Candidate Genes in Bull Semen Production Traits: An Information Approach Review

DNAH3 deficiency causes flagellar inner dynein arm loss and male infertility in humans and mice

Axonemal protein complexes, including the outer and inner dynein arms (ODA/IDA), are highly ordered structures of the sperm flagella that drive sperm motility. Deficiencies in several axonemal proteins have been associated with male infertility, which is characterized by asthenozoospermia or asthenoteratozoospermia. Dynein axonemal heavy chain 3 (DNAH3) resides in the IDA and is highly expressed in the testis. However, the relationship between DNAH3 and male infertility is still unclear. Herein, we identified biallelic variants of DNAH3 in four unrelated Han Chinese infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia through whole-exome sequencing (WES). These variants contributed to deficient DNAH3 expression in the patients' sperm flagella. Importantly, the patients represented the anomalous sperm flagellar morphology, and the flagellar ultrastructure was severely disrupted. Intriguingly, Dnah3 knockout (KO) male mice were also infertile, especially showing the severe reduction in sperm movement with the abnormal IDA and mitochondrion structure. Mechanically, nonfunctional DNAH3 expression resulted in decreased expression of IDA-associated proteins in the spermatozoa flagella of patients and KO mice, including DNAH1, DNAH6, and DNALI1, the deletion of which has been involved in disruption of sperm motility. Moreover, the infertility of patients with DNAH3 variants and Dnah3 KO mice could be rescued by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. Our findings indicated that DNAH3 is a novel pathogenic gene for asthenoteratozoospermia and may further contribute to the diagnosis, genetic counseling, and prognosis of male infertility.

Determinant genetic markers of semen quality in livestock

The reproductive efficiency of livestock is crucial for agricultural productivity and economic sustainability. One critical factor in successful fertilization and the viability of offspring is the quality of semen. Poor semen quality, especially in frozen-thawed semen used in artificial insemination (AI) have been shown to influence conception outcomes, resulting a negative impact on livestock production. Recent advancements in genetic research have identified specific markers linked to semen quality traits in various livestock species, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, buffalo, and equines. These genetic markers are essential in screening males for breeding suitability, which in turn enhances selective breeding programs. Understanding these markers is crucial for improving reproductive performance and increasing productivity in livestock populations. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the genetic markers associated with semen quality in key livestock. It explores the underlying genetic mechanisms and their practical implications in animal breeding and management. The review underscores the importance of integrating genetic insights into breeding strategies to optimize reproductive efficiency and ensure the sustainable development of livestock industries.

CFAP58 is involved in the sperm head shaping and flagellogenesis of cattle and mice

CFAP58 is a testis-enriched gene that plays an important role in the sperm flagellogenesis of humans and mice. However, the effect of CFAP58 on bull semen quality and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis remain unknown. Here, we identified two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs110610797, A>G and rs133760846, G>T) and one indel (g.-1811_ g.-1810 ins147bp) in the promoter of CFAP58 that were significantly associated with semen quality of bulls, including sperm deformity rate and ejaculate volume. Moreover, by generating gene knockout mice, we found for the first time that the loss of Cfap58 not only causes severe defects in the sperm tail, but also affects the manchette structure, resulting in abnormal sperm head shaping. Cfap58 deficiency causes an increase in spermatozoa apoptosis. Further experiments confirmed that CFAP58 interacts with IFT88 and CCDC42. Moreover, it may be a transported cargo protein that plays a role in stabilizing other cargo proteins, such as CCDC42, in the intra-manchette transport/intra-flagellar transport pathway. Collectively, our findings reveal that CFAP58 is required for spermatogenesis and provide genetic markers for evaluating semen quality in cattle.

Seminal plasma protein profiles and testosterone levels as biomarker semen quality of candidate Madura bulls

Objective

This study aims to determine the protein profile based on molecular weight (MW) and testosterone levels in seminal plasma (SP) that correlates to the semen quality of candidate Madura bulls.

Material and Methods

A total of 10 male candidate madura bulls underwent semen evaluation (motility, viability, membrane plasma integrity (MPI), and sperm concentration). The centrifuge was run at 1,200 rpm (4°C) for 20 min to collect SP. SP testosterone levels were measured using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The characterization of SP proteins in Madura bulls was done using 1D sodium dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis. All parameters were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis.

Result

The results of the SDS-PAGE analysis found eight protein bands with the highest MW of 110 kDa and the lowest of 12 kDa. The mean and SD of SP testosterone levels were 20.58 ± 8.56 ng/ml, motility 59.32% ± 20.14%, viability 67.45% ± 20.22%, MPI 32.77% ± 16.52%, and sperm concentration 1,002.64 ± 429.33 106/mm3. Proteins with MWs of 110 and 91 kDa significantly correlated with MPI, and 110 kDa negatively correlated with sperm concentration (p < 0.05). Proteins with MWs of 73 and 36 kDa significantly correlated with SP testosterone levels, while proteins with MWs of 29 kDa significantly correlated with sperm viability (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The expressed protein fraction based on MW is closely related to the quality of semen, so it has the potential to be a biomarker of semen quality. Further research is needed to determine the specific proteins in certain fractions.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals

As guest editors, we are pleased to present this Special Issue entitled "Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Domestic Mammals", comprising 10 articles of relevant interest in the field of animal reproduction [...].