Testis-specific Fank1 gene in knockdown mice produces oligospermia via apoptosis

Effectiveness of Peng's Shengjing recipe on male asthenospermia caused by kidney yang deficiency: A randomized pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To examined the efficacy and safety of Peng's Shengjing recipe in treating asthenospermia with deficiency and failure of kidney yang. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Peng's Shengjing recipe might have benefits in treating male asthenospermia.

METHODS

This randomized, positive drug-controlled, single-blind pilot study enrolled outpatients from the Third Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Surgery, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China, between April 2020 and September 2020. A total of 99 participants were randomized to Shengjing recipe (n=50) and Xuanju capsule (n=49). They were treated for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was routine semen examinations, including the percentage of sperm motility rated grade A, A+B, and A+B+C, and the clinical effective rate. The secondary endpoints were the levels of gonadotropins.

RESULTS

The A grade sperms (18.9% versus [vs.] 13.9%, p=0.030) and A+B grade sperms (42.9% vs. 32.7%, p<0.001) were higher in the Shengjing recipe group than the Xuanju capsule group. The effective rates were 68% and 53.1% in the Shengjing recipe and Xuanju capsule groups (p=0.128). No safety signals were observed.

CONCLUSION

Peng's Shengjing recipe improves the quality of sperms and is effective in treating clinical asthenospermia of deficiency of kidney yang. The treatment was well tolerated, without obvious hepatorenal toxicity.Chinese Clinical Research Registry No.: ChiCTR2000030845.

Candidate genes for infertility: an in-silico study based on cytogenetic analysis

Background

The cause of infertility remains unclear in a significant proportion of reproductive-age couples who fail to conceive naturally. Chromosomal aberrations have been identified as one of the main genetic causes of male and female infertility. Structural chromosomal aberrations may disrupt the functioning of various genes, some of which may be important for fertility. The present study aims to identify candidate genes and putative functional interaction networks involved in male and female infertility using cytogenetic data from cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes of infertile patients.

Methods

Karyotypic analyses was done in 201 infertile patients (100 males and 101 females) and 201 age and gender matched healthy controls (100 males and 101 females) after 72 h peripheral lymphocyte culturing and GTG banding, followed by bioinformatic analysis using Cytoscape v3.8.2 and Metascape.

Results

Several chromosomal regions with a significantly higher frequency of structural aberrations were identified in the infertile males (5q2, 10q2, and 17q2) and females (6q2, 16q2, and Xq2). Segregation of the patients based on type of infertility (primary v/s secondary infertility) led to the identification of chromosomal regions with a significantly higher frequency of structural aberrations exclusively within the infertile males (5q2, 17q2) and females (16q2) with primary infertility. Cytoscape identified two networks specific to these regions: a male specific network with 99 genes and a female specific network with 109 genes. The top enriched GO terms within the male and female infertility networks were “skeletal system morphogenesis” and “mRNA transport” respectively. PSME3, PSMD3, and CDC27 were the top 3 hub genes identified within the male infertility network. Similarly, UPF3B, IRF8, and PSMB1 were the top 3 hub genes identified with the female infertility network. Among the hub genes identified in the male- and female-specific networks, PSMB1, PSMD3, and PSME3 are functional components of the proteasome complex. These hub genes have a limited number of reports related to their respective roles in maintenance of fertility in mice model and humans and require validation in further studies.

Conclusion

The candidate genes predicted in the present study can serve as targets for future research on infertility.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01320-x.

COP9 signalosome complex subunit 5, an IFT20 binding partner, is essential to maintain male germ cell survival and acrosome biogenesis†

Intraflagellar transport protein 20 (IFT20) is essential for spermatogenesis in mice. We discovered that COPS5 was a major binding partner of IFT20. COPS5 is the fifth component of the constitutive photomorphogenic-9 signalosome (COP9), which is involved in protein ubiquitination and degradation. COPS5 is highly abundant in mouse testis. Mice deficiency in COPS5 specifically in male germ cells showed dramatically reduced sperm numbers and were infertile. Testis weight was about one third compared to control adult mice, and germ cells underwent significant apoptosis at a premeiotic stage. Testicular poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, a protein that helps cells to maintain viability, was dramatically decreased, and Caspase-3, a critical executioner of apoptosis, was increased in the mutant mice. Expression level of FANK1, a known COPS5 binding partner, and a key germ cell apoptosis regulator was also reduced. An acrosome marker, lectin PNA, was nearly absent in the few surviving spermatids, and expression level of sperm acrosome associated 1, another acrosomal component was significantly reduced. IFT20 expression level was significantly reduced in the Cops5 knockout mice, and it was no longer present in the acrosome, but remained in the Golgi apparatus of spermatocytes. In the conditional Ift20 mutant mice, COPS5 localization and testicular expression levels were not changed. COP9 has been shown to be involved in multiple signal pathways, particularly functioning as a co-factor for protein ubiquitination. COPS5 is believed to maintain normal spermatogenesis through multiple mechanisms, including maintaining male germ cell survival and acrosome biogenesis, possibly by modulating protein ubiquitination.

Evolving Role of RING1 and YY1 Binding Protein in the Regulation of Germ-Cell-Specific Transcription

Separation of germline cells from somatic lineages is one of the earliest decisions of embryogenesis. Genes expressed in germline cells include apoptotic and meiotic factors, which are not transcribed in the soma normally, but a number of testis-specific genes are active in numerous cancer types. During germ cell development, germ-cell-specific genes can be regulated by specific transcription factors, retinoic acid signaling and multimeric protein complexes. Non-canonical polycomb repressive complexes, like ncPRC1.6, play a critical role in the regulation of the activity of germ-cell-specific genes. RING1 and YY1 binding protein (RYBP) is one of the core members of the ncPRC1.6. Surprisingly, the role of Rybp in germ cell differentiation has not been defined yet. This review is focusing on the possible role of Rybp in this process. By analyzing whole-genome transcriptome alterations of the Rybp^-/- embryonic stem (ES) cells and correlating this data with experimentally identified binding sites of ncPRC1.6 subunits and retinoic acid receptors in ES cells, we propose a model how germ-cell-specific transcription can be governed by an RYBP centered regulatory network, underlining the possible role of RYBP in germ cell differentiation and tumorigenesis.

Normal spermatogenesis in Fank1 (fibronectin type 3 and ankyrin repeat domains 1) mutant mice

Background

The fibronectin type 3 and ankyrin repeat domains 1 gene, Fank1, is an ancient, evolutionarily conserved gene present in vertebrates. Short-hairpin RNA (shRNA)-based knockdown transgenic mice have oligospermia caused by an increase in apoptotic germ cells. In this study, we investigated the in vivo function of Fank1.

Methods

In this study, we generated Fank1-knockout mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We then investigated the phenotype and in vivo function of Fank1. Testes and epididymis tissues were analyzed by histological and immunofluorescence staining. Apoptotic cells were analyzed in terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling assays. Fertility and sperm counts were also evaluated. The GTEx database were used to assess gene expression quantitative trait loci and mRNA expression of candidate genes and genes neighboring single nucleotide polymorphisms was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

In contrast to the Fank1-knockdown model, no significant changes in epididymal sperm content and the number of apoptotic cells were observed in Fank1−/− homozygotes. In addition, a different pattern of Dusp1, Klk1b21 and Klk1b27 mRNA expression was detected in Fank1-knockout testis. These results reveal differences in the molecular changes between Fank1-knockdown mice and Fank1-knockout mice and provide a basic resource for population genetics studies.

Humanin levels in human seminal plasma and spermatozoa are related to sperm quality

BACKGROUND

Humanin has reportedly been expressed in testis and spermatozoa, but no study has yet reported its presence in human seminal plasma (SP).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of humanin in human SP and to determine the correlation between humanin levels in SP/spermatozoa and sperm quality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen samples for SP/sperm humanin level measurement were collected from 164 patients who attended our andrology clinic for fertility evaluation. The localization of humanin in spermatozoa was evaluated using an immunofluorescence method, and SP/sperm humanin levels were measured with ELISA. Correlations between SP/sperm humanin levels and sperm parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

Humanin was expressed in the midpiece of the spermatozoa. Humanin concentrations in the SP ranged from 24.4 to 285.1 pg/mL, with a median of 89.7 pg/mL. The SP humanin concentrations in patients with normospermia were significantly higher than those in patients with oligospermia (p < 0.001), asthenospermia (p = 0.002), and oligoasthenospermia (p < 0.001). Spearman analysis showed a positive and significant correlation between SP humanin concentration and sperm concentration (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), and progressive sperm motility (r = 0.29, p < 0.001). Sperm humanin level was significantly and positively associated with progressive sperm motility (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). In addition, a significantly higher level of humanin was found in swim-up spermatozoa than in non-swim-up spermatozoa (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Seminal plasma and sperm humanin levels were significantly and positively correlated with sperm quality, especially sperm motility. Further studies of the origin of SP humanin and its role in spermatogenesis should be conducted.

Transcriptome sequencing and comparative analysis of adult ovary and testis identify potential gonadal maintenance-related genes in Mauremys reevesii with temperature-dependent sex determination

Mauremys reevesii is a classical organism with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Gonad development in early life has recently received considerable attention but gonadal maintenance after sex differentiation in turtles with TSD remains a mystery. In this study, we sequenced the transcriptomes for the adult testis and ovary using RNA-seq, and 36,221 transcripts were identified. In total, 1,594 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified where 756 DEGs were upregulated in the testis and 838 DEGs were upregulated in the ovary. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis suggested that the TGF-beta signaling pathway and Hedgehog signaling pathway have important roles in testis maintenance and spermatogenesis, whereas the Hippo signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway are likely to participate in ovary maintenance. We determined the existence of antagonistic networks containing significant specific-expressed genes and pathways related to gonadal maintenance and gametogenesis in the adult gonads of M. reevesii. The candidate gene Fibronectin type 3 and ankyrin repeat domains 1 (FANK1) might be involved with the regulation of testis spermatogenesis.

Altered expression of KLC3 may affect semen parameters

BACKGROUND

KLC3 protein as a member of the kinesin light-chain protein family plays an important role in spermatogenesis, during formation of mitochondrial sheath in the mid piece of the sperm tail.

OBJECTIVE

This study for the first time aims to compare the expression of the KLC3 gene between fertile and infertile individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen samples were collected from 19 fertile individuals who were selected from embryo-donor volunteers and 57 infertile individuals who had abnormal sperm parameters according to world health organization criteria. Sperm parameters using computer assisted sperm analysis and the quantitative KLC3-gene expression using the real-time PCR method were measured.

RESULTS

Our results revealed a significant correlations between sperm concentration with relative expression of KLC3 only in infertile groups (r=0.45, p=0.00). A significant correlation was not found between KLC3 expression and sperm motility; however, the relative expression of KLC3 was significantly higher in asthenozoospermic compared to non-asthenozoospermic individuals.

CONCLUSION

Low expression of KLC3 may result in improper function of midpiece, which has important function in sperm motility. The results of this study show that aberrant expression of KLC3 might be associated with phenomena like oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia. This article is extracted from student's thesis.

Trigonellae Semen Enhances Sperm Motility and the Expression of the Cation Sperm Channel Proteins in Mouse Testes

Genetic defects during spermatogenesis can lead to a reduction in sperm motility and cause male infertility. The cation channels of sperm (CatSper) play a role in the regulation of hyperactivated sperm motility in mouse testes. The effect of Trigonellae Semen (TS) on the male reproductive system and CatSper protein in mouse testes during spermatogenesis was examined. C57BL/c mice were divided into the following five groups: normal, cyclophosphamide- (CP-) only treated (control group), and three groups treated with varying concentrations of TS with CP (100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg TS and 100 mg/kg CP). Real-time PCR, western blot analysis, and a testosterone immunoassay were performed to assess CatSper protein levels in the five groups. Additionally, sperm cell counts and motility were examined. Results indicate that sperm motility and sperm counts increased in the TS treated groups in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). CatSper levels were also significantly higher in the TS treated groups compared to that of the control group (p < 0.001). Therefore, TS treatment could enhance sperm function by promoting spermatogenesis and the expression of CatSper proteins in mouse testes.

Chromosomal Rearrangements as Barriers to Genetic Homogenization between Archaic and Modern Humans

Chromosomal rearrangements, which shuffle DNA throughout the genome, are an important source of divergence across taxa. Using a paired-end read approach with Illumina sequence data for archaic humans, I identify changes in genome structure that occurred recently in human evolution. Hundreds of rearrangements indicate genomic trafficking between the sex chromosomes and autosomes, raising the possibility of sex-specific changes. Additionally, genes adjacent to genome structure changes in Neanderthals are associated with testis-specific expression, consistent with evolutionary theory that new genes commonly form with expression in the testes. I identify one case of new-gene creation through transposition from the Y chromosome to chromosome 10 that combines the 5'-end of the testis-specific gene Fank1 with previously untranscribed sequence. This new transcript experienced copy number expansion in archaic genomes, indicating rapid genomic change. Among rearrangements identified in Neanderthals, 13% are transposition of selfish genetic elements, whereas 32% appear to be ectopic exchange between repeats. In Denisovan, the pattern is similar but numbers are significantly higher with 18% of rearrangements reflecting transposition and 40% ectopic exchange between distantly related repeats. There is an excess of divergent rearrangements relative to polymorphism in Denisovan, which might result from nonuniform rates of mutation, possibly reflecting a burst of transposable element activity in the lineage that led to Denisovan. Finally, loci containing genome structure changes show diminished rates of introgression from Neanderthals into modern humans, consistent with the hypothesis that rearrangements serve as barriers to gene flow during hybridization. Together, these results suggest that this previously unidentified source of genomic variation has important biological consequences in human evolution.

The Ankyrin Repeat Domain 49 (ANKRD49) Augments Autophagy of Serum-Starved GC-1 Cells through the NF-κB Pathway

The ankyrin repeat domain 49 (ANKRD49) is an evolutionarily conserved protein highly expressed in testes. However, the function of ANKRD49 in spermatogenesis is unknown. In this study, we found that ANKRD49 resides primarily in nucleus of spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round spermatids. ANKRD49 overexpression augments starvation-induced autophagy in male germ GC-1 cells whereas shRNA knockdown of ANKRD49 attenuates the autophagy. Inhibition of NF-κB pathway by its inhibitors or p65 siRNA prevents the ANKRD49-dependent autophagy augmentation, demonstrating that ANKRD49 enhances autophagy via NF-κB pathway. Our findings suggest that ANKRD49 plays an important role in spermatogenesis via promotion of autophagy-dependent survival.