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Lafront C, Germain L, Campolina-Silva GH, Weidmann C, Berthiaume L, Hovington H, Brisson H, Jobin C, Frégeau-Proulx L, Cotau R, Gonthier K, Lacouture A, Caron P, Ménard C, Atallah C, Riopel J, Latulippe É, Bergeron A, Toren P, Guillemette C, Pelletier M, Fradet Y, Belleannée C, Pouliot F, Lacombe L, Lévesque É, Audet-Walsh É. The estrogen signaling pathway reprograms prostate cancer cell metabolism and supports proliferation and disease progression. J Clin Invest 2024:e170809. [PMID: 38625747 DOI: 10.1172/jci170809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Just as the androgen receptor (AR), the estrogen receptor α (ERα) is expressed in the prostate and is thought to influence prostate cancer (PCa) biology. Yet, the incomplete understanding of ERα functions in PCa hinders our ability to fully comprehend its clinical relevance and restricts the repurposing of estrogen-targeted therapies for the treatment of this disease. Using two human PCa tissue microarray cohorts, we first demonstrated that nuclear ERα expression was heterogeneous among patients, being only detected in half of tumors. Positive nuclear ERα levels were correlated with disease recurrence, progression to metastatic PCa, and patient survival. Using in vitro and in vivo models of the normal prostate and PCa, bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq analyses revealed that estrogens partially mimic the androgen transcriptional response and induce specific biological pathways linked to proliferation and metabolism. Bioenergetic flux assays and metabolomics confirmed the regulation of cancer metabolism by estrogens, supporting proliferation. Using cancer cell lines and patient-derived organoids, selective estrogen receptor modulators, a pure anti-estrogen, and genetic approaches impaired cancer cell proliferation and growth in an ERα-dependent manner. Overall, our study revealed that, when expressed, ERα functionally reprograms PCa metabolism, is associated with disease progression, and could be targeted for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Lafront
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Lucas Germain
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | | | - Cindy Weidmann
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Canada
| | - Line Berthiaume
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Canada
| | - Hélène Hovington
- Cancer Research Center (CRC) of Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Hervé Brisson
- Cancer Research Center (CRC) of Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Cynthia Jobin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | | | - Raul Cotau
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Canada
| | - Kevin Gonthier
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Aurélie Lacouture
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Patrick Caron
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Canada
| | - Claire Ménard
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Chantal Atallah
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Julie Riopel
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Canada
| | - Éva Latulippe
- Department of Pathology, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Alain Bergeron
- Cancer Research Center (CRC) of Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Paul Toren
- Cancer Research Center (CRC) of Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Chantal Guillemette
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Canada
| | - Martin Pelletier
- Department of Microbiology-Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Yves Fradet
- Cancer Research Center (CRC) of Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Frédéric Pouliot
- Cancer Research Center (CRC) of Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Louis Lacombe
- Cancer Research Center (CRC) of Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Éric Lévesque
- Endocrinology and Nephrology Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Canada
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de Mattos K, Dumas FO, Campolina-Silva GH, Belleannée C, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. ERK5 Cooperates With MEF2C to Regulate Nr4a1 Transcription in MA-10 and MLTC-1 Leydig Cells. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad120. [PMID: 37539861 PMCID: PMC10435423 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Leydig cells produce hormones required for the development and maintenance of sex characteristics and fertility in males. MEF2 transcription factors are important regulators of Leydig cell gene expression and steroidogenesis. ERK5 is an atypical member of the MAP kinase family that modulates transcription factor activity, either by direct phosphorylation or by acting as a transcriptional coactivator. While MEF2 and ERK5 are known to cooperate transcriptionally, the presence and role of ERK5 in Leydig cells remained unknown. Our goal was to determine whether ERK5 is present in Leydig cells and whether it cooperates with MEF2 to regulate gene expression. We found that ERK5 is present in Leydig cells in testicular tissue and immortalized cell lines. ERK5 knockdown in human chorionic gonadotrophin-treated MA-10 Leydig cells reduced steroidogenesis and decreased Star and Nr4a1 expression. Luciferase assays using a synthetic reporter plasmid containing 3 MEF2 elements revealed that ERK5 enhances MEF2-dependent promoter activation. Although ERK5 did not cooperate with MEF2 on the Star promoter in Leydig cell lines, we found that ERK5 and MEF2C do cooperate on the Nr4a1 promoter, which contains 2 adjacent MEF2 elements. Mutation of each MEF2 element in a short version of the Nr4a1 promoter significantly decreased the ERK5/MEF2C cooperation, indicating that both MEF2 elements need to be intact. The ERK5/MEF2C cooperation did not require phosphorylation of MEF2C on Ser387. Taken together, our data identify ERK5 as a new regulator of MEF2 activity in Leydig cells and provide potential new insights into mechanisms that regulate Leydig cell gene expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Félix-Olivier Dumas
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Gabriel Henrique Campolina-Silva
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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Alves MBR, Girardet L, Augière C, Moon KH, Lavoie-Ouellet C, Bernet A, Soulet D, Calvo E, Teves ME, Beauparlant CJ, Droit A, Bastien A, Robert C, Bok J, Hinton BT, Belleannée C. Hedgehog signaling regulates Wolffian duct development through the primary cilium†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:241-257. [PMID: 36525341 PMCID: PMC9930401 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia play pivotal roles in embryonic patterning and organogenesis through transduction of the Hedgehog signaling pathway (Hh). Although mutations in Hh morphogens impair the development of the gonads and trigger male infertility, the contribution of Hh and primary cilia in the development of male reproductive ductules, including the epididymis, remains unknown. From a Pax2Cre; IFT88fl/fl knock-out mouse model, we found that primary cilia deletion is associated with imbalanced Hh signaling and morphometric changes in the Wolffian duct (WD), the embryonic precursor of the epididymis. Similar effects were observed following pharmacological blockade of primary cilia formation and Hh modulation on WD organotypic cultures. The expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, canonical Hh and WD development was significantly altered after treatments. Altogether, we identified the primary cilia-dependent Hh signaling as a master regulator of genes involved in WD development. This provides new insights regarding the etiology of sexual differentiation and male infertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Girardet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Céline Augière
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kyeong Hye Moon
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Neurosciences, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Maria E Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Charles Joly Beauparlant
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bastien
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Department of Animal Sciences—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jinwoong Bok
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL)—Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Abstract
After their production in the testis, spermatozoa do not have the capacity to move progressively and are unable to fertilise an oocyte. They sequentially acquire these abilities following their maturation in the epididymis and their capacitation/hyperactivation in the female reproductive system. As gene transcription is silenced in spermatozoa, extracellular factors released from the epididymal epithelium and from secretory glands allow spermatozoa to acquire bioactive molecules and to undergo intrinsic modifications. These modifications include epigenetic changes and post-translational modifications of endogenous proteins, which are important processes in sperm maturation. This article emphasises the roles played by extracellular factors secreted by the epididymis and accessory glands in the control of sperm intercellular signallings and fertilising abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health (CRDSI), CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health (CRDSI), CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Girardet L, Cyr DG, Belleannée C. Arl13b controls basal cell stemness properties and Hedgehog signaling in the mouse epididymis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:556. [PMID: 36261680 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04570-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cells orchestrate a series of intercellular signaling events in response to tissue damage. While the epididymis is composed of a pseudostratified epithelium that controls the acquisition of male fertility, the maintenance of its integrity in the context of tissue damage or inflammation remains largely unknown. Basal cells of the epididymis contain a primary cilium, an organelle that controls cellular differentiation in response to Hedgehog signaling cues. Hypothesizing its contribution to epithelial homeostasis, we knocked out the ciliary component ARL13B in keratin 5-positive basal cells. In this model, the reduced size of basal cell primary cilia was associated with impaired Hedgehog signaling and the loss of KRT5, KRT14, and P63 basal cell markers. When subjected to tissue injury, the epididymal epithelium from knock-out mice displayed imbalanced rates of cell proliferation/apoptosis and failed to properly regenerate in vivo. This response was associated with changes in the transcriptomic landscape related to immune response, cell differentiation, cell adhesion, and triggered severe hypoplasia of the epithelium. Together our results indicate that the ciliary GTPase, ARL13B, participates in the transduction of the Hedgehog signaling pathway to maintain basal cell stemness needed for tissue regeneration. These findings provide new insights into the role of basal cell primary cilia as safeguards of pseudostratified epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Girardet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Université du Québec, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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Belardin LB, Légaré C, Sullivan R, Belleannée C, Breton S. Expression of the pro-inflammatory P2Y14 receptor in the non-vasectomized and vasectomized human epididymis. Andrology 2022; 10:1522-1539. [PMID: 36029226 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasectomy causes spermatozoa accumulation in the epididymis, which may cause epididymitis. Inflammation is triggered by alert molecules released following tissue stress or injury. These include UDP-glucose, which activates the pro-inflammatory P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14), and induces immune cell recruitment. However, little is known about P2Y14 in the epididymis and its potential activation following vasectomy. OBJECTIVES (i) to localize P2Y14 in the human excurrent duct; and (ii) to examine the effect of vasectomy on P2Y14 protein and P2RY14 mRNA content, the production of selected cytokines and chemokines, and immune cell recruitment in the epididymis. MATERIAL AND METHODS in situ hybridization, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed in banked human epididymis samples. RESULTS P2RY14 mRNA and P2Y14 protein were detected in epithelial cells in the efferent duct, epididymis and vas deferens in non-vasectomized men. Keratin 5 (KRT5)-positive basal cells were strongly labeled for P2Y14 in all epididymal segments. A progressive apical localization was detected in principal cells (negative for the proton pump V-ATPase) from the corpus to the cauda. A subset of V-ATPase-positive clear cells also showed strong P2Y14 labeling. Vasectomy induced an increase in P2RY14 mRNA in the corpus and cauda, and stronger apical labeling in principal cells in the corpus. CXCL10 mRNA increased in the cauda and CCL2 mRNA decreased in the corpus of vasectomized versus non-vasectomized men. No change in IL-8 and IL-1β mRNA was detected. Numerous CD45+ leukocytes were detected in the interstitium of the corpus and cauda following vasectomy, while only a few were seen in non-vasectomized men. Several CD45+ leukocytes, some of which containing spermatozoa, were detected in the corpus lumen following vasectomy. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our study indicates that vasectomy-induced spermatozoa congestion may lead to an inflamed-prone local environment characterized by potential activation of P2Y14 and recruitment of immune cells in the epididymis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Berloffa Belardin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Légaré
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, and Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Abstract
The primary cilium is a microtubule-based organelle that extends from a basal body at the surface of most cells. This antenna is an efficient sensor of the cell micro-environment and is instrumental to the proper development and homeostatic control of organs. Recent compelling studies indicate that, in addition to its role as a sensor, the primary cilium also emits signals through the release of bioactive extracellular vesicles (EVs). While some primary-cilium derived EVs are released through an actin-dependent ectocytosis and are called ectosomes (or large EVs, 350–500 nm), others originate from the exocytosis of multivesicular bodies and are smaller (small EVs, 50–100 nm). Ciliary EVs carry unique signaling factors, including protein markers and microRNAs (miRNAs), and participate in intercellular communication in different organism models. This review discusses the mechanism of release, the molecular features, and functions of EVs deriving from cilia, based on the existing literature.
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Chen H, Scott-Boyer MP, Droit A, Robert C, Belleannée C. Sperm Heterogeneity Accounts for Sperm DNA Methylation Variations Observed in the Caput Epididymis, Independently From DNMT/TET Activities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:834519. [PMID: 35392175 PMCID: PMC8981467 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.834519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Following their production in the testis, spermatozoa enter the epididymis where they gain their motility and fertilizing abilities. This post-testicular maturation coincides with sperm epigenetic profile changes that influence progeny outcome. While recent studies highlighted the dynamics of small non-coding RNAs in maturing spermatozoa, little is known regarding sperm methylation changes and their impact at the post-fertilization level. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to purify spermatozoa from the testis and different epididymal segments (i.e., caput, corpus and cauda) of CAG/su9-DsRed2; Acr3-EGFP transgenic mice in order to map out sperm methylome dynamics. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS-Seq) performed on DNA from these respective sperm populations indicated that high methylation changes were observed between spermatozoa from the caput vs. testis with 5,546 entries meeting our threshold values (q value <0.01, methylation difference above 25%). Most of these changes were transitory during epididymal sperm maturation according to the low number of entries identified between spermatozoa from cauda vs. testis. According to enzymatic and sperm/epididymal fluid co-incubation assays, (de)methylases were not found responsible for these sperm methylation changes. Instead, we identified that a subpopulation of caput spermatozoa displayed distinct methylation marks that were susceptible to sperm DNAse treatment and accounted for the DNA methylation profile changes observed in the proximal epididymis. Our results support the paradigm that a fraction of caput spermatozoa has a higher propensity to bind extracellular DNA, a phenomenon responsible for the sperm methylome variations observed at the post-testicular level. Further investigating the degree of conservation of this sperm heterogeneity in human will eventually provide new considerations regarding sperm selection procedures used in fertility clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Arnaud Droit
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Animal Sciences, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Quebec, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Clémence Belleannée,
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Chen H, Alves MBR, Belleannée C. Contribution of epididymal epithelial cell functions to sperm epigenetic changes and the health of progeny. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:51-66. [PMID: 34618012 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa acquire their motility and fertilizing abilities during their maturation through the epididymis. This process is controlled by epididymal epithelial cells that possess features adapted to sense and respond to their surrounding environment and to communicate with spermatozoa. During the past decade, new intercellular communication processes have been discovered, including the secretion and transport of molecules from the epithelium to spermatozoa via extracellular vesicles (EVs), as well as sensing of the intraluminal milieu by cellular extensions. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review addresses recent findings regarding epididymal epithelial cell features and interactions between spermatozoa and the epididymal epithelium as well as epigenetic modifications undergone by spermatozoa during transit through the epididymal microenvironment. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed with the keyword 'epididymis'. Results were filtered on original research articles published from 2009 to 2021 and written in the English language. One hundred fifteen original articles presenting recent advancements on the epididymis contribution to sperm maturation were selected. Some additional papers cited in the primary reference were also included. A special focus was given to higher mammalian species, particularly rodents, bovines and humans, that are the most studied in this field. OUTCOMES This review provides novel insights into the contribution of epididymal epithelium and EVs to post-testicular sperm maturation. First, new immune cell populations have been described in the epididymis, where they are proposed to play a role in protecting the environment surrounding sperm against infections or autoimmune responses. Second, novel epididymal cell extensions, including dendrites, axopodia and primary cilia, have been identified as sensors of the environment surrounding sperm. Third, new functions have been outlined for epididymal EVs, which modify the sperm epigenetic profile and participate in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of paternal traits. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Although the majority of these findings result from studies in rodents, this fundamental research will ultimately improve our knowledge of human reproductive physiopathologies. Recent discoveries linking sperm epigenetic modifications with paternal environmental exposure and progeny outcome further stress the importance of advancing fundamental research on the epididymis. From this, new therapeutic options for infertile couples and better counseling strategies may arise to increase positive health outcomes in children conceived either naturally or with ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Campolina-Silva GH, Barata MC, Werneck-Gomes H, Maria BT, Mahecha GAB, Belleannée C, Oliveira CA. Altered expression of the vitamin D metabolizing enzymes CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 under the context of prostate aging and pathologies. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 209:105832. [PMID: 33596463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Low circulating levels of vitamin D are common at older ages and have been linked to an increased risk of prostate disease, including cancer. However, it has not yet been determined whether aging affects the ability of prostate cells to locally metabolize vitamin D into its active metabolite calcitriol and thus mediate the vitamin D signaling in autocrine and paracrine ways. By using a suitable rat model to interrogate spontaneous prostatic modifications over the course of aging, here we showed that both CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 enzymes, which are key players respectively involved with calcitriol synthesis and deactivation, were highly expressed in the prostate epithelium. Furthermore, as the animals aged, a drastic reduction of CYP27B1 levels was detected in total protein extracts and especially in epithelial areas of lesions, including tumors. On the other hand, CYP24A1 expression significantly increased with aging and remained elevated even in altered epithelia. Such intricate unbalance in regard to vitamin D metabolizing enzymes was strongly associated with reduced bioavailability of calcitriol in the senile prostate, which in addition to decreased expression of the vitamin D receptor, further limits the protective actions mediated by vitamin D signaling. This evidence was corroborated by the increased proliferative activity exactly at sites of lesions where the factors implicated with calcitriol synthesis and responsiveness had its expression inhibited. Taken together, our results emphasize a set of modifications over the course of aging with a high potential to hamper vitamin D signaling on the prostate. These findings highlight a crosstalk between vitamin D, aging, and prostate carcinogenesis, offering new potential targets in the prevention of malignancies and other aging-related disorders arising in the gland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Clara Barata
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Cx. Postal 486, CEP 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Hipácia Werneck-Gomes
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Cx. Postal 486, CEP 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruna Toledo Maria
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Cx. Postal 486, CEP 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU De Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Cleida Aparecida Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais, Cx. Postal 486, CEP 31.270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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11
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Plante-Dubé M, Picard C, Gilbert I, Robert C, Fievez V, Vlaeminck B, Belleannée C, Gervais R, Chouinard PY. Effects of a dietary supplement enriched in palmitoleic acid on fatty acid composition of follicular fluid, granulosa cell metabolism, and oocyte developmental capacity in early lactation dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:3693-3706. [PMID: 33455772 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In high-yielding dairy cows, some fertility traits can be influenced by the fatty acid (FA) composition of the follicular fluid during early lactation. The first objective of the current study was to evaluate the potential of dietary supplements enriched in specific FA to influence the FA composition of follicular fluid lipid classes in early lactation dairy cows. The second objective was to determine the influence of the resulting follicular fluid FA composition on the folliculogenesis, lipid and energy metabolism of granulosa cells, as well as oocyte quality and embryo development. Twenty Holstein multiparous cows in late gestation were randomly assigned to 200 g/d of FA supplements enriched in (1) palmitic acid (control treatment; 82% 16:0; PA) in the rumen or (2) palmitoleic acid (sea buckthorn oil; 27% cis-9 16:1, 28% 16:0, 22% cis-9 18:1, and 11% cis-9,cis-12 18:2; SBT) in the abomasum. The treatment period ranged from 20 ± 5 d precalving to 67 ± 2 d postcalving. Cumulus-oocyte complexes, granulosa cells, and follicular fluid were recovered from 2 sequential sessions of ovum pick-up (OPU-1 and OPU-2) at 46 and 67 ± 2 d postcalving (mean ± standard deviation). On the same days, blood samples were collected. Milk performance was recorded, and feed and milk samples were collected from d 8 to 10 ± 3 (onset of lactation), d 35 to 37 ± 2 (before OPU-1), and d 63 to 65 ± 2 (before OPU-2). Treatments did not affect milk yield or fat concentration throughout the experimental trial. Compared with PA, SBT increased the cis-9 16:1 concentration in milk fat, in plasma esterified lipid classes (phospholipids, cholesterol esters, and triacylglycerols), and in follicular fluid phospholipids and cholesterol esters at OPU-1. Abundance of mRNA for stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 and 5, and perilipin 2 in granulosa cells was not different between treatments, but an increase in the level of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 5 was observed between the 2 OPU periods. Treatments did not affect oocyte quality and developmental capacity or embryo lipid metabolism when cultivated in vitro. These results suggest that limited modifications in the FA composition of the oocyte microenvironment via dietary lipid supplements enriched in specific FA had no major effects on granulosa cell metabolism and oocyte developmental capacity in early lactation cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Plante-Dubé
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada; Institute of Nutrition and Functional Food, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - C Picard
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada; Institute of Nutrition and Functional Food, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - I Gilbert
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Food, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - C Robert
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada; Institute of Nutrition and Functional Food, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - V Fievez
- Department of Animal Production, Ghent University, East Flanders, 2PWG+GW, Belgium
| | - B Vlaeminck
- Department of Animal Production, Ghent University, East Flanders, 2PWG+GW, Belgium
| | - C Belleannée
- Département d'Obstétrique, de Gynécologie et de Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - R Gervais
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - P Y Chouinard
- Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada; Institute of Nutrition and Functional Food, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
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12
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Alves MBR, Celeghini ECC, Belleannée C. From Sperm Motility to Sperm-Borne microRNA Signatures: New Approaches to Predict Male Fertility Potential. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:791. [PMID: 32974342 PMCID: PMC7471662 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the paternal genome, spermatozoa carry several intrinsic factors, including organelles (e.g., centrioles and mitochondria) and molecules (e.g., proteins and RNAs), which are involved in important steps of reproductive biology such as spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, oocyte fertilization and embryo development. These factors constitute potential biomarkers of "viable sperm" and male fertility status and may become major assets for diagnosing instances of idiopathic male infertility in both humans and livestock animals. A better understanding of the mechanism of action of these sperm intrinsic factors in the regulation of reproductive and developmental processes still presents a major challenge that must be addressed. This review assembles the main data regarding morpho-functional and intrinsic sperm features that are associated with male infertility, with a particular focus on microRNA (miRNA) molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Department of Animal Reproduction, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Clémence Belleannée
- CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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13
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Girardet L, Bernet A, Calvo E, Soulet D, Joly-Beauparlant C, Droit A, Cyr DG, Belleannée C. Hedgehog signaling pathway regulates gene expression profile of epididymal principal cells through the primary cilium. FASEB J 2020; 34:7593-7609. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000328r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Girardet
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Ezéquiel Calvo
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Faculty of Pharmacy Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Charles Joly-Beauparlant
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre Faculty of Medicine Laval University Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre Faculty of Medicine Laval University Quebec City QC Canada
| | - Daniel G. Cyr
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology INRS‐Institut Armand‐Frappier Université du Québec Laval QC Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL) Quebec City QC Canada
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14
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Alves MBR, de Arruda RP, De Bem THC, Florez-Rodriguez SA, Sá Filho MFD, Belleannée C, Meirelles FV, da Silveira JC, Perecin F, Celeghini ECC. Sperm-borne miR-216b modulates cell proliferation during early embryo development via K-RAS. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10358. [PMID: 31316130 PMCID: PMC6637201 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46775-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen fertilizing potential is dependent upon the morphological, functional and molecular attributes of sperm. Sperm microRNAs (miRNAs) were recently shown to hold promise regarding their association with different fertility phenotypes. However, their role in fertility regulation remains to be determined. We postulated that sperm miRNAs might regulate early embryonic development. From this perspective, sperm quality and 380 sperm miRNAs were investigated in frozen–thawed semen from high (HF; 54.3 ± 1.0% pregnancy rate) and low (LF; 41.5 ± 2.3%) fertility bulls. Out of nine miRNAs that showed different levels in sperm cells, miR-216b was present at lower levels in HF sperm cells and zygotes. Among miR-216b target genes (K-RAS, BECN1 and JUN), K-RAS, related to cell proliferation, revealed a higher level in HF two-cell embryos. First cleavage rate, blastocyst cell number and division number were also higher in HF. In addition, by using a model based on polyspermy embryos, we demonstrated an increase in miR-216b levels in zygotes associated with sperm cell entry. Our results shed light on a possible mechanism of paternal contribution involving sperm-borne miR-216b that modulates levels of miR-216b in zygotes and K-RAS in two-cell embryos. This modulation might regulate early development by interfering with the first cleavage and blastocyst quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rubens Paes de Arruda
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiago Henrique Camara De Bem
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shirley Andrea Florez-Rodriguez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manoel Francisco de Sá Filho
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.,Alta Genetics of Brazil, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Science and Food Engineering, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eneiva Carla Carvalho Celeghini
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.
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15
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Girardet L, Augière C, Asselin MP, Belleannée C. Primary cilia: biosensors of the male reproductive tract. Andrology 2019; 7:588-602. [PMID: 31131532 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary cilium is a microtubule-based organelle that extends transiently from the apical cell surface to act as a sensory antenna. Initially viewed as a cellular appendage of obscure significance, the primary cilium is now acknowledged as a key coordinator of signaling pathways during development and in tissue homeostasis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to present the structure and function of this overlooked organelle,with an emphasis on its epididymal context and contribution to male infertility issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review has been performed in order to include main references relevant to the aforementioned topic. RESULTS Increasing evidence demonstrates that primary cilia dysfunctions are associated with impaired male reproductive system development and male infertility issues. DISCUSSION While a large amount of data exists regarding the role of primary cilia in most organs and tissues, few studies investigated the contribution of these organelles to male reproductive tract development and homeostasis. CONCLUSION Functional studies of primary cilia constitute an emergent and exciting new area in reproductive biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Girardet
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Céline Augière
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Asselin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
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16
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Becker Y, Loignon RC, Julien AS, Marcoux G, Allaeys I, Lévesque T, Rollet-Labelle E, Benk-Fortin H, Cloutier N, Melki I, Eder L, Wagner É, Pelletier M, Hajj HE, Tremblay MÈ, Belleannée C, Hébert MJ, Dieudé M, Rauch J, Fortin PR, Boilard E. Anti-mitochondrial autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus and their association with disease manifestations. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4530. [PMID: 30872710 PMCID: PMC6418244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40900-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are organelles that govern energy supply and control cell death. Mitochondria also express bacterial features, such as the presence of inner membrane cardiolipin and a circular genome rich in hypomethylated CpG motifs. While mitochondrial extrusion by damaged organs or activated cells is thought to trigger innate immunity, it is unclear whether extracellular mitochondria also stimulate an adaptive immune response. We describe the development of novel assays to detect autoantibodies specific to two distinct components of the mitochondrion: the mitochondrial outer membrane and mitochondrial DNA. Antibodies to these two mitochondrial constituents were increased in both human and murine systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), compared to controls, and were present at higher levels than in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome or primary biliary cirrhosis. In both bi- and multi-variate regression models, antibodies to mitochondrial DNA, but not whole mitochondria, were associated with increased anti-dsDNA antibodies and lupus nephritis. This study describes new and optimized methods for the assessment of anti-mitochondrial antibodies, and demonstrates their presence in both human and murine SLE. These findings suggest that different mitochondrial components are immunogenic in SLE, and support the concept that extracellular mitochondria may provide an important source of circulating autoantigens in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Becker
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Renée-Claude Loignon
- Division de Rhumatologie, Département de Médecine, CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Julien
- Département de mathématiques et statistique, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Geneviève Marcoux
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Isabelle Allaeys
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Tania Lévesque
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Emmanuelle Rollet-Labelle
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Hadrien Benk-Fortin
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Nathalie Cloutier
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Imène Melki
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Lihi Eder
- Women's College Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Éric Wagner
- Immunology and Histocompatibility Laboratory, Department of Medical Biology CHU de Québec - Université Laval; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Martin Pelletier
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada.,Axe maladies infectieuses et inflammatoires, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Hassan El Hajj
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Axe Reproduction, Santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Marie-Josée Hébert
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Montréal, Montréal Québec, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Mélanie Dieudé
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Montréal, Montréal Québec, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Joyce Rauch
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Qc, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Paul R Fortin
- Division de Rhumatologie, Département de Médecine, CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada. .,Axe maladies infectieuses et inflammatoires, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada.
| | - Eric Boilard
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Département de microbiologie et immunologie, Faculté de Médecine de l'Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada. .,Axe maladies infectieuses et inflammatoires, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada.
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17
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Bernet A, Bastien A, Soulet D, Jerczynski O, Roy C, Bianchi Rodrigues Alves M, Lecours C, Tremblay MÈ, Bailey JL, Robert C, Belleannée C. Cell-lineage specificity of primary cilia during postnatal epididymal development. Hum Reprod 2018; 33:1829-1838. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Bernet
- Université Laval, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Quebec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bastien
- Université Laval, Department of Animal Sciences, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denis Soulet
- Université Laval, Faculty of Pharmacy, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivia Jerczynski
- Université Laval, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Quebec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christian Roy
- Université Laval, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Quebec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maira Bianchi Rodrigues Alves
- Université Laval, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Quebec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cynthia Lecours
- Université Laval, Faculty of Pharmacy, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Université Laval, Department of Molecular Medicine, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Janice L Bailey
- Université Laval, Department of Animal Sciences, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Université Laval, Department of Animal Sciences, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Université Laval, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, CHU de Quebec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Jerczynski O, Lacroix-Pépin N, Boilard E, Calvo E, Bernet A, Fortier MA, Björkgren I, Sipilä P, Belleannée C. Role of Dicer1-Dependent Factors in the Paracrine Regulation of Epididymal Gene Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163876. [PMID: 27695046 PMCID: PMC5047620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dicer1 is an endoribonuclease involved in the biogenesis of functional molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs). These small non-coding RNAs are important regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression and participate in the control of male fertility. With the knowledge that 1) Dicer1-dependent factors are required for proper sperm maturation in the epididymis, and that 2) miRNAs are potent mediators of intercellular communication in most biological systems, we investigated the role of Dicer1-dependent factors produced by the proximal epididymis (initial segment/caput)- including miRNAs- on the regulation of epididymal gene expression in the distal epididymis regions (i.e. corpus and cauda). To this end, we performed comparative microarray and ANOVA analyses on control vs. Defb41iCre/wt;Dicer1fl/fl mice in which functional Dicer1 is absent from the principal cells of the proximal epididymis. We identified 35 and 33 transcripts that displayed significant expression level changes in the corpus and cauda regions (Fold change > 2 or < -2; p < 0.002), respectively. Among these transcripts, Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein (Azgp1) encodes for a sperm equatorial protein whose expression in the epididymis of Dicer1 cKO mice is significantly increased compared to controls. In addition, 154 miRNAs, including miR-210, miR-672, miR-191 and miR-204, showed significantly impaired biogenesis in the absence of Dicer1 from the principal cells of the proximal epididymis (Fold change > 2 or < -2; p < 0.01). These miRNAs are secreted via extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the DC2 epididymal principal cell line, and their expression correlates with target transcripts involved in distinct biological pathways, as evidenced by in silico analysis. Albeit correlative and based on in silico approach, our study proposes that Dicer1-dependent factors trigger- directly or not-significant genes expression changes in distinct regions of this organ. The paracrine control of functions important to post-testicular sperm maturation by Dicer1-dependent factors may open new avenues for the identification of molecular targets important to male fertility control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Jerczynski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Lacroix-Pépin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Boilard
- Department of Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Endocrinology unit, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michel A. Fortier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ida Björkgren
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was previously thought to remain inside cells as an intermediate between genes and proteins during translation. However, it is now estimated that 98% of the mammalian genomic output is transcribed as noncoding RNAs, which are involved in diverse gene expression regulatory mechanisms and can be transferred from one cell to another through extracellular communication. For instance, microRNAs are 22-nucleotide-long noncoding RNAs that are generated by endonuclease cleavage of precursors inside the cells and are secreted as extracellular microRNAs to regulate target cell posttranscriptional gene expression via RNA interference. We and others have shown that different populations of microRNAs are expressed in distinct regions of the human epididymis and regulate the expression of target genes that are involved in the control of male fertility as indicated by knock-out mouse models. Importantly, some microRNAs, including the microRNA-888 (miR-888) cluster that is exclusively expressed in the reproductive system of human and nonhuman primates, are released in the sperm-surrounding fluid in the epididymis via extracellular vesicles, the so-called epididymosomes. In addition to interacting with the membrane of maturing spermatozoa, these extracellular vesicles containing microRNAs communicate with epithelial cells located downstream from their release site, suggesting a role in the luminal exocrine control of epididymal functions. Apart from their potential roles as mediators of intercellular communication within the epididymis, these extracellular microRNAs are potent molecular targets for the noninvasive diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division, Research Center CHU de Québec, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada
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D'Amours O, Frenette G, Caron P, Belleannée C, Guillemette C, Sullivan R. Evidences of Biological Functions of Biliverdin Reductase A in the Bovine Epididymis. J Cell Physiol 2015; 231:1077-89. [PMID: 26395865 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Epididymal sperm binding protein 1 (ELSPBP1) is secreted by the epididymal epithelium via epididymosomes and is specifically transferred to dead spermatozoa during epididymal transit. We identified biliverdin reductase A (BLVRA) as a partner of ELSPBP1 by immunoprecipitation followed by tandem mass spectrometry. Pull down assays showed that these two proteins interact in the presence of zinc ions. The BLVRA enzyme is known to convert biliverdin to bilirubin, both of which possess antioxidant activity. Assessment by real-time RT-PCR showed that BLVRA is highly expressed in the caput and the corpus epididymis, but is expressed at lower levels in the testis and the cauda epididymis. It is primarily found in the soluble fraction of the caput epididymal fluid, is barely detectable in the cauda fluid, and is detectable to a lesser extent in the epididymosome fraction of both caput and cauda fluids. Immunocytometry on epididymal sperm showed that BLVRA is found on all sperm recovered from the caput region, whereas it is undetectable on cauda sperm. Biliverdin and bilirubin are found in higher concentrations in the caput epididymal fluid, as measured by mass spectrometry. Lipid peroxidation was limited by 1 μM of biliverdin, but not bilirubin when caput spermatozoa were challenged with 500 μM H2O2. Since immature spermatozoa are a source of reactive oxygen species, BLVRA may be involved in the protection of maturing spermatozoa. It is also plausible that BLVRA is implicated in haemic protein catabolism in the epididymal luminal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier D'Amours
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Gilles Frenette
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Caron
- Laboratoire de pharmacogénomique, Faculté de Pharmacie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Chantal Guillemette
- Laboratoire de pharmacogénomique, Faculté de Pharmacie, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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21
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Abstract
Epididymosomes are small membrane vesicles that are secreted by epididymal epithelial cells and are involved in posttesticular sperm maturation. Although their role in protein transfer to the sperm membrane is well documented, we report their capacity to transport microRNAs (miRNAs), which are potent regulators of posttranscriptional gene expression. Using a microperfusion technique combined with a global microarray approach, we demonstrated that epididymosomes from two discrete bovine epididymal regions (caput and cauda) possess distinct miRNA signatures. In addition, we also established that miRNA repertoires contained within epididymosomes differ from those of their parent epithelial cells, suggesting that miRNA populations released from the cells may be selectively sorted. Binding of DilC12-labeled epididymosomes to primary cultured epididymal cells was measured by flow cytometry, and the results indicated that epididymosomes from the median caput and their miRNA content may be incorporated into distal caput epithelial cells. Overall, these findings reveal that distinct miRNA repertoires are released into the intraluminal fluid in a region-specific manner and could be involved in a novel mechanism of intercellular communication throughout the epididymis via epididymosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Belleannée
- CHU de Québec Research Center and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laval University School of Medicine, Quebec, Canada
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Caballero JN, Frenette G, Belleannée C, Sullivan R. CD9-positive microvesicles mediate the transfer of molecules to Bovine Spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65364. [PMID: 23785420 PMCID: PMC3681974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of fertilization ability by spermatozoa during epididymal transit occurs in part by the transfer of molecules from membranous vesicles called epididymosomes. Epididymosomes are heterogeneous in terms of both size and molecular composition. Exosomes and other related small membranous vesicles (30–120 nm) containing tetraspanin proteins on their surface are found in many biological fluids. In this study, we demonstrate that these vesicles are present in bovine cauda epididymal fluid as a subpopulation of epididymosomes. They contain tetraspanin CD9 in addition to other proteins involved in sperm maturation such as P25b, GliPr1L1, and MIF. In order to study the mechanism of protein transfer to sperm, DilC12-labeled unfractionated epididymosomes or CD9-positive microvesicles were coincubated with epididymal spermatozoa, and their transfer was evaluated by flow cytometry. CD9-positive microvesicles from epididymal fluid specifically transferred molecules to spermatozoa, whereas those prepared from blood were unable to do so. The CD9-positive microvesicles transferred molecules to the same sperm regions (acrosome and midpiece) as epididymosomes, with the same kinetics; however, the molecules were preferentially transferred to live sperm and, in contrast to epididymosomes, Zn2+ did not demonstrate potentiated transfer. Tetraspanin CD9 was associated with other proteins on the membrane surface of CD9-positive microvesicles according to coimmunoprecipitation experiments. CD26 cooperated with CD9 in the molecular transfer to sperm since the amount of molecules transferred was significantly reduced in the presence of specific antibodies. In conclusion, CD9-positive microvesicles are present in bovine cauda epididymal fluid and transfer molecules to live maturing sperm in a tissue-specific manner that involves CD9 and CD26.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta N. Caballero
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CRCHU de Québec), Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada
| | - Gilles Frenette
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CRCHU de Québec), Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CRCHU de Québec), Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CRCHU de Québec), Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département d’Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec, PQ, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Belleannée C, Légaré C, Calvo É, Thimon V, Sullivan R. microRNA signature is altered in both human epididymis and seminal microvesicles following vasectomy. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:1455-67. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Dacheux JL, Belleannée C, Guyonnet B, Labas V, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Ecroyd H, Druart X, Gatti JL, Dacheux F. The contribution of proteomics to understanding epididymal maturation of mammalian spermatozoa. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2012; 58:197-210. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2012.663233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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25
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Abstract
Extracellular ATP is essential for the function of the epididymis and spermatozoa, but ATP release in the epididymis remains uncharacterized. We investigated here whether epithelial cells release ATP into the lumen of the epididymis, and we examined the role of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) conducting ion channel known to be associated with male fertility, in this process. Immunofluorescence labelling of mouse cauda epididymidis showed expression of CFTR in principal cells but not in other epithelial cells. CFTR mRNA was not detectable in clear cells isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) from B1-EGFP mice, which express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) exclusively in these cells in the epididymis. ATP release was detected from the mouse epididymal principal cell line (DC2) and increased by adrenaline and forskolin. Inhibition of CFTR with CFTR(inh172) and transfection with CFTR-specific siRNAs in DC2 cells reduced basal and forskolin-activated ATP release. CFTR-dependent ATP release was also observed in primary cultures of mouse epididymal epithelial cells. In addition, steady-state ATP release was detected in vivo in mice, by measuring ATP concentration in a solution perfused through the lumen of the cauda epididymidis tubule and collected by cannulation of the vas deferens. Luminal CFTR(inh172) reduced the ATP concentration detected in the perfusate. This study shows that CFTR is involved in the regulation of ATP release from principal cells in the cauda epididymidis. Given that mutations in CFTR are a leading cause of male infertility, we propose that defective ATP signalling in the epididymis might contribute to dysfunction of the male reproductive tract associated with these mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chun Ruan
- Center for Systems Biology/Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Belleannée C, Calvo E, Thimon V, Cyr DG, Légaré C, Garneau L, Sullivan R. Role of microRNAs in controlling gene expression in different segments of the human epididymis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34996. [PMID: 22511979 PMCID: PMC3325285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The molecular mechanisms implicated in regionalized gene expression in the human epididymis have not yet been fully elucidated. Interestingly, more than 200 microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in the human epididymis and could be involved in the regulation of mRNA stability and post-transcriptional expression in this organ. Methods Using a miRNA microarray approach, we investigated the correlation between miRNA signatures and gene expression profiles found in three distinct regions (caput, corpus and cauda) of human epididymides from 3 donors. In silico prediction of transcript miRNA targets was performed using TargetScan and Miranda software's. FHCE1 immortalized epididymal cell lines were cotransfected with mimic microRNAs and plasmid constructs containing the 3′UTR of predicted target genes downstream of the luciferase gene. Results We identified 35 miRNAs differentially expressed in the distinct segments of the epididymis (fold change ≥2, P-value≤0.01). Among these miRNAs, miR-890, miR-892a, miR-892b, miR-891a, miR-891b belonging to the same epididymis-enriched cluster located on the X chromosome, are significantly more expressed in the corpus and cauda regions than in the caput. Interestingly, a strong negative correlation (r = −0,89, P-value≤0.001) was found between the pattern of expression of miR-892b and its potential mRNA target Esrrg (Estrogen Related Receptor Gamma) and with miR-145 and Cldn10 mRNA (r = −0,92, P-value≤0.001). We confirmed that miR-145 and miR-892b inhibit the expression of the luciferase reporter via Cldn10 and Esrrg 3′ UTRs, respectively. Conclusion Our study shows that the expression of miRNAs is segmented along the human epididymis and correlates with the pattern of target gene expression in different regions. Therefore, epididymal miRNAs may be in control of the maintenance of gene expression profile in the epididymis, which dictates segment-specific secretion of proteins and establishes physiological compartments that directly or indirectly affect sperm maturation and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Belleannée
- Centre de Recherche du CHUQ and Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail: (RS); (CB)
| | - Ezéquiel Calvo
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Genomics, CHUL Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Véronique Thimon
- Département de Biologie, Université de la Martinique, Martinique, France
| | - Daniel G. Cyr
- INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Christine Légaré
- Centre de Recherche du CHUQ and Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Louis Garneau
- Centre de Recherche du CHUQ and Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche du CHUQ and Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Genomics, CHUL Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail: (RS); (CB)
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Belleannée C, Thimon V, Sullivan R. Region-specific gene expression in the epididymis. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 349:717-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1381-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Ruan YC, Silva ND, Belleannée C, Shum WW, Breton S. Involvement of CFTR in ATP and HCO3‐ secretion in epididymal principal cells. FASEB J 2011. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.1039.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chun Ruan
- Program in Membrane BiologyCenter for Systems BiologyNephrology DivisionMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Nicolas Da Silva
- Program in Membrane BiologyCenter for Systems BiologyNephrology DivisionMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Program in Membrane BiologyCenter for Systems BiologyNephrology DivisionMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Winnie W.C. Shum
- Program in Membrane BiologyCenter for Systems BiologyNephrology DivisionMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane BiologyCenter for Systems BiologyNephrology DivisionMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
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Shum WW, Da Silva N, Belleannée C, McKee M, Brown D, Breton S. Regulation of V-ATPase recycling via a RhoA- and ROCKII-dependent pathway in epididymal clear cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2011; 301:C31-43. [PMID: 21411727 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00198.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Luminal acidification in the epididymis is critical for sperm maturation and storage. Clear cells express the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) in their apical membrane and are major contributors to proton secretion. We showed that this process is regulated via recycling of V-ATPase-containing vesicles. We now report that RhoA and its effector ROCKII are enriched in rat epididymal clear cells. In addition, cortical F-actin was detected beneath the apical membrane and along the lateral membrane of "resting" clear cells using a pan-actin antibody or phalloidin-TRITC. In vivo luminal perfusion of the cauda epididymal tubule with the ROCK inhibitors Y27632 (10-30 μM) and HA1077 (30 μM) or with the cell-permeable Rho inhibitor Clostridium botulinum C3 transferase (3.75 μg/ml) induced the apical membrane accumulation of V-ATPase and extension of V-ATPase-labeled microvilli in clear cells. However, these newly formed microvilli were devoid of ROCKII. In addition, Y27632 (30 μM) or HA1077 (30 μM) decreased the ratio of F-actin to G-actin detected by Western blot analysis in epididymal epithelial cells, and Y27632 also decreased the ratio of F-actin to G-actin in clear cells isolated by fluorescence activated cell sorting from B1-enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) transgenic mice. These results provide evidence that depolymerization of the cortical actin cytoskeleton via inhibition of RhoA or its effector ROCKII favors the recruitment of V-ATPase from the cytosolic compartment into the apical membrane in clear cells. In addition, our data suggest that the RhoA-ROCKII pathway is not locally involved in the elongation of apical microvilli. We propose that inhibition of RhoA-ROCKII might be part of the intracellular signaling cascade that is triggered upon agonist-induced apical membrane V-ATPase accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Waichi Shum
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Belleannée C, Labas V, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Gatti JL, Dacheux JL, Dacheux F. Identification of luminal and secreted proteins in bull epididymis. J Proteomics 2011; 74:59-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2010.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Da Silva N, Pisitkun T, Belleannée C, Miller LR, Nelson R, Knepper MA, Brown D, Breton S. Proteomic analysis of V-ATPase-rich cells harvested from the kidney and epididymis by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2010; 298:C1326-42. [PMID: 20181927 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00552.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Proton-transporting cells are located in several tissues where they acidify the extracellular environment. These cells express the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) B1 subunit (ATP6V1B1) in their plasma membrane. We provide here a comprehensive catalog of the proteins that are expressed in these cells, after their isolation by enzymatic digestion and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) from transgenic B1-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) mice. In these mice, type A and B intercalated cells and connecting segment cells of the kidney, and narrow and clear cells of the epididymis, which all express ATP6V1B1, also express EGFP, while all other cell types are negative. The proteome of renal and epididymal EGFP-positive (EGFP(+)) cells was identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and compared with their respective EGFP-negative (EGFP(-)) cell populations. A total of 2,297 and 1,564 proteins were detected in EGFP(+) cells from the kidney and epididymis, respectively. Out of these proteins, 202 and 178 were enriched by a factor greater than 1.5 in EGFP(+) cells compared with EGFP(-) cells, in the kidney and epididymis respectively, and included subunits of the V-ATPase (B1, a4, and A). In addition, several proteins involved in intracellular trafficking, signaling, and cytoskeletal dynamics were identified. A novel common protein that was enriched in renal and epididymal EGFP(+) cells is the progesterone receptor, which might be a potential candidate for the regulation of V-ATPase-dependent proton transport. These proteomic databases provide a framework for comprehensive future analysis of the common and distinct functions of V-ATPase-B1-expressing cells in the kidney and epididymis.
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Belleannée C, Da Silva N, Shum WWC, Brown D, Breton S. Role of purinergic signaling pathways in V-ATPase recruitment to apical membrane of acidifying epididymal clear cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2010; 298:C817-30. [PMID: 20071692 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00460.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular purinergic agonists regulate a broad range of physiological functions via P1 and P2 receptors. Using the epididymis as a model system in which luminal acidification is essential for sperm maturation and storage, we show here that extracellular ATP and its hydrolysis product adenosine trigger the apical accumulation of vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) in acidifying clear cells. We demonstrate that the epididymis can hydrolyze luminal ATP into other purinergic agonists such as ADP via the activity of nucleotidases located in the epididymal fluid and in the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Alkaline phosphatase activity and abundant ecto-5'-nucleotidase protein were detected in the apical pole of principal cells. In addition, we show that nine nucleotidase genes (Nt5e, Alpl, Alpp, Enpp1, 2, and 3, and Entpd 2, 4, and 5), seven ATP P2 receptor genes (P2X1, P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, P2X6, P2Y2, P2Y5), and three adenosine P1 receptor genes (A1, A2B, and A3) are expressed in epithelial cells isolated by laser cut microdissection (LCM). The calcium chelator BAPTA-AM abolished the apical V-ATPase accumulation induced by ATP, supporting the contribution of P2X or P2Y in this response. The PKA inhibitor myristoylated protein kinase inhibitor (mPKI) inhibited adenosine-dependent V-ATPase apical accumulation, indicating the participation of the P1 A2B receptor. Altogether, these results suggest that the activation of P1 and P2 purinergic receptors by ATP and adenosine might play a significant role in luminal acidification in the epididymis, a process that is crucial for the establishment of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Belleannée
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Dacheux JL, Belleannée C, Jones R, Labas V, Belghazi M, Guyonnet B, Druart X, Gatti JL, Dacheux F. Mammalian epididymal proteome. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 306:45-50. [PMID: 19464100 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2008] [Revised: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In all mammalian species, the final differentiation of the male germ cell occurs in the epididymal duct where the spermatozoa develop the ability to be motile and fertilize an ovum. Understanding of these biological processes is the key to understanding and controlling male fertility. Comparative studies between several mammals could be an informative approach to finding common sperm modifications which are not species-specific. The new global biological approaches such as transcriptomes and proteomes provide considerable information which can be used for such comparative approaches. This report summarizes our proteomic studies of the epididymis of several mammals, including humans.
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Belleannée C, Da Silva N, Shum WWC, Marsolais M, Laprade R, Brown D, Breton S. Segmental expression of the bradykinin type 2 receptor in rat efferent ducts and epididymis and its role in the regulation of aquaporin 9. Biol Reprod 2008; 80:134-43. [PMID: 18829705 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.070797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Water and solute transport in the efferent ducts and epididymis are important for the establishment of the appropriate luminal environment for sperm maturation and storage. Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is the main water channel in the epididymis, but its regulation is still poorly understood. Components of the kinin-kallikrein system (KKS), leading to the production of bradykinin (BK), are highly expressed in the lumen of the male reproductive tract. We report here that the epididymal luminal fluid contains a significant amount of BK (2 nM). RT-PCR performed on epididymal epithelial cells isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM) showed abundant BK type 2 receptor (Bdkrb2) mRNA expression but no type 1 receptor (Bdkrb1). Double-immunofluorescence staining for BDKRB2 and the anion exchanger AE2 (a marker of efferent duct ciliated cells) or the V-ATPase E subunit, official symbol ATP6V1E1 (a marker of epididymal clear cells), showed that BDKRB2 is expressed in the apical pole of nonciliated cells (efferent ducts) and principal cells (epididymis). Triple labeling for BDKRB2, AQP9, and ATP6V1E1 showed that BDKRB2 and AQP9 colocalize in the apical stereocilia of principal cells in the cauda epididymidis. While uniform Bdkrb2 mRNA expression was detected in the efferent ducts and along the epididymal tubule, marked variations were detected at the protein level. BDKRB2 was highest in the efferent ducts and cauda epididymidis, intermediate in the distal initial segment, moderate in the corpus, and undetectable in the proximal initial segment and the caput. Functional assays on tubules isolated from the distal initial segments showed that BK significantly increased AQP9-dependent glycerol apical membrane permeability. This effect was inhibited by BAPTA-AM, demonstrating the participation of calcium in this process. This study, therefore, identifies BK as an important regulator of AQP9.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Belleannée
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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