1
|
Lei T, Blois SM, Freitag N, Bergmann M, Bhushan S, Wahle E, Huang ACC, Chen HL, Hartmann MF, Wudy SA, Liu FT, Meinhardt A, Fijak M. Targeted disruption of galectin 3 in mice delays the first wave of spermatogenesis and increases germ cell apoptosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:3621-3635. [PMID: 33507326 PMCID: PMC11072302 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03757-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Galectin 3 is a multifunctional lectin implicated in cellular proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and apoptosis. This lectin is broadly expressed in testicular somatic cells and germ cells, and is upregulated during testicular development. Since the role of galectin 3 in testicular function remains elusive, we aimed to characterize the role of galectin 3 in testicular physiology. We found that galectin 3 transgenic mice (Lgals3-/-) exhibited significantly decreased testicular weight in adulthood compared to controls. The transgenic mice also exhibited a delay to the first wave of spermatogenesis, a decrease in the number of germ cells at postnatal day 5 (P5) and P15, and defective Sertoli cell maturation. Mechanistically, we found that Insulin-like-3 (a Leydig cell marker) and enzymes involved in steroid biosynthesis were significantly upregulated in adult Lgals3-/- testes. These observations were accompanied by increased serum testosterone levels. To determine the underlying causes of the testicular atrophy, we monitored cellular apoptosis. Indeed, adult Lgals3-/- testicular cells exhibited an elevated apoptosis rate that is likely driven by downregulated Bcl-2 and upregulated Bax and Bak expression, molecules responsible for live/death cell balance. Moreover, the percentage of testicular macrophages within CD45+ cells was decreased in Lgals3-/- mice. These data suggest that galectin 3 regulates spermatogenesis initiation and Sertoli cell maturation in part, by preventing germ cells from undergoing apoptosis and regulating testosterone biosynthesis. Going forward, understanding the role of galectin 3 in testicular physiology will add important insights into the factors governing the development of germ cells and steroidogenesis and delineate novel biomarkers of testicular function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lei
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sandra M Blois
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, AG Glycoimmunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, The Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, AG Glycoimmunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, The Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Division of General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany
| | - Eva Wahle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Hung-Lin Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michaela F Hartmann
- Steroid Research and Mass Spectrometry Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research and Mass Spectrometry Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Fu-Tong Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany
| | - Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mei S, Chen P, Lee CL, Zhao W, Wang Y, Lam KKW, Ho PC, Yeung WSB, Fang C, Chiu PCN. The role of galectin-3 in spermatozoa-zona pellucida binding and its association with fertilization in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:458-470. [PMID: 31194867 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human spermatozoa can fertilize an oocyte only after post-testicular maturation and capacitation. These processes involve dynamic modification and reorganization of the sperm plasma membrane, which allow them to bind to the zona pellucida (ZP) of the oocyte. Defective sperm-ZP binding is one of the major causes of male subfertility. Galectin-3 is a secretory lectin in human seminal plasma well known for its action on cell adhesion. The aim of this study was to determine the role of galectin-3 in spermatozoa-ZP interaction and its association with fertilization rate in clinical assisted reproduction. Our studies revealed that the acrosomal region of ejaculated and capacitated spermatozoa possess strong galectin-3 immunoreactivity, which is much stronger than that of epididymal spermatozoa. Expression of galectin-3 can also be detected on seminal plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and can be transferred to the sperm surface. Blocking of sperm surface galectin-3 function by antibody or carbohydrate substrate reduced the ZP-binding capacity of spermatozoa. Purified galectin-3 is capable of binding to ZP, indicating that galectin-3 may serve as a cross-linking bridge between ZP glycans and sperm surface glycoproteins. Galectin-3 levels in seminal plasma-derived EVs were positively associated with fertilization rates. These results suggest that galectin-3 in EVs is transferred to the sperm surface during post-testicular maturation and plays a crucial role in spermatozoa-ZP binding after capacitation. Reduced galectin-3 expression in seminal plasma-derived EVs may be a cause behind a low fertilization rate. Further studies with more clinical samples are required to confirm the relationship between galectin-3 levels and IVF outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Mei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Panyu Chen
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weie Zhao
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Kevin K W Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pak-Chung Ho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cong Fang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Özbek M, Hitit M, Yıldırım N, Özgenç Ö, Ergün E, Ergün L, Beyaz F, Kurtdede N, Altunay H. Expression pattern of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in rat testes and epididymis during postnatal development. Acta Histochem 2018; 120:814-827. [PMID: 30241677 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Galectins are a family of lectins-binding beta-galactosides involved in a variety of extracellular and intracellular processes, thereby contributing to homeostasis, cell adhesion, cellular turnover, and immunity. This study aimed to determine the localization and expression of galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in the testis and epididymis of rats at postnatal [(prepubertal (day 5), pubertal (day 20), postpubertal (day 50) and mature (day 70)] periods by using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Gal-1 and Gal-3 were differentially expressed in different types of cells in the testis and epididymis during postnatal development. While we detected Gal-1 expression in some spermatogenic cells and Leydig cells in the testis, not in the epididymal epithelium, Gal-3 was expressed in Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, Leydig cells, smooth muscles and interstitial CD68-positive macrophages. Epithelial cells of the corpus and cauda epididymis showed an intense Gal-3 expression. Gal-1 expression was higher in the testis than in the epididymis on days 50 and 70. The expression of Gal-3 in the testis increased from the prepubertal to mature period. While the expression difference of Gal-3 was not statistically significant in the testis and epididymis until puberty, Gal-3 expression in the postpubertal and mature periods was higher in the epididymis. The expression of Gal-3 in the corpus and cauda epididymis was higher than that in the caput epididymis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that puberty has potential regulatory effect on the expression of galectins in testis and epididymis of rats. Gal-1 and 3 may play a role in the development of the reproductive system and the preservation of the immune-privileged environment in the testis, due to their pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic functions. The presence of intense expression of Gal-3 in the corpus and cauda epididymis may contribute to the maturation and storage of spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Özbek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Hitit
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
| | - Nuh Yıldırım
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özge Özgenç
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emel Ergün
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Levent Ergün
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Feyzullah Beyaz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Nevin Kurtdede
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hikmet Altunay
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Spagnuolo C, Flores G, Russo GL, Ruiz del Castillo ML. A Phenolic Extract Obtained from Methyl Jasmonate-Treated Strawberries Enhances Apoptosis in a Human Cervical Cancer Cell Line. Nutr Cancer 2016; 68:1140-50. [DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2016.1208831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
5
|
Alkafafy M, Elnasharty M, Sayed-Ahmed A, Abdrabou M. Immunohistochemical studies of the epididymal duct in Egyptian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Acta Histochem 2011; 113:96-102. [PMID: 19836061 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2009] [Revised: 08/16/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), this study aimed to evaluate the regional distribution pattern of some biologically active proteins in the epididymis of Egyptian water buffalo and to determine the structural-functional relationships of the different epididymal structures. Wax-embedded sections from different regions of the epididymal duct from adult, clinically healthy, buffalo bulls were used. Primary antibodies against angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), S-100, galactosyltransferase (GalTase), alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connexin 43 (Cx43) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were used for immunohistochemical studies. The results showed that, in addition to the well-known principal and basal cells, the epididymal epithelium, similar to that of other species, possessed apical cells and intraepithelial leukocytes. IHC showed that, with the exception of VEGF which reacted negatively, all antibodies used displayed variable reactivity in the different epididymal structures. Apical cells expressed a strong reaction with ACE along the entire length of the duct. The principal cells in the caput epididymis exhibited a distinct reactivity with S-100 and GalTase. The peritubular muscular coat displayed a marked immunostaining for α-SMA and for Cx43. In conclusion these findings showed a regional-specific distribution pattern, distinct from that in bovine bulls. Some potential functional capacities, especially absorptive and secretory ones, are discussed in relation to the different epididymal regions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Khorsandi L, Orazizadeh M. Immunolocalization of galectin-3 in mouse testicular tissue. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2011; 14:349-53. [PMID: 23493472 PMCID: PMC3586836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a member of the ß-galactoside-binding lectins which is expressed in a variety of tissues and plays a role in diverse biological events, such as embryogenesis, adhesion, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis. In this study, the presence and distribution of galectin-3 (Gal-3) in the mouse testicular tissue was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight adult NMRI mice were used in this study. Animals were sacrificed by decapitation under ether anesthesia. The testes were excised, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin for immunohistochemical (IHC) studies. H-score, a semi-quantitative method, was used for scaling the immunostaining. RESULTS Positive immunoreactivity to Gal-3 was detected in the connective tissues of the interstitium, Leydig cells and presumably peritubular myoid cells. Seminiferous tubules showed immuno-positive reaction in a stage dependent manner. Stages I-III and IX-XII of spermatogenic cycle showed mild immunostaining, while moderate immunostaining was observed at stages IV-VI. Highest immunoreactivity was observed at stages VII-VIII. H-score assessment showed a significant increase in stages of VII-VIII in comparison to other stages (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION Expression of Gal-3 in interstitial tissue and seminiferous tubules indicated that this protein probably has multifunctional roles in the mouse testicular tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Layasadat Khorsandi
- Cell & Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran,Corresponding author: Tel: +98-611- 3720458; 0611-3336380;
| | - Mahmoud Orazizadeh
- Cell & Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lee J, Moon C, Kim J, Jung C, Lee KH, Joo HG, Ahn M, Shin T. Immunohistochemical localization of galectin-3 in the granulomatous lesions of paratuberculosis-infected bovine intestine. J Vet Sci 2009; 10:177-80. [PMID: 19687616 PMCID: PMC2801129 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2009.10.3.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of galectin-3 was immunohistochemically quantified in bovine intestines infected with paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) to determine whether galectin-3 was involved in the formation of granulation tissue associated with the disease. Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection was histochemically confirmed using Ziehl-Neelsen staining and molecularly diagnosed through rpoB DNA sequencing. Galectin-3 was detected in the majority of inflammatory cells, possibly macrophages, in the granulomatous lesions within affected tissues, including the ileum. These findings suggest that galectin-3 is associated with the formation of chronic granulation tissues in bovine paratuberculosis, probably through cell adhesion and anti-apoptosis mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juyeon Lee
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Radiological Science Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 690-756, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|