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Sa P, Gòdia M, Lewis N, Lian Y, Clop A. Genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis towards the understanding of porcine semen quality traits. Past, current and future trends. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 269:107543. [PMID: 38981797 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107543] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The importance of boar reproductive traits, including semen quality, in the sustainability of pig production system is increasingly being acknowledged by academic and industrial sectors. Research is needed to understand the biology and genetic components underlying these traits so that they can be incorporated into selection schemes and managerial decisions. This article reviews our current understanding of genome biology and technologies for genome, transcriptome and epigenome analysis which now facilitate the identification of causal variants affecting phenotypes more than ever before. Genetic and transcriptomic analysis of candidate genes, Genome-Wide Association Studies, expression microarrays, RNA-Seq of coding and noncoding genes and epigenomic evaluations have been conducted to profile the molecular makeups of pig sperm. These studies have provided insightful information for a several semen-related parameters. Nonetheless, this research is still incipient. The spermatozoon harbors a reduced transcriptome and highly modified epigenome, and it is assumed to be transcriptionally silent for nuclear gene expression. For this reason, the extent to which the sperm's RNA and epigenome recapitulate sperm biology and function is unclear. Hence, we anticipate that single-cell level analyses of the testicle and other male reproductive organs, which can reveal active transcription and epigenomic profiles in cells influencing sperm quality, will gain popularity and markedly advance our understanding of sperm-related traits. Future research will delve deeper into sperm fertility, boar resilience to environmental changes or harsh conditions, especially in the context of global warming, and also in transgenerational inheritance and how the environment influences the sperm transcriptome and epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Sa
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Gòdia
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole Lewis
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Yu Lian
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Stavros S, Potiris A, Molopodi E, Mavrogianni D, Zikopoulos A, Louis K, Karampitsakos T, Nazou E, Sioutis D, Christodoulaki C, Skentou C, Gerede A, Zachariou A, Christopoulos P, Panagopoulos P, Domali E, Drakakis P. Sperm DNA Fragmentation: Unraveling Its Imperative Impact on Male Infertility Based on Recent Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:10167. [PMID: 39337652 PMCID: PMC11432134 DOI: 10.3390/ijms251810167] [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: 08/26/2024] [Revised: 09/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Male factors may be present in up to 50-70% of infertile couples and the prevalence of male infertility accounts for 20-30% of infertility cases. Understanding the mechanisms and causes behind male infertility remains a challenge, but new diagnostic tools such as DNA fragmentation might aid in cases where the routine semen analysis is insufficient. DNA fragmentation, which refers to damages or breaks of the genetic material of the spermatozoa, is considered one of the main causes of male infertility due to impaired functional capability of sperm. The aim of the present narrative review is to investigate and enlighten the potential correlation between DNA fragmentation and male infertility parameters such as the seminal profile and the reproductive outcomes. Comprehensive research in PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases was conducted and 28 studies were included in the present review. Fourteen studies provided data regarding the impact of DNA fragmentation and seminal parameters and showed a correlation of significantly lower sperm count, lower concentration, motility, and abnormal morphology with an increased DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Similarly, 15 studies provided data regarding the impact of DFI on reproductive outcomes. Two studies showed higher aneuploidy rates with higher DFI values, and seven studies showed significantly lower pregnancy rates and live birth rates with higher DFI values. Ultimately, the studies included in this review highlight, collectively, the importance of measuring sperm DFI in the assessment of male infertility. Further studies are needed to explore the effectiveness of interventions aiming to reduce DFI levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (A.Z.); (K.L.); (T.K.); (E.N.); (D.S.); (P.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Anastasios Potiris
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (A.Z.); (K.L.); (T.K.); (E.N.); (D.S.); (P.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Ermioni Molopodi
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Despoina Mavrogianni
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (E.D.)
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (A.Z.); (K.L.); (T.K.); (E.N.); (D.S.); (P.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Konstantinos Louis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (A.Z.); (K.L.); (T.K.); (E.N.); (D.S.); (P.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (A.Z.); (K.L.); (T.K.); (E.N.); (D.S.); (P.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Eleni Nazou
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (A.Z.); (K.L.); (T.K.); (E.N.); (D.S.); (P.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Dimdos Sioutis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (A.Z.); (K.L.); (T.K.); (E.N.); (D.S.); (P.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Chrysi Christodoulaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chania General Hospital “St. George”, 73300 Chania, Greece;
| | - Charikleia Skentou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of the University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Angeliki Gerede
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Campus, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ioannina University, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Christopoulos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Periklis Panagopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (A.Z.); (K.L.); (T.K.); (E.N.); (D.S.); (P.P.); (P.D.)
| | - Ekaterini Domali
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (D.M.); (E.D.)
| | - Peter Drakakis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University General Hospital “ATTIKON”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (A.Z.); (K.L.); (T.K.); (E.N.); (D.S.); (P.P.); (P.D.)
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3
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Hitit M, Kaya A, Memili E. Sperm long non-coding RNAs as markers for ram fertility. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1337939. [PMID: 38799722 PMCID: PMC11117017 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1337939] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
It is critical in sheep farming to accurately estimate ram fertility for maintaining reproductive effectiveness and for production profitability. However, there is currently a lack of reliable biomarkers to estimate semen quality and ram fertility, which is hindering advances in animal science and technology. The objective of this study was to uncover long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in sperm from rams with distinct fertility phenotypes. Mature rams were allocated into two groups: high and low fertility (HF; n = 31; 94.5 ± 2.8%, LF; n = 25; 83.1 ± 5.73%; P = 0.028) according to the pregnancy rates sired by the rams (average pregnancy rate; 89.4 ± 7.2%). Total RNAs were isolated from sperm of the highest- and lowest-fertility rams (n = 4, pregnancy rate; 99.2 ± 1.6%, and 73.6 ± 4.4%, respectively) followed by next-generation sequencing of the transcripts. We uncovered 11,209 lncRNAs from the sperm of rams with HF and LF. In comparison to each other, there were 93 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs in sperm from the two distinct fertility phenotypes. Of these, 141 mRNAs were upregulated and 134 were downregulated between HF and LF, respectively. Genes commonly enriched for 9 + 2 motile cilium and sperm flagellum were ABHD2, AK1, CABS1, ROPN1, SEPTIN2, SLIRP, and TEKT3. Moreover, CABS1, CCDC39, CFAP97D1, ROPN1, SLIRP, TEKT3, and TTC12 were commonly enriched in flagellated sperm motility and sperm motility. Differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in the top 16 KEGG pathways. Targets of the differentially expressed lncRNAs elucidate functions in cis and trans manner using the genetic context of the lncRNA locus, and lncRNA sequences revealed 471 mRNAs targets of 10 lncRNAs. This study illustrates the existence of potential lncRNA biomarkers that can be implemented in analyzing the quality of ram sperm and determining the sperm fertility and is used in breeding soundness exams for precision livestock farming to ensure food security on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Türkiye
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, United States
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Erdogan Memili
- College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, United States
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4
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Hamilton M, Russell S, Swanson GM, Krawetz SA, Menezes K, Moskovtsev SI, Librach C. A comprehensive analysis of spermatozoal RNA elements in idiopathic infertile males undergoing fertility treatment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10316. [PMID: 38705876 PMCID: PMC11070429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60586-6] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Current approaches to diagnosing male infertility inadequately assess the complexity of the male gamete. Beyond the paternal haploid genome, spermatozoa also deliver coding and non-coding RNAs to the oocyte. While sperm-borne RNAs have demonstrated potential involvement in embryo development, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, 47 sperm samples from normozoospermic males undergoing fertility treatment using donor oocytes were sequenced and analyzed to evaluate associations between sperm RNA elements (exon-sized sequences) and blastocyst progression. A total of 366 RNA elements (REs) were significantly associated with blastocyst rate (padj < 0.05), some of which were linked to genes related to critical developmental processes, including mitotic spindle formation and both ectoderm and mesoderm specification. Of note, 27 RE-associated RNAs are predicted targets of our previously reported list of developmentally significant miRNAs. Inverse RE-miRNA expression patterns were consistent with miRNA-mediated down-regulation. This study provides a comprehensive set of REs which differ by the patient's ability to produce blastocysts. This knowledge can be leveraged to improve clinical screening of male infertility and ultimately reduce time to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Grace M Swanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, C.S. Mott Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, C.S. Mott Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | | | - Sergey I Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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5
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Reyer H, Abou-Soliman I, Schulze M, Henne H, Reinsch N, Schoen J, Wimmers K. Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Semen Characteristics in Piétrain Boars. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:382. [PMID: 38540441 PMCID: PMC10969825 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030382] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Since artificial insemination is common practice in pig breeding, the quality and persistence of the semen are decisive for the usability of individual boars. In the current study, genome-wide association analyses were performed to investigate the genetic variability underlying phenotypic variations in semen characteristics. These traits comprise sperm morphology and sperm motility under different temporal and thermal storage conditions, in addition to standard semen quality parameters. Two consecutive samples of the fourth and fifth ejaculates from the same boar were comprehensively analyzed in a genotyped Piétrain boar population. A total of 13 genomic regions on different chromosomes were identified that contain single-nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with these traits. Subsequent analysis of the genomic regions revealed candidate genes described to be involved in spermatogenesis, such as FOXL3, GPER1, PDGFA, PRKAR1B, SNRK, SUN1, and TSPO, and sperm motility, including ARRDC4, CEP78, DNAAF5, and GPER1. Some of these genes were also associated with male fertility or infertility in mammals (e.g., CEP78, GPER1). The analyses based on these laboriously determined and valuable phenotypes contribute to a better understanding of the genetic background of male fertility traits in pigs and could prospectively contribute to the improvement of sperm quality through breeding approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Reyer
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (I.A.-S.); (N.R.); (K.W.)
| | - Ibrahim Abou-Soliman
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (I.A.-S.); (N.R.); (K.W.)
- Department of Animal and Poultry Breeding, Desert Research Center, Cairo 11753, Egypt
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, 16321 Bernau, Germany;
| | | | - Norbert Reinsch
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (I.A.-S.); (N.R.); (K.W.)
| | - Jennifer Schoen
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), 10315 Berlin, Germany;
- Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Wimmers
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; (I.A.-S.); (N.R.); (K.W.)
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
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Krupa E, Krupová Z, Žáková E, Bauer J, Moravčíková N, Vrtková I. An Assessment of the Genetic Parameters of Boars' Reproductive Traits. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2003. [PMID: 38002946 PMCID: PMC10671126 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112003] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the reproductive traits of boars based on single-nucleotide polymorphism data. A total of 109,836 semen samples from 2249 boars were collected between 2010 and 2022. Five basic traits were assessed: sperm volume, sperm concentration, motility, number of abnormal sperm, and, for the first time for the local population, libido. In addition, two derived traits were assessed: total sperm count and number of functional sperm. Genetic parameters were estimated using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction method (ssGBLUP). Dam and sire breeds were evaluated separately. The five basic traits were evaluated using five-trait models, while the two derived traits were evaluated using single-trait models. The heritability coefficients had lower values for all sperm quality traits with both methods. For the basic traits, the heritability ranged from 0.099 to 0.342. The greatest difference between dam and sire breeds was observed for the heritability of the sperm concentration trait (0.099 and 0.271, respectively). The heritability of the libido trait was twice as high for boars of sire breeds as it was for boars of dam breeds. The genetic parameters estimated with ssGBLUP can be used in routine genetic evaluations to improve the pig breeding process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Krupa
- Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic; (Z.K.); (E.Ž.)
| | - Zuzana Krupová
- Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic; (Z.K.); (E.Ž.)
| | - Eliška Žáková
- Institute of Animal Science, 10400 Prague, Czech Republic; (Z.K.); (E.Ž.)
| | - Jiří Bauer
- Czech-Moravian Breeders Association, 25209 Hradistko, Czech Republic;
| | - Nina Moravčíková
- Institute of Nutrition and Genomics, Slovak University of Agriculture, 94901 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Irena Vrtková
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Animal Genetics, Mendel University, Zemedelska 1, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic;
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Yoelinda VT, Arifiantini RI, Solihin DD, Agil M, Setiadi DR, Maulana T, Purwantara B, Hastuti YT, Manansang J, Sajuthi D. Correlation between Post-Thaw Spermatozoa Quality of the Endangered Javan Banteng with OPN Gene Expression. Vet Med Int 2023; 2023:9982422. [PMID: 37448586 PMCID: PMC10338126 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9982422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of ex situ conservation facilities or captivity through captive breeding programs is essential in the conservation of the endangered Javan banteng. The development of semen cryopreservation may assist on one side of the conservation plan. However, the male Javan banteng reproductive capability must be considered as it influences the targeted outputs. Studying the potential biomarker for fertility such as osteopontin gene expression is also expected to help predict male fertility. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the quality of spermatozoa after thawing to help predict the male reproductive capability of Javan banteng. Furthermore, this study investigated the potential role of osteopontin gene expression in male Javan banteng fertility. A positive reinforcement approach was used to accustom the male and female animals as we focused on establishing a collection procedure using neither sedation nor anaesthesia. Semen samples were collected at Taman Safari Indonesia, Bogor, in accordance with the female banteng receptivity. Semen samples were then evaluated and then cryopreserved under field conditions. Our study showed the different predicted reproductive capability of the Javan banteng based on the post-thaw spermatozoa quality, which showed significant differences. The OPN gene showed positive correlations with the progressive motility (r = 0.711, p = 0.048), viability (r = 0.822, p = 0.012), and acrosomal integrity (r = 0.665, p = 0.072) of Javan banteng spermatozoa after thawing. Our study demonstrated the predicted Javan banteng reproductive capability based on various post-thaw spermatozoa variables. This finding is also the first report on the OPN gene potential to be developed as the assessment tool of post-thaw spermatozoa quality of the male Javan banteng. The findings in our study may help give recommendations for future breeding programs, especially in the ex situ conservation sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincentia Trisna Yoelinda
- Study Program of Reproductive Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, West Java 16680, Indonesia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, West Java 16680, Indonesia
| | | | - Muhammad Agil
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, West Java 16680, Indonesia
| | - Dedi Rahmat Setiadi
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, West Java 16680, Indonesia
| | - Tulus Maulana
- Research Centre of Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Bogor, West Java 16911, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, West Java 16680, Indonesia
| | - Yohana Tri Hastuti
- Taman Safari Indonesia Bogor, Cisarua, Bogor, West Java 16750, Indonesia
| | - Jansen Manansang
- Taman Safari Indonesia Bogor, Cisarua, Bogor, West Java 16750, Indonesia
| | - Dondin Sajuthi
- Division of Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, West Java 16680, Indonesia
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Gòdia M, Lian Y, Naval-Sanchez M, Ponte I, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Sanchez A, Clop A. Micrococcal nuclease sequencing of porcine sperm suggests enriched co-location between retained histones and genomic regions related to semen quality and early embryo development. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15520. [PMID: 37361042 PMCID: PMC10290446 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian spermatozoon has a unique chromatin structure in which the majority of histones are replaced by protamines during spermatogenesis and a small fraction of nucleosomes are retained at specific locations of the genome. The sperm's chromatin structure remains unresolved in most animal species, including the pig. However, mapping the genomic locations of retained nucleosomes in sperm could help understanding the molecular basis of both sperm development and function as well as embryo development. This information could then be useful to identify molecular markers for sperm quality and fertility traits. Here, micrococcal nuclease digestion coupled with high throughput sequencing was performed on pig sperm to map the genomic location of mono- and sub-nucleosomal chromatin fractions in relation to a set of diverse functional elements of the genome, some of which were related to semen quality and early embryogenesis. In particular, the investigated elements were promoters, the different sections of the gene body, coding and non-coding RNAs present in the pig sperm, potential transcription factor binding sites, genomic regions associated to semen quality traits and repeat elements. The analysis yielded 25,293 and 4,239 peaks in the mono- and sub-nucleosomal fractions, covering 0.3% and 0.02% of the porcine genome, respectively. A cross-species comparison revealed positional conservation of the nucleosome retention in sperm between the pig data and a human dataset that found nucleosome enrichment in genomic regions of importance in development. Both gene ontology analysis of the genes mapping nearby the mono-nucleosomal peaks and the identification of putative transcription factor binding motifs within the mono- and the sub- nucleosomal peaks showed enrichment for processes related to sperm function and embryo development. There was significant motif enrichment for Znf263, which in humans was suggested to be a key regulator of genes with paternal preferential expression during early embryogenesis. Moreover, enriched positional intersection was found in the genome between the mono-nucleosomal peaks and both the RNAs present in pig sperm and the RNAs related to sperm quality. There was no co-location between GWAS hits for semen quality in swine and the nucleosomal sites. Finally, the data evidenced depletion of mono-nucleosomes in long interspersed nuclear elements and enrichment of sub-nucleosomes in short interspersed repeat elements.These results suggest that retained nucleosomes in sperm could both mark regulatory elements or genes expressed during spermatogenesis linked to semen quality and fertility and act as transcriptional guides during early embryogenesis. The results of this study support the undertaking of ambitious research using a larger number of samples to robustly assess the positional relationship between histone retention in sperm and the reproductive ability of boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gòdia
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageninger, Netherlands
| | - Yu Lian
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Inma Ponte
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan Enric Rodríguez-Gil
- Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Armand Sanchez
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
- Animal and food sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics CRAG (CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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9
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Shi L, Shi J, Feng J, Zhang P, Ren Y. Proteomic analysis reveals the potential positive effects of Mito-TEMPO on ram sperm motility and fertility during cryopreservation. Theriogenology 2023; 205:27-39. [PMID: 37084501 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO on the protein profile of ram sperm during cryopreservation and evaluate the cryoprotective roles of Mito-TEMPO on ram sperm quality and fertilization capacity. Semen collected from 8 Dorper rams was cryopreserved in TCG-egg yolk extender supplemented with various concentrations of Mito-TEMPO (0, 20, 40 and 60 μM). After thawing, sperm characteristics, antioxidant status and the abundance of hexose transporters (GLUT 3 and 8) were analyzed. The cervical artificial insemination (AI) was performed to evaluate the fertilization ability of cryopreserved ram sperm. The alterations of sperm proteomic profile between the control and MT40 groups were determined using iTRAQ-coupled LC-MS. Supplementation with 40 μM of Mito-TEMPO resulted in the highest post-thaw sperm motility and kinematics. Sperm quality, antioxidant capacity and glucose transporter abundance of frozen-thawed ram sperm were elevated in the MT40 group. The inclusion of 40 μM Mito-TEMPO in freezing extender also resulted in the higher pregnancy rate of ewes. A total of 457 proteins including 179 upregulated proteins and 278 downregulated proteins were defied as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) using fold change (FC) > 1.2 with P < 0.05. Sixty-one DEPs with (FC > 1.5) were dramatically regulated by Mito-TEMPO. These DEPs are mainly involved in sperm motility, energy metabolism and capacitation. Our data suggest that the beneficial effects of Mito-TEMPO on sperm motility and fertility potential of cryopreserved ram semen are achieved by regulating sperm antioxidant capacity and sperm proteins related to energy metabolism and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, PR China; Lab of Animal Reproductive Biotechnology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, PR China
| | - Juanjuan Shi
- Lab of Animal Reproductive Biotechnology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, PR China
| | - Jingjuan Feng
- Lab of Animal Reproductive Biotechnology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, PR China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- Lab of Animal Reproductive Biotechnology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, PR China
| | - Youshe Ren
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, PR China; Lab of Animal Reproductive Biotechnology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, PR China.
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10
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Latham KE. Preimplantation embryo gene expression: 56 years of discovery, and counting. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:169-200. [PMID: 36812478 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The biology of preimplantation embryo gene expression began 56 years ago with studies of the effects of protein synthesis inhibition and discovery of changes in embryo metabolism and related enzyme activities. The field accelerated rapidly with the emergence of embryo culture systems and progressively evolving methodologies that have allowed early questions to be re-addressed in new ways and in greater detail, leading to deeper understanding and progressively more targeted studies to discover ever more fine details. The advent of technologies for assisted reproduction, preimplantation genetic testing, stem cell manipulations, artificial gametes, and genetic manipulation, particularly in experimental animal models and livestock species, has further elevated the desire to understand preimplantation development in greater detail. The questions that drove enquiry from the earliest years of the field remain drivers of enquiry today. Our understanding of the crucial roles of oocyte-expressed RNA and proteins in early embryos, temporal patterns of embryonic gene expression, and mechanisms controlling embryonic gene expression has increased exponentially over the past five and a half decades as new analytical methods emerged. This review combines early and recent discoveries on gene regulation and expression in mature oocytes and preimplantation stage embryos to provide a comprehensive understanding of preimplantation embryo biology and to anticipate exciting future advances that will build upon and extend what has been discovered so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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11
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Warr S, Pini T, de Graaf SP, Rickard JP. Molecular insights to the sperm-cervix interaction and the consequences for cryopreserved sperm. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:183-196. [PMID: 36191077 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreserved ram spermatozoa are limited in their capacity to traverse the ovine cervix and achieve fertilization. This altered interaction may be related to modified molecular communication between frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa, seminal plasma, and the female tract. As such, this review aims to identify the biological processes which underpin sperm maturation and transport throughout the female reproductive tract to elucidate factors which may alter this natural process in cryopreserved ram spermatozoa. We also assess critical barriers to ram spermatozoa specific to the ovine cervix and the role of seminal plasma in mitigating these barriers. Transcriptomics is explored as a new approach to understand the sperm-cervix interaction. Recent studies have demonstrated that both spermatozoa and seminal plasma contain a complex profile of coding and non-coding RNAs. These molecular species have clear links with functional fertility, and mounting evidence suggests they may be altered by cryopreservation. Emerging in vitro cell culture models are also investigated as a "next step" in studying this interaction, utilizing transcriptomics to identify subtle changes in female tract gene expression in response to spermatozoa. The application of such models is proposed as an exciting opportunity to investigate the unique challenges faced by cryopreserved spermatozoa traversing the ovine cervix prior to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Warr
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Taylor Pini
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica P Rickard
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Investigation of the mechanisms leading to human sperm DNA damage based on transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq techniques. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:11-19. [PMID: 36272896 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.08.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the molecular mechanisms leading to human sperm DNA damage? DESIGN Semen samples were collected and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was assessed. Differentially expressed RNA in spermatozoa with a high (DFI ≥30%, experimental group) or normal (DFI <30%, control group) DFI were identified by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis was performed. Three differentially expressed RNA related to sperm DNA damage and repair, namely PMS1, TP53BP1 and TLK2, were validated using real-time quantitative (RT-qPCR). RESULTS A total of 19,970 expressed RNA were detected in the two groups. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of 189 RNA in the experimental group were significantly increased and those of 163 genes decreased. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that these RNA were mainly concentrated in the ATPase-dependent transmembrane transport complex, extracellular exosome, somatic cell DNA recombination, protein binding, cytoplasm and regulation of localization. KEGG pathway analysis showed that these RNA were mainly related to the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, endocytosis, p53 signalling pathway and cGMP-PKG signalling pathway. The RT-qPCR results showed that the expression levels of PMS1, TP53BP1 and TLK2 in the experimental group were significantly lower than in the control group (P = 0.01, 0.015 and 0.004, respectively), which was identical to the results of RNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS Differentially expressed RNA related to sperm DNA damage and repair may be identified by RNA-seq technology, which provides new insights into the understanding of sperm DNA damage and repair, and will help to discover new biomarkers related to sperm DNA damage.
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Hussain T, Kandeel M, Metwally E, Murtaza G, Kalhoro DH, Yin Y, Tan B, Chughtai MI, Yaseen A, Afzal A, Kalhoro MS. Unraveling the harmful effect of oxidative stress on male fertility: A mechanistic insight. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1070692. [PMID: 36860366 PMCID: PMC9968806 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1070692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a widely debated issue that affects males globally. There are several mechanisms involved. Oxidative stress is accepted to be the main contributing factor, with sperm quality and quantity affected by the overproduction of free radicals. Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) cannot be controlled by the antioxidant system and, thus, potentially impact male fertility and hamper sperm quality parameters. Mitochondria are the driving force of sperm motility; irregularities in their function may lead to apoptosis, alterations to signaling pathway function, and, ultimately, compromised fertility. Moreover, it has been observed that the prevalence of inflammation may arrest sperm function and the production of cytokines triggered by the overproduction of ROS. Further, oxidative stress interacts with seminal plasma proteomes that influence male fertility. Enhanced ROS production disturbs the cellular constituents, particularly DNA, and sperms are unable to impregnate the ovum. Here, we review the latest information to better understand the relationship between oxidative stress and male infertility, the role of mitochondria, the cellular response, inflammation and fertility, and the interaction of seminal plasma proteomes with oxidative stress, as well as highlight the influence of oxidative stress on hormones; collectively, all of these factors are assumed to be important for the regulation of male infertility. This article may help improve our understanding of male infertility and the strategies to prevent it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarique Hussain
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College (NIAB-C), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Tarique Hussain, ; Bie Tan,
| | - Mahmoud Kandeel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelshikh University, Kafrelshikh, Egypt
| | - Elsayed Metwally
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Dildar Hussain Kalhoro
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Yulong Yin
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bie Tan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Tarique Hussain, ; Bie Tan,
| | - Muhammad Ismail Chughtai
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College (NIAB-C), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Anjaleena Yaseen
- Animal Sciences Division, Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology College (NIAB-C), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Afzal
- Department of Zoology, Minhaj University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saleem Kalhoro
- Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand
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Indriastuti R, Pardede BP, Gunawan A, Ulum MF, Arifiantini RI, Purwantara B. Sperm Transcriptome Analysis Accurately Reveals Male Fertility Potential in Livestock. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2955. [PMID: 36359078 PMCID: PMC9657999 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, selection of superior male candidates in livestock as a source of frozen semen based on sperm quality at the cellular level is not considered accurate enough for predicting the potential of male fertility. Sperm transcriptome analysis approaches, such as messenger RNA levels, have been shown to correlate with fertility rates. Using this technology in livestock growth has become the principal method, which can be widely applied to predict male fertility potential in the livestock industry through the analysis of the sperm transcriptome. It provides the gene expression to validate the function of sperm in spermatogenesis, fertilization, and embryo development, as the parameters of male fertility. This review proposes a transcriptomic analysis approach as a high-throughput method to predict the fertility potential of livestock more accurately in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhesti Indriastuti
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
- Tuah Sakato Technology and Resource Development Center, Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of West Sumatra, Payakumbuh 26229, Indonesia
| | - Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Asep Gunawan
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
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15
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Bisconti M, Leroy B, Gallagher MT, Senet C, Martinet B, Arcolia V, Wattiez R, Kirkman-Brown JC, Simon JF, Hennebert E. The ribosome inhibitor chloramphenicol induces motility deficits in human spermatozoa: A proteomic approach identifies potentially involved proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:965076. [PMID: 36120567 PMCID: PMC9478589 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.965076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mature spermatozoa are almost completely devoid of cytoplasm; as such it has long been believed that they do not contain ribosomes and are therefore not capable of synthesising proteins. However, since the 1950s, various studies have shown translational activity within spermatozoa, particularly during their in vitro capacitation. But the type of ribosomes involved (cytoplasmic or mitochondrial) is still debated. Here, we investigate the presence and activity of the two types of ribosomes in mature human spermatozoa. By targeting ribosomal RNAs and proteins, we show that both types of ribosomes are localized in the midpiece as well as in the neck and the base of the head of the spermatozoa. We assessed the impact of cycloheximide (CHX) and chloramphenicol (CP), inhibitors of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial ribosomes, respectively, on different sperm parameters. Neither CHX, nor CP impacted sperm vitality, mitochondrial activity (measured through the ATP content), or capacitation (measured through the content in phosphotyrosines). However, increasing CP concentrations induced a decrease in total and progressive motilities as well as on some kinematic parameters while no effect was observed with CHX. A quantitative proteomic analysis was performed by mass spectrometry in SWATH mode to compare the proteomes of spermatozoa capacitated in the absence or presence of the two ribosome inhibitors. Among the ∼700 proteins identified in the different tested conditions, 3, 3 and 25 proteins presented a modified abundance in the presence of 1 and 2 mg/ml of CHX, and 1 mg/ml of CP, respectively. The observed abundance variations of some CP-down regulated proteins were validated using Multiple-Reaction Monitoring (MRM). Taken together, our results are in favor of an activity of mitochondrial ribosomes. Their inhibition by CP results in a decrease in the abundance of several proteins, at least FUNDC2 and QRICH2, and consequently induces sperm motility deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Bisconti
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute for Biosciences, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Baptiste Leroy
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Microbiology, CISMa, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Meurig T. Gallagher
- Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Birmingham, Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Coralie Senet
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute for Biosciences, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Baptiste Martinet
- Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Arcolia
- Clinique de Fertilité Régionale de Mons, CHU Ambroise Paré Hospital, Mons, Belgium
| | - Ruddy Wattiez
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Microbiology, CISMa, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jackson C. Kirkman-Brown
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-François Simon
- Clinique de Fertilité Régionale de Mons, CHU Ambroise Paré Hospital, Mons, Belgium
| | - Elise Hennebert
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Research Institute for Biosciences, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Elise Hennebert,
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16
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Castro-Arnau J, Chauvigné F, Gómez-Garrido J, Esteve-Codina A, Dabad M, Alioto T, Finn RN, Cerdà J. Developmental RNA-Seq transcriptomics of haploid germ cells and spermatozoa uncovers novel pathways associated with teleost spermiogenesis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14162. [PMID: 35986060 PMCID: PMC9391476 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18422-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractIn non-mammalian vertebrates, the molecular mechanisms involved in the transformation of haploid germ cells (HGCs) into spermatozoa (spermiogenesis) are largely unknown. Here, we investigated this process in the marine teleost gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) through the examination of the changes in the transcriptome between cell-sorted HGCs and ejaculated sperm (SPZEJ). Samples were collected under strict quality controls employing immunofluorescence microscopy as well as by determining the sperm motion kinematic parameters by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Deep sequencing by RNA-seq identified a total of 7286 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p-value < 0.01) between both cell types, of which nearly half were upregulated in SPZEJ compared to HCGs. In addition, approximately 9000 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were found, of which 56% were accumulated or emerged de novo in SPZEJ. The upregulated transcripts are involved in transcriptional and translational regulation, chromatin and cytoskeleton organization, metabolic processes such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, and also include a number of ion and water channels, exchangers, transporters and receptors. Pathway analysis conducted on DEGs identified 37 different signaling pathways enriched in SPZEJ, including 13 receptor pathways, from which the most predominant correspond to the chemokine and cytokine, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor and platelet derived growth factor signaling pathways. Our data provide new insight into the mRNA and lncRNA cargos of teleost spermatozoa and uncover the possible involvement of novel endocrine mechanisms during the differentiation and maturation of spermatozoa.
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17
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Swanson GM, Estill MS, Krawetz SA. The transcript integrity index (TII) provides a standard measure of sperm RNA. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:258-271. [PMID: 35658756 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2071133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Standardizing RNA quality is key to interpreting RNA-seq data as a compromised sample can mask the underlying biology. The challenge remains when evaluating RNA quality in samples with high RNA fragmentation. For example, programmed fragmentation and cytoplasmic expulsion, integral to sperm maturation, is a prime example of the complexities of interpreting RNA-seq data, given that fragmentation can be random and\or targeted. To meet this challenge, we developed an algorithm that accurately measures RNA quality in samples with high fragmentation, such as spermatozoa. The integrity of 1,000 previously identified abundant sperm transcripts were independently visualized and evaluated using the Transcript Integrity Index (TII) algorithm to identify intact transcripts. Full-length transcripts from visual and the TII algorithm were evaluated for testis preference in humans using the GTEx tissues database. Samples were then filtered by the Interquartile Range (IQR), identifying those in which the greatest number of transcripts failed to pass the visual or TII thresholds. Transcript lists were overlapped, forming the set of intact transcripts used as TII standards. Each sample was re-evaluated as a function of this TII set of intact transcripts, with poor quality samples identified as those failing in the largest number of transcripts. While ontologically enriched in roles related to spermatogenesis and/or fertilization, samples did not segregate based on birth outcome. The TII algorithm proved an effective means to identify samples of similar quality from sperm, a cell type enriched in biologically fragmented RNAs. The algorithm should facilitate other studies using samples compromised by high levels of RNA fragmentation, such as Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded samples. Requisite to assessing male health, TII provides a solution to the long-sought-after standard that identifies samples of similar quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Swanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Molly S Estill
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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18
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Ureña I, González C, Ramón M, Gòdia M, Clop A, Calvo JH, Carabaño MJ, Serrano M. Exploring the ovine sperm transcriptome by RNAseq techniques. I Effect of seasonal conditions on transcripts abundance. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264978. [PMID: 35286314 PMCID: PMC8920283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the cell molecular changes occurring as a results of climatic circumstances is crucial in the current days in which climate change and global warming are one of the most serious challenges that living organisms have to face. Sperm are one of the mammals’ cells most sensitive to heat, therefore evaluating the impact of seasonal changes in terms of its transcriptional activity can contribute to elucidate how these cells cope with heat stress events. We sequenced the total sperm RNA from 64 ejaculates, 28 collected in summer and 36 collected in autumn, from 40 Manchega rams. A highly rich transcriptome (11,896 different transcripts) with 90 protein coding genes that exceed an average number of 5000 counts were found. Comparing transcriptome in the summer and autumn ejaculates, 236 significant differential abundance genes were assessed, most of them (228) downregulated. The main functions that these genes are related to sexual reproduction and negative regulation of protein metabolic processes and kinase activity. Sperm response to heat stress supposes a drastic decrease of the transcriptional activity, and the upregulation of only a few genes related with the basic functions to maintain the organisms’ homeostasis and surviving. Rams’ spermatozoids carry remnant mRNAs which are retrospectively indicators of events occurring along the spermatogenesis process, including abiotic factors such as environmental temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ureña
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen González
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Gòdia
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jorge H. Calvo
- Unidad de Tecnología en Producción Animal, CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Magdalena Serrano
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Pang WK, Son JH, Ryu DY, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Heat shock protein family D member 1 in boar spermatozoa is strongly related to the litter size of inseminated sows. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:42. [PMID: 35422006 PMCID: PMC9012035 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00689-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm quality evaluation is the logical first step in increasing field fertility. Spermatozoa contain cytoplasmic organelles and biomolecules known as sperm-intrinsic factors, which play key roles in sperm maturation, sperm-oocyte fusion, and embryo development. In particular, sperm membrane proteins [e.g., arginine vasopressin receptor 2, beta-actin, prohibitin, and heat shock protein family D member 1 (HSPD1)] and RNA could be used as functional indicators of male fertility. We sought to clarify the effects of differential mRNA expression of selected genes on several fertilisation parameters, including sperm motility, motion kinematics, capacitation, and litter size, in a porcine model. Results Our results demonstrated that HSPD1 expression was significantly correlated with male fertility, as measured by the litter size of inseminated sows. The expression of HSPD1 mRNA was linked to sperm motility and other motion kinematic characteristics. Furthermore, HSPD1 had a 66.7% overall accuracy in detecting male fertility, and the high-litter size group which was selected with the HSPD1 marker had a 1.34 greater litter size than the low-litter size group. Conclusions Our findings indicate that HSPD1 might be a helpful biomarker for superior boar selection for artificial insemination, which could boost field fertility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00689-0.
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Ogawa S, Kimata M, Tomiyama M, Satoh M. Heritability and genetic correlation estimates of semen production traits with litter traits and pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6535633. [PMID: 35201314 PMCID: PMC9030147 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac055] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We estimated heritabilities of semen production traits and their genetic correlations with litter traits and pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs. Semen production traits were semen volume, sperm concentration, proportion of morphologically normal sperms, total number of sperm, and total number of morphologically normal sperm. Litter traits at farrowing were total number born, number born alive, number stillborn, total litter weight at birth, mean litter weight at birth, and piglet survival rate at birth. Litter traits at weaning were litter size at weaning, total litter weight at weaning, mean litter weight at weaning, and piglet survival rate from birth to weaning. Pork production traits were average daily gain, backfat thickness, and loin muscle area. We analyzed 45,913 semen collection records of 896 boars, 6,950 farrowing performance records of 1,400 sows, 2,237 weaning performance records of 586 sows, and individual growth performance records of 9,550 animals measured at approximately 5 mo of age. Heritabilities were estimated using a single-trait animal model. Genetic correlations were estimated using a 2-trait animal model. Estimated heritabilities of semen production traits ranged from 0.20 for sperm concentration to 0.29 for semen volume and were equal to or higher than those of litter traits, ranging from 0.06 for number stillborn and piglet survival rate at birth to 0.25 for mean litter weight at birth, but lower than those of pork production traits, ranging from 0.50 for average daily gain to 0.63 for backfat thickness. In many cases, the absolute values of estimated genetic correlations between semen production traits and other traits were smaller than 0.3. These estimated genetic parameters provide useful information for establishing a comprehensive pig breeding scheme. Genetic parameters of 5 semen production traits, 10 litter traits, and 3 pork production traits in purebred Duroc pigs was estimated. Heritabilities of semen production traits ranged from 0.20 for sperm concentration to 0.29 for semen volume and were equal to or higher than those of litter traits, ranging from 0.06 for number stillborn and piglet survival rate at birth to 0.25 for mean litter weight at birth, but lower than those of pork production traits, ranging from 0.50 for average daily gain to 0.63 for backfat thickness. In many cases, the absolute values of genetic correlations between semen production traits and other traits were smaller than 0.3. These estimated genetic parameters provide useful information for establishing a comprehensive pig breeding scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ogawa
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
| | - M Kimata
- CIMCO Corporation, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071, Japan
| | - M Tomiyama
- CIMCO Corporation, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071, Japan
| | - M Satoh
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8572, Japan
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21
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Vahedi SM, Salek Ardestani S, Karimi K, Banabazi MH. Weighted single-step GWAS for body mass index and scans for recent signatures of selection in Yorkshire pigs. J Hered 2022; 113:325-335. [DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Controlling extra fat deposition is economically favorable in modern swine industry. Understanding the genetic architecture of fat deposition traits such as body mass index (BMI) can help in improving genomic selection for such traits. We utilized a weighted single-step genome-wide association study (WssGWAS) to detect genetic regions and candidate genes associated with BMI in a Yorkshire pig population. Three extended haplotype homozygosity (EHH)-related statistics were also incorporated within a de-correlated composite of multiple signals (DCMS) framework to detect recent selection signatures signals. Overall, the full pedigree consisted of 7,016 pigs, of which 5,561 had BMI records and 598 pigs were genotyped with an 80 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Results showed that the most significant windows (top 15) explained 9.35% of BMI genetic variance. Several genes were detected in regions previously associated with pig fat deposition traits and treated as potential candidate genes for BMI in Yorkshire pigs: FTMT, SRFBP1, KHDRBS3, FOXG1, SOD3, LRRC32, TSKU, ACER3, B3GNT6, CCDC201, ADCY1, RAMP3, TBRG4, CCM2. Signature of selection analysis revealed multiple candidate genes previously associated with various economic traits. However, BMI genetic variance explained by regions under selection pressure was minimal (1.31%). In conclusion, candidate genes associated with Yorkshire pigs’ BMI trait were identified using WssGWAS. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that the identified candidate genes were enriched in the insulin secretion pathway. We anticipate that these results further advance our understanding of the genetic architecture of BMI in Yorkshire pigs and provide information for genomic selection for fat deposition in this breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Milad Vahedi
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | | | - Karim Karimi
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Mohammad Hossein Banabazi
- Department of Biotechnology, Animal Science Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education & Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
- Department of animal breeding and genetics (HGEN), Centre for Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (VHC), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Sahoo B, Choudhary RK, Sharma P, Choudhary S, Gupta MK. Significance and Relevance of Spermatozoal RNAs to Male Fertility in Livestock. Front Genet 2021; 12:768196. [PMID: 34956322 PMCID: PMC8696160 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.768196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock production contributes to a significant part of the economy in developing countries. Although artificial insemination techniques brought substantial improvements in reproductive efficiency, male infertility remains a leading challenge in livestock. Current strategies for the diagnosis of male infertility largely depend on the evaluation of semen parameters and fail to diagnose idiopathic infertility in most cases. Recent evidences show that spermatozoa contains a suit of RNA population whose profile differs between fertile and infertile males. Studies have also demonstrated the crucial roles of spermatozoal RNA (spRNA) in spermatogenesis, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Thus, the spRNA profile may serve as unique molecular signatures of fertile sperm and may play pivotal roles in the diagnosis and treatment of male fertility. This manuscript provides an update on various spRNA populations, including protein-coding and non-coding RNAs, in livestock species and their potential role in semen quality, particularly sperm motility, freezability, and fertility. The contribution of seminal plasma to the spRNA population is also discussed. Furthermore, we discussed the significance of rare non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in spermatogenic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijayalaxmi Sahoo
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, India
| | - Ratan K Choudhary
- College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Paramajeet Sharma
- College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Shanti Choudhary
- College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, India
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23
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Gutiérrez JAB, Cardona Maya WD. In Silico Analysis of Sperm From Ejaculates with Different Semen Characteristics. J Reprod Infertil 2021; 22:210-215. [PMID: 34900641 PMCID: PMC8607880 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v22i3.6721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Male infertility is associated with altered characteristics of the sperm within the ejaculate. It is possible to find molecular explanations for the observed phenotypes and their consequences. This study aimed to analyze, using a specialized software, a gene set of transcriptomic data from different types of ejaculates. Methods: Data from ejaculate samples categorized as normal, oligospermia, and teratozoospermia were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). After normalization, the data average for each sample category was calculated and analyzed independently using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Results: Five important canonical pathways are involved in normal and altered semen samples (Oligospermia and teratozoospermia) except sirtuin signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction pathways. The five most important biological processes are identified in all semen phenotypes, but the only difference is the genes connected with initiation of RNA transcription in oligospermic and asthenospermic samples. Conclusion: Surprisingly, different types of ejaculates share many pathways and biological processes; sperm proteomics as a new global approach gives clues for the development of strategies to explain the reason for observed phenotypes of ejaculated spermatozoa, their possible effect on fertility, and for implementing research strategies in the context of infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Alfredo Berdugo Gutiérrez
- - Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Walter D Cardona Maya
- - Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Medical School, University of Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
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24
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Sellem E, Jammes H, Schibler L. Sperm-borne sncRNAs: potential biomarkers for semen fertility? Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:160-173. [PMID: 35231268 DOI: 10.1071/rd21276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen infertility or sub-fertility, whether in humans or livestock species, remains a major concern for clinicians and technicians involved in reproduction. Indeed, they can cause tragedies in human relationships or have a dramatic overall negative impact on the sustainability of livestock breeding. Understanding and predicting semen fertility issues is therefore crucial and quality control procedures as well as biomarkers have been proposed to ensure sperm fertility. However, their predictive values appeared to be too limited and additional relevant biomarkers are still required to diagnose sub-fertility efficiently. During the last decade, the study of molecular mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation highlighted the regulatory role of a variety of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and led to the discovery that sperm sncRNAs comprise both remnants from spermatogenesis and post-testicular sncRNAs acquired through interactions with extracellular vesicles along epididymis. This has led to the hypothesis that sncRNAs may be a source of relevant biomarkers, associated either with sperm functionality or embryo development. This review aims at providing a synthetic overview of the current state of knowledge regarding implication of sncRNA in spermatogenesis defects and their putative roles in sperm maturation and embryo development, as well as exploring their use as fertility biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Sellem
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Hélène Jammes
- Université Paris Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France; and Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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25
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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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26
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Domingues WB, Silveira TLR, Nunes LS, Blodorn EB, Schneider A, Corcine CD, Varela Junior AS, Acosta IB, Kütter MT, Greif G, Robello C, Pinhal D, Marins LF, Campos VF. GH Overexpression Alters Spermatic Cells MicroRNAome Profile in Transgenic Zebrafish. Front Genet 2021; 12:704778. [PMID: 34567067 PMCID: PMC8455951 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.704778] [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: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of growth hormone (GH) in gh-transgenic zebrafish of a highly studied lineage F0104 has earlier been reported to cause increased muscle growth. In addition to this, GH affects a broad range of cellular processes in transgenic fish, such as morphology, physiology, and behavior. Reports show changes such as decreased sperm quality and reduced reproductive performance in transgenic males. It is hypothesized that microRNAs are directly involved in the regulation of fertility potential during spermatogenesis. The primary aim of our study was to verify whether gh overexpression disturbs the sperm miRNA profile and influences the sperm quality in transgenic zebrafish. We report a significant increase in body weight of gh-transgenic males along with associated reduced sperm motility and other kinetic parameters in comparison to the non-transgenic group. MicroRNA transcriptome sequencing of gh-transgenic zebrafish sperms revealed expressions of 186 miRNAs, among which six miRNA were up-regulated (miR-146b, miR-200a-5p, miR-146a, miR-726, miR-184, and miR-738) and sixteen were down-regulated (miR-19d-3p, miR-126a-5p, miR-126b-5p, miR-22a-5p, miR-16c-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-126b-3p, miR-107a-3p, miR-93, miR-2189, miR-202–5p, miR-221–3p, miR-125a, miR-125b-5p, miR-126a-3p, and miR-30c-5p) in comparison to non-transgenic zebrafish. Some of the dysregulated miRNAs were previously reported to be related to abnormalities in sperm quality and reduced reproduction ability in other species. In this study, an average of 134 differentially expressed miRNAs-targeted genes were predicted using the in silico approach. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that the genes of affected pathways were primarily related to spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and cell apoptosis. Our results suggested that excess GH caused a detrimental effect on sperm microRNAome, consequently reducing the sperm quality and reproductive potential of zebrafish males.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Domingues
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Tony L R Silveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Leandro S Nunes
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Eduardo B Blodorn
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Augusto Schneider
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Carine D Corcine
- ReproPel, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Antônio S Varela Junior
- ReproPel, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Izani B Acosta
- ReproPel, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Mateus T Kütter
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Gonzalo Greif
- Unidad de Biología Molecular, Institut Pasteur, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Robello
- Unidad de Biología Molecular, Institut Pasteur, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Danillo Pinhal
- Laboratório Genômica e Evolução Molecular Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Luís F Marins
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Vinicius F Campos
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
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27
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Gapp K, Parada GE, Gross F, Corcoba A, Kaur J, Grau E, Hemberg M, Bohacek J, Miska EA. Single paternal dexamethasone challenge programs offspring metabolism and reveals multiple candidates in RNA-mediated inheritance. iScience 2021; 24:102870. [PMID: 34386731 PMCID: PMC8346661 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Single traumatic events that elicit an exaggerated stress response can lead to the development of neuropsychiatric conditions. Rodent studies suggested germline RNA as a mediator of effects of chronic environmental exposures to the progeny. The effects of an acute paternal stress exposure on the germline and their potential consequences on offspring remain to be seen. We find that acute administration of an agonist for the stress-sensitive Glucocorticoid receptor, using the common corticosteroid dexamethasone, affects the RNA payload of mature sperm as soon as 3 hr after exposure. It further impacts early embryonic transcriptional trajectories, as determined by single-embryo sequencing, and metabolism in the offspring. We show persistent regulation of tRNA fragments in sperm and descendant 2-cell embryos, suggesting transmission from sperm to embryo. Lastly, we unravel environmentally induced alterations in sperm circRNAs and their targets in the early embryo, highlighting this class as an additional candidate in RNA-mediated inheritance of disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gapp
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Guillermo E. Parada
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Fridolin Gross
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
| | | | - Jasmine Kaur
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Evelyn Grau
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Medicine, CITIID, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Martin Hemberg
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Johannes Bohacek
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Eric A. Miska
- Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
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28
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Dai C, Zhang Z, Shan G, Chu LT, Huang Z, Moskovtsev S, Librach C, Jarvi K, Sun Y. Advances in sperm analysis: techniques, discoveries and applications. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:447-467. [PMID: 34075227 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects one in six couples worldwide, and fertility continues to deteriorate globally, partly owing to a decline in semen quality. Sperm analysis has a central role in diagnosing and treating male factor infertility. Many emerging techniques, such as digital holography, super-resolution microscopy and next-generation sequencing, have been developed that enable improved analysis of sperm motility, morphology and genetics to help overcome limitations in accuracy and consistency, and improve sperm selection for infertility treatment. These techniques have also improved our understanding of fundamental sperm physiology by enabling discoveries in sperm behaviour and molecular structures. Further progress in sperm analysis and integrating these techniques into laboratories and clinics requires multidisciplinary collaboration, which will increase discovery and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changsheng Dai
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhuoran Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Guanqiao Shan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lap-Tak Chu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zongjie Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Keith Jarvi
- Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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29
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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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Prakash MA, Kumaresan A, Ebenezer Samuel King JP, Nag P, Sharma A, Sinha MK, Kamaraj E, Datta TK. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Spermatozoa From High- and Low-Fertile Crossbred Bulls: Implications for Fertility Prediction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:647717. [PMID: 34041237 PMCID: PMC8141864 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.647717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crossbred bulls produced by crossing Bos taurus and Bos indicus suffer with high incidence of infertility/subfertility problems; however, the etiology remains poorly understood. The uncertain predictability and the inability of semen evaluation techniques to maintain constant correlation with fertility demand for alternate methods for bull fertility prediction. Therefore, in this study, the global differential gene expression between high- and low-fertile crossbred bull sperm was assessed using a high-throughput RNA sequencing technique with the aim to identify transcripts associated with crossbred bull fertility. Crossbred bull sperm contained transcripts for 13,563 genes, in which 2,093 were unique to high-fertile and 5,454 were unique to low-fertile bulls. After normalization of data, a total of 776 transcripts were detected, in which 84 and 168 transcripts were unique to high-fertile and low-fertile bulls, respectively. A total of 176 transcripts were upregulated (fold change > 1) and 209 were downregulated (<1) in low-fertile bulls. Gene ontology analysis identified that the sperm transcripts involved in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway and biological process such as multicellular organism development, spermatogenesis, and in utero embryonic development were downregulated in low-fertile crossbred bull sperm. Sperm transcripts upregulated and unique to low-fertile bulls were majorly involved in translation (biological process) and ribosomal pathway. With the use of RT-qPCR, selected sperm transcripts (n = 12) were validated in crossbred bulls (n = 12) with different fertility ratings and found that the transcriptional abundance of ZNF706, CRISP2, TNP2, and TNP1 genes was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in low-fertile bulls than high-fertile bulls and was positively (p < 0.05) correlated with conception rate. It is inferred that impaired oxidative phosphorylation could be the predominant reason for low fertility in crossbred bulls and that transcriptional abundance of ZNF706, CRISP2, TNP2, and TNP1 genes could serve as potential biomarkers for fertility in crossbred bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mani Arul Prakash
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - John Peter Ebenezer Samuel King
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Elango Kamaraj
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez EA, Calvete JJ, Peña Vega FJ, Roca J. Seminal Plasma: Relevant for Fertility? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094368. [PMID: 33922047 PMCID: PMC8122421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP), the non-cellular component of semen, is a heterogeneous composite fluid built by secretions of the testis, the epididymis and the accessory sexual glands. Its composition, despite species-specific anatomical peculiarities, consistently contains inorganic ions, specific hormones, proteins and peptides, including cytokines and enzymes, cholesterol, DNA and RNA-the latter often protected within epididymis- or prostate-derived extracellular vesicles. It is beyond question that the SP participates in diverse aspects of sperm function pre-fertilization events. The SP also interacts with the various compartments of the tubular genital tract, triggering changes in gene function that prepares for an eventual successful pregnancy; thus, it ultimately modulates fertility. Despite these concepts, it is imperative to remember that SP-free spermatozoa (epididymal or washed ejaculated) are still fertile, so this review shall focus on the differences between the in vivo roles of the SP following semen deposition in the female and those regarding additions of SP on spermatozoa handled for artificial reproduction, including cryopreservation, from artificial insemination to in vitro fertilization. This review attempts, including our own results on model animal species, to critically summarize the current knowledge of the reproductive roles played by SP components, particularly in our own species, which is increasingly affected by infertility. The ultimate goal is to reconcile the delicate balance between the SP molecular concentration and their concerted effects after temporal exposure in vivo. We aim to appraise the functions of the SP components, their relevance as diagnostic biomarkers and their value as eventual additives to refine reproductive strategies, including biotechnologies, in livestock models and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-132-869-25
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- 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; (E.A.M.); (J.R.)
| | - Juan J. Calvete
- Laboratorio de Venómica Estructural y Funcional, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, C.S.I.C., 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Fernando J. Peña Vega
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 10003 Caceres, Spain;
| | - 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; (E.A.M.); (J.R.)
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32
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Sperm Methylome Profiling Can Discern Fertility Levels in the Porcine Biomedical Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052679. [PMID: 33800945 PMCID: PMC7961483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A combined Genotyping By Sequencing (GBS) and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) protocol was used to identify—in parallel—genetic variation (Genomic-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and epigenetic differences of Differentially Methylated Regions (DMR) in the genome of spermatozoa from the porcine animal model. Breeding boars with good semen quality (n = 11) and specific and well-documented differences in fertility (farrowing rate, FR) and prolificacy (litter size, LS) (n = 7) in artificial insemination programs, using combined FR and LS, were categorized as High Fertile (HF, n = 4) or Low Fertile (LF, n = 3), and boars with Unknown Fertility (UF, n = 4) were tested for eventual epigenetical similarity with those fertility-proven. We identified 165,944 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that explained 14–15% of variance among selection lines. Between HF and LF individuals (n = 7, 4 HF and 3 LF), we identified 169 SNPs with p ≤ 0.00015, which explained 58% of the variance. For the epigenetic analyses, we considered fertility and period of ejaculate collection (late-summer and mid-autumn). Approximately three times more DMRs were observed in HF than in LF boars across these periods. Interestingly, UF boars were clearly clustered with one of the other HF or LF groups. The highest differences in DMRs between HF and LF experimental groups across the pig genome were located in the chr 3, 9, 13, and 16, with most DMRs being hypermethylated in LF boars. In both HF and LF boars, DMRs were mostly hypermethylated in late-summer compared to mid-autumn. Three overlaps were detected between SNPs (p ≤ 0.0005, n = 1318) and CpG sites within DMRs. In conclusion, fertility levels in breeding males including FR and LS can be discerned using methylome analyses. The findings in this biomedical animal model ought to be applied besides sire selection for andrological diagnosis of idiopathic sub/infertility.
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Khan IM, Cao Z, Liu H, Khan A, Rahman SU, Khan MZ, Sathanawongs A, Zhang Y. Impact of Cryopreservation on Spermatozoa Freeze-Thawed Traits and Relevance OMICS to Assess Sperm Cryo-Tolerance in Farm Animals. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:609180. [PMID: 33718466 PMCID: PMC7947673 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.609180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a powerful tool for the livestock breeding program. Several technical attempts have been made to enhance the efficiency of spermatozoa cryopreservation in different farm animal species. However, it is well-recognized that mammalian spermatozoa are susceptible to cryo-injury caused by cryopreservation processes. Moreover, the factors leading to cryo-injuries are complicated, and the cryo-damage mechanism has not been methodically explained until now, which directly influences the quality of frozen–thawed spermatozoa. Currently, the various OMICS technologies in sperm cryo-biology have been conducted, particularly proteomics and transcriptomics studies. It has contributed while exploring the molecular alterations caused by cryopreservation, identification of various freezability markers and specific proteins that could be added to semen diluents before cryopreservation to improve sperm cryo-survival. Therefore, understanding the cryo-injury mechanism of spermatozoa is essential for the optimization of current cryopreservation processes. Recently, the application of newly-emerged proteomics and transcriptomics technologies to study the effects of cryopreservation on sperm is becoming a hotspot. This review detailed an updated overview of OMICS elements involved in sperm cryo-tolerance and freeze-thawed quality. While also detailed a mechanism of sperm cryo-injury and utilizing OMICS technology that assesses the sperm freezability potential biomarkers as well as the accurate classification between the excellent and poor freezer breeding candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrar Muhammad Khan
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zubing Cao
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Adnan Khan
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sajid Ur Rahman
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Animal Products on Biohazards (Shanghai) of Ministry of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad Zahoor Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Beijing Engineering Technology Research Center of Raw Milk Quality and Safety Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agriculture University, Beijing, China
| | - Anucha Sathanawongs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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Seasonal Changes of Nuclear DNA Fragmentation in Boar Spermatozoa in Spain. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020465. [PMID: 33572479 PMCID: PMC7916369 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Artificial insemination is widely used in pig production and currently a boar performs several thousand matings per year. Traditionally sperm quality is focused on the number of spermatozoa, their motility and morphology. However, the quality of sperm DNA, which contains genetic information, is also related to fertility problems. The aim of this research was to study the effect of natural light hours and age of the boar on the status of the sperm DNA. After a powerful statistical analysis, it was found that the percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA decreases within the observed age range as the boar gets older. On the other hand, the amount of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA was the lowest in autumn while it was the highest in summer. This study demonstrates the remaining seasonality of boars in Spain and highlights the importance of controlling the environmental conditions in the farms. Sperm DNA testing provides a basis for improving the selection of AI boars by excluding males with higher DNA fragmentation due to their very young reproductive age that may pose a potential subfertility. Abstract There are numerous cases when conventional spermiogram parameters are all within an acceptable range but boar subfertility persists. The total sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation index (tDFI) is a trait related to fertility and prolificacy problems that is not routinely evaluated in commercial AI boars. The aim of this research was to study the effect of the photoperiod, season and reproductive age of the boar on tDFI (measured by SCSA) of 1279 ejaculates from 372 different boars belonging to 6 different breeds located in 6 AI studs in Spain. tDFI data ranged from 0.018% to 20.1%. Although there was a significant single boar effect in the tDFI occurrence, a negative correlation between the tDFI and the age of the boar was found (p < 0.001). tDFI would decrease due to aging of the boar 0.66% each year old within the observed age range. After including age as a covariate in the ANCOVA, no differences were found in tDFI between photoperiods when the sperm collection date was evaluated. However, when the date of the production of semen in the testis was evaluated, the total percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented nuclear DNA was 1.46% higher in the increasing photoperiod in comparison to the decreasing photoperiod (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, for both dates, the lowest tDFI values corresponded to minimum day length for decreasing photoperiod phase (autumn), while the highest tDFI values were found in summer (maximum day length for decreasing photoperiod phase).
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35
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Gòdia M, Reverter A, González-Prendes R, Ramayo-Caldas Y, Castelló A, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Sánchez A, Clop A. A systems biology framework integrating GWAS and RNA-seq to shed light on the molecular basis of sperm quality in swine. Genet Sel Evol 2020; 52:72. [PMID: 33292187 PMCID: PMC7724732 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-020-00592-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic pressure in animal breeding is sparking the interest of breeders for selecting elite boars with higher sperm quality to optimize ejaculate doses and fertility rates. However, the molecular basis of sperm quality is not yet fully understood. Our aim was to identify candidate genes, pathways and DNA variants associated to sperm quality in swine by analysing 25 sperm-related phenotypes and integrating genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and RNA-seq under a systems biology framework. RESULTS By GWAS, we identified 12 quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated to the percentage of head and neck abnormalities, abnormal acrosomes and motile spermatozoa. Candidate genes included CHD2, KATNAL2, SLC14A2 and ABCA1. By RNA-seq, we identified a wide repertoire of mRNAs (e.g. PRM1, OAZ3, DNAJB8, TPPP2 and TNP1) and miRNAs (e.g. ssc-miR-30d, ssc-miR-34c, ssc-miR-30c-5p, ssc-miR-191, members of the let-7 family and ssc-miR-425-5p) with functions related to sperm biology. We detected 6128 significant correlations (P-value ≤ 0.05) between sperm traits and mRNA abundances. By expression (e)GWAS, we identified three trans-expression QTL involving the genes IQCJ, ACTR2 and HARS. Using the GWAS and RNA-seq data, we built a gene interaction network. We considered that the genes and interactions that were present in both the GWAS and RNA-seq networks had a higher probability of being actually involved in sperm quality and used them to build a robust gene interaction network. In addition, in the final network we included genes with RNA abundances correlated with more than four semen traits and miRNAs interacting with the genes on the network. The final network was enriched for genes involved in gamete generation and development, meiotic cell cycle, DNA repair or embryo implantation. Finally, we designed a panel of 73 SNPs based on the GWAS, eGWAS and final network data, that explains between 5% (for sperm cell concentration) and 36% (for percentage of neck abnormalities) of the phenotypic variance of the sperm traits. CONCLUSIONS By applying a systems biology approach, we identified genes that potentially affect sperm quality and constructed a SNP panel that explains a substantial part of the phenotypic variance for semen quality in our study and that should be tested in other swine populations to evaluate its relevance for the pig breeding sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gòdia
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Antonio Reverter
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, 306 Carmody Rd., St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Rayner González-Prendes
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, 6708PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yuliaxis Ramayo-Caldas
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute for Research and Technology in Food and Agriculture (IRTA), Torre Marimon, 08140, Caldes de Montbui, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Castelló
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Unit of Animal Science, Department of Animal and Food Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan-Enric Rodríguez-Gil
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Armand Sánchez
- Unit of Animal Science, Department of Animal and Food Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Ablondi M, Gòdia M, Rodriguez-Gil JE, Sánchez A, Clop A. Characterisation of sperm piRNAs and their correlation with semen quality traits in swine. Anim Genet 2020; 52:114-120. [PMID: 33226164 DOI: 10.1111/age.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are essential in the transcriptional silencing of transposable elements and warrant genome stability in the mammalian germline. In this study, we have identified piRNAs in porcine sperm using male germline and zygote datasets from human, mice, cow and pig, and evaluated the relation between their abundances and sperm quality traits. In our analysis, we identified 283 382 piRNAs, 1355 of which correlated with P ≤ 0.01 to at least one semen quality trait. Fifty-seven percent of the correlated piRNAs mapped less than 50 kb apart from any other piRNA in the pig genome. Furthermore, piRNA location was significantly enriched near long interspersed nuclear elements. Moreover, some of the significant piRNAs mapped within or close to genes relevant for fertility or spermatogenesis such as CSNK1G2 and PSMF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ablondi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - M Gòdia
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics,, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, 08193, Spain
| | - J E Rodriguez-Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, 08193, Spain
| | - A Sánchez
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics,, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, 08193, Spain.,Departament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, School of Veterinary Sciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, 08193, Spain
| | - A Clop
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics,, CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, 08193, Spain.,Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08003, Spain
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37
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Fraser L, Paukszto Ł, Mańkowska A, Brym P, Gilun P, Jastrzębski JP, Pareek CS, Kumar D, Pierzchała M. Regulatory Potential of Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Boar Spermatozoa with Good and Poor Freezability. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10110300. [PMID: 33233438 PMCID: PMC7700223 DOI: 10.3390/life10110300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are suggested to play an important role in the sperm biological processes. We performed de novo transcriptome assembly to characterize lncRNAs in spermatozoa, and to investigate the role of the potential target genes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in sperm freezability. We detected approximately 4007 DElncRNAs, which were differentially expressed in spermatozoa from boars classified as having good and poor semen freezability (GSF and PSF, respectively). Most of the DElncRNAs were upregulated in boars of the PSF group and appeared to significantly affect the sperm's response to the cryopreservation conditions. Furthermore, we predicted that the potential target genes were regulated by DElncRNAs in cis or trans. It was found that DElncRNAs of both freezability groups had potential cis- and trans-regulatory effects on different protein-coding genes, such as COX7A2L, TXNDC8 and SOX-7. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment revealed that the DElncRNA target genes are associated with numerous biological processes, including signal transduction, response to stress, cell death (apoptosis), motility and embryo development. Significant differences in the de novo assembled transcriptome expression profiles of the DElncRNAs between the freezability groups were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. This study reveals the potential effects of protein-coding genes of DElncRNAs on sperm functions, which could contribute to further research on their relevance in semen freezability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyland Fraser
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Łukasz Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (Ł.P.); (J.P.J.)
| | - Anna Mańkowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Paweł Brym
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Gilun
- Department of Local Physiological Regulations, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Bydgoska 7, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Jan P. Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (Ł.P.); (J.P.J.)
| | - Chandra S. Pareek
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus, University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Dibyendu Kumar
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA;
| | - Mariusz Pierzchała
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland;
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Xu Z, Xie Y, Zhou C, Hu Q, Gu T, Yang J, Zheng E, Huang S, Xu Z, Cai G, Liu D, Wu Z, Hong L. Expression Pattern of Seminal Plasma Extracellular Vesicle Small RNAs in Boar Semen. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:585276. [PMID: 33263017 PMCID: PMC7685987 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.585276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate multiple physiological processes. Seminal plasma contains numerous EVs that may deliver functional molecules such as small RNAs (sRNAs) to the sperm. However, the RNA profiles in the boar seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SP-EVs) and its function have not been characterized. The aim of this study was to characterize the functions and sRNA profiles in the boar SP-EVs using deep sequencing technology. Briefly, boar SP-EVs were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation and confirmed with a transmission electron microscope (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blot. The isolated boar SP-EVs contained numerous and diverse sRNA families, including microRNAs (miRNAs, 9.45% of the total reads), PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs, 15.25% of the total reads), messenger RNA fragments (mRNA, 25.30% of the total reads), and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNA, 0.01% of the total reads). A total of 288 known miRNAs, 37 novel miRNA, and 19,749 piRNAs were identified in boar SP-EVs. The identified ssc-miR-21-5p may confer negative effects on sperm fertility based on a dual-luciferase reporter experiment. This study therefore provides an effective method to isolate SP-EVs and characterizes the sRNA profile.
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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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Hu
- 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 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, China.,Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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Long JA. The ‘omics’ revolution: Use of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic tools to predict male reproductive traits that impact fertility in livestock and poultry. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 220:106354. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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A pilot RNA-seq study in 40 pietrain ejaculates to characterize the porcine sperm microbiome. Theriogenology 2020; 157:525-533. [PMID: 32971422 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The microbiome plays a key role in homeostasis and health and it has been also linked to fertility and semen quality in several animal species including swine. Despite the more than likely importance of sperm bacteria on the boar's reproductive ability and the dissemination of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes, the high throughput characterization of the swine sperm microbiome remains scarce. We carried RNA-seq on 40 ejaculates each from a different Pietrain boar and found that a proportion of the sequencing reads did not map to the Sus scrofa genome. The current study aimed at using these reads not belonging to pig to carry a pilot study to profile the boar sperm bacterial population and its relation with 7 semen quality traits. We found that the boar sperm contains a broad population of bacteria. The most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria (39.1%), Firmicutes (27.5%), Actinobacteria (14.9%) and Bacteroidetes (5.7%). The predominant species contaminated sperm after ejaculation from soil, faeces and water sources (Bacillus megaterium, Brachybacterium faecium, Bacillus coagulans). Some potential pathogens were also found but at relatively low levels (Escherichia coli, Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis). We also identified 3 potential antibiotic resistant genes from E. coli against chloramphenicol, Neisseria meningitidis against spectinomycin and Staphylococcus aureus against linezolid. None of these genes were highly abundant. Finally, we classified the ejaculates into categories according to their bacterial features and semen quality parameters and identified two categories that significantly differed for 5 semen quality traits and 13 bacterial features including the genera Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas and Rhodobacter. Our results show that boar semen contains a bacterial community, including potential pathogens and putative antibiotic resistance genes, and that these bacteria may affect its reproductive performance.
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Padilla L, Lucas X, Parrilla I, Perez-Patiño C, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J, Barranco I. Period of Boar Ejaculate Collection Contributes to the Yearly Intra-Male Variability of Seminal Plasma Cytokines. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9050105. [PMID: 32443675 PMCID: PMC7285058 DOI: 10.3390/biology9050105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations of cytokines in seminal plasma (SP) fluctuate over time in healthy males, weakening their practical usefulness as diagnostic tools. This study evaluated the relevance of intra-male variability in SP cytokines and to what extent the period of the year when ejaculate is collected contributes to such variability. Thirteen cytokines (GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, and TNFα) were measured using the Luminex xMAP® technology for 180 SP samples of ejaculate collected over a year from nine healthy and fertile boars. The SP samples were grouped into two annual periods according to decreasing or increasing daylight and ambient temperature. Intra-male variability was higher than inter-male variability for all cytokines. All SP cytokines showed concentration differences between the two periods of the year, showing the highest concentration during the increasing daylength/temperature period, irrespective of the male. Similarly, some cytokines showed differences between daylength/temperature periods when focusing on their total amount in the ejaculate. No strong relationship (explaining more than 50% of the total variance) was found between annual fluctuations in SP-cytokine levels and semen parameters. In conclusion, the period of the year during which ejaculates were collected helps explain the intra-male variability of SP-cytokine levels in breeding boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Perez-Patiño
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-868-884-735
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
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Gòdia M, Castelló A, Rocco M, Cabrera B, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Balasch S, Lewis C, Sánchez A, Clop A. Identification of circular RNAs in porcine sperm and evaluation of their relation to sperm motility. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7985. [PMID: 32409652 PMCID: PMC7224279 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as a novel class of noncoding RNAs which potential role as gene regulators is quickly gaining interest. circRNAs have been studied in different tissues and cell types across several animal species. However, a thorough characterization of the circRNAome in ejaculated sperm remains unexplored. In this study, we profiled the sperm circRNA catalogue using 40 porcine ejaculates. A complex population of 1,598 circRNAs was shared in at least 30 of the 40 samples. Generally speaking, the predicted circRNAs presented low abundances and were tissue-specific. Around 80% of the circRNAs identified in the boar sperm were reported as novel. Results from abundance correlation between circRNAs and miRNAs together with the prediction of microRNA (miRNA) target sites in circRNAs suggested that circRNAs may act as miRNA sponges. Moreover, we found significant correlations between the abundance of 148 exonic circRNAs and sperm motility parameters. Two of these correlations, involving ssc_circ_1458 and ssc_circ_1321, were confirmed by RT-qPCR using 36 additional samples with extreme and opposite sperm motility values. Our study provides a thorough characterization of circRNAs in sperm and suggests that circRNAs hold potential as noninvasive biomarkers for sperm quality and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gòdia
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Castelló
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Unit of Animal Science, Department of Animal and Food Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martina Rocco
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Betlem Cabrera
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Unit of Animal Science, Department of Animal and Food Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joan Enric Rodríguez-Gil
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sam Balasch
- Grup Gepork S.A., Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Craig Lewis
- PIC Europe, Sant Cugat del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Armand Sánchez
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Unit of Animal Science, Department of Animal and Food Science, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Abstract
With the increasing incidence of male infertility, routine detection of semen is insufficient to accurately assess male fertility. Infertile men, who have lower odds of conceiving naturally, exhibit high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). The mechanisms driving SDF include abnormal spermatogenesis, oxidative stress damage, and abnormal sperm apoptosis. As these factors can induce SDF and subsequent radical changes leading to male infertility, detection of the extent of SDF has become an efficient routine method for semen analysis. Although it is still debated, SDF detection has become a research hotspot in the field of reproductive medicine as a more accurate indicator for assessing sperm quality and male fertility. SDF may be involved in male infertility, reproductive assisted outcomes, and growth and development of offspring. The effective detection methods of SDF are sperm chromatin structure analysis (SCSA), terminal transferase-mediated dUTP end labeling (TUNEL) assay, single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay, and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, and all of these methods are valuable for assisted reproductive techniques. Currently, the preferred method for detecting sperm DNA integrity is SCSA. However, the regulation network of SDF is very complex because the sperm DNA differs from the somatic cell DNA with its unique structure. A multitude of molecular factors, including coding genes, non-coding genes, or methylated DNA, participate in the complex physiological regulation activities associated with SDF. Studying SDF occurrence and the underlying mechanisms may effectively improve its clinical treatments. This review aimed to outline the research status of SDF mechanism and detection technology-related issues, as well as the effect of increased SDF rate, aiming to provide a basis for clinical male infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qiu
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Hua Yang
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Chunyuan Li
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Changlong Xu
- The Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
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Ing NH, Konganti K, Ghaffari N, Johnson CD, Forrest DW, Love CC, Varner DD. Identification and quantification of coding and long non-coding RNAs in stallion spermatozoa separated by density. Andrology 2020; 8:1409-1418. [PMID: 32243084 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not unusual for stallions to have fertility problems. For many, artificial insemination with more dense spermatozoa (isolated by density gradient centrifugation) results in greater pregnancy rates compared with the rates when using unfractionated spermatozoa. RNAs in spermatozoa delivered to the oocyte at conception are required for embryo development. Novel molecular assays of spermatozoa that reflect function are needed to predict the fertility of stallions. OBJECTIVES To describe and compare the RNA populations in more dense and less dense spermatozoa from stallions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Spermatozoa from five stallions were separated into more dense and less dense populations by density gradient centrifugation. Complementary DNA libraries were made from each of the ten total RNA samples after ribosomal RNA removal. Next-generation sequencing characterized the RNA populations in more and less dense spermatozoa. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was used to confirm differential expression of selected RNAs. RESULTS Stallion spermatozoa contain 11 215 RNAs, with the most prevalent RNA being a 1492 base long non-coding RNA. The levels of 159 RNAs were greater in more dense spermatozoa, while levels of seven other RNAs were greater in less dense spermatozoa. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR confirmed the threefold greater levels of solute carrier family 26 member 8 (SLC26A8) mRNA in less dense spermatozoa, and sixfold and threefold greater expression levels of the SCP2 sterol binding domain containing 1 (SCP2D1) and spermatogenesis-associated protein 31D1 (SPATA31D1) mRNAs in more dense spermatozoa, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We identified 11 215 RNAs in stallion spermatozoa and 166 with differential expression between more dense and less dense fractions. Many prevalent RNAs were also found in bull, boar, and human spermatozoa. Many differentially expressed RNAs are known to be testis- or spermatozoa-specific. Our results may lead to identification of an RNA population in spermatozoa that is optimal for establishing successful pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy H Ing
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kranti Konganti
- Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Noushin Ghaffari
- AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.,Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, USA
| | - Charles D Johnson
- AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David W Forrest
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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45
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Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Martinez C, Wright D, Barranco I, Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H. The Transcriptome of Pig Spermatozoa, and Its Role in Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051572. [PMID: 32106598 PMCID: PMC7084236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the study presented here we identified transcriptomic markers for fertility in the cargo of pig ejaculated spermatozoa using porcine-specific micro-arrays (GeneChip® miRNA 4.0 and GeneChip® Porcine Gene 1.0 ST). We report (i) the relative abundance of the ssc-miR-1285, miR-16, miR-4332, miR-92a, miR-671-5p, miR-4334-5p, miR-425-5p, miR-191, miR-92b-5p and miR-15b miRNAs, and (ii) the presence of 347 up-regulated and 174 down-regulated RNA transcripts in high-fertility breeding boars, based on differences of farrowing rate (FS) and litter size (LS), relative to low-fertility boars in the (Artificial Insemination) AI program. An overrepresentation analysis of the protein class (PANTHER) identified significant fold-increases for C-C chemokine binding (GO:0019957): CCR7, which activates B- and T-lymphocytes, 8-fold increase), XCR1 and CXCR4 (with ubiquitin as a natural ligand, 1.24-fold increase), cytokine receptor activity (GO:0005126): IL23R receptor of the IL23 protein, associated to JAK2 and STAT3, 3.4-fold increase), the TGF-receptor (PC00035) genes ACVR1C and ACVR2B (12-fold increase). Moreover, two micro-RNAs (miR-221 and mir-621) were down- and up-regulated, respectively, in high-fertility males. In conclusion, boars with different fertility performance possess a wide variety of differentially expressed RNA present in spermatozoa that would be attractive targets as non-invasive molecular markers for predicting fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; (C.M.); (H.R.-M.)
- Correspondence: e-mail: ; Phone: +46-(0)729427883
| | - Cristina Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; (C.M.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Dominic Wright
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International 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; (C.M.); (H.R.-M.)
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46
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Fraser L, Brym P, Pareek CS, Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M, Paukszto Ł, Jastrzębski JP, Wasilewska-Sakowska K, Mańkowska A, Sobiech P, Żukowski K. Transcriptome analysis of boar spermatozoa with different freezability using RNA-Seq. Theriogenology 2019; 142:400-413. [PMID: 31711689 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Semen freezability is associated with genetic markers, and there is a diverse set of sperm transcripts that have been attributed to various cellular functions. RNA-Seq was performed to compare the transcript profiles of spermatozoa from boars with different semen freezability. We examined ejaculates from the Polish large white (PLW) boars that were classified as having good and poor semen freezability (GSF and PSF, respectively; n = 3 boars per group) by assessing post-thaw motility characteristics, mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity. Total RNA was isolated from fresh spermatozoa from boars of the GSF and PSF groups and subjected to RNA-Seq (Illumina NextSeq 500 platform). Transcript abundance was assessed with the DESeq2, DESeq, and EdgeR Bioconductor R packages, and varying numbers of differentially expressed gene (DEG) transcripts were detected in the spermatozoa of each boar. Using RNA-Seq, we identified several genes associated with inflammation and apoptosis (FOS, NFATC3, ITGAL, EAF2 and ZDHHC14), spermatogenesis (FGF-14 and BAMBI), autophagy (RAB33B), protein phosphorylation (PTPRU and PTPN2) and energy metabolism (ND6 and ACADM) that were predominantly up-regulated in poor freezability ejaculates. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validated the transcript expression levels detected by RNA-Seq and thus confirmed the reliability of this technique. Subsequent validation with western blotting showed that the expression of three proteins was in accordance with the transcript abundance. Overall, we demonstrated that the up-regulation of the DEG transcripts in spermatozoa was associated with poor semen freezability. We suggest that spermatozoa transcriptome profiling provides a foundation to further elucidate the relevance of sperm-related transcripts on cryo-survival. The sperm-related transcripts, namely FOS, NFATC3, EAF2, BAMBI, PTPRU, PTPN2, ND6 and ACADM, are potential markers for predicting the freezability of boar semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fraser
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - P Brym
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - C S Pareek
- Centre of Veterinary Sciences, Inter-University Centre of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100, Torun, Poland
| | - M Mogielnicka-Brzozowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ł Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University in Olsztyn of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - J P Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University in Olsztyn of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - K Wasilewska-Sakowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - A Mańkowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - P Sobiech
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Internal Disease Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - K Żukowski
- Department of Cattle Breeding, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083, Balice, Poland
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47
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Menezes ESB, Badial PR, El Debaky H, Husna AU, Ugur MR, Kaya A, Topper E, Bulla C, Grant KE, Bolden-Tiller O, Moura AA, Memili E. Sperm miR-15a and miR-29b are associated with bull fertility. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13412. [PMID: 31671225 DOI: 10.1111/and.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs modulate male fertility by regulating gene expression. In this study, dynamics of sperm miR-15a, miR-29b and miR-34a from high fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF) bulls using RT-qPCR were evaluated. Bioinformatic tools were employed to ascertain genes of interest of the sperm miRNAs. The expression levels of p53, BCL2, BAX and DNMT1 in bull spermatozoa were determined by immunoblotting. MicroRNA levels of miR-15a and miR-29 were higher in LF sires when compared with those present in HF bulls. Expression levels of miR-34a did not differ between the two groups. We found an inverse correlation between miR-15a and bull fertility. MiR29-b was also negatively associated with fertility scores. BCL2 and DNMT1 were higher in HF bulls while BAX was higher in the LF group. Our data showed a positive correlation between BCL2 and bull fertility. In addition, DNMT1 was positively associated with bull fertility. Furthermore, levels of BAX were negatively linked with bull fertility scores. Identification of miRNAs found in the spermatozoa of sires with different in vivo fertility helps understand the alterations in the fertilising capacity from cattle and other mammals. These potential biomarkers can be used in reproductive biotechnology as fertility markers to assess semen quality and predict male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika S B Menezes
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Peres Ramos Badial
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Hazem El Debaky
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.,National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asma Ul Husna
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.,Department of Zoology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammet Rasit Ugur
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Abdullah Kaya
- URUS Group LP, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Camilo Bulla
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Kamilah E Grant
- Center for Biotechnology and Department of Agriculture School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS, USA
| | - Olga Bolden-Tiller
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, USA
| | - Arlindo A Moura
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Erdoğan Memili
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
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