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Zhang X, Xue J, Jiang S, Zheng H, Wang C. Forkhead-associated phosphopeptide binding domain 1 (FHAD1) deficiency impaired murine sperm motility. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17142. [PMID: 38563001 PMCID: PMC10984166 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic knockout-based studies conducted in mice provide a powerful means of assessing the significance of a gene for fertility. Forkhead-associated phosphopeptide binding domain 1 (FHAD1) contains a conserved FHA domain, that is present in many proteins with phospho-threonine reader activity. How FHAD1 functions in male fertility, however, remains uncertain. Methods Fhad1-/- mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout, after which qPCR was used to evaluate changes in gene expression, with subsequent analyses of spermatogenesis and fertility. The testis phenotypes were also examined using immunofluorescence and histological staining, while sperm concentrations and motility were quantified via computer-aided sperm analysis. Cellular apoptosis was assessed using a TUNEL staining assay. Results The Fhad1-/-mice did not exhibit any abnormal changes in fertility or testicular morphology compared to wild-type littermates. Histological analyses confirmed that the testicular morphology of both Fhad1-/-and Fhad1+/+ mice was normal, with both exhibiting intact seminiferous tubules. Relative to Fhad1+/+ mice, however, Fhad1-/-did exhibit reductions in the total and progressive motility of epididymal sperm. Analyses of meiotic division in Fhad1-/-mice also revealed higher levels of apoptotic death during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Discussion The findings suggest that FHAD1 is involved in both meiosis and the modulation of sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility Clinic, The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangyang Xue
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Embryogenic Diseases, Women and Children’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haoyu Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
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2
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Laseca N, Cánovas Á, Valera M, Id-Lahoucine S, Perdomo-González DI, Fonseca PAS, Demyda-Peyrás S, Molina A. Genomic screening of allelic and genotypic transmission ratio distortion in horse. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289066. [PMID: 37556504 PMCID: PMC10411798 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon in which the expected Mendelian inheritance is altered is known as transmission ratio distortion (TRD). The TRD analysis relies on the study of the transmission of one of the two alleles from a heterozygous parent to the offspring. These distortions are due to biological mechanisms affecting gametogenesis, embryo development and/or postnatal viability, among others. In this study, TRD phenomenon was characterized in horses using SNP-by-SNP model by TRDscan v.2.0 software. A total of 1,041 Pura Raza Español breed horses were genotyped with 554,634 SNPs. Among them, 277 horses genotyped in trios (stallion-mare-offspring) were used to perform the TRD analysis. Our results revealed 140 and 42 SNPs with allelic and genotypic patterns, respectively. Among them, 63 displayed stallion-TRD and 41 exhibited mare-TRD, while 36 SNPs showed overall TRD. In addition, 42 SNPs exhibited heterosis pattern. Functional analyses revealed that the annotated genes located within the TRD regions identified were associated with biological processes and molecular functions related to spermatogenesis, oocyte division, embryonic development, and hormonal activity. A total of 10 functional candidate genes related to fertility were found. To our knowledge, this is the most extensive study performed to evaluate the presence of alleles and functional candidate genes with transmission ratio distortion affecting reproductive performance in the domestic horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Laseca
- Department of Genetics, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ángela Cánovas
- Center of Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mercedes Valera
- Department of Agronomy, School of Agronomy Engineering, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Samir Id-Lahoucine
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, Scotland’s Rural College, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Antonio Molina
- Department of Genetics, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
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Sambe N, Yoshihara M, Nishino T, Sugiura R, Nakayama T, Louis C, Takahashi S. Analysis of Notch1 signaling in mammalian sperm development. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:108. [PMID: 37337280 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06378-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A mammalian Delta-Notch signaling component, Notch1, has been suggested for its expression during the normal sperm development although its conditional deletion caused no apparent abnormalities. Since we established our original transgenic mouse system that enabled labeling of past and ongoing Notch1 signaling at a cellular level, we tried to validate that observation in vivo. Our transgenic mouse system used Cre/loxP system to induce tandem dsRed expression upon Notch1 signaling. RESULTS To our surprise, we were unable to observe tandem dsRed expression in the seminiferous tubules where the sperms developed. In addition, tandem dsRed expression was lacking in the somatic cells of the next generation in our transgenic mouse system, suggesting that sperms received no Notch1 signaling during their development. To validate this result, we conducted re-analysis of four single-cell RNA-seq datasets from mouse and human testes and showed that Notch1 expression was little in the sperm cell lineage. Collectively, our results posed a question into the involvement of Notch1 in the normal sperm development although this observation may help the interpretation of the previous result that Notch1 conditional deletion caused no apparent abnormalities in murine spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Sambe
- College of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masaharu Yoshihara
- PhD Program in Humanics, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, 1- 1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan.
- Department of Primary Care and Medical Education, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Teppei Nishino
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Department of Medical Education and Training, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, 1-3-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8558, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Sugiura
- College of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakayama
- College of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Chandra Louis
- PhD Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
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Jeanne F, Bernay B, Sourdaine P. Comparative Proteome Analysis of Four Stages of Spermatogenesis in the Small-Spotted Catshark ( Scyliorhinus canicula), Using High-Resolution NanoLC-ESI-MS/MS. J Proteome Res 2023. [PMID: 37290099 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly specialized process of cell proliferation and differentiation leading to the production of spermatozoa from spermatogonial stem cells. Due to its testicular anatomy, Scyliorhinus canicula is an interesting model to explore stage-based changes in proteins during spermatogenesis. The proteomes of four testicular zones corresponding to the germinative niche and to spermatocysts (cysts) with spermatogonia (zone A), cysts with spermatocytes (zone B), cysts with young spermatids (zone C), and cysts with late spermatids (zone D) have been analyzed by nanoLC-ESI-MS/MS. Gene ontology and KEGG annotations were also performed. A total of 3346 multiple protein groups were identified. Zone-specific protein analyses highlighted RNA-processing, chromosome-related processes, cilium organization, and cilium activity in zones A, D, C, and D, respectively. Analyses of proteins with zone-dependent abundance revealed processes related to cellular stress, ubiquitin-dependent degradation by the proteasome, post-transcriptional regulation, and regulation of cellular homeostasis. Our results also suggest that the roles of some proteins, such as ceruloplasmin, optineurin, the pregnancy zone protein, PA28β or the Culling-RING ligase 5 complex, as well as some uncharacterized proteins, during spermatogenesis could be further explored. Finally, the study of this shark species allows one to integrate these data in an evolutionary context of the regulation of spermatogenesis. Mass spectrometry data are freely accessible via iProX-integrated Proteome resources (https://www.iprox.cn/) for reuse purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Jeanne
- Université de Caen Normandie, MNHN, SU, UA, CNRS, IRD, Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), UMR 8067, 14032 Caen cedex 5, France
| | - Benoît Bernay
- Université de Caen Normandie - Plateforme PROTEOGEN, US EMerode, 14032 Caen cedex 5, France
| | - Pascal Sourdaine
- Université de Caen Normandie, MNHN, SU, UA, CNRS, IRD, Laboratoire de Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), UMR 8067, 14032 Caen cedex 5, France
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5
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Yao B, An K, Kang Y, Tan Y, Zhang D, Su J. Reproductive Suppression Caused by Spermatogenic Arrest: Transcriptomic Evidence from a Non-Social Animal. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054611. [PMID: 36902039 PMCID: PMC10003443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054611] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive suppression is an adaptive strategy in animal reproduction. The mechanism of reproductive suppression has been studied in social animals, providing an essential basis for understanding the maintenance and development of population stability. However, little is known about it in solitary animals. The plateau zokor is a dominant, subterranean, solitary rodent in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, the mechanism of reproductive suppression in this animal is unknown. We perform morphological, hormonal, and transcriptomic assays on the testes of male plateau zokors in breeders, in non-breeders, and in the non-breeding season. We found that the testes of non-breeders are smaller in weight and have lower serum testosterone levels than those of breeders, and the mRNA expression levels of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its transcription factors are significantly higher in non-breeder testes. Genes related to spermatogenesis are significantly downregulated in both meiotic and post-meiotic stages in non-breeders. Genes related to the meiotic cell cycle, spermatogenesis, flagellated sperm motility, fertilization, and sperm capacitation are significantly downregulated in non-breeders. Our data suggest that high levels of AMH may lead to low levels of testosterone, resulting in delayed testicular development, and physiological reproductive suppression in plateau zokor. This study enriches our understanding of reproductive suppression in solitary mammals and provides a basis for the optimization of managing this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Yao
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Kang An
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Degang Zhang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence:
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Wu Y, Zhang R, Shen C, Xu J, Wu T, Huang X, Liu M, Li H, Xu D, Zheng B. Testis-enriched Asb15 is not required for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:6978-6990. [PMID: 36398235 PMCID: PMC9641487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The function of Asb15, which encodes an ASB protein with ankyrin (ANK) repeats and a C-terminal suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) box motif, in male germ cells is poorly understood. Because expression of Asb15 is enriched in mouse testis, it may have a role in spermatogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS We used a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system to analyze sperm from Asb15 gene knockout (KO) mice that we generated using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9) technique. Histological staining and immunostaining were used to evaluate spermatogenesis in Asb15-KO mice. Asb15-KO and wild-type mice showed no differences in histology or in semen quality, fertility, or sperm apoptosis. Asb15- and Asb17-double KO (dKO) mice were generated to determine whether Asb17 compensated for the loss of Asb15. However, Asb15/17-dKO mice also showed normal fertility, except for an increase in giant cells in testicular tubules, suggesting a minor functional compensation between the two genes during spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that Asb15 was individually not required for spermatogenesis or for fertility in mice. However, further investigation might be needed to reach a firm conclusion. These findings can prevent redundant research by other scientists and provides new information for further studies on the genetics of fertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinfu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiantian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou 215002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dewu Xu
- Teaching Affairs Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan UniversityWuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhou 215002, Jiangsu, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University)Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
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7
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Liu X, Teng Z, Wang Z, Zhu P, Song Z, Liu F. Expressions of HSPA1L and HSPA9 are associated with poor sperm quality of low-motility spermatozoa in fertile men. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14321. [PMID: 34796524 DOI: 10.1111/and.14321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Human semen is a heterogeneous group containing a portion of low-motility sperm, which may determine the sperm quality evaluation. Abnormally expressed proteins in low-motility spermatozoa will be the candidates for sperm biology research. By comparing proteomes of high- or low-motility spermatozoa from the same semen of normal fertile men, 21 differentially expressed proteins were identified. Proteins with molecular chaperone function were significantly over-represented, of which HSPA1L and HSPA9 significantly decreased in low-motility sperm. Compared with young adult testes with normal spermatogenesis, HSPA1L and HSPA9 had decreased expressions in elderly testis characterised with poor spermatogenesis, suggesting their associations with spermatogenesis. Decreased expressions of HSPA1L and HSPA9 in low-motility spermatozoa were validated by Western Blot and immunofluorescence quantification analysis. HSPA1L was mainly expressed on sperm post-acrosome and midpiece, whilst HSAP9 was mainly expressed on acrosome and sperm tail. HSPA1L antibody could inhibit sperm motility validated by antibody blocking experiment, whilst HSPA9 antibody showed no significant effect on sperm motility. The study demonstrated that low-motility spermatozoa from fertile men had poor sperm quality, in which differential expressed proteins were promising markers for evaluating sperm quality, understanding mechanism of male infertility with unexplained causes, and providing new idea for male infertility research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexia Liu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Zi Teng
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhixin Wang
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhan Song
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Fujun Liu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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Bi-allelic variants in human WDR63 cause male infertility via abnormal inner dynein arms assembly. Cell Discov 2021; 7:110. [PMID: 34782613 PMCID: PMC8593051 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-021-00327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inner dynein arm (IDA), composed of a series of protein complex, is necessary to cilia and flagella bend formation and beating. Previous studies indicated that defects of IDA protein complex result in multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF) and male infertility. However, the genetic causes and molecular mechanisms in the IDAs need further exploration. Here we identified two loss-of-function variants of WDR63 in both MMAF and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affected cohorts. WDR63 encodes an IDA-associated protein that is dominantly expressed in testis. We next generated Wdr63-knockout (Wdr63-KO) mice through the CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Remarkably, Wdr63-KO induced decreased sperm number, abnormal flagellar morphology and male infertility. In addition, transmission electron microscopy assay showed severely disorganized "9 + 2" axoneme and absent inner dynein arms in the spermatozoa from Wdr63-KO male mice. Mechanistically, we found that WDR63 interacted with WDR78 mainly via WD40-repeat domain and is necessary for IDA assembly. Furthermore, WDR63-associated male infertility in human and mice could be overcome by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that bi-allelic variants of WDR63 cause male infertility via abnormal inner dynein arms assembly and flagella formation and can be used as a genetic diagnostic indicator for infertility males.
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Wang Y, Feng T, Zhu M, Shi X, Wang Z, Liu S, Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhao S, Zhang J, Ling X, Liu M. PABPN1L assemble into "ring-like" aggregates in the cytoplasm of MII oocytes and is associated with female infertility†. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:83-94. [PMID: 34726234 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 10% - 15% of families worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of female infertility caused by abnormal early embryonic development is not clear. A resent study showed that PABPN1L recruited BTG4 to mRNA 3'-poly(A) tails and was essential for maternal mRNA degradation. Here, we generated an PABPN1L-antibody and found "ring-like" PABPN1L aggregates in the cytoplasm of MII oocytes. PABPN1L-EGFP proteins spontaneously formed"ring-like" aggregates in vitro. This phenomenon is similar with CCR4-NOT catalytic subunit, CNOT7, when it starts deadenylation process in vitro. We constructed two mouse model (Pabpn1l -/- and Pabpn1l tm1a/tm1a) simulating the intron1-exon2 abnormality of human PABPN1L and found that the female was sterile and the male was fertile. Using RNA-Seq, we observed a large-scale up-regulation of RNA in zygotes derived from Pabpn1l-/- MII oocytes. We found that 9222 genes were up-regulated instead of being degraded in the Pabpn1l-♀/+♂zygote. Both the Btg4 and Cnot61 genes are necessary for the deadenylation process and Pabpn1l -/- resembled both the Btg4 and Cnot6l knockouts, where 71.2% genes stabilized in the Btg4-♀/+♂ zygote and 84.2% genes stabilized in the Cnot6l-♀/+♂zygote were also stabilized in Pabpn1l-♀/+♂ zygote. BTG4/CNOT7/CNOT6L was partially co-located with PABPN1L in MII oocytes. The above results suggest that PABPN1L is widely associated with CCR4-NOT-mediated maternal mRNA degradation and PABPN1L variants on intron1-exon2 could be a genetic marker of female infertility. Summary sentence. "Ring-like" PABPN1L aggregates was found in the cytoplasm of MII oocytes and in vitro; intron1-exon2 abnormality of Pabpn1l leads female sterile in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Tianhao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Mingcong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiaodan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Zerui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Shuqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Animal Core Facility of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
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Chen S, Liu S, Mi S, Li W, Zhang S, Ding X, Yu Y. Comparative Analyses of Sperm DNA Methylomes Among Three Commercial Pig Breeds Reveal Vital Hypomethylated Regions Associated With Spermatogenesis and Embryonic Development. Front Genet 2021; 12:740036. [PMID: 34691153 PMCID: PMC8527042 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.740036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying epigenetic changes is essential for an in-depth understanding of phenotypic diversity and pigs as the human medical model for anatomizing complex diseases. Abnormal sperm DNA methylation can lead to male infertility, fetal development failure, and affect the phenotypic traits of offspring. However, the whole genome epigenome map in pig sperm is lacking to date. In this study, we profiled methylation levels of cytosine in three commercial pig breeds, Landrace, Duroc, and Large White using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). The results showed that the correlation of methylation levels between Landrace and Large White pigs was higher. We found that 1,040-1,666 breed-specific hypomethylated regions (HMRs) were associated with embryonic developmental and economically complex traits for each breed. By integrating reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) public data of pig testis, 1743 conservated HMRs between sperm and testis were defined, which may play a role in spermatogenesis. In addition, we found that the DNA methylation patterns of human and pig sperm showed high similarity by integrating public data from WGBS and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) in other mammals, such as human and mouse. We identified 2,733 conserved HMRs between human and pig involved in organ development and brain-related traits, such as NLGN1 (neuroligin 1) containing a conserved-HMR between human and pig. Our results revealed the similarities and diversity of sperm methylation patterns among three commercial pig breeds and between human and pig. These findings are beneficial for elucidating the mechanism of male fertility, and the changes in commercial traits that undergo strong selection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiangdong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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11
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Yang P, Tang W, Li H, Hua R, Yuan Y, Zhang Y, Zhu Y, Cui Y, Sha J. T-complex protein 1 subunit zeta-2 (CCT6B) deficiency induces murine teratospermia. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11545. [PMID: 34141486 PMCID: PMC8176918 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The CCT complex is an important mediator of microtubule assembly and intracellular protein folding. Owing to its high expression in spermatids, CCT knockdown can disrupt spermatogenesis. In the present report, we therefore evaluated the in vivo functionality of the testis-specific CCT complex component CCT6B using a murine knockout model system. Methods A CRISPR/Cas9 approach was used to generate Cct6b−/− mice, after which candidate gene expression in these animals was evaluated via qPCR and Western blotting. Testicular and epididymal phenotypes were assessed through histological and immunofluorescent staining assays, while a computer-assisted sperm analyzer was employed to assess semen quality. Results Cct6b−/− mice were successfully generated, and exhibited no differences in development, fertility, appearance, testis weight, or sperm counts relative to control littermates. In addition, no differences in spermatogenesis were detected when comparingCct6b+/+ and Cct6b−/− testes. However, when progressive motility was analyzed, the ratio of normal sperm was significantly decreased in Cct6b−/− male mice, with nuclear base bending being the primary detected abnormality. In addition, slight decreases in Cct4 and Cct7 expression were detected. Conclusion These data indicated that CCT6B is an important regulator of murine spermatogenesis, with the loss of this protein resulting in CCT complex dysfunction, providing a foundation for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyin Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjing Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiling Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunfei Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Feng T, Zhou S, Shi X, Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhao S, Yang X, Meng X, Liu M. Eef2k is not required for fertility in male mice. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:1988-1999. [PMID: 34159079 PMCID: PMC8185658 DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (Eef2k) is a protein kinase associated with the calmodulin-induced signaling pathway and an atypical alpha-kinase family member. Eef2k-mediated phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 (Eef2) can inhibit the functionality of this protein, altering protein translation. Prior work suggests Eef2k to be overexpressed in breast, pancreatic, brain, and lung cancers wherein it may control key processes associated with apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle progression. The functional importance of Eef2k in the testes of male mice, however, has yet to be clarified. Methods A CRISPR/Cas9 approach was used to generate male Eef2k-knockout mice, which were evaluated for phenotypic changes in epididymal or testicular tissues through histological and immunofluorescent staining assays. In addition, TUNEL staining was conducted to assess the apoptotic death of cells in the testis. Fertility, sperm counts, and sperm motility were further assessed. Results Male Eef2k-knockout mice were successfully generated, and exhibited normal fertility and development. No apparent differences were observed with respect to spermatogenesis, sperm counts, or germ cell apoptosis when comparing male Eef2k -/- and Eef2k +/+ mice. Conclusions Male Eef2k-knockout mice remained fertile and were free of any evident developmental or spermatogenic abnormalities, suggesting Eef2k to be dispensable in the context of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shushu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaodan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuhui Meng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Nakatsuka A, Yamaguchi S, Eguchi J, Kakuta S, Iwakura Y, Sugiyama H, Wada J. A Vaspin-HSPA1L complex protects proximal tubular cells from organelle stress in diabetic kidney disease. Commun Biol 2021; 4:373. [PMID: 33742129 PMCID: PMC7979793 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01902-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proximal tubular cells (PTCs) are crucial for maintaining renal homeostasis, and tubular injuries contribute to progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the roles of visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) in the development of DKD is not known. We found vaspin maintains PTCs through ameliorating ER stress, autophagy impairment, and lysosome dysfunction in DKD. Vaspin-/- obese mice showed enlarged and leaky lysosomes in PTCs associated with increased apoptosis, and these abnormalities were also observed in the patients with DKD. During internalization into PTCs, vaspin formed a complex with heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 1 like (HSPA1L) as well as 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78). Both vaspin-partners bind to clathrin heavy chain and involve in the endocytosis. Notably, albumin-overload enhanced extracellular release of HSPA1L and overexpression of HSPA1L dissolved organelle stresses, especially autophagy impairment. Thus, vapsin/HSPA1L-mediated pathways play critical roles in maintaining organellar function of PTCs in DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Nakatsuka
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
- Division of Kidney, Diabetes and Endocrine Diseases, Okayama University Hospital, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Yamaguchi
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Jun Eguchi
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kakuta
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Iwakura
- Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-0022, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sugiyama
- Department of Human Resource Development of Dialysis Therapy for Kidney Disease, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Jun Wada
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
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