1
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Rashad DEM, Ibrahim S, El-Sokary MMM, Mahmoud KGM, Kandiel MMM, Abou El-Roos MEA, Sosa GAM. Region-specific gene expression profile in the epididymis of high- and low-fertile dromedary camels. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14678. [PMID: 39031030 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14678] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
The scenario of the fertile spermatozoa with high fertilizing capability is basically dependent on gene expression-based epididymal function. The current investigation aimed to declare the varied expression of different candidate genes (PLA2G4D, LCN15, CLUAP1, SPP1, AQP12B, DEFB110 and ESR1) relevant to spermatozoa features between the different epididymal segments in the mature dromedary camels (n = 30). Scrotal contents were collected post-slaughtering, during the breeding season and the epididymis was separated from the testicles and divided into three segments (caput, corpus and cauda) based on its morphology and anatomical characteristics. Epididymal spermatozoa were harvested from each epididymal portion and evaluated for motility, count, viability and morphology. Samples were grouped depending on their epididymal sperm cells features into high-fertile (n = 15) and low-fertile (n = 15) groups. The gene expression of the candidate genes was defined in the isolated RNA from each epididymal portion tissue. The segmental sperm motion and count were significantly (p < .05 and p < .01) higher in the three epididymal parts of high-fertile camels than the lower ones. There were some candidate genes markedly up-regulated in its expression in epididymal head of high-fertile camels (PLA2G4D and LCN15) and low fertile (CLUAP1), while others in the body region of the high-fertile group (SPP1, AQP12B and DEFB110). Nevertheless, ER1 did not differ in the expression among the epididymal segments. In conclusion, the variant expression patterns of these epididymal genes in relation to the regional spermatozoa features might suggest important roles of these genes in sperm maturation process in the epididymis and focusing more interest on their potential utility as markers for male camel fertility prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina E M Rashad
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Sally Ibrahim
- Animal Reproduction and Artificial Insemination Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M M El-Sokary
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Karima Gh M Mahmoud
- Animal Reproduction and Artificial Insemination Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M M Kandiel
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | | | - Gamal A M Sosa
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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2
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Nagel M, Niestroj M, Bansal R, Fleck D, Lampert A, Stopkova R, Stopka P, Ben-Shaul Y, Spehr M. Deciphering the chemical language of inbred and wild mouse conspecific scents. eLife 2024; 12:RP90529. [PMID: 38747258 PMCID: PMC11095937 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90529] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In most mammals, conspecific chemosensory communication relies on semiochemical release within complex bodily secretions and subsequent stimulus detection by the vomeronasal organ (VNO). Urine, a rich source of ethologically relevant chemosignals, conveys detailed information about sex, social hierarchy, health, and reproductive state, which becomes accessible to a conspecific via vomeronasal sampling. So far, however, numerous aspects of social chemosignaling along the vomeronasal pathway remain unclear. Moreover, since virtually all research on vomeronasal physiology is based on secretions derived from inbred laboratory mice, it remains uncertain whether such stimuli provide a true representation of potentially more relevant cues found in the wild. Here, we combine a robust low-noise VNO activity assay with comparative molecular profiling of sex- and strain-specific mouse urine samples from two inbred laboratory strains as well as from wild mice. With comprehensive molecular portraits of these secretions, VNO activity analysis now enables us to (i) assess whether and, if so, how much sex/strain-selective 'raw' chemical information in urine is accessible via vomeronasal sampling; (ii) identify which chemicals exhibit sufficient discriminatory power to signal an animal's sex, strain, or both; (iii) determine the extent to which wild mouse secretions are unique; and (iv) analyze whether vomeronasal response profiles differ between strains. We report both sex- and, in particular, strain-selective VNO representations of chemical information. Within the urinary 'secretome', both volatile compounds and proteins exhibit sufficient discriminative power to provide sex- and strain-specific molecular fingerprints. While total protein amount is substantially enriched in male urine, females secrete a larger variety at overall comparatively low concentrations. Surprisingly, the molecular spectrum of wild mouse urine does not dramatically exceed that of inbred strains. Finally, vomeronasal response profiles differ between C57BL/6 and BALB/c animals, with particularly disparate representations of female semiochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Nagel
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Marco Niestroj
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Rohini Bansal
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - David Fleck
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses – MultiScales, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Romana Stopkova
- BIOCEV group, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Pavel Stopka
- BIOCEV group, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Yoram Ben-Shaul
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Marc Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses – MultiScales, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
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3
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Chandrasekaran P, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Structure, Functions, and Implications of Selected Lipocalins in Human Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4290. [PMID: 38673873 PMCID: PMC11050150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084290] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The lipocalin proteins are a large family of small extracellular proteins that demonstrate significant heterogeneity in sequence similarity and have highly conserved crystal structures. They have a variety of functions, including acting as carrier proteins, transporting retinol, participating in olfaction, and synthesizing prostaglandins. Importantly, they also play a critical role in human diseases, including cancer. Additionally, they are involved in regulating cellular homeostasis and immune response and dispensing various compounds. This comprehensive review provides information on the lipocalin family, including their structure, functions, and implications in various diseases. It focuses on selective important human lipocalin proteins, such as lipocalin 2 (LCN2), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS), and α1-microglobulin (A1M).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany;
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4
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Sulatskaya AI, Stepanenko OV, Sulatsky MI, Mikhailova EV, Kuznetsova IM, Turoverov KK, Stepanenko OV. Structural determinants of odorant-binding proteins affecting their ability to form amyloid fibrils. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130699. [PMID: 38460650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130699] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The formation of amyloid fibrils is associated with many severe pathologies as well as the execution of essential physiological functions by proteins. Despite the diversity, all amyloids share a similar morphology and consist of stacked β-strands, suggesting high amyloidogenicity of native proteins enriched with β-structure. Such proteins include those with a β-barrel-like structure with β-strands arranged into a cylindrical β-sheet. However, the mechanisms responsible for destabilization of the native state and triggering fibrillogenesis have not thoroughly explored yet. Here we analyze the structural determinants of fibrillogenesis in proteins with β-barrel structures on the example of odorant-binding protein (OBP), whose amyloidogenicity was recently demonstrated in vitro. We reveal a crucial role in the fibrillogenesis of OBPs for the "open" conformation of the molecule. This conformation is achieved by disrupting the interaction between the β-barrel and the C-terminus of protein monomers or dimers, which exposes "sticky" amyloidogenic sites for interaction. The data suggest that the "open" conformation of OBPs can be induced by destabilizing the native β-barrel structure through the disruption of: 1) intramolecular disulfide cross-linking and non-covalent contacts between the C-terminal fragment and β-barrel in the protein's monomeric form, or 2) intermolecular contacts involved in domain swapping in the protein's dimeric form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I Sulatskaya
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Olga V Stepanenko
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Maksim I Sulatsky
- Laboratory of Cell Morphology, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina V Mikhailova
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Irina M Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Konstantin K Turoverov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Olesya V Stepanenko
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Tikhoretsky ave., 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
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5
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Coombes HA, Prescott MC, Stockley P, Beynon RJ, Hurst JL. The role of male scent in female attraction in the bank vole, Myodes glareolus. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4812. [PMID: 38413659 PMCID: PMC10899570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55235-x] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical signals are frequently utilised by male mammals for intersexual communication and females are often attracted to male scent. However, the mechanism underlying female attraction has only been identified in a small number of mammalian species. Mammalian scents contain airborne volatiles, that are detected by receivers at a distance from the scent source, as well as non-volatile molecules, such as proteins, that require physical contact for detection. Lipocalin proteins, produced within the scent secretions of many terrestrial mammals, are thought to be particularly important in chemical signalling. Here, we explore if the male-specific protein, glareosin, expressed by adult male bank voles, Myodes glareolus, stimulates female attraction to male scent. We show that female bank voles are more attracted to male compared to female scent, supporting the results of previous studies. Increased investigation and attraction to male scent occurred to both airborne volatiles and non-volatile proteins when they were presented separately. However, we found no evidence that attraction to male scent was driven by glareosin. Our results differ from those previously described in house mice, where a single protein induces female attraction to male scent, suggesting the mechanism underlying female attraction to male scent differs between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Coombes
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Mark C Prescott
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paula Stockley
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robert J Beynon
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jane L Hurst
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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6
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Ekim Kocabey A, Schneiter R. Human lipocalins bind and export fatty acids through the secretory pathway of yeast cells. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1309024. [PMID: 38328584 PMCID: PMC10849133 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1309024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The activation of fatty acids to their acyl-CoA derivatives is a crucial step for their integration into more complex lipids or their degradation via beta-oxidation. Yeast cells employ five distinct acyl-CoA synthases to facilitate this ATP-dependent activation of acyl chains. Notably, mutant cells that are deficient in two of these fatty acid-activating (FAA) enzymes, namely, Faa1 and Faa4, do not take up free fatty acids but rather export them out of the cell. This unique fatty acid export pathway depends on small, secreted pathogenesis-related yeast proteins (Pry). In this study, we investigate whether the expression of human fatty acid-binding proteins, including Albumin, fatty acid-binding protein 4 (Fabp4), and three distinct lipocalins (ApoD, Lcn1, and Obp2a), could promote fatty acid secretion in yeast. To optimize the expression and secretion of these proteins, we systematically examined various signal sequences in both low-copy and high-copy number plasmids. Our findings reveal that directing these fatty-acid binding proteins into the secretory pathway effectively promotes fatty acid secretion from a sensitized quadruple mutant model strain (faa1∆ faa4∆ pry1∆ pry3∆). Furthermore, the level of fatty acid secretion exhibited a positive correlation with the efficiency of protein secretion. Importantly, the expression of all human lipid-binding proteins rescued Pry-dependent fatty acid secretion, resulting in the secretion of both long-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. These results not only affirm the in vitro binding capabilities of lipocalins to fatty acids but also present a novel avenue for enhancing the secretion of valuable lipidic compounds. Given the growing interest in utilizing yeast as a cellular factory for producing poorly soluble compounds and the potential of lipocalins as platforms for engineering substrate-binding specificity, our model is considered as a powerful tool for promoting the secretion of high-value lipid-based molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roger Schneiter
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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7
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Macholán M, Daniszová K, Hiadlovská Z. The Expansion of House Mouse Major Urinary Protein Genes Likely Did Not Facilitate Commensalism with Humans. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2090. [PMID: 38003032 PMCID: PMC10671799 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse wild-derived strains (WDSs) combine the advantages of classical laboratory stocks and wild animals, and thus appear to be promising tools for diverse biomedical and evolutionary studies. We employed 18 WDSs representing three non-synanthropic species (Mus spretus, Mus spicilegus, and M. macedonicus) and three house mouse subspecies (Mus musculus musculus, M. m. domesticus, M. m. castaneus), which are all important human commensals to explore whether the number of major urinary protein (MUP) genes and their final protein levels in urine are correlated with the level of commensalism. Contrary to expectations, the MUP copy number (CN) and protein excretion in the strains derived from M. m. castaneus, which is supposed to be the strongest commensal, were not significantly different from the non-commensal species. Regardless of an overall tendency for higher MUP amounts in taxa with a higher CN, there was no significant correlation at the strain level. Our study thus suggests that expansion of the Mup cluster, which appeared before the house mouse diversification, is unlikely to facilitate commensalism with humans in three house mouse subspecies. Finally, we found considerable variation among con(sub)specific WDSs, warning against generalisations of results based on a few strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Macholán
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Daniszová
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Hiadlovská
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Laboratory of Mammalian Evolutionary Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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8
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Bond DM, Ortega-Recalde O, Laird MK, Hayakawa T, Richardson KS, Reese FCB, Kyle B, McIsaac-Williams BE, Robertson BC, van Heezik Y, Adams AL, Chang WS, Haase B, Mountcastle J, Driller M, Collins J, Howe K, Go Y, Thibaud-Nissen F, Lister NC, Waters PD, Fedrigo O, Jarvis ED, Gemmell NJ, Alexander A, Hore TA. The admixed brushtail possum genome reveals invasion history in New Zealand and novel imprinted genes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6364. [PMID: 37848431 PMCID: PMC10582058 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41784-8] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Combining genome assembly with population and functional genomics can provide valuable insights to development and evolution, as well as tools for species management. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), a model marsupial threatened in parts of their native range in Australia, but also a major introduced pest in New Zealand. Functional genomics reveals post-natal activation of chemosensory and metabolic genes, reflecting unique adaptations to altricial birth and delayed weaning, a hallmark of marsupial development. Nuclear and mitochondrial analyses trace New Zealand possums to distinct Australian subspecies, which have subsequently hybridised. This admixture allowed phasing of parental alleles genome-wide, ultimately revealing at least four genes with imprinted, parent-specific expression not yet detected in other species (MLH1, EPM2AIP1, UBP1 and GPX7). We find that reprogramming of possum germline imprints, and the wider epigenome, is similar to eutherian mammals except onset occurs after birth. Together, this work is useful for genetic-based control and conservation of possums, and contributes to understanding of the evolution of novel mammalian epigenetic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Bond
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Melanie K Laird
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Takashi Hayakawa
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0808, Japan
| | - Kyle S Richardson
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Biology Department, University of Montana Western, Dillon, MT, 59725, USA
| | - Finlay C B Reese
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Bruce Kyle
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Amy L Adams
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Wei-Shan Chang
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Health and Biosecurity, CSIRO, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Bettina Haase
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Joanna Collins
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kerstin Howe
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yasuhiro Go
- Graduate School of Information Science, Hyogo University, Hyogo, Japan
- Cognitive Genomics Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Aichi, Japan
- Department of System Neuroscience, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Francoise Thibaud-Nissen
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas C Lister
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Paul D Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Olivier Fedrigo
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erich D Jarvis
- Vertebrate Genome Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, USA
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Alana Alexander
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Timothy A Hore
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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9
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Stopková R, Matějková T, Dodoková A, Talacko P, Zacek P, Sedlacek R, Piálek J, Stopka P. Variation in mouse chemical signals is genetically controlled and environmentally modulated. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8573. [PMID: 37237091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35450-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals and particularly in mice, chemical communication relies on the detection of ethologically relevant fitness-related cues from other individuals. In mice, urine is the primary source of these signals, so we employed proteomics and metabolomics to identify key components of chemical signalling. We show that there is a correspondence between urinary volatiles and proteins in the representation of genetic background, sex and environment in two house mouse subspecies Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus. We found that environment has a strong influence upon proteomic and metabolomic variation and that volatile mixtures better represent males while females have surprisingly more sex-biased proteins. Using machine learning and combined-omics techniques, we identified mixtures of metabolites and proteins that are associated with biological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Matějková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alica Dodoková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Talacko
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Zacek
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Czech Centre for Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Piálek
- Research Facility Studenec, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic.
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10
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Delcroix V, Mauduit O, Lee HS, Ivanova A, Umazume T, Knox SM, de Paiva CS, Dartt DA, Makarenkova HP. The First Transcriptomic Atlas of the Adult Lacrimal Gland Reveals Epithelial Complexity and Identifies Novel Progenitor Cells in Mice. Cells 2023; 12:1435. [PMID: 37408269 PMCID: PMC10216974 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The lacrimal gland (LG) secretes aqueous tears. Previous studies have provided insights into the cell lineage relationships during tissue morphogenesis. However, little is known about the cell types composing the adult LG and their progenitors. Using scRNAseq, we established the first comprehensive cell atlas of the adult mouse LG to investigate the cell hierarchy, its secretory repertoire, and the sex differences. Our analysis uncovered the complexity of the stromal landscape. Epithelium subclustering revealed myoepithelial cells, acinar subsets, and two novel acinar subpopulations: Tfrchi and Car6hi cells. The ductal compartment contained Wfdc2+ multilayered ducts and an Ltf+ cluster formed by luminal and intercalated duct cells. Kit+ progenitors were identified as: Krt14+ basal ductal cells, Aldh1a1+ cells of Ltf+ ducts, and Sox10+ cells of the Car6hi acinar and Ltf+ epithelial clusters. Lineage tracing experiments revealed that the Sox10+ adult populations contribute to the myoepithelial, acinar, and ductal lineages. Using scRNAseq data, we found that the postnatally developing LG epithelium harbored key features of putative adult progenitors. Finally, we showed that acinar cells produce most of the sex-biased lipocalins and secretoglobins detected in mouse tears. Our study provides a wealth of new data on LG maintenance and identifies the cellular origin of sex-biased tear components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Delcroix
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.D.); (H.S.L.); (A.I.); (T.U.)
| | - Olivier Mauduit
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.D.); (H.S.L.); (A.I.); (T.U.)
| | - Hyun Soo Lee
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.D.); (H.S.L.); (A.I.); (T.U.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Anastasiia Ivanova
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.D.); (H.S.L.); (A.I.); (T.U.)
| | - Takeshi Umazume
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.D.); (H.S.L.); (A.I.); (T.U.)
| | - Sarah M. Knox
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Cintia S. de Paiva
- The Ocular Surface Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Darlene A. Dartt
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Helen P. Makarenkova
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (V.D.); (H.S.L.); (A.I.); (T.U.)
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11
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Min J, Foo ACY, Gabel SA, Perera L, DeRose EF, Pomés A, Pedersen LC, Mueller GA. Structural and ligand binding analysis of the pet allergens Can f 1 and Fel d 7. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2023; 4:1133412. [PMID: 36960093 PMCID: PMC10028261 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1133412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pet lipocalins are respiratory allergens with a central hydrophobic ligand-binding cavity called a calyx. Molecules carried in the calyx by allergens are suggested to influence allergenicity, but little is known about the native ligands. Methods To provide more information on prospective ligands, we report crystal structures, NMR, molecular dynamics, and florescence studies of a dog lipocalin allergen Can f 1 and its closely related (and cross-reactive) cat allergen Fel d 7. Results Structural comparisons with reported lipocalins revealed that Can f 1 and Fel d 7 calyxes are open and positively charged while other dog lipocalin allergens are closed and negatively charged. We screened fatty acids as surrogate ligands, and found that Can f 1 and Fel d 7 bind multiple ligands with preferences for palmitic acid (16:0) among saturated fatty acids and oleic acid (18:1 cis-9) among unsaturated ones. NMR analysis of methyl probes reveals that conformational changes occur upon binding of pinolenic acid inside the calyx. Molecular dynamics simulation shows that the carboxylic group of fatty acids shuttles between two positively charged amino acids inside the Can f 1 and Fel d 7 calyx. Consistent with simulations, the stoichiometry of oleic acid-binding is 2:1 (fatty acid: protein) for Can f 1 and Fel d 7. Discussion The results provide valuable insights into the determinants of selectivity and candidate ligands for pet lipocalin allergens Can f 1 and Fel d 7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungki Min
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Alexander C. Y. Foo
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Scott A. Gabel
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Lalith Perera
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Eugene F. DeRose
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Anna Pomés
- Basic Research, InBio, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Lars C. Pedersen
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Geoffrey A. Mueller
- Genome Integrity and Structural Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, United States
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12
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Otčenášková T, Macíčková E, Vondráková J, Frolíková M, Komrskova K, Stopková R, Stopka P. Proteomic analysis of the mouse sperm acrosome - towards an understanding of an organelle with diverse functionality. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151296. [PMID: 36805822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The acrosome located within the mammalian sperm head is essential for successful fertilization, as it enables the sperm to penetrate the extracellular layers of the oocyte and fuse with oolemma. However, the mammalian acrosomal vesicle is no longer considered to contain only hydrolytic enzymes. Using label-free nano-scale liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS) proteomics, we identified a total of 885 proteins in the acrosome isolated from spermatozoa obtained from cauda epididymis of free-living house mice Mus musculus musculus contains a total of 885 proteins. Among these, 334 proteins were significantly enriched in the acrosome thus representing 27.3% of the whole proteome of the intact sperm. Importantly, we have detected a total of nine calycins while eight of them belong to the lipocalin protein family. In mice, lipocalins are involved in multi-level chemical communication between individuals including pheromone transport and odor perception. Using an indirect immunofluorescence assay, we demonstrated that lipocalin 5 (LCN5) is expressed in the mouse germ cells, and after completing spermatogenesis, it remains localized in the sperm acrosome until the last step of the extratesticular maturation, the acrosome reaction. The presence of lipocalins in the acrosome and acrosome-reacted sperm suggests their original role as chelators of organic and potentially toxic compounds resulting from ongoing spermiogenesis. Along with this evidence, detected mitochondrial (e.g., a subunit of the cytochrome c oxidase MTCO1) and proteasomal proteins (subunits of both 20 S core proteasome [PSMA2, PSMBs] and 19 S regulatory particle [PSMDs]) in acrosomes provide further evidence that acrosomes could also function as `waste baskets` after testicular sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Otčenášková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Eliška Macíčková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Vondráková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Michaela Frolíková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
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13
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Sperm morphology and performance in relation to postmating prezygotic isolation in two recently diverged passerine species. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22275. [PMID: 36566302 PMCID: PMC9789955 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26101-5] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Divergence in sperm phenotype and female reproductive environment may be a common source of postmating prezygotic (PMPZ) isolation between species. However, compared to other reproductive barriers it has received much less attention. In this study, we examined sperm morphology and velocity in two hybridizing passerine species, the common nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) and thrush nightingale (L. luscinia). In addition, we for the first time characterized a passerine female reproductive tract fluid proteome. We demonstrate that spermatozoa of the common nightingale have significantly longer and wider midpiece (proximal part of the flagellum containing mitochondria) and longer tail compared to spermatozoa of thrush nightingale. On the other hand, they have significantly shorter and narrower acrosome. Importantly, these differences did not have any effect on sperm velocity. Furthermore, the fluid from the reproductive tract of common nightingale females did not differentially affect velocity of conspecific and heterospecific sperm. Our results indicate that the observed changes in the flagellum and acrosome size are unlikely to contribute to PMPZ isolation through differential sperm velocity of conspecific and heterospecific sperm in the female reproductive tract. However, they could affect other postcopulatory processes, which might be involved in PMPZ isolation, such as sperm storage, longevity or sperm-egg interaction.
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14
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Ligand Binding Properties of Odorant-Binding Protein OBP5 from Mus musculus. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010002. [PMID: 36671695 PMCID: PMC9855133 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are abundant soluble proteins secreted in the nasal mucus of a variety of species that are believed to be involved in the transport of odorants toward olfactory receptors. In this study, we report the functional characterization of mouse OBP5 (mOBP5). mOBP5 was recombinantly expressed as a hexahistidine-tagged protein in bacteria and purified using metal affinity chromatography. The oligomeric state and secondary structure composition of mOBP5 were investigated using gel filtration and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Fluorescent experiments revealed that mOBP5 interacts with the fluorescent probe N-phenyl naphthylamine (NPN) with micromolar affinity. Competitive binding experiments with 40 odorants indicated that mOBP5 binds a restricted number of odorants with good affinity. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) confirmed that mOBP5 binds these compounds with association constants in the low micromolar range. Finally, protein homology modeling and molecular docking analysis indicated the amino acid residues of mOBP5 that determine its binding properties.
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15
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Adjei M, Yan Y, Li C, Pan C, Pan M, Wang P, Li K, Shahzad K, Chen X, Zhao W. Comparative transcriptome analysis in the caput segment of yak and cattleyak epididymis. Theriogenology 2022; 195:217-228. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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16
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Janssen-Weets B, Kerff F, Swiontek K, Kler S, Czolk R, Revets D, Kuehn A, Bindslev-Jensen C, Ollert M, Hilger C. Mammalian derived lipocalin and secretoglobin respiratory allergens strongly bind ligands with potentially immune modulating properties. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:958711. [PMID: 35991307 PMCID: PMC9385959 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.958711] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergens from furry animals frequently cause sensitization and respiratory allergic diseases. Most relevant mammalian respiratory allergens belong either to the protein family of lipocalins or secretoglobins. Their mechanism of sensitization remains largely unresolved. Mammalian lipocalin and secretoglobin allergens are associated with a function in chemical communication that involves abundant secretion into the environment, high stability and the ability to transport small volatile compounds. These properties are likely to contribute concomitantly to their allergenic potential. In this study, we aim to further elucidate the physiological function of lipocalin and secretoglobin allergens and link it to their sensitizing capacity, by analyzing their ligand-binding characteristics. We produced eight major mammalian respiratory allergens from four pet species in E.coli and compared their ligand-binding affinities to forty-nine ligands of different chemical classes by using a fluorescence-quenching assay. Furthermore, we solved the crystal-structure of the major guinea pig allergen Cav p 1, a typical lipocalin. Recombinant lipocalin and secretoglobin allergens are of high thermal stability with melting temperatures ranging from 65 to 90°C and strongly bind ligands with dissociation constants in the low micromolar range, particularly fatty acids, fatty alcohols and the terpene alcohol farnesol, that are associated with potential semiochemical and/or immune-modulating functions. Through the systematic screening of respiratory mammalian lipocalin and secretoglobin allergens with a large panel of potential ligands, we observed that total amino acid composition, as well as cavity shape and volume direct affinities to ligands of different chemical classes. Therefore, we were able to categorize lipocalin allergens over their ligand-binding profile into three sub-groups of a lipocalin clade that is associated with functions in chemical communication, thus strengthening the function of major mammalian respiratory allergens as semiochemical carriers. The promiscuous binding capability of hydrophobic ligands from environmental sources warrants further investigation regarding their impact on a molecule's allergenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Janssen-Weets
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Frédéric Kerff
- Laboratory of Crystallography, Center for Protein Engineering-InBioS, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Kyra Swiontek
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Stéphanie Kler
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Rebecca Czolk
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Dominique Revets
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Annette Kuehn
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Carsten Bindslev-Jensen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Markus Ollert
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christiane Hilger
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- *Correspondence: Christiane Hilger
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17
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Lang X, Adjei M, Wang C, Chen X, Li C, Wang P, Pan M, Li K, Shahzad K, Zhao W. RNA-Seq reveals the functional specificity of epididymal caput, corpus, and cauda genes of cattleyak. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13732. [PMID: 35543176 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The first filial generation of the cattleyaks demonstrates hybrid vigor; however, the male cattleyaks are infertile and restrict productivity and breeding. The discovery of genes in a segment-specific approach offers valuable information and understanding concerning fertility status, yet the biology of cattleyak epididymis is still progressing. Comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on segment pairs of cattleyak epididymis. The caput versus corpus epididymis provided the highest (57.8%) differentially expressed genes (DEGs), corpus versus cauda (25.1%) followed, whereas caput versus cauda pair (17.1%) had the least DEGs. The expression levels of genes coding EPHB6, TLR1, MUC20, MT3, INHBB, TRPV5, EI24, PAOX, KIF12, DEPDC5, and KRT25, which might have the potentials to regulate the homeostasis, innate immunity, differentiation, motility, transport, and sperm maturation-related function in epididymal cells, were downregulated in the distal segment of epididymis. Top enriched KEGG pathways included mTOR, axon guidance, and taste transduction signaling pathways. EIF4B, EPHB6, and TAS2R42 were enriched in the pathways, respectively. Identifying key, new, and unexplored DEGs among the epididymal segments and further analyzing them could boost cattleyak fertility by maximizing sperm quality from genetically better sires and also facilitate better understanding of the epididymal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Lang
- Institute of Animal & Pasture Science and Green Agricultural, Key laboratory for sheep, goat and cattle germplasm and straw feed in Gansu Province, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Michael Adjei
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Cailian Wang
- Institute of Animal & Pasture Science and Green Agricultural, Key laboratory for sheep, goat and cattle germplasm and straw feed in Gansu Province, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, China
| | - Chunhai Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Meilan Pan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Kerui Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Khuram Shahzad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
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18
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Penn DJ, Zala SM, Luzynski KC. Regulation of Sexually Dimorphic Expression of Major Urinary Proteins. Front Physiol 2022; 13:822073. [PMID: 35431992 PMCID: PMC9008510 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.822073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Male house mice excrete large amounts of protein in their urinary scent marks, mainly composed of Major Urinary Proteins (MUPs), and these lipocalins function as pheromones and pheromone carriers. Here, we review studies on sexually dimorphic MUP expression in house mice, including the proximate mechanisms controlling MUP gene expression and their adaptive functions. Males excrete 2 to 8 times more urinary protein than females, though there is enormous variation in gene expression across loci in both sexes. MUP expression is dynamically regulated depending upon a variety of factors. Males regulate MUP expression according to social status, whereas females do not, and males regulate expression depending upon health and condition. Male-biased MUP expression is regulated by pituitary secretion of growth hormone (GH), which binds receptors in the liver, activating the JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathway, chromatin accessibility, and MUP gene transcription. Pulsatile male GH secretion is feminized by several factors, including caloric restriction, microbiota depletion, and aging, which helps explain condition-dependent MUP expression. If MUP production has sex-specific fitness optima, then this should generate sexual antagonism over allelic expression (intra-locus sexual conflict) selectively favoring sexually dimorphic expression. MUPs influence the sexual attractiveness of male urinary odor and increased urinary protein excretion is correlated with the reproductive success of males but not females. This finding could explain the selective maintenance of sexually dimorphic MUP expression. Producing MUPs entails energetic costs, but increased excretion may reduce the net energetic costs and predation risks from male scent marking as well as prolong the release of chemical signals. MUPs may also provide physiological benefits, including regulating metabolic rate and toxin removal, which may have sex-specific effects on survival. A phylogenetic analysis on the origins of male-biased MUP gene expression in Mus musculus suggests that this sexual dimorphism evolved by increasing male MUP expression rather than reducing female expression.
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19
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Virtanen T. Inhalant Mammal-Derived Lipocalin Allergens and the Innate Immunity. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 2:824736. [PMID: 35387007 PMCID: PMC8974866 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.824736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A major part of important mammalian respiratory allergens belongs to the lipocalin family of proteins. By this time, 19 respiratory mammalian lipocalin allergens have been registered in the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Database. Originally, lipocalins, small extracellular proteins (molecular mass ca. 20 kDa), were characterized as transport proteins but they are currently known to exert a variety of biological functions. The three-dimensional structure of lipocalins is well-preserved, and lipocalin allergens can exhibit high amino acid identities, in several cases more than 50%. Lipocalins contain an internal ligand-binding site where they can harbor small principally hydrophobic molecules. Another characteristic feature is their capacity to bind to specific cell-surface receptors. In all, the physicochemical properties of lipocalin allergens do not offer any straightforward explanations for their allergenicity. Allergic sensitization begins at epithelial barriers where diverse insults through pattern recognition receptors awaken innate immunity. This front-line response is manifested by epithelial barrier-associated cytokines which together with other components of immunity can initiate the sensitization process. In the following, the crucial factor in allergic sensitization is interleukin (IL)-4 which is needed for stabilizing and promoting the type 2 immune response. The source for IL-4 has been searched widely. Candidates for it may be non-professional antigen-presenting cells, such as basophils or mast cells, as well as CD4+ T cells. The synthesis of IL-4 by CD4+ T cells requires T cell receptor engagement, i.e., the recognition of allergen peptides, which also provides the specificity for sensitization. Lipocalin and innate immunity-associated cell-surface receptors are implicated in facilitating the access of lipocalin allergens into the immune system. However, the significance of this for allergic sensitization is unclear, as the recognition by these receptors has been found to produce conflicting results. As to potential adjuvants associated with mammalian lipocalin allergens, the hydrophobic ligands transported by lipocalins have not been reported to enhance sensitization while it is justified to suppose that lipopolysaccharide plays a role in it. Taken together, type 2 immunity to lipocalin allergens appears to be a harmful immune response resulting from a combination of signals involving both the innate and adaptive immunities.
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