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Lorenz J, Eisenhardt C, Mittermair T, Kulle AE, Holterhus PM, Fobker M, Boenigk W, Nordhoff V, Behre HM, Strünker T, Brenker C. The sperm-specific K + channel Slo3 is inhibited by albumin and steroids contained in reproductive fluids. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1275116. [PMID: 39310227 PMCID: PMC11413451 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1275116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To locate and fertilize the egg, sperm probe the varying microenvironment prevailing at different stages during their journey across the female genital tract. To this end, they are equipped with a unique repertoire of mostly sperm-specific proteins. In particular, the flagellar Ca2+ channel CatSper has come into focus as a polymodal sensor used by human sperm to register ligands released into the female genital tract. Here, we provide the first comprehensive study on the pharmacology of the sperm-specific human Slo3 channel, shedding light on its modulation by reproductive fluids and their constituents. We show that seminal fluid and contained prostaglandins and Zn2+ do not affect the channel, whereas human Slo3 is inhibited in a non-genomic fashion by diverse steroids as well as by albumin, which are released into the oviduct along with the egg. This indicates that not only CatSper but also Slo3 harbours promiscuous ligand-binding sites that can accommodate structurally diverse molecules, suggesting that Slo3 is involved in chemosensory signalling in human sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Lorenz
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Clara Eisenhardt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Teresa Mittermair
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexandra E. Kulle
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Paul Martin Holterhus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Manfred Fobker
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Boenigk
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behaviour—Caesar, Bonn, Germany
| | - Verena Nordhoff
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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2
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Balestrini PA, Sulzyk V, Jabloñski M, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, González SN, Ferreira JJ, Gómez-Elías MD, Pomata P, Luque GM, Krapf D, Cuasnicu PS, Santi CM, Buffone MG. Membrane potential hyperpolarization: a critical factor in acrosomal exocytosis and fertilization in sperm within the female reproductive tract. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1386980. [PMID: 38803392 PMCID: PMC11128623 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1386980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization of the membrane potential (Em), a phenomenon regulated by SLO3 channels, stands as a central feature in sperm capacitation-a crucial process conferring upon sperm the ability to fertilize the oocyte. In vitro studies demonstrated that Em hyperpolarization plays a pivotal role in facilitating the mechanisms necessary for the development of hyperactivated motility (HA) and acrosomal exocytosis (AE) occurrence. Nevertheless, the physiological significance of sperm Em within the female reproductive tract remains unexplored. As an approach to this question, we studied sperm migration and AE incidence within the oviduct in the absence of Em hyperpolarization using a novel mouse model established by crossbreeding of SLO3 knock-out (KO) mice with EGFP/DsRed2 mice. Sperm from this model displays impaired HA and AE in vitro. Interestingly, examination of the female reproductive tract shows that SLO3 KO sperm can reach the ampulla, mirroring the quantity of sperm observed in wild-type (WT) counterparts, supporting that the HA needed to reach the fertilization site is not affected. However, a noteworthy distinction emerges-unlike WT sperm, the majority of SLO3 KO sperm arrive at the ampulla with their acrosomes still intact. Of the few SLO3 KO sperm that do manage to reach the oocytes within this location, fertilization does not occur, as indicated by the absence of sperm pronuclei in the MII-oocytes recovered post-mating. In vitro, SLO3 KO sperm fail to penetrate the ZP and fuse with the oocytes. Collectively, these results underscore the vital role of Em hyperpolarization in AE and fertilization within their physiological context, while also revealing that Em is not a prerequisite for the development of the HA motility, essential for sperm migration through the female tract to the ampulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Sulzyk
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liza J. Schiavi-Ehrenhaus
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soledad N. González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan J. Ferreira
- Department of OB/GYN, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Matías D. Gómez-Elías
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Pomata
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M. Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas–Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patricia S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of OB/GYN, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Zhang J, Zheng L, Chen Y, Luo T, Zeng X, Kang H. LRRC52 is likely a functional component of human KSper†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:711-721. [PMID: 38267364 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Completion of fertilization is orchestrated by various ion channels in sperm membrane. Hyperpolarization of membrane potential, an indispensable event during the capacitation process, is dominated by sperm potassium channel (KSper). In addition to sperm-specific SLO3, which forms the channel pore, the auxiliary subunit leucine-rich-repeat-containing protein 52 (LRRC52) is required to form mKSper to function under physiological conditions. However, in human sperm, although most evidence supports that hSLO3 is the pore-forming subunit, whether hLRRC52 contributes to hKSper conductance and modulates sperm function remains to be understood. Here, using an extracellular segment that is homologous between mice and humans as an antigen, we developed a polyclonal antibody designed as LID1 that specifically detected mLRRC52 and performed co-immunoprecipitation with mSLO3. Additionally, patch-clamp recordings of mouse sperm showed that, physiological activation of mKSper and sperm functions were dramatically attenuated after treatment with LID1, indicating that LID1 functionally disrupted the regulation of mLRRC52 on mKSper. Next, LID1 was used to investigate the significance of hLRRC52 for hKSper activation. As a result, hLRRC52 was expressed in human sperm and might be assembled with hSLO3. More importantly, LID1 inhibited hKSper currents and depolarized sperm membrane potential, supporting essential modulation of hLRRC52 in hKSper. Ca2+ signaling of human sperm was also compromised in the presence of LID1, which impaired sperm motility and acrosome reaction. Because LID1 specifically inhibited both mKSper and hKSper but not mCatSper or hCatSper, our results suggest that hLRRC52 functions as an important component of hKSper and regulates sperm physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liping Zheng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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4
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Liang M, Ji N, Song J, Kang H, Zeng X. Flagellar pH homeostasis mediated by Na+/H+ exchangers regulates human sperm functions through coupling with CatSper and KSper activation. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:674-688. [PMID: 38366201 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Whether and how do Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) regulate the physiological functions of human sperm? SUMMARY ANSWER NHE-mediated flagellar intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis facilitates the activation of the pH-sensitive, sperm-specific Ca2+ channel (CatSper) and the sperm-specific K+ channel (KSper), which subsequently modulate sperm motility, hyperactivation, flagellar tyrosine phosphorylation, and the progesterone (P4)-induced acrosome reaction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm pHi alkalization is an essential prerequisite for the acquisition of sperm-fertilizing capacity. Different sperm functions are strictly controlled by particular pHi regulatory mechanisms. NHEs are suggested to modulate sperm H+ efflux. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a laboratory study that used samples from >50 sperm donors over a period of 1 year. To evaluate NHE action on human sperm function, 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride (DMA), a highly selective inhibitor of NHEs, was utilized. All experiments were repeated at least five times using different individual sperm samples or cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS By utilizing the pH fluorescent indicator pHrodo Red-AM, we detected alterations in single-cell pHi value in human sperm. The currents of CatSper and KSper in human sperm were recorded by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Changes in population and single-cell Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of human sperm loaded with Fluo 4-AM were measured. Membrane potential (Vm) and population pHi were quantitatively examined by a multimode plate reader after sperm were loaded with 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide and 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein, acetoxymethyl ester, respectively. Sperm motility parameters were assessed by a computer-assisted semen analysis system. Tyrosine phosphorylation was determined by immunofluorescence, and sperm acrosome reaction was evaluated by Pisum sativum agglutinin-FITC staining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE DMA-induced NHEs inhibition severely acidified the human sperm flagellar pHi from 7.20 ± 0.04 to 6.38 ± 0.12 (mean ± SEM), while the effect of DMA on acrosomal pHi was less obvious (from 5.90 ± 0.13 to 5.57 ± 0.12, mean ± SEM). The whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that NHE inhibition remarkably suppressed alkalization-induced activation of CatSper and KSper. As a consequence, impairment of [Ca2+]i homeostasis and Vm maintenance were detected in the presence of DMA. During the capacitation process, pre-treatment with DMA for 2 h potently decreased sperm pHi, which in turn decreased sperm motility and kinetic parameters. Sperm capacitation-associated functions, including hyperactivation, tyrosine phosphorylation, and P4-induced acrosome reaction, were also compromised by NHE inhibition. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was an in vitro study. Caution should be taken when extrapolating these results to in vivo applications. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study revealed that NHEs are important physiological regulators for human CatSper and KSper, which are indispensable for human sperm fertility, suggesting that malfunction of NHEs could be an underlying mechanism for the pathogenesis of male infertility. FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32271167 and 81871202 to X.Z.), Jiangsu Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Plan (JSSCRC20211543 to X.Z.), the Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province (No. BE2022765 to X.Z.), the Society and livelihood Project of Nantong City (No. MS22022087 to X.Z.), and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20220608 to H.K.). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Nanxi Ji
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Ali N, Amelkina O, Santymire RM, Koepfli KP, Comizzoli P, Vazquez JM. Semen proteome and transcriptome of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) show association with the environment and fertility outcome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7063. [PMID: 38528039 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57096-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The ex situ population of the endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) has been experiencing declines in reproductive success over the past 30 years of human-managed care. A potential cause may be environmental-dependent inbreeding depression with diet being one of the contributing factors since ferrets are not fed their natural diet of prairie dogs. Here, we generated and analyzed semen proteome and transcriptome data from both wild and ex situ ferrets maintained on various diets. We identified 1757 proteins across all samples, with 149 proteins unique to the semen of wild ferrets and forming a ribosomal predicted protein-protein interaction cluster. Wild ferrets also differed from ex situ ferrets in their transcriptomic profile, showing enrichment in ribosomal RNA processing and potassium ion transport. Successful fertility outcomes documented for ex situ ferrets showed the strongest association with the semen transcriptome, with enrichment in genes involved in translation initiation and focal adhesion. Fertility also synergized with the effect of diet on differentially expressed transcriptomes, mainly affecting genes enriched in mitochondrial function. Our data and functional networks are important for understanding the causes and mechanisms of declining fertility in the ex situ ferret population and can be used as a resource for future conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadya Ali
- Committee on Evolutionary Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Olga Amelkina
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington D.C., USA.
| | | | - Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington D.C., USA.
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, George Mason University, Front Royal, VA, USA.
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Juan M Vazquez
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA.
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6
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M, Bonet S, Pinart E. Physiological role of potassium channels in mammalian germ cell differentiation, maturation, and capacitation. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38436215 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ion channels are essential for differentiation and maturation of germ cells, and even for fertilization in mammals. Different types of potassium channels have been identified, which are grouped into voltage-gated channels (Kv), ligand-gated channels (Kligand ), inwardly rectifying channels (Kir ), and tandem pore domain channels (K2P ). MATERIAL-METHODS The present review includes recent findings on the role of potassium channels in sperm physiology of mammals. RESULTS-DISCUSSION While most studies conducted thus far have been focused on the physiological role of voltage- (Kv1, Kv3, and Kv7) and calcium-gated channels (SLO1 and SLO3) during sperm capacitation, especially in humans and rodents, little data about the types of potassium channels present in the plasma membrane of differentiating germ cells exist. In spite of this, recent evidence suggests that the content and regulation mechanisms of these channels vary throughout spermatogenesis. Potassium channels are also essential for the regulation of sperm cell volume during epididymal maturation and for preventing premature membrane hyperpolarization. It is important to highlight that the nature, biochemical properties, localization, and regulation mechanisms of potassium channels are species-specific. In effect, while SLO3 is the main potassium channel involved in the K+ current during sperm capacitation in rodents, different potassium channels are implicated in the K+ outflow and, thus, plasma membrane hyperpolarization during sperm capacitation in other mammalian species, such as humans and pigs. CONCLUSIONS Potassium conductance is essential for male fertility, not only during sperm capacitation but throughout the spermiogenesis and epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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7
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Gardner CC, James PF. Na +/H + Exchangers (NHEs) in Mammalian Sperm: Essential Contributors to Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14981. [PMID: 37834431 PMCID: PMC10573352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are known to be important regulators of pH in multiple intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells. Sperm function is especially dependent on changes in pH and thus it has been postulated that NHEs play important roles in regulating the intracellular pH of these cells. For example, in order to achieve fertilization, mature sperm must maintain a basal pH in the male reproductive tract and then alkalize in response to specific signals in the female reproductive tract during the capacitation process. Eight NHE isoforms are expressed in mammalian testis/sperm: NHE1, NHE3, NHE5, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, NHE10, and NHE11. These NHE isoforms are expressed at varying times during spermatogenesis and localize to different subcellular structures in developing and mature sperm where they contribute to multiple aspects of sperm physiology and male fertility including proper sperm development/morphogenesis, motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. Previous work has provided evidence for NHE3, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, and NHE10 being critical for male fertility in mice and NHE10 has recently been shown to be essential for male fertility in humans. In this article we review what is known about each NHE isoform expressed in mammalian sperm and discuss the physiological significance of each NHE isoform with respect to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul F. James
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA;
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8
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Benko F, Urminská D, Ďuračka M, Tvrdá E. Signaling Roleplay between Ion Channels during Mammalian Sperm Capacitation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2519. [PMID: 37760960 PMCID: PMC10525812 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092519] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to accomplish their primary goal, mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a series of physiological, biochemical, and functional changes crucial for the acquisition of fertilization ability. Spermatozoa are highly polarized cells, which must swiftly respond to ionic changes on their passage through the female reproductive tract, and which are necessary for male gametes to acquire their functional competence. This review summarizes the current knowledge about specific ion channels and transporters located in the mammalian sperm plasma membrane, which are intricately involved in the initiation of changes within the ionic milieu of the sperm cell, leading to variations in the sperm membrane potential, membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization, changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction and sperm-egg fusion. We also discuss the functionality of selected ion channels in male reproductive health and/or disease since these may become promising targets for clinical management of infertility in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Benko
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Dana Urminská
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
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9
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Grahn E, Kaufmann SV, Askarova M, Ninov M, Welp LM, Berger TK, Urlaub H, Kaupp UB. Control of intracellular pH and bicarbonate by CO 2 diffusion into human sperm. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5395. [PMID: 37669933 PMCID: PMC10480191 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The reaction of CO2 with H2O to form bicarbonate (HCO3-) and H+ controls sperm motility and fertilization via HCO3--stimulated cAMP synthesis. A complex network of signaling proteins participates in this reaction. Here, we identify key players that regulate intracellular pH (pHi) and HCO3- in human sperm by quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) and kinetic patch-clamp fluorometry. The resting pHi is set by amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange. The sperm-specific putative Na+/H+ exchanger SLC9C1, unlike its sea urchin homologue, is not gated by voltage or cAMP. Transporters and channels implied in HCO3- transport are not detected, and may be present at copy numbers < 10 molecules/sperm cell. Instead, HCO3- is produced by diffusion of CO2 into cells and readjustment of the CO2/HCO3-/H+ equilibrium. The proton channel Hv1 may serve as a unidirectional valve that blunts the acidification ensuing from HCO3- synthesis. This work provides a new framework for the study of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Grahn
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Svenja V Kaufmann
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Malika Askarova
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Momchil Ninov
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luisa M Welp
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas K Berger
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Deutschhausstrasse 1-2, 35037, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence, Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - U Benjamin Kaupp
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany.
- Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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10
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Mariani NAP, Silva JV, Fardilha M, Silva EJR. Advances in non-hormonal male contraception targeting sperm motility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:545-569. [PMID: 37141450 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad008] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high rates of unintended pregnancy and the ever-growing world population impose health, economic, social, and environmental threats to countries. Expanding contraceptive options, including male methods, are urgently needed to tackle these global challenges. Male contraception is limited to condoms and vasectomy, which are unsuitable for many couples. Thus, novel male contraceptive methods may reduce unintended pregnancies, meet the contraceptive needs of couples, and foster gender equality in carrying the contraceptive burden. In this regard, the spermatozoon emerges as a source of druggable targets for on-demand, non-hormonal male contraception based on disrupting sperm motility or fertilization. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A better understanding of the molecules governing sperm motility can lead to innovative approaches toward safe and effective male contraceptives. This review discusses cutting-edge knowledge on sperm-specific targets for male contraception, focusing on those with crucial roles in sperm motility. We also highlight challenges and opportunities in male contraceptive drug development targeting spermatozoa. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the following keywords: 'spermatozoa', 'sperm motility', 'male contraception', and 'drug targets' in combination with other related terms to the field. Publications until January 2023 written in English were considered. OUTCOMES Efforts for developing non-hormonal strategies for male contraception resulted in the identification of candidates specifically expressed or enriched in spermatozoa, including enzymes (PP1γ2, GAPDHS, and sAC), ion channels (CatSper and KSper), transmembrane transporters (sNHE, SLC26A8, and ATP1A4), and surface proteins (EPPIN). These targets are usually located in the sperm flagellum. Their indispensable roles in sperm motility and male fertility were confirmed by genetic or immunological approaches using animal models and gene mutations associated with male infertility due to sperm defects in humans. Their druggability was demonstrated by the identification of drug-like small organic ligands displaying spermiostatic activity in preclinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A wide range of sperm-associated proteins has arisen as key regulators of sperm motility, providing compelling druggable candidates for male contraception. Nevertheless, no pharmacological agent has reached clinical developmental stages. One reason is the slow progress in translating the preclinical and drug discovery findings into a drug-like candidate adequate for clinical development. Thus, intense collaboration among academia, private sectors, governments, and regulatory agencies will be crucial to combine expertise for the development of male contraceptives targeting sperm function by (i) improving target structural characterization and the design of highly selective ligands, (ii) conducting long-term preclinical safety, efficacy, and reversibility evaluation, and (iii) establishing rigorous guidelines and endpoints for clinical trials and regulatory evaluation, thus allowing their testing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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11
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Lyon MD, Ferreira JJ, Li P, Bhagwat S, Butler A, Anderson K, Polo M, Santi CM. SLO3: A Conserved Regulator of Sperm Membrane Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11205. [PMID: 37446382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311205] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells must undergo a complex maturation process after ejaculation to be able to fertilize an egg. One component of this maturation is hyperpolarization of the membrane potential to a more negative value. The ion channel responsible for this hyperpolarization, SLO3, was first cloned in 1998, and since then much progress has been made to determine how the channel is regulated and how its function intertwines with various signaling pathways involved in sperm maturation. Although Slo3 was originally thought to be present only in the sperm of mammals, recent evidence suggests that a primordial form of the gene is more widely expressed in some fish species. Slo3, like many reproductive genes, is rapidly evolving with low conservation between closely related species and different regulatory and pharmacological profiles. Despite these differences, SLO3 appears to have a conserved role in regulating sperm membrane potential and driving large changes in response to stimuli. The effect of this hyperpolarization of the membrane potential may vary among mammalian species just as the regulation of the channel does. Recent discoveries have elucidated the role of SLO3 in these processes in human sperm and provided tools to target the channel to affect human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian D Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Juan J Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shweta Bhagwat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alice Butler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kelsey Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maria Polo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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12
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Cong S, Zhang J, Pan F, Pan L, Zhang A, Ma J. Research progress on ion channels and their molecular regulatory mechanisms in the human sperm flagellum. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23052. [PMID: 37352114 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300756r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The ion channels in sperm tail play an important role in triggering key physiological reactions, e.g., progressive motility, hyperactivation, required for successful fertilization. Among them, CatSper and KSper have been shown to be important ion channels for the transport of Ca2+ and K+ . Moreover, the voltage-gated proton channel Hv1, the sperm-specific sodium-hydrogen exchanger (sNHE), the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), members of the temperature-sensitive TRP channel family, and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) are also found in the flagellum. This review focuses on the latest advances in ion channels located at the flagellum, describes how they affect sperm physiological function, and summarizes some primary mutual regulation mechanism between ion channels, including PH, membrane potential, and cAMP. These ion channels may be promising targets for clinical application in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Cong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Feng Pan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Lianjun Pan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Aixia Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jiehua Ma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
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13
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Cooray A, Kim J, Nirujan BR, Jayathilake NJ, Lee KP. Pharmacological Evidence Suggests That Slo3 Channel Is the Principal K + Channel in Boar Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097806. [PMID: 37175513 PMCID: PMC10178124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097806] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm ion channels are associated with the quality and type of flagellar movement, and their differential regulation is crucial for sperm function during specific phases. The principal potassium ion channel is responsible for the majority of K+ ion flux, resulting in membrane hyperpolarization, and is essential for sperm capacitation-related signaling pathways. The molecular identity of the principal K+ channel varies greatly between different species, and there is a lack of information about boar K+ channels. We aimed to determine the channel identity of boar sperm contributing to the primary K+ current using pharmacological dissection. A series of Slo1 and Slo3 channel modulators were used for treatment. Sperm motility and related kinematic parameters were monitored using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system under non-capacitated conditions. Time-lapse flow cytometry with fluorochromes was used to measure changes in different intracellular ionic concentrations, and conventional flow cytometry was used to determine the acrosome reaction. Membrane depolarization, reduction in acrosome reaction, and motility parameters were observed upon the inhibition of the Slo3 channel, suggesting that the Slo3 gene encodes the main K+ channel in boar spermatozoa. The Slo3 channel was localized on the sperm flagellum, and the inhibition of Slo3 did not reduce sperm viability. These results may aid potential animal-model-based extrapolations and help to ameliorate motility and related parameters, leading to improved assisted reproductive methods in industrial livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akila Cooray
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongsook Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Beno Ramesh Nirujan
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Nishani Jayanika Jayathilake
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Pil Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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14
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Pinto FM, Odriozola A, Candenas L, Subirán N. The Role of Sperm Membrane Potential and Ion Channels in Regulating Sperm Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6995. [PMID: 37108159 PMCID: PMC10138380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last seventy years, studies on mammalian sperm cells have demonstrated the essential role of capacitation, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction in the acquisition of fertilization ability. These studies revealed the important biochemical and physiological changes that sperm undergo in their travel throughout the female genital tract, including changes in membrane fluidity, the activation of soluble adenylate cyclase, increases in intracellular pH and Ca2+ and the development of motility. Sperm are highly polarized cells, with a resting membrane potential of about -40 mV, which must rapidly adapt to the ionic changes occurring through the sperm membrane. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the relationship between variations in the sperm potential membrane, including depolarization and hyperpolarization, and their correlation with changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction, a calcium-dependent exocytosis process. We also review the functionality of different ion channels that are present in spermatozoa in order to understand their association with human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M. Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Ainize Odriozola
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Nerea Subirán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
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15
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Wang Y, Gao T, Shan L, Li K, Liang F, Yu J, Ni Y, Sun P. Iberiotoxin and clofilium regulate hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ion homeostasis synergistically during human sperm capacitation. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:129-140. [PMID: 36682071 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23671] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Potassium channels play essential roles in the regulation of male fertility. However, potassium channels mediating K+ currents in human sperm (IKSper ) remain controversial. Besides SLO3, the SLO1 potassium channel is a potential candidate for human sperm KSper. This study intends to elucidate the function of SLO1 potassium channel during human sperm capacitation. Human sperm were treated with iberiotoxin (IbTX, a SLO1 specific inhibitor) and clofilium (SLO3 inhibitor) separately or simultaneously during in vitro capacitation. A computer-assisted sperm analyzer was used to assess sperm motility. The sperm acrosome reaction (AR) was analyzed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin staining. Sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation was studied using western blotting. Intracellular Ca2+ , K+ , Cl- , and pH were analyzed using ion fluorescence probes. Independent inhibition with IbTX or clofilium decreased the sperm hyperactivation, AR, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and was accompanied by an increase in [K+ ]i , [Cl- ]i , and pHi , but a decrease in [Ca2+ ]i . Simultaneously inhibition with IbTX and clofilium lower sperm hyperactivation and AR more than independent inhibition. The increase in [K+ ]i , [Cl- ]i , and pHi , and the decrease in [Ca2+ ]i were more pronounced. This study suggested that the SLO1 potassium channel may have synergic roles with SLO3 during human sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijun Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peibei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Pereira R, Sousa M. Morphological and Molecular Bases of Male Infertility: A Closer Look at Sperm Flagellum. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:383. [PMID: 36833310 PMCID: PMC9956255 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major health problem worldwide without an effective therapy or cure. It is estimated to affect 8-12% of couples in the reproductive age group, equally affecting both genders. There is no single cause of infertility, and its knowledge is still far from complete, with about 30% of infertile couples having no cause identified (named idiopathic infertility). Among male causes of infertility, asthenozoospermia (i.e., reduced sperm motility) is one of the most observed, being estimated that more than 20% of infertile men have this condition. In recent years, many researchers have focused on possible factors leading to asthenozoospermia, revealing the existence of many cellular and molecular players. So far, more than 4000 genes are thought to be involved in sperm production and as regulators of different aspects of sperm development, maturation, and function, and all can potentially cause male infertility if mutated. In this review, we aim to give a brief overview of the typical sperm flagellum morphology and compile some of the most relevant information regarding the genetic factors involved in male infertility, with a focus on sperm immotility and on genes related to sperm flagellum development, structure, or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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17
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Potassium channelopathies associated with epilepsy-related syndromes and directions for therapeutic intervention. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115413. [PMID: 36646291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A number of mutations to members of several CNS potassium (K) channel families have been identified which result in rare forms of neonatal onset epilepsy, or syndromes of which one prominent characteristic is a form of epilepsy. Benign Familial Neonatal Convulsions or Seizures (BFNC or BFNS), also referred to as Self-Limited Familial Neonatal Epilepsy (SeLNE), results from mutations in 2 members of the KV7 family (KCNQ) of K channels; while generally self-resolving by about 15 weeks of age, these mutations significantly increase the probability of generalized seizure disorders in the adult, in some cases they result in more severe developmental syndromes. Epilepsy of Infancy with Migrating Focal Seizures (EIMSF), or Migrating Partial Seizures of Infancy (MMPSI), is a rare severe form of epilepsy linked primarily to gain of function mutations in a member of the sodium-dependent K channel family, KCNT1 or SLACK. Finally, KCNMA1 channelopathies, including Liang-Wang syndrome (LIWAS), are rare combinations of neurological symptoms including seizure, movement abnormalities, delayed development and intellectual disabilities, with Liang-Wang syndrome an extremely serious polymalformative syndrome with a number of neurological sequelae including epilepsy. These are caused by mutations in the pore-forming subunit of the large-conductance calcium-activated K channel (BK channel) KCNMA1. The identification of these rare but significant channelopathies has resulted in a resurgence of interest in their treatment by direct pharmacological or genetic modulation. We will briefly review the genetics, biophysics and pharmacology of these K channels, their linkage with the 3 syndromes described above, and efforts to more effectively target these syndromes.
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18
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Lyon M, Li P, Ferreira JJ, Lazarenko RM, Kharade SV, Kramer M, McClenahan SJ, Days E, Bauer JA, Spitznagel BD, Weaver CD, Borrego Alvarez A, Puga Molina LC, Lybaert P, Khambekar S, Liu A, Lindsley CW, Denton J, Santi CM. A selective inhibitor of the sperm-specific potassium channel SLO3 impairs human sperm function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2212338120. [PMID: 36649421 PMCID: PMC9942793 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2212338120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To fertilize an oocyte, the membrane potential of both mouse and human sperm must hyperpolarize (become more negative inside). Determining the molecular mechanisms underlying this hyperpolarization is vital for developing new contraceptive methods and detecting causes of idiopathic male infertility. In mouse sperm, hyperpolarization is caused by activation of the sperm-specific potassium (K+) channel SLO3 [C. M. Santi et al., FEBS Lett. 584, 1041-1046 (2010)]. In human sperm, it has long been unclear whether hyperpolarization depends on SLO3 or the ubiquitous K+ channel SLO1 [N. Mannowetz, N. M. Naidoo, S. A. S. Choo, J. F. Smith, P. V. Lishko, Elife 2, e01009 (2013), C. Brenker et al., Elife 3, e01438 (2014), and S. A. Mansell, S. J. Publicover, C. L. R. Barratt, S. M. Wilson, Mol. Hum. Reprod. 20, 392-408 (2014)]. In this work, we identified the first selective inhibitor for human SLO3-VU0546110-and showed that it completely blocked heterologous SLO3 currents and endogenous K+ currents in human sperm. This compound also prevented sperm from hyperpolarizing and undergoing hyperactivated motility and induced acrosome reaction, which are necessary to fertilize an egg. We conclude that SLO3 is the sole K+ channel responsible for hyperpolarization and significantly contributes to the fertilizing ability of human sperm. Moreover, SLO3 is a good candidate for contraceptive development, and mutation of this gene is a possible cause of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Juan J. Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Roman M. Lazarenko
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Sujay V. Kharade
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Meghan Kramer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
| | | | - Emily Days
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Joshua A. Bauer
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | | | - C. David Weaver
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Aluet Borrego Alvarez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Lis C. Puga Molina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Laboratoire de recherche en Reproduction humaine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles1050, Belgium
| | - Saayli Khambekar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Alicia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Jerod Denton
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
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19
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Schierling T, Tosi B, Eisenhardt C, Reining S, Daniliuc CG, Brenker C, Strünker T, Wünsch B. Synthesis and Functional Characterization of Novel RU1968-Derived CatSper Inhibitors with Reduced Stereochemical Complexity. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:115-127. [PMID: 36654752 PMCID: PMC9841779 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper (cation channel of sperm) controls the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and, thereby, the swimming behavior of sperm from many species. The steroidal ethylenediamine RU1968 (1) represents a well-characterized, potent, and fairly selective cross-species inhibitor of CatSper. Due to its two additional centers of chirality in the amine-bearing side chain, RU1968 is a mixture of diastereomeric pairs of enantiomers and, thus, difficult to synthesize. This has hampered the use of this commercially not available inhibitor as a powerful tool for research. Here, simplifying both structure and synthesis, we introduced novel stereochemically less complex and enantiomerically pure aminomethyl RU1968 analogues lacking the C-21 CH3 moiety. Starting from (+)-estrone, a five-step synthesis was developed comprising a Wittig reaction as the key step, leading to a diastereomerically pure 17β-configured aldehyde. Subsequent reductive amination yielded diastereomerically and enantiomerically pure amines. Compared to RU1968, the novel ethylenediamine 2d and homologous trimethylenediamine derivative 2e inhibited CatSper with similar and even twofold enhanced potency, respectively. Considering that these aminomethyl analogues are enantiomerically pure and much easier to synthesize than RU1968, we envisage their common use in future studies investigating the physiology of CatSper in sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schierling
- GRK
2515, Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster 48149, Germany
- Institut
für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster D-48149, Germany
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Beatrice Tosi
- Institut
für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster D-48149, Germany
| | - Clara Eisenhardt
- GRK
2515, Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster 48149, Germany
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Sophie Reining
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Constantin G. Daniliuc
- Organisch-Chemisches
Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität
Münster, Corrensstraße
40, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- GRK
2515, Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster 48149, Germany
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- GRK
2515, Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster 48149, Germany
- Institut
für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster D-48149, Germany
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20
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Prajapati P, Kane S, McBrinn RC, Dean MS, Martins da Silva SJ, Brown SG. Elevated and Sustained Intracellular Calcium Signalling Is Necessary for Efficacious Induction of the Human Sperm Acrosome Reaction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911253. [PMID: 36232560 PMCID: PMC9570455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone and prostaglandin E1 are postulated to trigger the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR). However, their reported efficacy is very variable which likely, in part, reflects the plethora of experimental conditions and methodologies used to detect this physiologically relevant event. The purpose of this study was to develop an assay for the robust induction and objective measurement of the complete AR. Sperm from healthy volunteers or patients undertaking IVF were treated with a variety of ligands (progesterone, prostaglandin E1 or NH4Cl, alone or in combinations). AR, motility and intracellular calcium measurements were measured using flow cytometry, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fluorimetry, respectively. The AR was significantly increased by the simultaneous application of progesterone, prostaglandin E1 and NH4Cl, following an elevated and sustained intracellular calcium concentration. However, we observed notable inter- and intra-donor sample heterogeneity of the AR induction. When studying the patient samples, we found no relationship between the IVF fertilization rate and the AR. We conclude that progesterone and prostaglandin E1 alone do not significantly increase the percentage of live acrosome-reacted sperm. This assay has utility for drug discovery and sperm toxicology studies but is not predictive for IVF success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Prajapati
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Shruti Kane
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
| | | | - Morven S. Dean
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Sarah J. Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Sean G. Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
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21
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Carlson EJ, Francis R, Liu Y, Li P, Lyon M, Santi CM, Hook DJ, Hawkinson JE, Georg GI. Discovery and Characterization of Multiple Classes of Human CatSper Blockers. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202000499. [PMID: 35644882 PMCID: PMC9378630 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) is a validated target for nonhormonal male contraception, but it lacks selective blockers, hindering studies to establish its role in both motility and capacitation. Via an innovative calcium uptake assay utilizing human sperm we discovered novel inhibitors of CatSper function from a high-throughput screening campaign of 72,000 compounds. Preliminary SAR was established for seven hit series. HTS hits or their more potent analogs blocked potassium-induced depolarization and noncompetitively inhibited progesterone-induced CatSper activation. CatSper channel blockade was confirmed by patch clamp electrophysiology and these compounds inhibited progesterone- and prostaglandin E1-induced hyperactivated sperm motility. One of the hit compounds is a potent CatSper inhibitor with high selectivity for CatSper over hCav1.2, hNav1.5, moderate selectivity over hSlo3 and hERG, and low cytotoxicity and is therefore the most promising inhibitor identified in this study. These new CatSper blockers serve as useful starting points for chemical probe development and drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick J. Carlson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Rawle Francis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Yutong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine425 S. Euclid AvenueSt. LouisMO 63110USA
| | - Maximilian Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine425 S. Euclid AvenueSt. LouisMO 63110USA
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine425 S. Euclid AvenueSt. LouisMO 63110USA
| | - Derek J. Hook
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Jon E. Hawkinson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Gunda I. Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
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22
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Darbandi S, Darbandi M, Khorram Khorshid HR, Sengupta P. Electrophysiology of Human Gametes: A Systematic Review. World J Mens Health 2022; 40:442-455. [PMID: 35021309 PMCID: PMC9253800 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210107] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oocytes and spermatozoa are electrogenic cells with the ability to respond to electrical stimuli and modulate their electrical properties accordingly. Determination of the ionic events during the gamete maturation helps to design suitable culture media for gametes in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The present systematic review focuses on the electrophysiology of human gametes during different stages of maturation and also during fertilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS The reports published in the English language between January 2000 and July 2021 were extracted from various electronic scientific databases following the PRISMA checklist using specific MeSH keywords. RESULTS Subsequent to the screening process with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 articles have been included in this review. Among them, 11 articles were directly related to the electrophysiology of human oocytes and 49 physiology department to the electrophysiology of human spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Gametes generate electrical currents by ionic exchange, particularly Na+, K+, Cl-, H+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Se2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, and Ca2+ through specific ion channels in different stages of gamete maturation. The ionic concentrations, pH, and other physicochemical variables are modulated during the gametogenesis, maturation, activation, and the fertilization process following gamete function and metabolism. The electrical properties of human gametes change during different stages of maturation. Although it is demonstrated that the electrical properties are significant regulators of cell signaling and are fundamental to gamete maturation and fertilization, their exact roles in these processes are still poorly understood. Further research is required to unveil the intricate electrophysiological processes of human gamete maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Khorram Khorshid
- Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
- Personalized Medicine and Genometabolomics Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Biosciences and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Medical Sciences, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER), Chennai, India.
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23
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de Prelle B, Lybaert P, Gall D. A Minimal Model Shows that a Positive Feedback Loop Between sNHE and SLO3 can Control Mouse Sperm Capacitation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:835594. [PMID: 35399518 PMCID: PMC8990769 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.835594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
When mammalian spermatozoa are released in the female reproductive tract, they are incapable of fertilizing the oocyte. They need a prolonged exposure to the alkaline medium of the female genital tract before their flagellum gets hyperactivated and the acrosome reaction can take place, allowing the sperm to interact with the oocyte. Ionic fluxes across the sperm membrane are involved in two essential aspects of capacitation: the increase in intracellular pH and the membrane hyperpolarization. In particular, it has been shown that the SLO3 potassium channel and the sNHE sodium-proton exchanger, two sperm-specific transmembrane proteins, are necessary for the capacitation process to occur. As the SLO3 channel is activated by an increase in intracellular pH and sNHE is activated by hyperpolarization, they act together as a positive feedback system. Mathematical modeling provides a unique tool to capture the essence of a molecular mechanism and can be used to derive insight from the existing data. We have therefore developed a theoretical model formalizing the positive feedback loop between SLO3 and sHNE in mouse epididymal sperm to see if this non-linear interaction can provide the core mechanism explaining the existence of uncapacited and capacitated states. We show that the proposed model can fully explain the switch between the uncapacitated and capacited states and also predicts the existence of a bistable behaviour. Furthermore, our model indicates that SLO3 inhibition, above a certain threshold, can be effective to completely abolish capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand de Prelle
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Gall
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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24
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Perspectives on Potential Fatty Acid Modulations of Motility Associated Human Sperm Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073718. [PMID: 35409078 PMCID: PMC8998313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human spermatozoan ion channels are specifically distributed in the spermatozoan membrane, contribute to sperm motility, and are associated with male reproductive abnormalities. Calcium, potassium, protons, sodium, and chloride are the main ions that are regulated across this membrane, and their intracellular concentrations are crucial for sperm motility. Fatty acids (FAs) affect sperm quality parameters, reproductive pathologies, male fertility, and regulate ion channel functions in other cells. However, to date the literature is insufficient to draw any conclusions regarding the effects of FAs on human spermatozoan ion channels. Here, we aimed to discern the possible effects of FAs on spermatozoan ion channels and direct guidance for future research. After investigating the effects of FAs on characteristics related to human spermatozoan motility, reproductive pathologies, and the modulation of similar ion channels in other cells by FAs, we extrapolated polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) to have the highest potency in modulating sperm ion channels to increase sperm motility. Of the PUFAs, the ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids have the greatest effect. We speculate that saturated and monounsaturated FAs will have little to no effect on sperm ion channel activity, though the possible effects could be opposite to those of the PUFAs, considering the differences between FA structure and behavior.
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25
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Yang F, Gracia Gervasi M, Orta G, Tourzani DA, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, Ruthel G, Darszon A, Visconti PE, Wang PJ. C2CD6 regulates targeting and organization of the CatSper calcium channel complex in sperm flagella. Development 2022; 149:dev199988. [PMID: 34919125 PMCID: PMC8774747 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The CatSper cation channel is essential for sperm capacitation and male fertility. The multi-subunit CatSper complexes form highly organized calcium signaling nanodomains on flagellar membranes. Here, we report identification of an uncharacterized protein, C2CD6, as a subunit of the mouse CatSper complex. C2CD6 contains a calcium-dependent, membrane-targeting C2 domain. C2CD6 associates with the CatSper calcium-selective, core-forming subunits. Deficiency of C2CD6 depletes the CatSper nanodomains from the flagellum and results in male sterility. C2CD6-deficient sperm are defective in hyperactivation and fail to fertilize oocytes both in vitro and in vivo. CatSper currents are present but at a significantly lower level in C2CD6-deficient sperm. Transient treatments with either Ca2+ ionophore, starvation, or a combination of both restore the fertilization capacity of C2CD6-deficient sperm. C2CD6 interacts with EFCAB9, a pH-dependent calcium sensor in the CatSper complex. We postulate that C2CD6 facilitates incorporation of the CatSper complex into the flagellar plasma membrane and may function as a calcium sensor. The identification of C2CD6 may enable the long-sought reconstitution of the CatSper ion channel complex in a heterologous system for male contraceptive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Gerardo Orta
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Darya A. Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jose Luis De la Vega-Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Gordon Ruthel
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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26
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Lv M, Liu C, Ma C, Yu H, Shao Z, Gao Y, Liu Y, Wu H, Tang D, Tan Q, Zhang J, Li K, Xu C, Geng H, Zhang J, Li H, Mao X, Ge L, Fu F, Zhong K, Xu Y, Tao F, Zhou P, Wei Z, He X, Zhang F, Cao Y. Homozygous mutation in SLO3 leads to severe asthenoteratozoospermia due to acrosome hypoplasia and mitochondrial sheath malformations. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:5. [PMID: 34980136 PMCID: PMC8722334 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00880-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potassium channels are important for the structure and function of the spermatozoa. As a potassium transporter, the mSlo3 is essential for male fertility as Slo3 knockout male mice were infertile with the series of functional defects in sperm cells. However, no pathogenic variant has been detected in human SLO3 to date. Here we reported a human case with homozygous SLO3 mutation. The function of SLO3 in human sperm and the corresponding assisted reproductive strategy are also investigated. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing analysis from a large cohort of 105 patients with asthenoteratozoospermia. The effects of the variant were investigated by quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays using the patient spermatozoa. Sperm morphological and ultrastructural studies were conducted using haematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS We identified a homozygous missense variant (c.1237A > T: p.Ile413Phe) in the sperm-specific SLO3 in one Chinese patient with male infertility. This SLO3 variant was rare in human control populations and predicted to be deleterious by multiple bioinformatic tools. Sperm from the individual harbouring the homozygous SLO3 variant exhibited severe morphological abnormalities, such as acrosome hypoplasia, disruption of the mitochondrial sheath, coiled tails, and motility defects. The levels of SLO3 mRNA and protein in spermatozoa from the affected individual were reduced. Furthermore, the acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential, and membrane potential during capacitation were also afflicted. The levels of acrosome marker glycoproteins and PLCζ1 as well as the mitochondrial sheath protein HSP60 and SLO3 auxiliary subunit LRRC52, were significantly reduced in the spermatozoa from the affected individual. The affected man was sterile due to acrosome and mitochondrial dysfunction; however, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection successfully rescued this infertile condition. CONCLUSIONS SLO3 deficiency seriously impact acrosome formation, mitochondrial sheath assembly, and the function of K+ channels. Our findings provided clinical implications for the genetic and reproductive counselling of affected families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chunjie Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, 510600, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China
| | - Zhongmei Shao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China
| | - Yang Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yiyuan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohong Mao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Ge
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Feifei Fu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kaixin Zhong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, 510600, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Liu R, Yan Z, Fan Y, Qu R, Chen B, Li B, Wu L, Wu H, Mu J, Zhao L, Wang W, Dong J, Zeng Y, Li Q, Wang L, Sang Q, Zhang Z, Kuang Y. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1394-1405. [PMID: 35551387 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Liu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ronggui Qu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Gao T, Li K, Liang F, Yu J, Liu A, Ni Y, Sun P. KCNQ1 Potassium Channel Expressed in Human Sperm Is Involved in Sperm Motility, Acrosome Reaction, Protein Tyrosine Phosphorylation, and Ion Homeostasis During Capacitation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:761910. [PMID: 34744797 PMCID: PMC8569670 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.761910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are involved in membrane hyperpolarization and ion homeostasis regulation during human sperm capacitation. However, the types of potassium channels in human sperm remain controversial. The voltage-gated ion channel KCNQ1 is ubiquitously expressed and regulates key physiological processes in the human body. In the present study, we investigated whether KCNQ1 is expressed in human sperm and what role it might have in sperm function. The expression and localization of KCNQ1 in human sperm were evaluated using Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence. During capacitation incubation, human sperm were treated with KCNQ1- specific inhibitor chromanol 293B. Sperm motility was analyzed using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. The acrosome reaction was studied using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin staining. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels and localization after capacitation were determined using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Intracellular K+, Ca2+, Cl−, pH, and membrane potential were analyzed using fluorescent probes. The results demonstrate that KCNQ1 is expressed and localized in the head and tail regions of human sperm. KCNQ1 inhibition reduced sperm motility, acrosome reaction rates, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation but had no effect on hyperactivation. KCNQ1 inhibition also increased intracellular K+, membrane potential, and intracellular Cl−, while decreasing intracellular Ca2+ and pH. In conclusion, the KCNQ1 channel plays a crucial role during human sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ajuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peibei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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29
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Rahban R, Rehfeld A, Schiffer C, Brenker C, Egeberg Palme DL, Wang T, Lorenz J, Almstrup K, Skakkebaek NE, Strünker T, Nef S. The antidepressant Sertraline inhibits CatSper Ca2+ channels in human sperm. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2638-2648. [PMID: 34486673 PMCID: PMC8450872 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants affect the function of human sperm? SUMMARY ANSWER The SSRI antidepressant Sertraline (e.g. Zoloft) inhibits the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper and affects human sperm function in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In human sperm, CatSper translates changes of the chemical microenvironment into changes of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and swimming behavior. CatSper is promiscuously activated by oviductal ligands, but also by synthetic chemicals that might disturb the fertilization process. It is well known that SSRIs have off-target actions on Ca2+, Na+ and K+ channels in somatic cells. Whether SSRIs affect the activity of CatSper is, however, unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We studied the action of the seven drugs belonging to the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, SSRIs, on resting [Ca2+]i and Ca2+ influx via CatSper in human sperm. The SSRI Sertraline was selected for in-depth analysis of its action on steroid-, prostaglandin-, pH- and voltage-activation of human CatSper. Moreover, the action of Sertraline on sperm acrosomal exocytosis and penetration into viscous media was evaluated. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The activity of CatSper was investigated in sperm of healthy volunteers, using kinetic Ca2+ fluorimetry and patch-clamp recordings. Acrosomal exocytosis was investigated using Pisum sativum agglutinin and image cytometry. Sperm penetration in viscous media was evaluated using the Kremer test. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several SSRIs affected [Ca2+]i and attenuated ligand-induced Ca2+ influx via CatSper. In particular, the SSRI Sertraline almost completely suppressed Ca2+ influx via CatSper. Remarkably, the drug was about four-fold more potent to suppress prostaglandin- versus steroid-induced Ca2+ influx. Sertraline also suppressed alkaline- and voltage-activation of CatSper, indicating that the drug directly inhibits the channel. Finally, Sertraline impaired ligand-induced acrosome reaction and sperm penetration into viscous media. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study. Future studies have to assess the physiological relevance in vivo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The off-target action of Sertraline on CatSper in human sperm might impair the fertilization process. In a research setting, Sertraline may be used to selectively inhibit prostaglandin-induced Ca2+ influx. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), the Département de l’Instruction Publique of the State of Geneva, the German Research Foundation (CRU326), the Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Münster (IZKF; Str/014/21), the Innovation Fund Denmark (grant numbers 14-2013-4) and the EDMaRC research grant from the Kirsten and Freddy Johansen’s Foundation. The authors declare that no conflict of interest could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rahban
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anders Rehfeld
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Schiffer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Tao Wang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Johannes Lorenz
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, Basel, Switzerland
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30
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Jeschke JK, Biagioni C, Schierling T, Wagner IV, Börgel F, Schepmann D, Schüring A, Kulle AE, Holterhus PM, von Wolff M, Wünsch B, Nordhoff V, Strünker T, Brenker C. The Action of Reproductive Fluids and Contained Steroids, Prostaglandins, and Zn 2+ on CatSper Ca 2+ Channels in Human Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:699554. [PMID: 34381781 PMCID: PMC8350739 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.699554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper registers chemical cues that assist human sperm to fertilize the egg. Prime examples are progesterone and prostaglandin E1 that activate CatSper without involving classical nuclear and G protein-coupled receptors, respectively. Here, we study the action of seminal and follicular fluid as well of the contained individual prostaglandins and steroids on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of sperm from donors and CATSPER2-deficient patients that lack functional CatSper channels. We show that any of the reproductive steroids and prostaglandins evokes a rapid Ca2+ increase that invariably rests on Ca2+ influx via CatSper. The hormones compete for the same steroid- and prostaglandin-binding site to activate the channel, respectively. Analysis of the hormones’ structure–activity relationship highlights their unique pharmacology in sperm and the chemical features determining their effective properties. Finally, we show that Zn2+ suppresses the action of steroids and prostaglandins on CatSper, which might prevent premature prostaglandin activation of CatSper in the ejaculate, aiding sperm to escape from the ejaculate into the female genital tract. Altogether, our findings reinforce that human CatSper serves as a promiscuous chemosensor that enables sperm to probe the varying hormonal microenvironment prevailing at different stages during their journey across the female genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice K Jeschke
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cristina Biagioni
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Schierling
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Isabel Viola Wagner
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Lübeck, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Frederik Börgel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Schepmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Schüring
- UKM Kinderwunschzentrum, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexandra E Kulle
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Paul Martin Holterhus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael von Wolff
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Nordhoff
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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31
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Curci L, Carvajal G, Sulzyk V, Gonzalez SN, Cuasnicú PS. Pharmacological Inactivation of CatSper Blocks Sperm Fertilizing Ability Independently of the Capacitation Status of the Cells: Implications for Non-hormonal Contraception. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:686461. [PMID: 34295893 PMCID: PMC8290173 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.686461] [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: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cation channel of sperm (CatSper), the main sperm-specific Ca2+ channel, plays a key role in mammalian fertilization, and it is essential for male fertility, becoming an attractive target for contraception. Based on this, in the present work, we investigated the effects of CatSper inactivation on in vitro and in vivo sperm fertilizing ability and the mechanisms underlying such effects. Exposure of cauda epididymal mouse sperm to different concentrations (1-20 μM) of the potent CatSper inhibitor HC-056456 (HC) during in vitro capacitation showed no effects on sperm viability but significantly affected Ca2+ entry into the cells, progressive motility, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, induced acrosome reaction, and hyperactivation, as well as the sperm's ability to in vitro fertilize cumulus oocyte complexes and zona-free eggs. Whereas the presence of HC during gamete coincubation did not affect in vitro fertilization, exposure of either non-capacitating or already capacitated sperm to HC prior to gamete coincubation severely reduced fertilization, indicating that sperm function is affected by HC when the cells are incubated with the drug before sperm-egg interaction. Of note, insemination of HC-treated sperm into the uterus significantly or completely reduced the percentage of oviductal fertilized eggs showing, for the first time, the effects of a CatSper inhibitor on in vivo fertilization. These observations, together with the finding that HC affects sperm fertilizing ability independently of the sperm capacitation status, provide further insights on how CatSper regulates sperm function and represent a solid proof of concept for developing a male/female non-hormonal contraceptive based on the pharmacological blockage of CatSper activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Sulzyk
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soledad Natalia Gonzalez
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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32
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Poli G, Hasan S, Belia S, Cenciarini M, Tucker SJ, Imbrici P, Shehab S, Pessia M, Brancorsini S, D’Adamo MC. Kcnj16 (Kir5.1) Gene Ablation Causes Subfertility and Increases the Prevalence of Morphologically Abnormal Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5972. [PMID: 34205849 PMCID: PMC8199489 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of spermatozoa to swim towards an oocyte and fertilize it depends on precise K+ permeability changes. Kir5.1 is an inwardly-rectifying potassium (Kir) channel with high sensitivity to intracellular H+ (pHi) and extracellular K+ concentration [K+]o, and hence provides a link between pHi and [K+]o changes and membrane potential. The intrinsic pHi sensitivity of Kir5.1 suggests a possible role for this channel in the pHi-dependent processes that take place during fertilization. However, despite the localization of Kir5.1 in murine spermatozoa, and its increased expression with age and sexual maturity, the role of the channel in sperm morphology, maturity, motility, and fertility is unknown. Here, we confirmed the presence of Kir5.1 in spermatozoa and showed strong expression of Kir4.1 channels in smooth muscle and epithelial cells lining the epididymal ducts. In contrast, Kir4.2 expression was not detected in testes. To examine the possible role of Kir5.1 in sperm physiology, we bred mice with a deletion of the Kcnj16 (Kir5.1) gene and observed that 20% of Kir5.1 knock-out male mice were infertile. Furthermore, 50% of knock-out mice older than 3 months were unable to breed. By contrast, 100% of wild-type (WT) mice were fertile. The genetic inactivation of Kcnj16 also resulted in smaller testes and a greater percentage of sperm with folded flagellum compared to WT littermates. Nevertheless, the abnormal sperm from mutant animals displayed increased progressive motility. Thus, ablation of the Kcnj16 gene identifies Kir5.1 channel as an important element contributing to testis development, sperm flagellar morphology, motility, and fertility. These findings are potentially relevant to the understanding of the complex pHi- and [K+]o-dependent interplay between different sperm ion channels, and provide insight into their role in fertilization and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Poli
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Sonia Hasan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait;
| | - Silvia Belia
- Department of Chemistry Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Marta Cenciarini
- Section of Physiology & Biochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Stephen J. Tucker
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK;
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari ‘‘Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Safa Shehab
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mauro Pessia
- Department of Physiology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Stefano Brancorsini
- Section of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (G.P.); (S.B.)
| | - Maria Cristina D’Adamo
- Department of Physiology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta;
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33
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Torrezan-Nitao E, Brown SG, Mata-Martínez E, Treviño CL, Barratt C, Publicover S. [Ca2+]i oscillations in human sperm are triggered in the flagellum by membrane potential-sensitive activity of CatSper. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:293-304. [PMID: 33305795 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How are progesterone (P4)-induced repetitive intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) signals (oscillations) in human sperm generated? SUMMARY ANSWER P4-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations are generated in the flagellum by membrane potential (Vm)-sensitive Ca2+-influx through CatSper channels. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A subset of human sperm display [Ca2+]i oscillations that regulate flagellar beating and acrosome reaction. Although pharmacological manipulations indicate involvement of stored Ca2+ in these oscillations, influx of extracellular Ca2+ is also required. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a laboratory study that used >20 sperm donors and involved more than 100 separate experiments and analysis of more than 1000 individual cells over a period of 2 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen donors and patients were recruited in accordance with local ethics approval from Birmingham University and Tayside ethics committees. [Ca2+]i responses and Vm of individual cells were examined by fluorescence imaging and whole-cell current clamp. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE P4-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations originated in the flagellum, spreading to the neck and head (latency of 1-2 s). K+-ionophore valinomycin (1 µM) was used to investigate the role of membrane potential (Vm). Direct assessment by whole-cell current-clamp confirmed that Vm in valinomycin-exposed cells was determined primarily by K+ equilibrium potential (EK) and was rapidly 'reset' upon manipulation of [K+]o. Pre-treatment of sperm with valinomycin ([K+]o = 5.4 mM) had no effect on the P4-induced [Ca2+] transient (P = 0.95; eight experiments), but application of valinomycin to P4-pretreated sperm suppressed activity in 82% of oscillating cells (n = 257; P = 5 × 10-55 compared to control) and significantly reduced both the amplitude and frequency of persisting oscillations (P = 0.0001). Upon valinomycin washout, oscillations re-started in most cells. When valinomycin was applied in saline with elevated [K+], the inhibitory effect of valinomycin was reduced and was dependent on EK (P = 10-25). Amplitude and frequency of [Ca2+]i oscillations that persisted in the presence of valinomycin showed similar sensitivity to EK (P < 0.01). The CatSper inhibitor RU1968 (4.8 and 11 µM) caused immediate and reversible arrest of activity in 36% and 96% of oscillating cells, respectively (P < 10-10). Quinidine (300 µM) which blocks the sperm K+ current (IKsper) completely, inhibited [Ca2+]i oscillations. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was an in-vitro study and caution must be taken when extrapolating these results to in-vivo regulation of sperm. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS [Ca2+]i oscillations in human sperm are functionally important and their absence is associated with failed fertilisation at IVF. The data reported here provide new understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the regulation and generation (or failure) of these oscillations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) E.T.-N. was in receipt of a postgraduate scholarship from the CAPES Foundation (Ministry of Education, Brazil). E.M-M received travel funds from the Programa de Apoyo a los Estudios de Posgrado (Maestria y Doctorado en Ciencias Bioquimicas-Universidad Autonoma de Mexico). SGB and CLRB are recipients of a Chief Scientist Office (NHS Scotland) grant TCS/17/28. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean G Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | - Esperanza Mata-Martínez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
| | - Christopher Barratt
- Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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34
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Meng X, Melo P, Jones C, Ross C, Mounce G, Turner K, Child T, Coward K. Use of phospholipase C zeta analysis to identify candidates for artificial oocyte activation: a case series of clinical pregnancies and a proposed algorithm for patient management. Fertil Steril 2021; 114:163-174. [PMID: 32622408 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.02.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the applicability of phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) analysis in assisting the clinical decision-making process when considering artificial oocyte activation (AOA) for infertile males in assisted reproductive technology. DESIGN Fifty-six males (43 infertile/13 fertile) were screened using our PLCζ assay. SETTING Fertility unit/university laboratory. PATIENT(S) Infertile males with abnormal sperm morphology or total fertilization failure, low fertilization rate (<50%), or repeated fertilization failure in assisted reproductive technology. INTERVENTION(S) We analyzed PLCζ levels in sperm from fertile and infertile males. Eligible patients subsequently underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with calcimycin (GM508). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) PLCζ localization and level and the proportion of sperm expressing PLCζ. Thresholds of PLCζ deficiency, fertilization rates, pregnancy rates, and live birth rates of AOA and non-AOA cycles. RESULT(S) Compared with 13 fertile controls, 34 of the 43 infertile males had significantly lower levels of PLCζ and/or a significantly lower proportion of sperm exhibiting PLCζ. Of these 34 patients, 15 showed a significant PLCζ reduction in both parameters, which we termed "PLCζ deficiency." Five PLCζ-deficient patients opted for AOA; all five achieved fertilization, and four achieved clinical pregnancies and live births. The fertilization rate improved significantly from 18.6% (ICSI) to 56.8% (ICSI/AOA). The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate with AOA were both 40% per initiated cycle. Youden index analysis revealed that the cutoffs below which infertile males were likely to benefit from AOA were 71% for the proportion of sperm expressing PLCζ and 15.57 arbitrary units for mean PLCζ level. CONCLUSION(S) PLCζ analysis is a useful diagnostic tool to determine patient eligibility for subsequent AOA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Meng
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Melo
- The Women's Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ginny Mounce
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Turner
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Fertility, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Child
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Fertility, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Nowicka-Bauer K, Szymczak-Cendlak M. Structure and Function of Ion Channels Regulating Sperm Motility-An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063259. [PMID: 33806823 PMCID: PMC8004680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is linked to the activation of signaling pathways that trigger movement. These pathways are mainly dependent on Ca2+, which acts as a secondary messenger. The maintenance of adequate Ca2+ concentrations is possible thanks to proper concentrations of other ions, such as K+ and Na+, among others, that modulate plasma membrane potential and the intracellular pH. Like in every cell, ion homeostasis in spermatozoa is ensured by a vast spectrum of ion channels supported by the work of ion pumps and transporters. To achieve success in fertilization, sperm ion channels have to be sensitive to various external and internal factors. This sensitivity is provided by specific channel structures. In addition, novel sperm-specific channels or isoforms have been found with compositions that increase the chance of fertilization. Notably, the most significant sperm ion channel is the cation channel of sperm (CatSper), which is a sperm-specific Ca2+ channel required for the hyperactivation of sperm motility. The role of other ion channels in the spermatozoa, such as voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), Ca2+-activated Cl-channels (CaCCs), SLO K+ channels or voltage-gated H+ channels (VGHCs), is to ensure the activation and modulation of CatSper. As the activation of sperm motility differs among metazoa, different ion channels may participate; however, knowledge regarding these channels is still scarce. In the present review, the roles and structures of the most important known ion channels are described in regard to regulation of sperm motility in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Nowicka-Bauer
- Department of Chemical Physics, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Monika Szymczak-Cendlak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznan, Poland;
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Noto F, Recuero S, Valencia J, Saporito B, Robbe D, Bonet S, Carluccio A, Yeste M. Inhibition of Potassium Channels Affects the Ability of Pig Spermatozoa to Elicit Capacitation and Trigger the Acrosome Exocytosis Induced by Progesterone. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041992. [PMID: 33671466 PMCID: PMC7922121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During capacitation, sperm undergo a myriad of changes, including remodeling of plasma membrane, modification of sperm motility and kinematic parameters, membrane hyperpolarization, increase in intracellular calcium levels, and tyrosine phosphorylation of certain sperm proteins. While potassium channels have been reported to be crucial for capacitation of mouse and human sperm, their role in pigs has not been investigated. With this purpose, sperm samples from 15 boars were incubated in capacitation medium for 300 min with quinine, a general blocker of potassium channels (including voltage-gated potassium channels, calcium-activated potassium channels, and tandem pore domain potassium channels), and paxilline (PAX), a specific inhibitor of calcium-activated potassium channels. In all samples, acrosome exocytosis was induced after 240 min of incubation with progesterone. Plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and total and progressive sperm motility were evaluated after 0, 120, and 240 min of incubation, and after 5, 30, and 60 min of progesterone addition. Although blocking potassium channels with quinine and PAX prevented sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation by impairing motility and mitochondrial function, as well as reducing intracellular calcium levels, the extent of that inhibition was larger with quinine than with PAX. Therefore, while our data support that calcium-activated potassium channels are essential for sperm capacitation in pigs, they also suggest that other potassium channels, such as the voltage-gated, tandem pore domain, and mitochondrial ATP-regulated ones, are involved in that process. Thus, further research is needed to elucidate the specific functions of these channels and the mechanisms underlying its regulation during sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Noto
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Julián Valencia
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- University Antonio Nariño, Calle 53 #9-35, Popayán CO-190002, Colombia
| | - Beatrice Saporito
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Mateo-Otero Y, Llavanera M, Bonet S, Yeste M, Pinart E. HVCN1 but Not Potassium Channels Are Related to Mammalian Sperm Cryotolerance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041646. [PMID: 33562049 PMCID: PMC7914938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Little data exist about the physiological role of ion channels during the freeze–thaw process in mammalian sperm. Herein, we determined the relevance of potassium channels, including SLO1, and of voltage-gated proton channels (HVCN1) during mammalian sperm cryopreservation, using the pig as a model and through the addition of specific blockers (TEA: tetraethyl ammonium chloride, PAX: paxilline or 2-GBI: 2-guanidino benzimidazole) to the cryoprotective media at either 15 °C or 5 °C. Sperm quality of the control and blocked samples was performed at 30- and 240-min post-thaw, by assessing sperm motility and kinematics, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular O2−⁻ and H2O2 levels. General blockade of K+ channels by TEA and specific blockade of SLO1 channels by PAX did not result in alterations in sperm quality after thawing as compared to control samples. In contrast, HVCN1-blocking with 2-GBI led to a significant decrease in post-thaw sperm quality as compared to the control, despite intracellular O2−⁻ and H2O2 levels in 2-GBI blocked samples being lower than in the control and in TEA- and PAX-blocked samples. We can thus conclude that HVCN1 channels are related to mammalian sperm cryotolerance and have an essential role during cryopreservation. In contrast, potassium channels do not seem to play such an instrumental role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-972-419-514
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38
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Kang H, Liu M, Zhang W, Huang RZ, Zhao N, Chen C, Zeng XH. Na +/H + Exchangers Involve in Regulating the pH-Sensitive Ion Channels in Mouse Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041612. [PMID: 33562644 PMCID: PMC7914462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm-specific K+ ion channel (KSper) and Ca2+ ion channel (CatSper), whose elimination causes male infertility in mice, determine the membrane potential and Ca2+ influx, respectively. KSper and CatSper can be activated by cytosolic alkalization, which occurs during sperm going through the alkaline environment of the female reproductive tract. However, which intracellular pH (pHi) regulator functionally couples to the activation of KSper/CatSper remains obscure. Although Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) have been implicated to mediate pHi in sperm, there is a lack of direct evidence confirming the functional coupling between NHEs and KSper/CatSper. Here, 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride (DMA), an NHEs inhibitor that firstly proved not to affect KSper/CatSper directly, was chosen to examine NHEs function on KSper/CatSper in mouse sperm. The results of patch clamping recordings showed that, when extracellular pH was at the physiological level of 7.4, DMA application caused KSper inhibition and the depolarization of membrane potential when pipette solutions were not pH-buffered. In contrast, these effects were minimized when pipette solutions were pH-buffered, indicating that they solely resulted from pHi acidification caused by NHEs inhibition. Similarly, DMA treatment reduced CatSper current and intracellular Ca2+, effects also dependent on the buffer capacity of pH in pipette solutions. The impairment of sperm motility was also observed after DMA incubation. These results manifested that NHEs activity is coupled to the activation of KSper/CatSper under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Kang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China; (H.K.); (M.L.); (W.Z.); (N.Z.)
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China; (H.K.); (M.L.); (W.Z.); (N.Z.)
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China; (H.K.); (M.L.); (W.Z.); (N.Z.)
| | - Rong-Zu Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China; (R.-Z.H.); (C.C.)
| | - Na Zhao
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, Jiangxi, China; (H.K.); (M.L.); (W.Z.); (N.Z.)
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China; (R.-Z.H.); (C.C.)
| | - Xu-Hui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China; (R.-Z.H.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-177-6196-0066
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39
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Sperm ion channels and transporters in male fertility and infertility. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 18:46-66. [PMID: 33214707 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-00390-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm cells must respond to cues originating from along the female reproductive tract and from the layers of the egg in order to complete their fertilization journey. Dynamic regulation of ion signalling is, therefore, essential for sperm cells to adapt to their constantly changing environment. Over the past 15 years, direct electrophysiological recordings together with genetically modified mouse models and human genetics have confirmed the importance of ion channels, including the principal Ca2+-selective plasma membrane ion channel CatSper, for sperm activity. Sperm ion channels and membrane receptors are attractive targets for both the development of contraceptives and infertility treatment drugs. Furthermore, in this era of assisted reproductive technologies, understanding the signalling processes implicated in defective sperm function, particularly those arising from genetic abnormalities, is of the utmost importance not only for the development of infertility treatments but also to assess the overall health of a patient and his children. Future studies to improve reproductive health care and overall health care as a function of the ability to reproduce should include identification and analyses of gene variants that underlie human infertility and research into fertility-related molecules.
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40
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Oviductal high concentration of K + suppresses hyperpolarization but does not prevent hyperactivation, acrosome reaction and in vitro fertilization in hamsters. ZYGOTE 2020; 29:66-74. [PMID: 33012301 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199420000532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm have to undergo capacitation to be fertilization competent. Capacitated sperm in vitro show hyperpolarization of the membrane potential. It has been reported that in mouse membrane hyperpolarization is necessary for the acrosome reaction. We recently found that the fluid of the hamster oviduct, where fertilization occurs, contained a high potassium (K+) concentration (~20 mEq/l). This high K+ concentration could depolarize the membrane potential and prevent the acrosome reaction/fertilization. Conversely, some beneficial effects on capacitation of high K+ concentration or a high K/Na ratio were also reported. In the present study, we investigated the effects of oviduct high K+ concentration on hamster sperm capacitation-associated events and fertilization. The present study confirmed that, in hamster sperm, membrane potential was hyperpolarized upon in vitro capacitation, indicating that capacitation-associated hyperpolarization is a universal phenomenon among mammalian species. An increase in KCl concentration in the medium to 20 mM significantly depolarized the membrane potential and suppressed hyperpolarization when in the presence of >101 mM NaCl. However, an increase in the KCl concentration to 20 mM did not significantly affect the percentage of motile sperm, hyperactivation or the acrosome reaction. No effect of 20 mM KCl on in vitro fertilization was observed. In addition, no correlative changes in hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction with K/Na ratio were observed. These results suggested that in hamsters the oviduct K+ concentration suppressed hyperpolarization but had no effect on capacitation and in vitro fertilization. Our results raised a question over the physiological significance of capacitation-associated hyperpolarization.
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Balbach M, Hamzeh H, Jikeli JF, Brenker C, Schiffer C, Hansen JN, Neugebauer P, Trötschel C, Jovine L, Han L, Florman HM, Kaupp UB, Strünker T, Wachten D. Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Action of Zona-pellucida Glycoproteins on Mouse Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:572735. [PMID: 32984353 PMCID: PMC7487327 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.572735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are enveloped by the zona pellucida (ZP), an extracellular matrix of glycoproteins. In sperm, stimulation with ZP proteins evokes a rapid Ca2+ influx via the sperm-specific, pH-sensitive Ca2+ channel CatSper. However, the physiological role and molecular mechanisms underlying ZP-dependent activation of CatSper are unknown. Here, we delineate the sequence of ZP-signaling events in mouse sperm. We show that ZP proteins evoke a rapid intracellular pHi increase that rests predominantly on Na+/H+ exchange by NHA1 and requires cAMP synthesis by the soluble adenylyl cyclase sAC as well as a sufficiently negative membrane potential set by the spem-specific K+ channel Slo3. The alkaline-activated CatSper channel translates the ZP-induced pHi increase into a Ca2+ response. Our findings reveal the molecular components underlying ZP action on mouse sperm, opening up new avenues for understanding the basic principles of sperm function and, thereby, mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Balbach
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hussein Hamzeh
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan F Jikeli
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Schiffer
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan N Hansen
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pia Neugebauer
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Harvey M Florman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - U Benjamin Kaupp
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany.,Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Wang T, Young S, Krenz H, Tüttelmann F, Röpke A, Krallmann C, Kliesch S, Zeng XH, Brenker C, Strünker T. The Ca 2+ channel CatSper is not activated by cAMP/PKA signaling but directly affected by chemicals used to probe the action of cAMP and PKA. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:13181-13193. [PMID: 32703901 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper (cation channel of sperm) controls the influx of Ca2+ into the flagellum and, thereby, the swimming behavior of sperm. A hallmark of human CatSper is its polymodal activation by membrane voltage, intracellular pH, and oviductal hormones. Whether CatSper is also activated by signaling pathways involving an increase of cAMP and ensuing activation of PKA is, however, a matter of controversy. To shed light on this question, we used kinetic ion-sensitive fluorometry, patch-clamp recordings, and optochemistry to study transmembrane Ca2+ flux and membrane currents in human sperm from healthy donors and from patients that lack functional CatSper channels. We found that human CatSper is neither activated by intracellular cAMP directly nor indirectly by the cAMP/PKA-signaling pathway. Instead, we show that nonphysiological concentrations of cAMP and membrane-permeable cAMP analogs used to mimic the action of intracellular cAMP activate human CatSper from the outside via a hitherto-unknown extracellular binding site. Finally, we demonstrate that the effects of common PKA inhibitors on human CatSper rest predominantly, if not exclusively, on off-target drug actions on CatSper itself rather than on inhibition of PKA. We conclude that the concept of an intracellular cAMP/PKA-activation of CatSper is primarily based on unspecific effects of chemical probes used to interfere with cAMP signaling. Altogether, our findings solve several controversial issues and reveal a novel ligand-binding site controlling the activity of CatSper, which has important bearings on future studies of cAMP and Ca2+ signaling in sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Samuel Young
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Henrike Krenz
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Albrecht Röpke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Krallmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Xu-Hui Zeng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Escoffier J, Arnaud B, Kaba M, Hograindleur JP, Le Blévec E, Martinez G, Stévant I, Ray PF, Arnoult C, Nef S. Pantoprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor, impairs human sperm motility and capacitation in vitro. Andrology 2020; 8:1795-1804. [PMID: 32609951 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of PPIs on human sperm fertilizing capacity were poorly investigated although these drugs are widely over-used. Two publications retrospectively studied relationships between any PPI intake and sperm parameters from patients consulting at infertility clinics, but the conclusions of these reports were contradictory. Only two reports investigated the effects of lansoprazole and omeprazole on sperm motility and found lansoprazole to be deleterious and omeprazole to be neutral for sperm motility. The inconsistency of the PPI effect in the previous reports emphasizes the need for more basic research on human spermatozoa, taking into account the hypothesis that the different PPI drugs may have different effects on sperm physiology. OBJECTIVES Do PPIs, which are among the most widely sold drug in the word, impact negatively human sperm capacitation and sperm motility? MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of PPIs on human sperm maturation and motility were analyzed by CASA, flow cytometry, and Western blot. RESULTS We tested the impact of 6 different PPIs on human sperm motility and capacitation. We showed that pantoprazole, but not the other PPIs, decreased sperm progressive motility and capacitation-induced sperm hyperactivation. We therefore investigated further the effects of pantoprazole on sperm capacitation, and we observed that it had a significant deleterious effect on the capacitation-induced hyperpolarization of the membrane potential and capacitation-associated protein phosphorylation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our results indicate that exposure to pantoprazole has an adverse effect on the physiological competence of human spermatozoa. As the capacitation process takes place within the female tract, our results suggest that PPIs intake by the female partner may impair in vivo sperm maturation and possibly fertilization. Moreover, the absence of adverse effect by PPIs on mouse sperm emphasizes the need to develop reprotox assays using human material to better assess the effects of medication intake on sperm physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Escoffier
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Université Grenoble Alpes, Equipe "Génétique, Epigénétique et Thérapies de l'Infertilité", IAB, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Bastien Arnaud
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Equipe "Génétique, Epigénétique et Thérapies de l'Infertilité", IAB, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Mayis Kaba
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean Pascal Hograindleur
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Equipe "Génétique, Epigénétique et Thérapies de l'Infertilité", IAB, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Emilie Le Blévec
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Equipe "Génétique, Epigénétique et Thérapies de l'Infertilité", IAB, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Equipe "Génétique, Epigénétique et Thérapies de l'Infertilité", IAB, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Stévant
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Equipe "Génétique, Epigénétique et Thérapies de l'Infertilité", IAB, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Equipe "Génétique, Epigénétique et Thérapies de l'Infertilité", IAB, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Yeste M, Llavanera M, Mateo-Otero Y, Catalán J, Bonet S, Pinart E. HVCN1 Channels Are Relevant for the Maintenance of Sperm Motility During In Vitro Capacitation of Pig Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093255. [PMID: 32375375 PMCID: PMC7246839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to determine the physiological role of voltage-gated hydrogen channels 1 (HVCN1 channels) during in vitro capacitation of pig spermatozoa. Sperm samples from 20 boars were incubated in capacitating medium for 300 minutes (min) in the presence of 2-guanidino benzimidazole (2-GBI), a specific HVCN1-channel blocker, added either at 0 min or after 240 min of incubation. Control samples were incubated in capacitating medium without the inhibitor. In all samples, acrosomal exocytosis was triggered with progesterone after 240 min of incubation. Sperm viability, sperm motility and kinematics, acrosomal exocytosis, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated after 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 250, 270 and 300 min of incubation. While HVCN1-blockage resulted in altered sperm viability, sperm motility and kinematics and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential as compared to control samples, at any blocker concentration and incubation time, it had a non-significant effect on intracellular Ca2+ levels determined through Fluo3-staining. The effects on acrosomal exocytosis were only significant in blocked samples at 0 min, and were associated with increased membrane lipid disorder and Ca2+ levels of the sperm head determined through Rhod5-staining. In conclusion, HVCN1 channels play a crucial role in the modulation of sperm motility and kinematics, and in Ca2+ entrance to the sperm head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.M.-O); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.M.-O); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.M.-O); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain;
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.M.-O); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (Y.M.-O); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-972-419-514
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Darszon A, Nishigaki T, López-González I, Visconti PE, Treviño CL. Differences and Similarities: The Richness of Comparative Sperm Physiology. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 35:196-208. [PMID: 32293232 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00033.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species preservation depends on the success of fertilization. Sperm are uniquely equipped to fulfill this task, and, although several mechanisms are conserved among species, striking functional differences have evolved to contend with particular sperm-egg environmental characteristics. This review highlights similarities and differences in sperm strategies, with examples within internal and external fertilizers, pointing out unresolved issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Ignacio López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
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46
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Wang GM, Zhong ZG, Du XR, Zhang FF, Guo Q, Liu Y, Tang QY, Zhang Z. Cloning and characterization of the rat Slo3 (K Ca 5.1) channel: From biophysics to pharmacology. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3552-3567. [PMID: 32335912 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Slo3 potassium (KCa 5.1) channel, which is specifically expressed in the testis and sperm, is essential for mammalian male fertilization. The sequence divergence of the bovine, mouse and human Slo3 α-subunit revealed a rapid evolution rate across different species. The rat Slo3 (rSlo3) channel has not been cloned and characterized previously. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We used molecular cloning, electrophysiology (inside-out patches and outside-out patches) and mutagenesis to investigate the biophysical properties and pharmacological characteristics of the rSlo3 channel. KEY RESULTS The rat Slo3 channel (rSlo3) is gated by voltage and cytosolic pH rather than intracellular calcium. The characteristics of voltage-dependent, pH-sensitivity and activation kinetics of the rSlo3 channel differ from the characteristics of other Slo3 orthologues. In terms of pharmacology, the 4-AP blockade of the rSlo3 channel also shows properties distinct from its blockade of the mSlo3 channel. Iberiotoxin and progesterone weakly inhibit the rSlo3 channel. Finally, we found that propofol, one of the widely used general anaesthetics, blocks the rSlo3 channel from both intracellular and extracellular sides, whereas ketamine only blocks the rSlo3 channel at the extracellular side. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that the rSlo3 channel possesses unique biophysical and pharmacological properties. Our results provide new insights into the diversities of the Slo3 family of channels, which are valuable for estimating the effects of the use of these drugs to improve sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Ming Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhong
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Du
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fei-Fei Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiong-Yao Tang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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47
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Vyklicka L, Lishko PV. Dissecting the signaling pathways involved in the function of sperm flagellum. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2020; 63:154-161. [PMID: 32097833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian flagellum is a specific type of motile cilium required for sperm motility and male fertility. Effective flagellar movement is dependent on axonemal function, which in turn relies on proper ion homeostasis within the flagellar compartment. This ion homeostasis is maintained by the concerted function of ion channels and transporters that initiate signal transduction pathways resulting in motility changes. Advances in electrophysiology and super-resolution microscopy have helped to identify and characterize new regulatory modalities of the mammalian flagellum. Here, we discuss what is currently known about the regulation of flagellar ion channels and transporters that maintain sodium, potassium, calcium, and proton homeostasis. Identification of new regulatory elements and their specific roles in sperm motility is imperative for improving diagnostics of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Vyklicka
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Polina V Lishko
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
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48
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Yeste M, Llavanera M, Pérez G, Scornik F, Puig-Parri J, Brugada R, Bonet S, Pinart E. Elucidating the Role of K + Channels during In Vitro Capacitation of Boar Spermatozoa: Do SLO1 Channels Play a Crucial Role? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E6330. [PMID: 31847486 PMCID: PMC6940911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This study sought to identify and localize SLO1 channels in boar spermatozoa by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, and to determine their physiological role during in vitro sperm capacitation. Sperm samples from 14 boars were incubated in a capacitation medium for 300 min in the presence of paxilline (PAX), a specific SLO1-channel blocker, added either at 0 min or after 240 min of incubation. Negative controls were incubated in capacitation medium, and positive controls in capacitation medium plus tetraethyl ammonium (TEA), a general K+-channel blocker, also added at 0 min or after 240 min of incubation. In all samples, acrosome exocytosis was triggered with progesterone after 240 min of incubation. Sperm motility and kinematics, integrity of plasma and acrosome membranes, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium levels and acrosin activity were evaluated after 0, 60, 120, 180, 240, 250, 270 and 300 min of incubation. In boar spermatozoa, SLO1 channels were found to have 80 kDa and be localized in the anterior postacrosomal region and the mid and principal piece of the tail; their specific blockage through PAX resulted in altered calcium levels and acrosome exocytosis. As expected, TEA blocker impaired in vitro sperm capacitation, by altering sperm motility and kinematics and calcium levels. In conclusion, SLO1 channels are crucial for the acrosome exocytosis induced by progesterone in in vitro capacitated boar spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (J.P.-P.); (S.B.)
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Unit of Cell Biology, Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (J.P.-P.); (S.B.)
| | - Guillermo Pérez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (G.P.); (F.S.); (R.B.)
- Cardiovascular Genetics Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), E-17190 Girona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabiana Scornik
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (G.P.); (F.S.); (R.B.)
- Cardiovascular Genetics Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), E-17190 Girona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Puig-Parri
- Unit of Cell Biology, Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (J.P.-P.); (S.B.)
| | - Ramon Brugada
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (G.P.); (F.S.); (R.B.)
- Cardiovascular Genetics Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), E-17190 Girona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Cardiovascular Diseases (CIBERCV), E-28029 Madrid, Spain
- Cardiology Service, Hospital Josep Trueta, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Unit of Cell Biology, Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (J.P.-P.); (S.B.)
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Unit of Cell Biology, Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (M.Y.); (M.L.); (J.P.-P.); (S.B.)
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49
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Brown SG, Publicover SJ, Barratt CLR, Martins da Silva SJ. Human sperm ion channel (dys)function: implications for fertilization. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:758-776. [PMID: 31665287 PMCID: PMC6847974 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive research on sperm ion channels has identified members of several ion channel families in both mouse and human sperm. Gene knock-out studies have unequivocally demonstrated the importance of the calcium and potassium conductances in sperm for fertility. In both species, the calcium current is carried by the highly complex cation channel of sperm (CatSper). In mouse sperm, the potassium current has been conclusively shown to be carried by a channel consisting of the pore forming subunit SLO3 and auxiliary subunit leucine-rich repeat-containing 52 (LRRC52). However, in human sperm it is controversial whether the pore forming subunit of the channel is composed of SLO3 and/or SLO1. Deciphering the role of the proton-specific Hv1 channel is more challenging as it is only expressed in human sperm. However, definitive evidence for a role in, and importance for, human fertility can only be determined through studies using clinical samples. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to provide insight into the role of sperm ion channels in human fertilization as evidenced from recent studies of sperm from infertile men. We also summarize the key discoveries from mouse ion channel knock-out models and contrast the properties of mouse and human CatSper and potassium currents. We detail the evidence for, and consequences of, defective ion channels in human sperm and discuss hypotheses to explain how defects arise and why affected sperm have impaired fertilization potential. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies were identified using PubMed and were limited to ion channels that have been characterized in mouse and human sperm. Additional notable examples from other species are included as appropriate. OUTCOMES There are now well-documented fundamental differences between the properties of CatSper and potassium channel currents in mouse and human sperm. However, in both species, sperm lacking either channel cannot fertilize in vivo and CatSper-null sperm also fail to fertilize at IVF. Sperm-lacking potassium currents are capable of fertilizing at IVF, albeit at a much lower rate. However, additional complex and heterogeneous ion channel dysfunction has been reported in sperm from infertile men, the causes of which are unknown. Similarly, the nature of the functional impairment of affected patient sperm remains elusive. There are no reports of studies of Hv1 in human sperm from infertile men. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Recent studies using sperm from infertile men have given new insight and critical evidence supporting the supposition that calcium and potassium conductances are essential for human fertility. However, it should be highlighted that many fundamental questions remain regarding the nature of molecular and functional defects in sperm with dysfunctional ion channels. The development and application of advanced technologies remains a necessity to progress basic and clinical research in this area, with the aim of providing effective screening methodologies to identify and develop treatments for affected men in order to help prevent failed ART cycles. Conversely, development of drugs that block calcium and/or potassium conductances in sperm is a plausible strategy for producing sperm-specific contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | | | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Sarah J Martins da Silva
- Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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50
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Wijerathne TD, Kim JH, Kim MJ, Kim CY, Chae MR, Lee SW, Lee KP. Onion peel extract and its constituent, quercetin inhibits human Slo3 in a pH and calcium dependent manner. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 23:381-392. [PMID: 31496875 PMCID: PMC6717788 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2019.23.5.381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sperm function and male fertility are closely related to pH dependent K+ current (KSper) in human sperm, which is most likely composed of Slo3 and its auxiliary subunit leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 52 (LRRC52). Onion peel extract (OPE) and its major active ingredient quercetin are widely used as fertility enhancers; however, the effect of OPE and quercetin on Slo3 has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of quercetin on human Slo3 channels. Human Slo3 and LRRC52 were co-transfected into HEK293 cells and pharmacological properties were studied with the whole cell patch clamp technique. We successfully expressed and measured pH sensitive and calcium insensitive Slo3 currents in HEK293 cells. We found that OPE and its key ingredient quercetin inhibit Slo3 currents. Inhibition by quercetin is dose dependent and this degree of inhibition decreases with elevating internal alkalization and internal free calcium concentrations. Functional moieties in the quercetin polyphenolic ring govern the degree of inhibition of Slo3 by quercetin, and the composition of such functional moieties are sensitive to the pH of the medium. These results suggest that quercetin inhibits Slo3 in a pH and calcium dependent manner. Therefore, we surmise that quercetin induced depolarization in spermatozoa may enhance the voltage gated proton channel (Hv1), and activate non-selective cation channels of sperm (CatSper) dependent calcium influx to trigger sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharaka Darshana Wijerathne
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Min Ji Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Chul Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Korea
| | - Mee Ree Chae
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Sung Won Lee
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Kyu Pil Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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