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Wu C, Xu M, Dong J, Cui W, Yuan S. The structure and function of olfactory receptors. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:268-280. [PMID: 38296675 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the most important chemosensory receptor family responsible for our sense of smell in the nasal olfactory epithelium. This receptor family belongs to the class A G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recent research has indicated that ORs are involved in many nonolfactory physiological processes in extranasal tissue, such as the brain, pancreas, and testes, and implies the possible role of their dysregulation in various diseases. The recently released structures of OR51E2 and consensus OR52 have also unveiled the uniqueness of ORs from other class A GPCR members. In this review, we discuss these recent developments and computational modeling efforts toward understanding the structural properties of unresolved ORs, which could guide potential future OR-targeted drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Wu
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China; The Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, The Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Marc Xu
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China; The Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, The Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junlin Dong
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China; The Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, The Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenqiang Cui
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuguang Yuan
- The AlphaMol-SIAT Joint Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China; AlphaMol Science Ltd, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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2
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Dai P, Chen C, Yu J, Ma C, Zhang X. New insights into sperm physiology regulation: Enlightenment from G-protein-coupled receptors. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38225815 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-protein-coupled receptors are critical in many physiological and pathological processes in various organs. Serving as the control panel for sensing extracellular stimuli, G-protein-coupled receptors recognise various ligands, including light, temperature, odours, pheromones, hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, etc. Most recently, G-protein-coupled receptors residing in spermatozoa have been found to be indispensable for sperm function. OBJECTIVE Here, we have summarised cutting-edge findings on the functional mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptors that are known to be associated with sperm functions and the activation of their downstream effectors, providing new insights into the roles of G-protein-coupled receptors in sperm physiology. RESULTS Emerging studies hint that alterations in G-protein-coupled receptors could affect sperm function, implicating their role in fertility, but solid evidence needs to be continuing excavated with various means. Several members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, including olfactory receptors, opsins, orphan G-protein-coupled receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 4, CC chemokine receptor 5 and CC chemokine receptor 6 as well as their downstream effector β-arrestins, etc., were suggested to be essential for sperm motility, capacitation, thermotaxis, chemotaxis, Ca2+ influx through CatSper channel and fertilisation capacity. CONCLUSION The present review provides a comprehensive overview of studies describing G-protein-coupled receptors and their potential action in sperm function. We also present a critical discussion of these issues, and a possible framework for future investigations on the diverse ligands, biological functions and cell signalling of G-protein-coupled receptors in spermatozoa. Here, the G-protein-coupled receptors and their related G proteins that specifically were identified in spermatozoa were summarised, and provided references valuable for further illumination, despite the evidence that is not overwhelming in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Dai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Jingyan Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chaoye Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
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3
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Hashemi Karoii D, Azizi H, Skutella T. Altered G-Protein Transduction Protein Gene Expression in the Testis of Infertile Patients with Nonobstructive Azoospermia. DNA Cell Biol 2023; 42:617-637. [PMID: 37610843 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0189] [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] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that several members of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) superfamily play crucial roles in the maintenance of ion-water homeostasis of the sperm and Sertoli cells, development of the germ cells, formation of the blood barrier, and maturation of sperm. The GPCR, guanyl-nucleotide exchange factor, membrane traffic protein, and small GTPase genes were analyzed by microarray and bioinformatics (3513 sperm and Sertoli cell genes). In the microarray analyses of three human cases with different nonobstructive azoospermia sperm, the expression of GOLGA8IP, OR2AT4, PHKA1, A2M, OR56A1, SEMA3G, LRRC17, APP, ARHGAP33, RABGEF1, NPY2R, GHRHR, LTB4R2, GRIK5, OR6K6, NAPG, OR6C65, VPS35, FPR3, and ARL4A was upregulated, while expression of MARS, SIRPG, OGFR, GPR150, LRRK1, and NGEF was downregulated. There was an increase in GBP3, GBP3, TNF, TGFB3, and CLTC expression in the Sertoli cells of three human cases with NOA, whereas expression of PAQR4, RRAGD, RAC2, SERPINB8, IRPB1, MRGPRF, RASA2, SIRPG, RGS2, RAP2A, RAB2B, ARL17, SERINC4, XIAP, DENND4C, ANKRA2, CSTA, STX18, and SNAP23 were downregulated. A combined analysis of Enrich Shiny Gene Ontology (GO), STRING, and Cytoscape was used to predict proteins' molecular interactions and then to recognize master pathways. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the biological process (BP), regulation of protein metabolic process, regulation of small GTPase-mediated signal transduction were significantly expressed in up-/downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in sperm. In molecular function (MF) experiments of DEGs that were up-/downregulated, it was found that GPCR activity, guanyl ribonucleotide binding, GTPase activity and nucleoside-triphosphatase activity were overexpressed. An analysis of GO enrichment findings of Sertoli cells showed BP and MF to be common DEGs. When these gene mutations have been validated, they can be used to create new GPCR antagonists or agonists that are receptor-selective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Hashemi Karoii
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Ali MA, Qin Z, Dou S, Huang A, Wang Y, Yuan X, Zhang Y, Ni Q, Azmat R, Zeng C. Cryopreservation Induces Acetylation of Metabolism-Related Proteins in Boar Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10983. [PMID: 37446160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310983] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryodamage affects the normal physiological functions and survivability of boar sperm during cryopreservation. Lysine acetylation is thought to be an important regulatory mechanism in sperm functions. However, little is known about protein acetylation and its effects on cryotolerance or cryodamage in boar sperm. In this study, the characterization and protein acetylation dynamics of boar sperm during cryopreservation were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A total of 1440 proteins were identified out of 4705 modified proteins, and 2764 quantifiable sites were elucidated. Among the differentially modified sites, 1252 were found to be upregulated compared to 172 downregulated sites in fresh and frozen sperms. Gene ontology indicated that these differentially modified proteins are involved in metabolic processes and catalytic and antioxidant activities, which are involved in pyruvate metabolism, phosphorylation and lysine degradation. In addition, the present study demonstrated that the mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT5, IDH2, MDH2 and LDHC, associated with sperm quality parameters, are downregulated after cryopreservation. In conclusion, cryopreservation induces the acetylation and deacetylation of energy metabolism-related proteins, which may contribute to the post-thawed boar sperm quality parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Ahsan Ali
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ziyue Qin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shan Dou
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Anqi Huang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qingyong Ni
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Rameesha Azmat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Government College Women University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Changjun Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Munipalli SB, Yenugu S. Uroplakin 1a Knockout Mice Display Marginal Reduction in Fecundity, Decreased Bacterial Clearance Capacity, and Drastic Changes in the Testicular Transcriptome. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:914-927. [PMID: 36042152 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01057-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Uroplakins (UPKs) form physical and chemical barriers in the bladder and other urinary tract tissues. We previously reported the identification and localization of UPKs in the male reproductive tract of rat. In this study, we characterized Upk1a knockout mice and report a marginal reduction in fecundity associated with significant decrease in sperm count. Upk1a mice had lower bacterial clearance capacity when challenged with uropathogenic Escherichia coli for 1 to 5 days. High-throughput analyses of testicular transcriptome indicated that 1128 genes that are expressed in testis of wild-type mice were completely absent in the knockout, while 2330 genes were found to be expressed only in the testis of knockout mice. Furthermore, differential regulation of 148 (67 upregulated and 81 downregulated) was observed. Gene ontology analyses indicated that processes related to integral components of membrane (plasma membrane), G-protein receptor activity and signaling, olfactory receptor activity and perception of smell, organization of extracellular space/region, immune and inflammatory responses to pathogens, spermatid development, meiotic cell cycle, and formation of synaptonemal complex were affected. Results of this study provide evidence on the possible multi-functional role of Upk1a in male reproductive tract and in other tissues as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
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6
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Hu X, Zhu L, Ouyang Q, Wang J, Hu J, Hu B, Hu S, He H, Li L, Liu H, Wang J. Comparative transcriptome analysis identified crucial genes and pathways affecting sperm motility in the reproductive tract of drakes with different libido. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102560. [PMID: 36881978 PMCID: PMC9993030 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102560] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Libido can affect the semen quality of male, and the sperm motility in semen quality parameters is a reliable index to evaluate the fertility of male. In drakes, the sperm motility is gradually acquired in testis, epididymis, and spermaduct. However, the relationship between libido and sperm motility in drakes has not been reported and the mechanisms of testis, epididymis, and spermaduct regulating the sperm motility of drakes are unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the semen quality of drakes with libido level 4 (LL4) and libido level 5 (LL5), and tried to identify the mechanisms regulating the sperm motility in drakes by performing RNA-seq in testis, epididymis, and spermaduct. Phenotypically, the sperm motility of drakes (P < 0.01), weight of testis (P < 0.05), and organ index of epididymis (P < 0.05) in the LL5 group were significantly better than those in LL4 group. Moreover, compared with the LL4 group, the ductal square of seminiferous tubule (ST) in testis was significantly bigger in the LL5 group (P < 0.05), and the seminiferous epithelial thickness (P < 0.01) of ST in testis and lumenal diameter (P < 0.05) of ductuli conjugentes/dutus epididymidis in epididymis were significantly longer in the LL5 group. In transcriptional regulation, in addition to KEGG pathways related to metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, lots of KEGG pathways associated with immunity, proliferation, and signaling were also significantly enriched in testis, epididymis, and spermaduct, respectively. Furthermore, through the integrated analysis of coexpression network and protein-protein interaction network, 3 genes (including COL11A1, COL14A1, and C3AR1) involved in protein digestion and absorption pathway and Staphylococcus aureus infection pathway were identified in testis, 2 genes (including BUB1B and ESPL1) involved in cell cycle pathway were identified in epididymis, and 13 genes (including DNAH1, DNAH3, DNAH7, DNAH10, DNAH12, DNAI1, DNAI2, DNALI1, NTF3, ITGA1, TLR2, RELN, and PAK1) involved in Huntington disease pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were identified in spermaduct. These genes could play crucial roles in the sperm motility of drakes with different libido, and all data the present study obtained will provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating sperm motility of drakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lipeng Zhu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qingyuan Ouyang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junqi Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiwei Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenqiang Hu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hua He
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hehe Liu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiwen Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Campus, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130 Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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7
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Ramirez-Diaz J, Cenadelli S, Bornaghi V, Bongioni G, Montedoro SM, Achilli A, Capelli C, Rincon JC, Milanesi M, Passamonti MM, Colli L, Barbato M, Williams JL, Marsan PA. Identification of genomic regions associated with total and progressive sperm motility in Italian Holstein bulls. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:407-420. [PMID: 36400619 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sperm motility is directly related to the ability of sperm to move through the female reproductive tract to reach the ovum. Sperm motility is a complex trait that is influenced by environmental and genetic factors and is associated with male fertility, oocyte penetration rate, and reproductive success of cattle. In this study we carried out a GWAS in Italian Holstein bulls to identify candidate regions and genes associated with variations in progressive and total motility (PM and TM, respectively). After quality control, the final data set consisted of 5,960 records from 949 bulls having semen collected in 10 artificial insemination stations and genotyped at 412,737 SNPs (call rate >95%; minor allele frequency >5%). (Co)variance components were estimated using single trait mixed models, and associations between SNPs and phenotypes were assessed using a genomic BLUP approach. Ten windows that explained the greatest percentage of genetic variance were located on Bos taurus autosomes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 23, and 26 for TM and Bos taurus autosomes 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 23, and 26 for PM. A total of 150 genes for TM and 72 genes for PM were identified within these genomic regions. Gene Ontology enrichment analyses identified significant Gene Ontology terms involved with energy homeostasis, membrane functions, sperm-egg interactions, protection against oxidative stress, olfactory receptors, and immune system. There was significant enrichment of quantitative trait loci for fertility, calving ease, immune response, feed intake, and carcass weight within the candidate windows. These results contribute to understanding the architecture of the genetic control of sperm motility and may aid in the development of strategies to identify subfertile bulls and improve reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ramirez-Diaz
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy 29122; Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology (IBBA), Consiglio Nazionale di Ricerca, Milano, Italy.
| | - S Cenadelli
- Institute Lazzaro Spallanzani, Rivolta d'Adda (CR), Cremona, Italy
| | - V Bornaghi
- Institute Lazzaro Spallanzani, Rivolta d'Adda (CR), Cremona, Italy
| | - G Bongioni
- Institute Lazzaro Spallanzani, Rivolta d'Adda (CR), Cremona, Italy
| | - S M Montedoro
- Institute Lazzaro Spallanzani, Rivolta d'Adda (CR), Cremona, Italy
| | - A Achilli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Capelli
- Department of Chemical, Life and Environmental Sustainability Sciences, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - J C Rincon
- Department of Animal Science, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Palmira, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - M Milanesi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agri-food and Forestry Systems (DIBAF), Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - M M Passamonti
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy 29122
| | - L Colli
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy 29122
| | - M Barbato
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy 29122
| | - J L Williams
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy 29122
| | - P Ajmone Marsan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy 29122
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G-Protein Coupled Receptors in Human Sperm: An In Silico Approach to Identify Potential Modulatory Targets. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196503. [PMID: 36235040 PMCID: PMC9571544 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in several physiological processes, and they represent the largest family of drug targets to date. However, the presence and function of these receptors are poorly described in human spermatozoa. Here, we aimed to identify and characterize the GPCRs present in human spermatozoa and perform an in silico analysis to understand their potential role in sperm functions. The human sperm proteome, including proteomic studies in which the criteria used for protein identification was set as <5% FDR and a minimum of 2 peptides match per protein, was crossed with the list of GPCRs retrieved from GLASS and GPCRdb databases. A total of 71 GPCRs were identified in human spermatozoa, of which 7 had selective expression in male tissues (epididymis, seminal vesicles, and testis), and 9 were associated with male infertility defects in mice. Additionally, ADRA2A, AGTR1, AGTR2, FZD3, and GLP1R were already associated with sperm-specific functions such as sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, and motility, representing potential targets to modulate and improve sperm function. Finally, the protein-protein interaction network for the human sperm GPCRs revealed that 24 GPCRs interact with 49 proteins involved in crucial processes for sperm formation, maturation, and fertilization. This approach allowed the identification of 8 relevant GPCRs (ADGRE5, ADGRL2, GLP1R, AGTR2, CELSR2, FZD3, CELSR3, and GABBR1) present in human spermatozoa that can be the subject of further investigation to be used even as potential modulatory targets to treat male infertility or to develop new non-hormonal male contraceptives.
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9
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Lecante LL, Gaye B, Delbes G. Impact of in Utero Rat Exposure to 17Alpha-Ethinylestradiol or Genistein on Testicular Development and Germ Cell Gene Expression. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:893050. [PMID: 35722060 PMCID: PMC9201280 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.893050] [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: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the decline in male fertility is believed to partially result from environmental exposures to xenoestrogens during critical developmental windows, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Experimental in utero exposures in rodents have demonstrated the negative impact of xenoestrogens on reproductive development, long-term adult reproductive function and offspring health. In addition, transcriptomic studies have demonstrated immediate effects on gene expression in fetal reproductive tissues, However, the immediate molecular effects on the developing germ cells have been poorly investigated. Here, we took advantage of a transgenic rat expressing the green fluorescent protein specifically in germ cells allowing purification of perinatal GFP-positive germ cells. Timed-pregnant rats were exposed to ethinylestradiol (EE2, 2 μg/kg/d), genistein (GE, 10 mg/kg/d) or vehicle by gavage, from gestational days (GD) 13–19; testes were sampled at GD20 or post-natal (PND) 5 for histological analysis and sorting of GFP-positive cells. While EE2-exposed females gained less weight during treatment compared to controls, neither treatment affected the number of pups per litter, sex ratio, anogenital distance, or body and gonadal weights of the offspring. Although GE significantly decreased circulating testosterone at GD20, no change was observed in either testicular histology or germ cell and sertoli cell densities. Gene expression was assessed in GFP-positive cells using Affymetrix Rat Gene 2.0 ST microarrays. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p < 0.05; fold change 1.5) identified expression changes of 149 and 128 transcripts by EE2 and GE respectively at GD20, and 287 and 207 transcripts at PND5, revealing an increased effect after the end of treatment. Only about 1% of DEGs were common to both stages for each treatment. Functional analysis of coding DEG revealed an overrepresentation of olfactory transduction in all groups. In parallel, many non-coding RNAs were affected by both treatments, the most represented being small nucleolar and small nuclear RNAs. Our data suggest that despite no immediate toxic effects, fetal exposure to xenoestrogens can induce subtle immediate changes in germ cell gene expression. Moreover, the increased number of DEGs between GD20 and PND5 suggests an effect of early exposures with latent impact on later germ cell differentiation.
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10
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Low WY, Rosen BD, Ren Y, Bickhart DM, To TH, Martin FJ, Billis K, Sonstegard TS, Sullivan ST, Hiendleder S, Williams JL, Heaton MP, Smith TPL. Gaur genome reveals expansion of sperm odorant receptors in domesticated cattle. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:344. [PMID: 35508966 PMCID: PMC9069736 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The gaur (Bos gaurus) is the largest extant wild bovine species, native to South and Southeast Asia, with unique traits, and is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Results We report the first gaur reference genome and identify three biological pathways including lysozyme activity, proton transmembrane transporter activity, and oxygen transport with significant changes in gene copy number in gaur compared to other mammals. These may reflect adaptation to challenges related to climate and nutrition. Comparative analyses with domesticated indicine (Bos indicus) and taurine (Bos taurus) cattle revealed genomic signatures of artificial selection, including the expansion of sperm odorant receptor genes in domesticated cattle, which may have important implications for understanding selection for male fertility. Conclusions Apart from aiding dissection of economically important traits, the gaur genome will also provide the foundation to conserve the species. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08561-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Yee Low
- The Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia.
| | - Benjamin D Rosen
- Animal Genomics and Improvement LaboratoryARS USDA, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Yan Ren
- The Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia
| | | | - Thu-Hien To
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences: NMBU, Universitetstunet 3, 1430, Ås, Norway
| | - Fergal J Martin
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Konstantinos Billis
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SD, UK
| | | | - Shawn T Sullivan
- Phase Genomics, 4000 Mason Road, Suite 225, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Stefan Hiendleder
- The Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia
| | - John L Williams
- The Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, 5371, Australia.,Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Michael P Heaton
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Timothy P L Smith
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA.
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Crisóstomo L, Bourgery M, Rato L, Raposo JF, Batterham RL, Kotaja N, Alves MG. Testicular “Inherited Metabolic Memory” of Ancestral High-Fat Diet Is Associated with Sperm sncRNA Content. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040909. [PMID: 35453658 PMCID: PMC9027117 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive adiposity caused by high-fat diets (HFDs) is associated with testicular metabolic and functional abnormalities up to grand-offspring, but the mechanisms of this epigenetic inheritance are unclear. Here we describe an association of sperm small non-coding RNA (sncRNA) with testicular “inherited metabolic memory” of ancestral HFD, using a transgenerational rodent model. Male founders were fed a standard chow for 200 days (CTRL), HFD for 200 days (HFD), or standard chow for 60 days followed by HFD for 140 days (HFDt). The male offspring and grand-offspring were fed standard chow for 200 days. The sncRNA sequencing from epidydimal spermatozoa revealed signatures associated with testicular metabolic plasticity in HFD-exposed mice and in the unexposed progeny. Sperm tRNA-derived RNA (tsRNA) and repeat-derived small RNA (repRNA) content were specially affected by HFDt and in the offspring of HFD and HFDt mice. The grand-offspring of HFD and HFDt mice showed lower sperm counts than CTRL descendants, whereas the sperm miRNA content was affected. Although the causality between sperm sncRNAs content and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of HFD-related traits remains elusive, our results suggest that sperm sncRNA content is influenced by ancestral exposure to HFD, contributing to the sperm epigenome up to the grand-offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Crisóstomo
- Departamento de Anatomia, e UMIB—Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação em Biomedicina, ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; (M.B.); (N.K.)
| | - Matthieu Bourgery
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; (M.B.); (N.K.)
| | - Luís Rato
- Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, School of Health, 6300-035 Guarda, Portugal;
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João F. Raposo
- NOVA Medical School, New University Lisbon, 1250-189 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Associação Protetora dos Diabéticos de Portugal (APDP), 1250-189 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rachel L. Batterham
- Centre for Obesity Research, Department of Medicine, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6JF, UK;
- National Institute for Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospital (UCLH), London W1T 7DN, UK
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; (M.B.); (N.K.)
| | - Marco G. Alves
- Departamento de Anatomia, e UMIB—Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação em Biomedicina, ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-967245248
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12
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Yanagimachi R. Mysteries and unsolved problems of mammalian fertilization and related topics. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:644-675. [PMID: 35292804 PMCID: PMC9040664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a fascinating process that leads to the formation of a new individual. Eggs and sperm are complex cells that must meet at the appropriate time and position within the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. I have been studying various aspects of mammalian fertilization over 60 years. In this review, I discuss many different aspects of mammalian fertilization, some of my laboratory's contribution to the field, and discuss enigmas and mysteries that remain to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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13
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Karuthadurai T, Das DN, Kumaresan A, Sinha MK, Kamaraj E, Nag P, Ebenezer Samuel King JP, Datta TK, Manimaran A, Jeyakumar S, Ramesha K. Sperm Transcripts Associated With Odorant Binding and Olfactory Transduction Pathways Are Altered in Breeding Bulls Producing Poor-Quality Semen. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:799386. [PMID: 35274020 PMCID: PMC8902071 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.799386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa carries a reservoir of mRNAs regulating sperm functions and fertilizing potential. Although it is well recognized that a considerable proportion of high genetic merit breeding bulls produce poor-quality semen, the transcriptomic alterations in spermatozoa from such bulls are not understood. In the present study, comparative high-throughput transcriptomic profiling of spermatozoa from good and poor-quality semen-producing bulls was carried out to identify the transcripts associated with semen quality. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we identified 11,632 transcripts in Holstein Friesian bull spermatozoa; after total hit normalization, a total of 544 transcripts were detected, of which 185 transcripts were common to both good and poor-quality semen, while 181 sperm transcripts were unique to good quality semen, and 178 transcripts were unique to poor-quality semen. Among the co-expressed transcripts, 31 were upregulated, while 108 were downregulated, and 46 were neutrally expressed in poor-quality semen. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the dysregulated transcripts were predominantly involved in molecular function, such as olfactory receptor activity and odor binding, and in biological process, such as detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception, sensory perception of smell, signal transduction, and signal synaptic transmission. Since a majority of the dysregulated transcripts were involved in the olfactory pathway (85% of enriched dysregulated genes were involved in this pathway), the expression of selected five transcripts associated with this pathway (OR2T11, OR10S1, ORIL3, OR5M11, and PRRX1) were validated using real-time qPCR, and it was found that their transcriptional abundance followed the same trend as observed in NGS; the sperm transcriptional abundance of OR2T11 and OR10S1 differed significantly (p < 0.05) between good and poor-quality semen. It is concluded that poor-quality semen showed altered expression of transcripts associated with olfactory receptors and pathways indicating the relationship between olfactory pathway and semen quality in bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thirumalaisamy Karuthadurai
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Dayal Nitai Das
- Dairy Production Section, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
- *Correspondence: Arumugam Kumaresan ;
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Elango Kamaraj
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - John Peter Ebenezer Samuel King
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Ayyasamy Manimaran
- Dairy Production Section, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sakthivel Jeyakumar
- Dairy Production Section, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Kerekoppa Ramesha
- Dairy Production Section, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
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