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Rotimi DE, Iyobhebhe M, Oluwayemi ET, Evbuomwan IO, Asaleye RM, Ojo OA, Adeyemi OS. Mitophagy and spermatogenesis: Role and mechanisms. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 38:101698. [PMID: 38577271 PMCID: PMC10990862 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The mitophagy process, a type of macroautophagy, is the targeted removal of mitochondria. It is a type of autophagy exclusive to mitochondria, as the process removes defective mitochondria one by one. Mitophagy serves as an additional level of quality control by using autophagy to remove superfluous mitochondria or mitochondria that are irreparably damaged. During spermatogenesis, mitophagy can influence cell homeostasis and participates in a variety of membrane trafficking activities. Crucially, it has been demonstrated that defective mitophagy can impede spermatogenesis. Despite an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that mitophagy and mitochondrial dynamics preserve the fundamental level of cellular homeostasis, little is known about their role in developmentally controlled metabolic transitions and differentiation. It has been observed that male infertility is a result of mitophagy's impact on sperm motility. Furthermore, certain proteins related to autophagy have been shown to be present in mammalian spermatozoa. The mitochondria are the only organelle in sperm that can produce reactive oxygen species and finally provide energy for sperm movement. Furthermore, studies have shown that inhibited autophagy-infected spermatozoa had reduced motility and increased amounts of phosphorylated PINK1, TOM20, caspase 3/7, and AMPK. Therefore, in terms of reproductive physiology, mitophagy is the removal of mitochondria derived from sperm and the following preservation of mitochondria that are exclusively maternal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damilare Emmanuel Rotimi
- Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria
- SDG 3, Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Nigeria
| | - Matthew Iyobhebhe
- Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria
- SDG 3, Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Nigeria
| | - Elizabeth Temidayo Oluwayemi
- Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria
- SDG 3, Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Nigeria
| | | | - Rotdelmwa Maimako Asaleye
- Department of Biochemistry, Landmark University, Omu-Aran 251101, Kwara State, Nigeria
- SDG 3, Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Nigeria
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Li Y, Zhou Y, Ma T, Dai J, Li H, Pan Q, Luo W. Research progress on the role of autophagy in the development of varicocele. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100894. [PMID: 38776742 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100894] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Varicocele (VC) is a common cause of infertility in men. Pathophysiological changes caused by VC, such as testicular hypoxia, high temperatures, oxidative stress, abnormal reproductive hormones, and Cd accumulation, can induce autophagy, thus affecting the reproductive function in patients with this condition. Autophagy regulators can be classified as activators or inhibitors. Autophagy activators upregulate autophagy, reduce the damage to the testis and epididymis, inhibit spermatogenic cell apoptosis, and protect fertility. In contrast, autophagy inhibitors block autophagy and aggravate the damage to the reproductive functions. Therefore, elucidating the role of autophagy in the occurrence, development, and regulation of VC may provide additional therapeutic options for men with infertility and VC. In this review, we briefly describe the progress made in autophagy research in the context of VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqing Li
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianzhong Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Department, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaze Dai
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingjun Pan
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wenying Luo
- Medical Laboratory Center, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.
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Yan Q, Wang Q, Nan J, Chen T, Wang J, Zhang Y, Yuan L. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) regulates autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway of yak Sertoli cells. Theriogenology 2024; 220:96-107. [PMID: 38503100 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.03.003] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Successful male reproduction depends on healthy testes. Autophagy has been confirmed to be active during many cellular events associated with the testes. It is not only crucial for testicular spermatogenesis but is also an essential regulatory mechanism for Sertoli cell (SCs) ectoplasmic specialization integrity and normal function of the blood-testis-barrier. Hypoxic stress induces oxidative damage, apoptosis, and autophagy, negatively affecting the male reproductive system. Cryptorchidism is a common condition associated with infertility. Recent studies have demonstrated that hypoxia-induced miRNAs and their transcription factors are highly expressed in the testicular tissue of infertile patients. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) is a heat-shock protein family member associated with cellular antioxidant defense and anti-apoptotic functions. The present study found that the HO1 mRNA and protein are up-regulated in yak cryptorchidism compared to normal testes. Next, we investigated the expression of HO1 in the SCs exposed to hypoxic stress and characterized the expression of key molecules involved in autophagy and apoptosis. The results showed that hypoxic stress induced the upregulation of autophagy of SCs. The down-regulation of HO1 using siRNA increases autophagy and decreases apoptosis, while the over-expression of HO1 attenuates autophagy and increases apoptosis. Furthermore, HO1 regulates autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These results will be helpful for further understanding the regulatory mechanisms of HO1 in yak cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Jinghong Nan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juntao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China; College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
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Samare-Najaf M, Samareh A, Savardashtaki A, Khajehyar N, Tajbakhsh A, Vakili S, Moghadam D, Rastegar S, Mohsenizadeh M, Jahromi BN, Vafadar A, Zarei R. Non-apoptotic cell death programs in cervical cancer with an emphasis on ferroptosis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 194:104249. [PMID: 38145831 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer, a pernicious gynecological malignancy, causes the mortality of hundreds of thousands of females worldwide. Despite a considerable decline in mortality, the surging incidence rate among younger women has raised serious concerns. Immortality is the most important characteristic of tumor cells, hence the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer cells pivotally requires compromising with cell death mechanisms. METHODS The current study comprehensively reviewed the mechanisms of non-apoptotic cell death programs to provide possible disease management strategies. RESULTS Comprehensive evidence has stated that focusing on necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy for disease management is associated with significant limitations such as insufficient understanding, contradictory functions, dependence on disease stage, and complexity of intracellular pathways. However, ferroptosis represents a predictable role in cervix carcinogenesis, and ferroptosis-related genes demonstrate a remarkable correlation with patient survival and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION Ferroptosis may be an appropriate option for disease management strategies from predicting prognosis to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Samare-Najaf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Kerman Regional Blood Transfusion Center, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ali Samareh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Nastaran Khajehyar
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Kerman Regional Blood Transfusion Center, Kerman, Iran
| | - Amir Tajbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Vakili
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Delaram Moghadam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Rastegar
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Mohsenizadeh
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Kerman Regional Blood Transfusion Center, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Asma Vafadar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Zarei
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Gong T, Mu Q, Xu Y, Wang W, Meng L, Feng X, Liu W, Ao Z, Zhang Y, Chen X, Xu H. Expression of the umami taste receptor T1R1/T1R3 in porcine testis of: Function in regulating testosterone synthesis and autophagy in Leydig cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 236:106429. [PMID: 38035949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone is a vital male hormone responsible for male sexual characteristics. The taste receptor family 1 subunit 3 (T1R3) regulates testosterone synthesis and autophagy in non-taste cells, and the links with the taste receptor family 1 subunit 1 (T1R1) for umami perception. However, little is known about these mechanisms. Thus, we aimed to determine the relationship between the umami taste receptor (T1R1/T1R3) and testosterone synthesis or autophagy in testicular Leydig cells of the Xiang pig. There was a certain proportion of spermatogenic tubular dysplasia in the Xiang pig at puberty, in which autophagy was enhanced, and the testosterone level was increased with a weak expression of T1R3. Silenced T1R3 decreased testosterone level and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content and inhibited the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of testosterone synthesis enzyme genes [steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 (3β-HSD1), cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1 (CYP17A1) and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 3 (17β-HSD3)]. In addition, T1R3 increased the number of acidic autophagy bubbles and upregulated the expression levels of autophagy markers [Microtubule-associated protein 1 A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1] in testicular Leydig cells of the Xiang pig. Using an umami tasting agonist (10 mM L-glutamate for 6 h), the activation of T1R1/T1R3 enhanced the testosterone synthesis ability by increasing the intracellular cAMP level and upregulated the expression levels of StAR, 3β-HSD1, CYP17A1 and 17β-HSD3 in Leydig cells. Furthermore, the number of acidic autophagy bubbles decreased in the T1R1/T1R3-activated group with the downregulation of the expression levels of the autophagy markers, including LC3 and Beclin-1. These data suggest that the function of T1R1/T1R3 expressed in testicular Leydig cells of the Xiang pig is related to testosterone synthesis and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China.
| | - Qi Mu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Yongjian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PR China
| | - Weiyong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Lijie Meng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Xianzhou Feng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Wenjiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Zheng Ao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Yiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Houqiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in The Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
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Yan Q, Li T, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Wang Q, Yuan L. Caveolin 1 Regulates the Tight Junctions between Sertoli Cells and Promotes the Integrity of Blood-Testis Barrier in Yak via the FAK/ERK Signaling Pathway. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:183. [PMID: 38254351 PMCID: PMC10812639 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020183] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Yaks, a valuable livestock species endemic to China's Tibetan plateau, have a low reproductive rate. Cryptorchidism is believed to be one of the leading causes of infertility in male yaks. In this study, we compared the morphology of the normal testis of the yak with that of the cryptorchidism, and found dysplasia of the seminiferous tubules, impaired tightness of the Sertoli cells, and a disruption of the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the cryptorchidism. Previous studies have shown that CAV1 significantly contributes to the regulation of cell tight junctions and spermatogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesize that CAV1 may play a regulatory role in tight junctions and BTB in Yaks Sertoli cells, thereby influencing the development of cryptorchidism. Additional analysis using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting confirmed that CAV1 expression is up-regulated in yak cryptorchidism. CAV1 over-expression plasmids and small RNA interference sequences were then transfected in vitro into yak Sertoli cells. It was furthermore found that CAV1 has a positive regulatory effect on tight junctions and BTB integrity, and that this regulatory effect is achieved through the FAK/ERK signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings, the first application of CAV1 to yak cryptorchidism, provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cell tight junctions and BTB. This paper suggests that CAV1 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for yak cryptorchidism and may provide insight for future investigations into the occurrence of cryptorchidism, the maintenance of a normal physiological environment for spermatogenesis and male reproductive physiology in the yak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Tianan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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Soltani M, Rahmati M, Nikravesh MR, Saeedi Nejat S, Jalali M. Inhibition of Autophagy in Heat-Stressed Sperm of Adult Mice: A Possible Role of Catsper1, 2 Channel Proteins. J Trop Med 2023; 2023:6890815. [PMID: 37850157 PMCID: PMC10578978 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6890815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Various phenomena guarantee gamete maturation and formation at all stages of evolution, one of which is autophagy playing a critical role in the final morphology of gametes, particularly sperms. Autophagy is influenced by oxidative stress, disturbances of calcium homeostasis, and hyperthermia conditions. The current study aimed to assess the autophagy-related proteins along with the activity of sperm calcium channel (CatSper) proteins following the induction of heat stress (HS). Methods The study sample includes two groups of adult mice: sham and HS groups. In the HS group, the right testis was transferred to the abdominal cavity for 120 hours and then returned to the scrotum where it remained for 7 days. After 7 days, the testis and epididymis were removed to conduct real-time, immunohistochemical studies, sperm parameter evaluation, and seminiferous tubule assessment. In this study, the expression and distribution of autophagy proteins were measured. Plus, CatSper1 and CatSper2 were evaluated as proteins of calcium channels. Results The results of the present study demonstrated that the expression intensity of autophagy indices in seminiferous tubules decreased significantly after HS induction, which was associated with a decrease in the distribution of CatSper proteins in the sperms. HS led to morphological changes in sperm, reduced motility and viability of sperm, and decreased spermatogenesis indices. Conclusion In this study, following heat stress, the decrease in CatSper protein distribution may lead to the structural disorder of CatSper channels, which could strongly affect autophagic activity. Also, disruption of spermatogenesis and sperm parameters may be the consequence of decreased autophagy activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Soltani
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, IR, Iran
| | - Majid Rahmati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, IR, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nikravesh
- Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR, Iran
| | - Shahin Saeedi Nejat
- Schools of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR, Iran
| | - Mahdi Jalali
- Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR, Iran
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Arıcı A, Erdemir F. A Determination of p97/VCP (Valosin Containing Protein) and SVIP (Small VCP Interacting Protein) Expression Patterns in Human Testis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1079. [PMID: 37374283 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The ubiquitin proteosome system (UPS) is a non-lysosomal pathway that functions in all eukaryotes. The transport of polyubiquitinated proteins to proteosomes takes place via the p97/Valosin-containing protein (VCP) chaperone protein. The p97/VCP binds to polyubiquitinated proteins, allowing these proteins to reach the proteasome and, thus, their destruction. In the case of p97/VCP deficiency, ubiquitinated proteins accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, and their subsequent failure to break down produces various pathological conditions. Small VCP interacting protein (SVIP) and p97/VCP proteins have not been studied in human testicular tissues from different postnatal periods. Therefore, in our study, we aimed to examine the expression of SVIP and p97/VCP in postnatal human testicular tissues. Our study aimed to contribute to further studies on the use of these proteins as testicular cell biomarkers in cases of unexplained male infertility. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical studies with the aim of determining the expression of p97/VCP and SVIP proteins in neonatal, prepubertal, pubertal, adult, and geriatric human testis tissues were performed. Results: In testicular sections obtained from a neonatal group, p97/VCP and SVIP were localized in different testicular and interstitial cells, and the lowest expression was observed in this group. While the expressions of these proteins were low in the neonatal period, they increased gradually in the prepubertal, pubertal and adult periods. The expression of p97/VCP and SVIP, which peaked in adulthood, showed a significant decrease in the geriatric period. Conclusions: As a result, the expression of p97/VCP and SVIP correlated with the increase in age, but it decreased significantly in older groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akgül Arıcı
- Department of Medical Pathology, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, 60100 Tokat, Turkey
| | - Fikret Erdemir
- Department of Urology, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, 60100 Tokat, Turkey
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Kirat D, Alahwany AM, Arisha AH, Abdelkhalek A, Miyasho T. Role of Macroautophagy in Mammalian Male Reproductive Physiology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091322. [PMID: 37174722 PMCID: PMC10177121 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091322] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiologically, autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved and self-degradative process in cells. Autophagy carries out normal physiological roles throughout mammalian life. Accumulating evidence shows autophagy as a mechanism for cellular growth, development, differentiation, survival, and homeostasis. In male reproductive systems, normal spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis need a balance between degradation and energy supply to preserve cellular metabolic homeostasis. The main process of autophagy includes the formation and maturation of the phagophore, autophagosome, and autolysosome. Autophagy is controlled by a group of autophagy-related genes that form the core machinery of autophagy. Three types of autophagy mechanisms have been discovered in mammalian cells: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. Autophagy is classified as non-selective or selective. Non-selective macroautophagy randomly engulfs the cytoplasmic components in autophagosomes that are degraded by lysosomal enzymes. While selective macroautophagy precisely identifies and degrades a specific element, current findings have shown the novel functional roles of autophagy in male reproduction. It has been recognized that dysfunction in the autophagy process can be associated with male infertility. Overall, this review provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basics of autophagy and summarizes the latest findings on the key role of autophagy in mammalian male reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Kirat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Alahwany
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hamed Arisha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Adel Abdelkhalek
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Taku Miyasho
- Laboratory of Animal Biological Responses, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
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10
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Moustakli E, Zikopoulos A, Sakaloglou P, Bouba I, Sofikitis N, Georgiou I. Functional association between telomeres, oxidation and mitochondria. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1107215. [PMID: 36890798 PMCID: PMC9986632 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1107215] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior research has substantiated the vital role of telomeres in human fertility. Telomeres are prerequisites for maintaining the integrity of chromosomes by preventing the loss of genetic material following replication events. Little is known about the association between sperm telomere length and mitochondrial capacity involving its structure and functions. Mitochondria are structurally and functionally distinct organelles that are located on the spermatozoon's midpiece. Mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which is necessary for sperm motility and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). While a moderate concentration of ROS is critical for egg-sperm fusion, and fertilization, excessive ROS generation is primarily related to telomere shortening, sperm DNA fragmentation, and alterations in the methylation pattern leading to male infertility. This review aims to highlight the functional connection between mitochondria biogenesis and telomere length in male infertility, as mitochondrial lesions have a damaging impact on telomere length, leading both to telomere lengthening and reprogramming of mitochondrial biosynthesis. Furthermore, it aims to shed light on how both inositol and antioxidants can positively affect male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Prodromos Sakaloglou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioanna Bouba
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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11
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Cordero-Martínez J, Jimenez-Gutierrez GE, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Alacántara-Farfán V, Chamorro-Cevallos G, Roa-Espitia AL, Hernández-González EO, Rodríguez-Páez L. Participation of signaling proteins in sperm hyperactivation. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:315-330. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2122761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Cordero-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Charmina Aguirre-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Verónica Alacántara-Farfán
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Germán Chamorro-Cevallos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica Departamento de Farmacia Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana L. Roa-Espitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Enrique O. Hernández-González
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Lorena Rodríguez-Páez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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12
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Rotimi DE, Singh SK. Interaction between apoptosis and autophagy in testicular function. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14602. [PMID: 36161318 DOI: 10.1111/and.14602] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Several processes including oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and autophagy are related to testicular function. Recent studies indicate that a crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy is essential in regulating testicular function. Autophagy and apoptosis communicate with each other in a complex way, allowing them to work for or against each other in testicular cell survival and death. Several xenobiotics especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have caused reproductive toxicity because of their potential to modify the rate of autophagy and trigger apoptosis. Therefore, the purpose of the present review was to shed light on how autophagy and apoptosis interact together in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damilare E Rotimi
- SDG 03 Group - Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, Medicinal Biochemistry, Nanomedicine & Toxicology Laboratory, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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13
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Germline FOXJ2 overexpression causes male infertility via aberrant autophagy activation by LAMP2A upregulation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:665. [PMID: 35908066 PMCID: PMC9338950 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05116-w] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex biological process that produces haploid spermatozoa and requires precise regulation by many tissue-specific factors. In this study, we explored the role and mechanism of Fork head box J2 (FOXJ2, which is highly expressed in spermatocytes) in the regulation of spermatogenesis using a germline-specific conditional Foxj2 knock-in mouse model (Stra8-Cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mouse). Foxj2 overexpression in mouse testes led to spermatogenesis failure, which started at the initiation of meiosis, and resulted in male infertility. Lysosomes and autophagy-related genes were upregulated in Stra8-cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mouse testes and the number of autolysosomes in the spermatocytes in Stra8-cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mice was increased. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR and Dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that Lamp2 (encoding lysosome-associated membrane protein-2) was a target of FOXJ2. Foxj2 overexpression increased the expression levels of Lamp2a and Hsc70 (70-kDa cytoplasmic heat shock protein) in the Stra8-cre; Foxj2 tg/tg mouse testes. Our results suggested that Foxj2 overexpression in the germ cells of mouse testes affects chaperone-mediated autophagy by upregulating LAMP2A, leading to spermatogenesis failure at the initiation of meiosis, thus resulting in male infertility. Our findings provide a new insight into the function of FOXJ2 in spermatogenesis and the significance of autophagy regulation in spermatogenesis.
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14
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Squillacioti C, Pelagalli A, Assisi L, Costagliola A, Van Nassauw L, Mirabella N, Liguori G. Does Orexin B-Binding Receptor 2 for Orexins Regulate Testicular and Epididymal Functions in Normal and Cryptorchid Dogs? Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:880022. [PMID: 35903144 PMCID: PMC9323089 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.880022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Orexins A (OXA) and B (OXB) and the receptors 1 (OX1R) and 2 (OX2R) for orexins are hypothalamic peptides found in several mammalian organs and participated to the control of a wide assortment of physiological and pathological functions. The distribution of OXA and OX1R has been extensively studied in the male gonad of mammals. Here, we examined the expression and localization of OXB and OX2R as well as their possible involvement in the regulation of testicular and epididymal functions, in healthy and cryptorchid dogs, employing some techniques such as immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time RT-PCR. In vitro tests were also carried out for evaluating the steroidogenic effect of OXB. OXB and OX2R were expressed in spermatocytes, spermatids, and Leydig cells in normal testis. Their localization was restricted to Sertoli and Leydig cells in cryptorchid conditions. OXB was found to be localized in all tracts of both normal and cryptorchid epididymis, whereas OX2R was found only in the caput. Because the small molecular weight of the peptides OXA and OXB, the expression of their precursor prepro-orexin (PPO), OX1R, and OX2R proteins and mRNAs were investigated by means of Western blot and real-time RT-PCR analyses, respectively, in all tested groups of. In particular, the mRNA level expression of all three genes was higher in cryptorchid dogs than in normal ones. In vitro tests demonstrated that OXB—by binding OX2R—is not involved in testicular steroidogenic processes. Therefore, the findings of this study might be the basis for further functional and molecular studies addressing the possible biochemical effects of OXB and OX2R in normal and pathological conditions of the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Squillacioti
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pelagalli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages (IBB), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandra Pelagalli
| | - Loredana Assisi
- Department of Biology, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Costagliola
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luc Van Nassauw
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Department ASTARC, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicola Mirabella
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Liguori
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Prevention, ASL FG, Foggia, Italy
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15
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Gao Y, Wang C, Wang K, He C, Hu K, Liang M. The effects and molecular mechanism of heat stress on spermatogenesis and the mitigation measures. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:331-347. [PMID: 35722894 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2074325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Under normal conditions, to achieve optimal spermatogenesis, the temperature of the testes should be 2-6 °C lower than body temperature. Cryptorchidism is one of the common pathogenic factors of male infertility. The increase of testicular temperature in male cryptorchidism patients leads to the disorder of body regulation and balance, induces the oxidative stress response of germ cells, destroys the integrity of sperm DNA, yields morphologically abnormal sperm, and leads to excessive apoptosis of germ cells. These physiological changes in the body can reduce sperm fertility and lead to male infertility. This paper describes the factors causing testicular heat stress, including lifestyle and behavioral factors, occupational and environmental factors (external factors), and clinical factors caused by pathological conditions (internal factors). Studies have shown that wearing tight pants or an inappropriate posture when sitting for a long time in daily life, and an increase in ambient temperature caused by different seasons or in different areas, can cause an increase in testicular temperature, induces testicular oxidative stress response, and reduce male fertility. The occurrence of cryptorchidism causes pathological changes within the testis and sperm, such as increased germ cell apoptosis, DNA damage in sperm cells, changes in gene expression, increase in chromosome aneuploidy, and changes in Na+/K+-ATPase activity, etc. At the end of the article, we list some substances that can relieve oxidative stress in tissues, such as trigonelline, melatonin, R. apetalus, and angelica powder. These substances can protect testicular tissue and relieve the damage caused by excessive oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
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16
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Melia TJ, Reinisch KM. A possible role for VPS13-family proteins in bulk lipid transfer, membrane expansion and organelle biogenesis. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274675. [PMID: 35267021 PMCID: PMC8976877 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
At organelle–organelle contact sites, proteins have long been known to facilitate the rapid movement of lipids. Classically, this lipid transport involves the extraction of single lipids into a hydrophobic pocket on a lipid transport protein. Recently, a new class of lipid transporter has been described with physical characteristics that suggest these proteins are likely to function differently. They possess long hydrophobic tracts that can bind many lipids at once and physically span the entire gulf between membranes at contact sites, suggesting that they may act as bridges to facilitate bulk lipid flow. Here, we review what has been learned regarding the structure and function of this class of lipid transporters, whose best characterized members are VPS13 and ATG2 proteins, and their apparent coordination with other lipid-mobilizing proteins on organelle membranes. We also discuss the prevailing hypothesis in the field, that this type of lipid transport may facilitate membrane expansion through the bulk delivery of lipids, as well as other emerging hypotheses and questions surrounding these novel lipid transport proteins. Summary: We discuss emerging roles of VPS13-family proteins in vesicle-independent bulk lipid transport between organelles, the possible functions of such transport and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Melia
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Karin M Reinisch
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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17
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Wang M, Zeng L, Su P, Ma L, Zhang M, Zhang YZ. Autophagy: a multifaceted player in the fate of sperm. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:200-231. [PMID: 34967891 PMCID: PMC8889000 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic process of degrading and recycling proteins and organelles to modulate various physiological and pathological events, including cell differentiation and development. Emerging data indicate that autophagy is closely associated with male reproduction, especially the biosynthetic and catabolic processes of sperm. Throughout the fate of sperm, a series of highly specialized cellular events occur, involving pre-testicular, testicular and post-testicular events. Nonetheless, the most fundamental question of whether autophagy plays a protective or harmful role in male reproduction, especially in sperm, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We summarize the functional roles of autophagy in the pre-testicular (hypothalamic–pituitary–testis (HPG) axis), testicular (spermatocytogenesis, spermatidogenesis, spermiogenesis, spermiation) and post-testicular (sperm maturation and fertilization) processes according to the timeline of sperm fate. Additionally, critical mechanisms of the action and clinical impacts of autophagy on sperm are identified, laying the foundation for the treatment of male infertility. SEARCH METHODS In this narrative review, the PubMed database was used to search peer-reviewed publications for summarizing the functional roles of autophagy in the fate of sperm using the following terms: ‘autophagy’, ‘sperm’, ‘hypothalamic–pituitary–testis axis’, ‘spermatogenesis’, ‘spermatocytogenesis’, ‘spermatidogenesis’, ‘spermiogenesis’, ‘spermiation’, ‘sperm maturation’, ‘fertilization’, ‘capacitation’ and ‘acrosome’ in combination with autophagy-related proteins. We also performed a bibliographic search for the clinical impact of the autophagy process using the keywords of autophagy inhibitors such as ‘bafilomycin A1’, ‘chloroquine’, ‘hydroxychloroquine’, ‘3-Methyl Adenine (3-MA)’, ‘lucanthone’, ‘wortmannin’ and autophagy activators such as ‘rapamycin’, ‘perifosine’, ‘metformin’ in combination with ‘disease’, ‘treatment’, ‘therapy’, ‘male infertility’ and equivalent terms. In addition, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for additional relevant publications. All relevant publications until August 2021 were critically evaluated and discussed on the basis of relevance, quality and timelines. OUTCOMES (i) In pre-testicular processes, autophagy-related genes are involved in the regulation of the HPG axis; and (ii) in testicular processes, mTORC1, the main gate to autophagy, is crucial for spermatogonia stem cell (SCCs) proliferation, differentiation, meiotic progression, inactivation of sex chromosomes and spermiogenesis. During spermatidogenesis, autophagy maintains haploid round spermatid chromatoid body homeostasis for differentiation. During spermiogenesis, autophagy participates in acrosome biogenesis, flagella assembly, head shaping and the removal of cytoplasm from elongating spermatid. After spermatogenesis, through PDLIM1, autophagy orchestrates apical ectoplasmic specialization and basal ectoplasmic specialization to handle cytoskeleton assembly, governing spermatid movement and release during spermiation. In post-testicular processes, there is no direct evidence that autophagy participates in the process of capacitation. However, autophagy modulates the acrosome reaction, paternal mitochondria elimination and clearance of membranous organelles during fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Deciphering the roles of autophagy in the entire fate of sperm will provide valuable insights into therapies for diseases, especially male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Science Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ping Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ling Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zhen Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
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18
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Umer N, Arévalo L, Phadke S, Lohanadan K, Kirfel G, Sons D, Sofia D, Witke W, Schorle H. Loss of Profilin3 Impairs Spermiogenesis by Affecting Acrosome Biogenesis, Autophagy, Manchette Development and Mitochondrial Organization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:749559. [PMID: 34869336 PMCID: PMC8632698 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.749559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Profilins (PFNs) are key regulatory proteins for the actin polymerization in cells and are encoded in mouse and humans by four Pfn genes. PFNs are involved in cell mobility, cell growth, neurogenesis, and metastasis of tumor cells. The testes-specific PFN3 is localized in the acroplaxome-manchette complex of developing spermatozoa. We demonstrate that PFN3 further localizes in the Golgi complex and proacrosomal vesicles during spermiogenesis, suggesting a role in vesicle transport for acrosome formation. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated mice deficient for Pfn3. Pfn3-/- males are subfertile, displaying a type II globozoospermia. We revealed that Pfn3-/- sperm display abnormal manchette development leading to an amorphous sperm head shape. Additionally, Pfn3-/- sperm showed reduced sperm motility resulting from flagellum deformities. We show that acrosome biogenesis is impaired starting from the Golgi phase, and mature sperm seems to suffer from a cytoplasm removal defect. An RNA-seq analysis revealed an upregulation of Trim27 and downregulation of Atg2a. As a consequence, mTOR was activated and AMPK was suppressed, resulting in the inhibition of autophagy. This dysregulation of AMPK/mTOR affected the autophagic flux, which is hallmarked by LC3B accumulation and increased SQSTM1 protein levels. Autophagy is involved in proacrosomal vesicle fusion and transport to form the acrosome. We conclude that this disruption leads to the observed malformation of the acrosome. TRIM27 is associated with PFN3 as determined by co-immunoprecipitation from testis extracts. Further, actin-related protein ARPM1 was absent in the nuclear fraction of Pfn3-/- testes and sperm. This suggests that lack of PFN3 leads to destabilization of the PFN3-ARPM1 complex, resulting in the degradation of ARPM1. Interestingly, in the Pfn3-/- testes, we detected increased protein levels of essential actin regulatory proteins, cofilin-1 (CFL1), cofilin-2 (CFL2), and actin depolymerizing factor (ADF). Taken together, our results reveal the importance for PFN3 in male fertility and implicate this protein as a candidate for male factor infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Umer
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sharang Phadke
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Gregor Kirfel
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dominik Sons
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Denise Sofia
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Walter Witke
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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19
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Ge P, Zhang X, Yang YQ, Lv MQ, Zhang J, Han SP, Zhao WB, Zhou DX. Rno_circRNA_016194 might be involved in the testicular injury induced by long-term formaldehyde exposure via rno-miR-449a-5p mediated Atg4b activation. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 155:112409. [PMID: 34265366 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) can function as microRNAs (miRNAs) sponges to participate in spermatogenesis, little is known about the functions of circRNAs in testis exposed to formaldehyde. In this study, twenty-four male SD rats (6-8 weeks) were randomly assigned to four groups, including a control group, 0.5, 2.46, and 5 mg/m3 formaldehyde exposure groups, inhaling formaldehyde for eight consecutive weeks. The RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of rno_circRNA_016194; the testicular injuries were observed by testicular histopathology. Our study illustrated up-regulated rno_circRNA_016194 was dose-dependent with formaldehyde. Simultaneously, the testicular histopathology showed an obvious damages in the 2.46 and 5 mg/m3 formaldehyde exposure rats. Combined with bioinformatics analysis, the rno-miR-449a-5p was predicted and verified that its expression decreased in the testis exposed to formaldehyde. Meanwhile, the testicular morphometry changes were contrary to the expression of rno_circRNA_016194 and consistent with rno-miR-449a-5p. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis also prompted the potential downstream target gene for rno_circRNA_016194/rno-miR-449a-5p was Atg4b, and Atg4b expression was up-regulated in rats exposed to formaldehyde verifying by Western blot. Collectively, the rno_circRNA_016194 might be involved in formaldehyde-induced male reproductive toxicity and become potential therapeutic targets for male occupational exposure to formaldehyde.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Ge
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Science and Education, Xi'an Children' s Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Yan-Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Mo-Qi Lv
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shui-Ping Han
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wen-Bao Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Dang-Xia Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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20
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Effect of Cryptorchidism on the Histomorphometry, Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy in Boar Testes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051379. [PMID: 34066291 PMCID: PMC8152062 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Body temperature has detrimental effects on sperm quality in mammalian species, including pigs. However, the molecular mechanism of this is not yet well understood. Cryptorchidism is when one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum, which leads the testes to be exposed to the body temperature. The aims of present study were to investigate the effect of body temperature on the histomorphometry, apoptosis and the expression of the proliferation-associated protein PCNA and the autophagy-associated protein LC3 in spontaneous unilateral cryptorchid boar testes. Our findings showed that cryptorchidism had no evident influence on the number of Sertoli cells in boars. In cryptorchid testes, spermatogonia markedly decreased and the seminiferous tubule contained only a few spermatogonia, but did not contain post-meiotic germ cells. The altered seminiferous epithelium of the cryptorchid testis showed a low proliferation of its spermatogonia, with apoptosis and autophagy like that of scrotal testis, which probably entailed a gradual degeneration of the epithelium and the impossibility of its recovery. Although the number of Sertoli cells did not change, it was likely that their functionality was altered and that this affected the proliferation capacity of spermatogonia, causing the arrest of spermatogenesis. Abstract Spontaneous unilateral cryptorchid boars have one testis in the abdomen or inguinal canal, causing its temperature to be at or near the body temperature, which impairs spermatogenesis, although the histomorphometry and molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the histomorphometry, proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy alterations in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in unilateral cryptorchid, scrotal (contrascrotal), and preweaning piglet (preweaning) testes. Histomorphometrical analysis of cryptorchid testes showed that the seminiferous tubules contained only Sertoli cells and a few spermatogonia, but did not contain post-meiotic germ cells. The number of spermatogonia markedly decreased, and the number of Sertoli cells did not change remarkably in cryptorchid testes. TUNEL assay results showed that apoptosis signals were predominantly observed in spermatogonia. In cryptorchid and contrascrotal testes, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and LC3 were located in spermatogonia. The number of PCNA-positive, TUNEL-positive, and LC3-positive germ cells was low, and the protein and mRNA levels of PCNA and LC3 were significantly decreased in cryptorchid testes. Taken together, the number of Sertoli cells did not change remarkably, whereas the number of germ cells decreased in the cryptorchid testes, compared with that in the contrascrotal testes. Insufficient proliferation, excessive apoptosis, and autophagy were involved in the regulation of the decrease in spermatogonia in cryptorchid boar testes.
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21
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Cafe SL, Nixon B, Ecroyd H, Martin JH, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Bromfield EG. Proteostasis in the Male and Female Germline: A New Outlook on the Maintenance of Reproductive Health. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:660626. [PMID: 33937261 PMCID: PMC8085359 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.660626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For fully differentiated, long lived cells the maintenance of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) becomes a crucial determinant of cellular function and viability. Neurons are the most well-known example of this phenomenon where the majority of these cells must survive the entire course of life. However, male and female germ cells are also uniquely dependent on the maintenance of proteostasis to achieve successful fertilization. Oocytes, also long-lived cells, are subjected to prolonged periods of arrest and are largely reliant on the translation of stored mRNAs, accumulated during the growth period, to support meiotic maturation and subsequent embryogenesis. Conversely, sperm cells, while relatively ephemeral, are completely reliant on proteostasis due to the absence of both transcription and translation. Despite these remarkable, cell-specific features there has been little focus on understanding protein homeostasis in reproductive cells and how/whether proteostasis is "reset" during embryogenesis. Here, we seek to capture the momentum of this growing field by highlighting novel findings regarding germline proteostasis and how this knowledge can be used to promote reproductive health. In this review we capture proteostasis in the context of both somatic cell and germline aging and discuss the influence of oxidative stress on protein function. In particular, we highlight the contributions of proteostasis changes to oocyte aging and encourage a focus in this area that may complement the extensive analyses of DNA damage and aneuploidy that have long occupied the oocyte aging field. Moreover, we discuss the influence of common non-enzymatic protein modifications on the stability of proteins in the male germline, how these changes affect sperm function, and how they may be prevented to preserve fertility. Through this review we aim to bring to light a new trajectory for our field and highlight the potential to harness the germ cell's natural proteostasis mechanisms to improve reproductive health. This manuscript will be of interest to those in the fields of proteostasis, aging, male and female gamete reproductive biology, embryogenesis, and life course health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenae L. Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Heath Ecroyd
- Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H. Martin
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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22
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Long C, Zhou Y, Shen L, Yu Y, Hu D, Liu X, Lin T, He D, Xu T, Zhang D, Zhu J, Wei G. Retinoic acid can improve autophagy through depression of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway via RARα to restore spermatogenesis in cryptorchid infertile rats. Genes Dis 2021; 9:1368-1377. [PMID: 35873030 PMCID: PMC9293722 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism-caused adult infertility is a common component of idiopathic reasons for male infertility. Retinoic acid (RA) has a vital effect on the spermatogenesis process. Here, we found that the expression of c-Kit, Stra8, and Sycp3 could be up-regulated via the activation of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) after RA supplementation in neonatal cryptorchid infertile rats. We also demonstrated that the protein expression of PI3K, p-Akt/pan-Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR was higher in cryptorchid than in normal testes, and could be suppressed with RA in vivo. After RA treatment in infertile cryptorchid testis in vivo, the levels of the autophagy proteins LC3 and Beclin1 increased and those of P62 decreased. Biotin tracer indicated that the permeability of blood-testis barrier (BTB) in cryptorchid rats decreased after RA administration. Additionally, after blocking the RARα with AR7 (an RARα antagonist) in testicle culture in vitro, we observed that compared with normal testes, the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and the autophagy pathway was increased and decreased, respectively, which were coincident with cryptorchisd testes in vivo. Additionally, the appropriate concentrations of RA treatment could depress the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway and improve the autophagy pathway. The results confirmed that RA can rehabilitate BTB function and drive key protein levels in spermatogonial differentiation through depressing the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway via RARα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Long
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Yihang Yu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Dong Hu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Xing Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Tao Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Dawei He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Tao Xu
- Bio-manufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Deying Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
- Corresponding author. Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China.
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23
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Tu C, Li H, Liu X, Wang Y, Li W, Meng L, Wang W, Li Y, Li D, Du J, Lu G, Lin G, Tan YQ. TDRD7 participates in lens development and spermiogenesis by mediating autophagosome maturation. Autophagy 2021; 17:3848-3864. [PMID: 33618632 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1894058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, TDRD7 (tudor domain containing 7) mutations lead to a syndrome combining congenital cataracts (CCs) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), characterized by abnormal lens development and spermiogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying TDRD7's functions in eye and testicular development are still largely unknown. Here, we show that the depletion of this gene in mice and humans resulted in the accumulation of autophagosomes and the disruption of macroautophagic/autophagic flux. The disrupted autophagic flux in tdrd7-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) was caused by a failure of autophagosome fusion with lysosomes. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis and biochemical assays showed that TDRD7 might directly bind to Tbc1d20 mRNAs and downregulate its expression, which is a key regulator of autophagosome maturation, resulting in the disruption of autophagosome maturation. In addition, we provide evidence to show that TDRD7-mediated autophagosome maturation maintains lens transparency by facilitating the removal of damaged proteins and organelles from lens fiber cells and the biogenesis of acrosome. Altogether, our results showed that TDRD7 plays an essential role in the maturation of autophagosomes and that tdrd7 deletion results in eye defects and testicular abnormalities in mice, implicating disrupted autophagy might be the mechanism that contributes to lens development and spermiogenesis defects in human.Abbreviations: CB: chromatoid bodies; CC: congenital cataract; CTSD: cathepsin D; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; LAMP1: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1; LECs: lens epithelial cells; MAP1LC3/LC3/Atg8: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MEFs: mouse embryonic fibroblasts; NOA: non-obstructive azoospermia; OFZ: organelle-free zone; RG: RNA granules; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TBC1D20: TBC1 domain family member 20; TDRD7: tudor domain containing 7; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; WT: wild type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,The Center for Heart Development, Key Lab of MOE for Development Biology and Protein Chemistry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Haiyu Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuyang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongyan Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
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24
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Chai S, Tian R, Bi J, Xu S, Yang G, Ren W. Rapid evolution and molecular convergence in cryptorchidism-related genes associated with inherently undescended testes in mammals. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:22. [PMID: 33568072 PMCID: PMC7877101 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian testis is an important male exocrine gland and spermatozoa-producing organ that usually lies in extra-abdominal scrotums to provide a cooler environment for spermatogenesis and sperm storage. Testicles sometimes fail to descend, leading to cryptorchidism. However, certain groups of mammals possess inherently ascrotal testes (i.e. testes that do not descend completely or at all) that have the same physiological functions as completely descended scrotal testes. Although several anatomical and hormonal factors involved in testicular descent have been studied, there is still a paucity of comprehensive research on the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution of testicular descent in mammals and how mammals with ascrotal testes maintain their reproductive health. RESULTS We performed integrative phenotypic and comparative genomic analyses of 380 cryptorchidism-related genes and found that the mammalian ascrotal testes trait is derived from an ancestral scrotal state. Rapidly evolving genes in ascrotal mammals were enriched in the Hedgehog pathway-which regulates Leydig cell differentiation and testosterone secretion-and muscle development. Moreover, some cryptorchidism-related genes in ascrotal mammals had undergone positive selection and contained specific mutations and indels. Genes harboring convergent/parallel amino acid substitutions between ascrotal mammals were enriched in GTPase functions. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the scrotal testis is an ancestral state in mammals, and the ascrotal phenotype was derived multiple times in independent lineages. In addition, the adaptive evolution of genes involved in testicular descent and the development of the gubernaculum contributed to the evolution of ascrotal testes. Accurate DNA replication, the proper segregation of genetic material, and appropriate autophagy are the potential mechanisms for maintaining physiological normality during spermatogenesis in ascrotal mammals. Furthermore, the molecular convergence of GTPases is probably a mechanism in the ascrotal testes of different mammals. This study provides novel insights into the evolution of the testis and scrotum in mammals and contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Chai
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ran Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juanjuan Bi
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenhua Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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25
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Lv C, Wang X, Guo Y, Yuan S. Role of Selective Autophagy in Spermatogenesis and Male Fertility. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112523. [PMID: 33238415 PMCID: PMC7700316 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a "self-eating" process that engulfs cellular contents for their subsequent digestion in lysosomes to engage the metabolic need in response to starvation or environmental insults. According to the contents of degradation, autophagy can be divided into bulk autophagy (non-selective autophagy) and selective autophagy. Bulk autophagy degrades non-specific cytoplasmic materials in response to nutrient starvation while selective autophagy targets specific cargoes, such as damaged organelles, protein aggregates, and intracellular pathogens. Selective autophagy has been documented to relate to the reproductive processes, especially for the spermatogenesis, fertilization, and biosynthesis of testosterone. Although selective autophagy is vital in the field of reproduction, its role and the underlying mechanism have remained unclear. In this review, we focus on selective autophagy to discuss the recent advances in our understanding of the mechanism and role of selective autophagy on spermatogenesis and male fertility in mammals. Understanding the role of selective autophagy during spermatogenesis will promote the recognition of genetic regulation in male infertility, and shed light on therapies of infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Lv
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (C.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (C.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Ying Guo
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; (C.L.); (X.W.)
- Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-155-2750-7840
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26
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Meng Y, Yannan Z, Ren L, Qi S, Wei W, Lihong J. Adverse reproductive function induced by maternal BPA exposure is associated with abnormal autophagy and activating inflamation via mTOR and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways in female offspring rats. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:185-194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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27
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Huang Q, Liu Y, Zhang S, Yap YT, Li W, Zhang D, Gardner A, Zhang L, Song S, Hess RA, Zhang Z. Autophagy core protein ATG5 is required for elongating spermatid development, sperm individualization and normal fertility in male mice. Autophagy 2020; 17:1753-1767. [PMID: 32677505 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1783822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is the longest phase of spermatogenesis, with dramatic morphological changes and a final step of spermiation, which involves protein degradation and the removal of excess cytoplasm; therefore, we hypothesized that macroautophagy/autophagy might be involved in the process. To test this hypothesis, we examined the function of ATG5, a core autophagy protein in male germ cell development. Floxed Atg5 and Stra8- iCre mice were crossed to conditionally inactivate Atg5 in male germ cells. In Atg5flox/flox; Stra8- iCre mutant mice, testicular expression of the autophagosome marker LC3A/B-II was significantly reduced, and expression of autophagy receptor SQSTM1/p62 was significantly increased, indicating a decrease in testicular autophagy activity. The fertility of mutant mice was dramatically reduced with about 70% being infertile. Sperm counts and motility were also significantly reduced compared to controls. Histological examination of the mutant testes revealed numerous, large residual bodies in the lumen of stages after their normal resorption within the seminiferous epithelium. The cauda epididymal lumen was filled with sloughed germ cells, large cytoplasmic bodies, and spermatozoa with disorganized heads and tails. Examination of cauda epididymal sperm by electron microscopy revealed misshapen sperm heads, a discontinuous accessory structure in the mid-piece and abnormal acrosome formation and loss of sperm individualization. Immunofluorescence staining of epididymal sperm showed abnormal mitochondria and acrosome distribution in the mutant mice. ATG5 was shown to induce autophagy by mediating multiple signals to maintain normal developmental processes. Our study demonstrated ATG5 is essential for male fertility and is involved in various aspects of spermiogenesis.Abbreviations: AKAP4: a-kinase anchoring protein 4; ATG5: autophagy-related 5; ATG7: autophagy-related 7; ATG10: autophagy-related 10; ATG12: autophagy-related 12; cKO: conditional knockout; DDX4: DEAD-box helicase 4; MAP1LC3/LC3/tg8: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PIWIL2/MILI: piwi like RNA-mediated gene silencing 2; RT-PCR: reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TBC: tubulobulbar complexes; WT: wild type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yunhao Liu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shiyang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yi Tian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - David Zhang
- School of Arts and Sciences, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | - Ahmad Gardner
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Detroit High School, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shizheng Song
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rex A Hess
- Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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28
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Buschiazzo A, Yefimova M, Bourmeyster N, Fautrel A, Burel A, Neyroud AS, Pimentel C, Jaillard S, Jégou B, Ravel C. Autophagie et spermatozoïde. Med Sci (Paris) 2019; 35:852-858. [DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
La spermiogenèse, étape ultime de la spermatogenèse, est un processus qui fait intervenir des acteurs qui participe à l’autophagie. C’est en effet lors de cette étape que se forme l’acrosome par fusion vésiculaire et que disparaît la majeure partie du cytoplasme du spermatozoïde. L’autophagie (littéralement « se manger soi-même »), en permettant l’élimination et le remplacement continuel des protéines et des organites non fonctionnels, assure le recyclage des constituants de la cellule. C’est un mécanisme cellulaire très conservé au sein des cellules eucaryotes. La machinerie de l’autophagie est également présente dans les spermatozoïdes. Elle régule la vitalité de ces cellules et leur mobilité. Les conséquences environnementales et comportementales sur l’autophagie et sur la spermatogenèse commencent à être étudiées. Le but de cette revue est de synthétiser les connaissances actuelles concernant les processus d’autophagie dans le gamète mâle mature.
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