicted to play a key role in the regulation of sperm CDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshuai Sun
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China.
| | - Jian He
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Qingbin Zhou
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China; Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Sheng Yuan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Shihong Chi
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Jiali Qin
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Zongyang Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Manqing Ye
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Shujian Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China.
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Lian Y, Gòdia M, Castello A, Rodriguez-Gil JE, Balasch S, Sanchez A, Clop A. Characterization of the Impact of Density Gradient Centrifugation on the Profile of the Pig Sperm Transcriptome by RNA-Seq. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:668158. [PMID: 34350225 PMCID: PMC8326511 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.668158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-Seq data from human semen suggests that the study of the sperm transcriptome requires the previous elimination from the ejaculates of somatic cells carrying a larger load of RNA. Semen purification is also carried to study the sperm transcriptome in other species including swine and it is often done by density gradient centrifugation to obtain viable spermatozoa from fresh ejaculates or artificial insemination doses, thereby limiting the throughput and remoteness of the samples that can be processed in one study. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of purification with density gradient centrifugation by BoviPureTM on porcine sperm. Four boar ejaculates were purified with BoviPureTM and their transcriptome sequenced by RNA-Seq was compared with the RNA-Seq profiles of their paired non-purified sample. Seven thousand five hundred and nineteen protein coding genes were identified. Correlation, cluster, and principal component analysis indicated high—although not complete—similarity between the purified and the paired non-purified ejaculates. 372 genes displayed differentially abundant RNA levels between treatments. Most of these genes had lower abundances after purification and were mostly related to translation, transcription and metabolic processes. We detected a significant change in the proportion of genes of epididymal origin within the differentially abundant genes (1.3%) when compared with the catalog of unaltered genes (0.2%). In contrast, the proportion of testis-specific genes was higher in the group of unaltered genes (4%) when compared to the list of differentially abundant genes (0%). No proportion differences were identified for prostate, white blood, lymph node, tonsil, duodenum, skeletal muscle, liver, and mammary gland. Altogether, these results suggest that the purification impacts on the RNA levels of a small number of genes which are most likely caused by the removal of epididymal epithelial cells but also premature germinal cells, immature or abnormal spermatozoa or seminal exosomes with a distinct load of RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lian
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Gòdia
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Castello
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain.,Unit of Animal Science, Department of Animal and Food Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Enric Rodriguez-Gil
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Armand Sanchez
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain.,Unit of Animal Science, Department of Animal and Food Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Barcelona, Spain.,Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Spain
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Aydos K, Aydos OS. Sperm Selection Procedures for Optimizing the Outcome of ICSI in Patients with NOA. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122687. [PMID: 34207121 PMCID: PMC8234729 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrieving spermatozoa from the testicles has been a great hope for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), but relevant methods have not yet been developed to the level necessary to provide resolutions for all cases of NOA. Although performing testicular sperm extraction under microscopic magnification has increased sperm retrieval rates, in vitro selection and processing of quality sperm plays an essential role in the success of in vitro fertilization. Moreover, sperm cryopreservation is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies, whether for therapeutic purposes or for future fertility preservation. In recent years, there have been new developments using advanced technologies to freeze and preserve even very small numbers of sperm for which conventional techniques are inadequate. The present review provides an up-to-date summary of current strategies for maximizing sperm recovery from surgically obtained testicular samples and, as an extension, optimization of in vitro sperm processing techniques in the management of NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-533-748-8995
| | - Oya Sena Aydos
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Ankara, 06230 Ankara, Turkey;
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Vickram A, Srikumar P, Srinivasan S, Jeyanthi P, Anbarasu K, Thanigaivel S, Nibedita D, Jenila Rani D, Rohini K. Seminal exosomes - An important biological marker for various disorders and syndrome in human reproduction. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:3607-3615. [PMID: 34121904 PMCID: PMC8176048 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exosomes are nano-sized membrane vesicles, secreted by different types of cells into the body's biological fluids. They are found in abundance in semen as compared to other fluids. Exosomes contain a cargo of lipid molecules, proteins, phospholipids, cholesterol, mRNAs, and miRNAs. Each molecule of seminal exosomes (SE) has a potential role in male reproduction for childbirth. Many potential candidates are available within the seminal exosomes that can be used as diagnostic markers for various diseases or syndromes associated with male reproduction. Also these seminal exospmes play a major role in female reproductive tract for effective fertilization. AIM The aim of this review is to focus on the advancement of human seminal exosomal research and its various properties. METHODS We used many databases like Scopus, Google scholar, NCBI-NLM and other sources to filter the articles of interest published in exosomes. We used phrases like "Exosomes in human semen", "Composition of exosomes in human semen" and other relevant words to filter the best articles. RESULTS Seminal exosomes play a major role in sperm functions like cell-to-cell communication, motility of the sperm cells, maintaining survival capacity for the sperm in the female reproductive tract and spermatogenesis. Also, seminal exosomes are used as a carrier for many regulatory elements using small RNA molecules. miRNAs of the seminal exosomes can be used as a diagnostic marker for prostate cancer instead of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Epididymosomes can be used as a biomarker for reproductive diseases and male infertility. CONCLUSION Seminal exosomes could be used as biological markers for various reproductive disorders, male infertility diagnosis, and it can be used in anti-retroviral research for the identification of novel therapeutics for HIV-1 infection and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.S. Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - P.S. Srikumar
- Unit of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Semeling, Bedong, Kedah,Malaysia
| | - S. Srinivasan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Palanivelu Jeyanthi
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K. Anbarasu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S. Thanigaivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dey Nibedita
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D. Jenila Rani
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karunakaran Rohini
- Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Semeling, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
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50
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Korneev D, Merriner DJ, Gervinskas G, de Marco A, O'Bryan MK. New Insights Into Sperm Ultrastructure Through Enhanced Scanning Electron Microscopy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:672592. [PMID: 33968944 PMCID: PMC8100687 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.672592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of spermatozoa morphology is fundamental to understand male fertility and the etiology of infertility. Traditionally scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used to define surface topology. Recently, however, it has become a critical tool for three-dimensional analysis of internal cellular ultrastructure. Modern SEM provides nanometer-scale resolution, but the meaningfulness of such information is proportional to the quality of the sample preservation. In this study, we demonstrate that sperm quickly and robustly adhere to gold-coated surfaces. Leveraging this property, we developed three step-by-step protocols fulfilling different needs for sperm imaging: chemically fixed monolayers for SEM examination of the external morphology, and two high-pressure freezing-based protocols for fast SEM examination of full cell internal morphology and focused ion-beam SEM tomography. These analyses allow previously unappreciated insights into mouse sperm ultrastructure, including the identification of novel structures within the fibrous sheath and domain-specific interactions between the plasma membrane and exosome-like structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Korneev
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gediminas Gervinskas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alex de Marco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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