1
|
Martin JH, Bernstein IR, Lyons JM, Brady AR, Mabotuwana NS, Stanger SJ, De Oliveira CS, Damyanova KB, Nixon B, Lord T. EPAS1 expression contributes to maintenance of the primordial follicle pool in the mouse ovary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8770. [PMID: 38627575 PMCID: PMC11021563 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59382-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxygen availability can have profound effects on cell fate decisions and survival, in part by regulating expression of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). In the ovary, HIF expression has been characterised in granulosa cells, however, any requirement in oocytes remains relatively undefined. Here we developed a Hif2a/Epas1 germline-specific knockout mouse line in which females were fertile, however produced 40% fewer pups than controls. No defects in follicle development were detected, and quality of MII oocytes was normal, as per assessments of viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and spindle parameters. However, a significant diminishment of the primordial follicle pool was evident in cKO females that was attributed to accelerated follicle loss from postnatal day 6 onwards, potentially via disruption of the autophagy pathway. These data demonstrate the importance of HIF signalling in oocytes, particularly at the primordial follicle stage, and lend to the importance of controlling oxygen tension in the development of in vitro growth and maturation approaches for assisted reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jess M Lyons
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Ariel R Brady
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Nishani S Mabotuwana
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Camila Salum De Oliveira
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Katerina B Damyanova
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Skerrett-Byrne DA, Stanger SJ, Trigg NA, Anderson AL, Sipilä P, Bernstein IR, Lord T, Schjenken JE, Murray HC, Verrills NM, Dun MD, Pang TY, Nixon B. Phosphoproteomic analysis of the adaption of epididymal epithelial cells to corticosterone challenge. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38576152 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13636] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epididymis has long been of interest owing to its role in promoting the functional maturation of the male germline. More recent evidence has also implicated the epididymis as an important sensory tissue responsible for remodeling of the sperm epigenome, both under physiological conditions and in response to diverse forms of environmental stress. Despite this knowledge, the intricacies of the molecular pathways involved in regulating the adaptation of epididymal tissue to paternal stressors remains to be fully resolved. OBJECTIVE The overall objective of this study was to investigate the direct impact of corticosterone challenge on a tractable epididymal epithelial cell line (i.e., mECap18 cells), in terms of driving adaptation of the cellular proteome and phosphoproteome signaling networks. MATERIALS AND METHODS The newly developed phosphoproteomic platform EasyPhos coupled with sequencing via an Orbitrap Exploris 480 mass spectrometer, was applied to survey global changes in the mECap18 cell (phospho)proteome resulting from sub-chronic (10-day) corticosterone challenge. RESULTS The imposed corticosterone exposure regimen elicited relatively subtle modifications of the global mECap18 proteome (i.e., only 73 out of 4171 [∼1.8%] proteins displayed altered abundance). By contrast, ∼15% of the mECap18 phosphoproteome was substantially altered following corticosterone challenge. In silico analysis of the corresponding parent proteins revealed an activation of pathways linked to DNA damage repair and oxidative stress responses as well as a reciprocal inhibition of pathways associated with organismal death. Corticosterone challenge also induced the phosphorylation of several proteins linked to the biogenesis of microRNAs. Accordingly, orthogonal validation strategies confirmed an increase in DNA damage, which was ameliorated upon selective kinase inhibition, and an altered abundance profile of a subset of microRNAs in corticosterone-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data confirm that epididymal epithelial cells are reactive to corticosterone challenge, and that their response is tightly coupled to the opposing action of cellular kinases and phosphatases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather C Murray
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole M Verrills
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Terence Y Pang
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Skerrett-Byrne DA, Nixon B, Bromfield EG, Breen J, Trigg NA, Stanger SJ, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Lord T, Aitken RJ, Roman SD, Robertson SA, Schjenken JE. Transcriptomic analysis of the seminal vesicle response to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:728. [PMID: 34625024 PMCID: PMC8499523 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07951-1] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The seminal vesicles synthesise bioactive factors that support gamete function, modulate the female reproductive tract to promote implantation, and influence developmental programming of offspring phenotype. Despite the significance of the seminal vesicles in reproduction, their biology remains poorly defined. Here, to advance understanding of seminal vesicle biology, we analyse the mouse seminal vesicle transcriptome under normal physiological conditions and in response to acute exposure to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or vehicle control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue 72 h following the final injection. RESULTS A total of 15,304 genes were identified in the seminal vesicles with those encoding secreted proteins amongst the most abundant. In addition to reproductive hormone pathways, functional annotation of the seminal vesicle transcriptome identified cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and cellular death and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Administration of acrylamide elicited 70 differentially regulated (fold-change ≥1.5 or ≤ 0.67) genes, several of which were orthogonally validated using quantitative PCR. Pathways that initiate gene and protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent amongst the dysregulated pathways. Inflammation was also a key transcriptomic response to acrylamide, with the cytokine, Colony stimulating factor 2 (Csf2) identified as a top-ranked upstream driver and inflammatory mediator associated with recovery of homeostasis. Early growth response (Egr1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (Ccl8), and Collagen, type V, alpha 1 (Col5a1) were also identified amongst the dysregulated genes. Additionally, acrylamide treatment led to subtle changes in the expression of genes that encode proteins secreted by the seminal vesicle, including the complement regulator, Complement factor b (Cfb). CONCLUSIONS These data add to emerging evidence demonstrating that the seminal vesicles, like other male reproductive tract tissues, are sensitive to environmental insults, and respond in a manner with potential to exert impact on fetal development and later offspring health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - James Breen
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,South Australian Genomics Centre (SAGC), South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Computational & Systems Biology Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Trigg NA, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Xavier MJ, Zhou W, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, Katen AL, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Roman SD, Eamens AL, Nixon B. Acrylamide modulates the mouse epididymal proteome to drive alterations in the sperm small non-coding RNA profile and dysregulate embryo development. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109787. [PMID: 34610313 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Paternal exposure to environmental stressors elicits distinct changes to the sperm sncRNA profile, modifications that have significant post-fertilization consequences. Despite this knowledge, there remains limited mechanistic understanding of how paternal exposures modify the sperm sncRNA landscape. Here, we report the acute sensitivity of the sperm sncRNA profile to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Furthermore, we trace the differential accumulation of acrylamide-responsive sncRNAs to coincide with sperm transit of the proximal (caput) segment of the epididymis, wherein acrylamide exposure alters the abundance of several transcription factors implicated in the expression of acrylamide-sensitive sncRNAs. We also identify extracellular vesicles secreted from the caput epithelium in relaying altered sncRNA profiles to maturing spermatozoa and dysregulated gene expression during early embryonic development following fertilization by acrylamide-exposed spermatozoa. These data provide mechanistic links to account for how environmental insults can alter the sperm epigenome and compromise the transcriptomic profile of early embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Miguel J Xavier
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Aimee L Katen
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Skerrett-Byrne DA, Trigg NA, Bromfield EG, Dun MD, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, MacDougall LA, Lord T, Aitken RJ, Roman SD, Robertson SA, Nixon B, Schjenken JE. Proteomic Dissection of the Impact of Environmental Exposures on Mouse Seminal Vesicle Function. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100107. [PMID: 34089863 PMCID: PMC8250459 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal vesicles are an integral part of the male reproductive accessory gland system. They produce a complex array of secretions containing bioactive constituents that support gamete function and promote reproductive success, with emerging evidence suggesting these secretions are influenced by our environment. Despite their significance, the biology of seminal vesicles remains poorly defined. Here, we complete the first proteomic assessment of mouse seminal vesicles and assess the impact of the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue. A total of 5013 proteins were identified in the seminal vesicle proteome with bioinformatic analyses identifying cell proliferation, protein synthesis, cellular death, and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Secreted proteins were among the most abundant, and several proteins are linked with seminal vesicle phenotypes. Analysis of the effect of acrylamide on the seminal vesicle proteome revealed 311 differentially regulated (FC ± 1.5, p ≤ 0.05, 205 up-regulated, 106 downregulated) proteins, orthogonally validated via immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Pathways that initiate protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent among the dysregulated pathways, and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR, p = 6.69E-07) was a top-ranked upstream driver. Oxidative stress was implicated as contributing to protein changes, with acrylamide causing an increase in 8-OHdG in seminal vesicle epithelial cells (fivefold increase, p = 0.016) and the surrounding smooth muscle layer (twofold increase, p = 0.043). Additionally, acrylamide treatment caused a reduction in seminal vesicle secretion weight (36% reduction, p = 0.009) and total protein content (25% reduction, p = 0.017). Together these findings support the interpretation that toxicant exposure influences male accessory gland physiology and highlights the need to consider the response of all male reproductive tract tissues when interpreting the impact of environmental stressors on male reproductive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Lily A MacDougall
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Trigg NA, Stanger SJ, Zhou W, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Sipilä P, Dun MD, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG, Roman SD, Nixon B. A novel role for milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 protein (MFGE8) in the mediation of mouse sperm-extracellular vesicle interactions. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000079. [PMID: 33792189 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000079] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa transition to functional maturity as they are conveyed through the epididymis, a highly specialized region of the male excurrent duct system. Owing to their transcriptionally and translationally inert state, this transformation into fertilization competent cells is driven by complex mechanisms of intercellular communication with the secretory epithelium that delineates the epididymal tubule. Chief among these mechanisms are the release of extracellular vesicles (EV), which have been implicated in the exchange of varied macromolecular cargo with spermatozoa. Here, we describe the optimization of a tractable cell culture model to study the mechanistic basis of sperm-extracellular vesicle interactions. In tandem with receptor inhibition strategies, our data demonstrate the importance of milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFGE8) protein in mediating the efficient exchange of macromolecular EV cargo with mouse spermatozoa; with the MFGE8 integrin-binding Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) tripeptide motif identified as being of particular importance. Specifically, complementary strategies involving MFGE8 RGD domain ablation, competitive RGD-peptide inhibition and antibody-masking of alpha V integrin receptors, all significantly inhibited the uptake and redistribution of EV-delivered proteins into immature mouse spermatozoa. These collective data implicate the MFGE8 ligand and its cognate integrin receptor in the mediation of the EV interactions that underpin sperm maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fennell KA, Busby RGG, Li S, Bodden C, Stanger SJ, Nixon B, Short AK, Hannan AJ, Pang TY. Limitations to intergenerational inheritance: subchronic paternal stress preconception does not influence offspring anxiety. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16050. [PMID: 32994491 PMCID: PMC7525454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72560-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Independent studies have observed that a paternal history of stress or trauma is associated with his children having a greater likelihood of developing psychopathologies such as anxiety disorders. This father-to-child effect is reproduced in several mouse models of stress, which have been crucial in developing a greater understanding of intergenerational epigenetic inheritance. We previously reported that treatment of C57Bl/6J male breeders with low-dose corticosterone (CORT) for 28 days prior to mating yielded increased anxiety-related behaviours in their male F1 offspring. The present study aimed to determine whether subchronic 7-day CORT treatment of male mice just prior to mating would be sufficient to induce intergenerational modifications of anxiety-related behaviours in offspring. We report that subchronic CORT treatment of male breeders reduced their week-on-week body weight gain and altered NR3C1 and CRH gene expression in the hypothalamus. There were no effects on sperm count and glucocorticoid receptor protein levels within the epididymal tissue of male breeders. Regarding the F1 offspring, screening for anxiety-related behaviours using the elevated-plus maze, light–dark box, and novelty-suppressed feeding test revealed no differences between the offspring of CORT-treated breeders compared to controls. Thus, it is crucial that future studies take into consideration the duration of exposure when assessing the intergenerational impacts of paternal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K A Fennell
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - R G G Busby
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Institute of Applied BioSciences and Chemistry, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S Li
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - C Bodden
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - S J Stanger
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - B Nixon
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - A K Short
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of CA - Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - A J Hannan
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - T Y Pang
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bromfield EG, Walters JLH, Cafe SL, Bernstein IR, Stanger SJ, Anderson AL, Aitken RJ, McLaughlin EA, Dun MD, Gadella BM, Nixon B. Differential cell death decisions in the testis: evidence for an exclusive window of ferroptosis in round spermatids. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:241-256. [PMID: 30865280 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a major aetiology in many pathologies, including that of male infertility. Recent evidence in somatic cells has linked oxidative stress to the induction of a novel cell death modality termed ferroptosis. However, the induction of this iron-regulated, caspase-independent cell death pathway has never been explored outside of the soma. Ferroptosis is initiated through the inactivation of the lipid repair enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and is exacerbated by the activity of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), a lipoxygenase enzyme that facilitates lipid degradation. Here, we demonstrate that male germ cells of the mouse exhibit hallmarks of ferroptosis including; a caspase-independent decline in viability following exposure to oxidative stress conditions induced by the electrophile 4-hydroxynonenal or the ferroptosis activators (erastin and RSL3), as well as a reciprocal upregulation of ALOX15 and down regulation of GPX4 protein expression. Moreover, the round spermatid developmental stage may be sensitized to ferroptosis via the action of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), which modifies membrane lipid composition in a manner favourable to lipid peroxidation. This work provides a clear impetus to explore the contribution of ferroptosis to the demise of germline cells during periods of acute stress in in vivo models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessica L H Walters
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Matthew D Dun
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barend M Gadella
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhou W, Stanger SJ, Anderson AL, Bernstein IR, De Iuliis GN, McCluskey A, McLaughlin EA, Dun MD, Nixon B. Mechanisms of tethering and cargo transfer during epididymosome-sperm interactions. BMC Biol 2019; 17:35. [PMID: 30999907 PMCID: PMC6474069 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0653-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian epididymis is responsible for the provision of a highly specialized environment in which spermatozoa acquire functional maturity and are subsequently stored in preparation for ejaculation. Making important contributions to both processes are epididymosomes, small extracellular vesicles released from the epididymal soma via an apocrine secretory pathway. While considerable effort has been focused on defining the cargo transferred between epididymosomes and spermatozoa, comparatively less is known about the mechanistic basis of these interactions. To investigate this phenomenon, we have utilized an in vitro co-culture system to track the transfer of biotinylated protein cargo between mouse epididymosomes and recipient spermatozoa isolated from the caput epididymis; an epididymal segment that is of critical importance for promoting sperm maturation. RESULTS Our data indicate that epididymosome-sperm interactions are initiated via tethering of the epididymosome to receptors restricted to the post-acrosomal domain of the sperm head. Thereafter, epididymosomes mediate the transfer of protein cargo to spermatozoa via a process that is dependent on dynamin, a family of mechanoenzymes that direct intercellular vesicle trafficking. Notably, upon co-culture of sperm with epididymosomes, dynamin 1 undergoes a pronounced relocation between the peri- and post-acrosomal domains of the sperm head. This repositioning of dynamin 1 is potentially mediated via its association with membrane rafts and ideally locates the enzyme to facilitate the uptake of epididymosome-borne proteins. Accordingly, disruption of membrane raft integrity or pharmacological inhibition of dynamin both potently suppress the transfer of biotinylated epididymosome proteins to spermatozoa. CONCLUSION Together, these data provide new mechanistic insight into epididymosome-sperm interactions with potential implications extending to the manipulation of sperm maturation for the purpose of fertility regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.,Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nixon B, De Iuliis GN, Hart HM, Zhou W, Mathe A, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Jamaluddin MFB, Almazi JG, Bromfield EG, Larsen MR, Dun MD. Proteomic Profiling of Mouse Epididymosomes Reveals their Contributions to Post-testicular Sperm Maturation. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:S91-S108. [PMID: 30213844 PMCID: PMC6427233 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional maturation of spermatozoa that is necessary to achieve fertilization occurs as these cells transit through the epididymis, a highly specialized region of the male reproductive tract. A defining feature of this maturation process is that it occurs in the complete absence of nuclear gene transcription or de novo, protein translation in the spermatozoa. Rather, it is driven by sequential interactions between spermatozoa and the complex external milieu in which they are bathed within lumen of the epididymal tubule. A feature of this dynamic microenvironment are epididymosomes, small membrane encapsulated vesicles that are secreted from the epididymal soma. Herein, we report comparative proteomic profiling of epididymosomes isolated from different segments of the mouse epididymis using multiplexed tandem mass tag (TMT) based quantification coupled with high resolution LC-MS/MS. A total of 1640 epididymosome proteins were identified and quantified via this proteomic method. Notably, this analysis revealed pronounced segment-to-segment variation in the encapsulated epididymosome proteome. Thus, 146 proteins were identified as being differentially accumulated between caput and corpus epididymosomes, and a further 344 were differentially accumulated between corpus and cauda epididymosomes (i.e., fold change of ≤ -1.5 or ≥ 1.5; p, < 0.05). Application of gene ontology annotation revealed a substantial portion of the epididymosome proteins mapped to the cellular component of extracellular exosome and to the biological processes of transport, oxidation-reduction, and metabolism. Additional annotation of the subset of epididymosome proteins that have not previously been identified in exosomes revealed enrichment of categories associated with the acquisition of sperm function (e.g., fertilization and binding to the zona pellucida). In tandem with our demonstration that epididymosomes are able to convey protein cargo to the head of maturing spermatozoa, these data emphasize the fundamental importance of epididymosomes as key elements of the epididymal microenvironment responsible for coordinating post-testicular sperm maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Hanah M Hart
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Andrea Mathe
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - M Fairuz B Jamaluddin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Juhura G Almazi
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Martin R Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nixon B, Johnston SD, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Hansbro PM, Dun MD. Modification of Crocodile Spermatozoa Refutes the Tenet That Post-testicular Sperm Maturation Is Restricted To Mammals. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:S58-S76. [PMID: 30072580 PMCID: PMC6427239 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Competition to achieve paternity has contributed to the development of a multitude of elaborate male reproductive strategies. In one of the most well-studied examples, the spermatozoa of all mammalian species must undergo a series of physiological changes, termed capacitation, in the female reproductive tract before realizing their potential to fertilize an ovum. However, the evolutionary origin and adaptive advantage afforded by capacitation remains obscure. Here, we report the use of comparative and quantitative proteomics to explore the biological significance of capacitation in an ancient reptilian species, the Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus,). Our data reveal that exposure of crocodile spermatozoa to capacitation stimuli elicits a cascade of physiological responses that are analogous to those implicated in the functional activation of their mammalian counterparts. Indeed, among a total of 1119 proteins identified in this study, we detected 126 that were differentially phosphorylated (± 1.2 fold-change) in capacitated versus, noncapacitated crocodile spermatozoa. Notably, this subset of phosphorylated proteins shared substantial evolutionary overlap with those documented in mammalian spermatozoa, and included key elements of signal transduction, metabolic and cellular remodeling pathways. Unlike mammalian sperm, however, we noted a distinct bias for differential phosphorylation of serine (as opposed to tyrosine) residues, with this amino acid featuring as the target for ∼80% of all changes detected in capacitated spermatozoa. Overall, these results indicate that the phenomenon of sperm capacitation is unlikely to be restricted to mammals and provide a framework for understanding the molecular changes in sperm physiology necessary for fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;.
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | | | - Amanda L Anderson
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;; Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hutcheon K, McLaughlin EA, Stanger SJ, Bernstein IR, Dun MD, Eamens AL, Nixon B. Analysis of the small non-protein-coding RNA profile of mouse spermatozoa reveals specific enrichment of piRNAs within mature spermatozoa. RNA Biol 2017; 14:1776-1790. [PMID: 28816603 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2017.1356569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-testicular sperm maturation and storage within the epididymis is a key determinant of gamete quality and fertilization competence. Here we demonstrate that mouse spermatozoa possess a complex small non-protein-coding RNA (sRNA) profile, the composition of which is markedly influenced by their epididymal transit. Thus, although microRNAs (miRNAs) are highly represented in the spermatozoa of the proximal epididymis, this sRNA class is largely diminished in mature spermatozoa of the distal epididymis. Coincident with this, a substantial enrichment in Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) abundance in cauda spermatozoa was detected. Further, features of cauda piRNAs, including; predominantly 29-31 nts in length; preference for uracil at their 5' terminus; no adenine enrichment at piRNA nt 10, and; predominantly mapping to intergenic regions of the mouse genome, indicate that these piRNAs are generated by the PIWIL1-directed primary piRNA production pathway. Accordingly, PIWIL1 was detected via immunoblotting and mass spectrometry in epididymal spermatozoa. These data provide insight into the complexity and dynamic nature of the sRNA profile of spermatozoa and raise the intriguing prospect that piRNAs are generated in situ in maturing spermatozoa. Such information is of particular interest in view of the potential role for paternal sRNAs in influencing conception, embryo development and intergenerational inheritance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Hutcheon
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,b Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,c School of Biological Sciences , University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Simone J Stanger
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,b Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,b Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- d Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation , Hunter Medical Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- a School of Environmental and Life Sciences , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia.,b Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology , The University of Newcastle , Callaghan , NSW , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Katen AL, Sipilä P, Mitchell LA, Stanger SJ, Nixon B, Roman SD. Epididymal CYP2E1 plays a critical role in acrylamide-induced DNA damage in spermatozoa and paternally mediated embryonic resorptions†. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:921-935. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
|
14
|
Stanger SJ, Law EA, Jamsai D, O'Bryan MK, Nixon B, McLaughlin EA, Aitken RJ, Roman SD. A novel germ cell protein, SPIF (sperm PKA interacting factor), is essential for the formation of a PKA/TCP11 complex that undergoes conformational and phosphorylation changes upon capacitation. FASEB J 2016; 30:2777-91. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201500136r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone J. Stanger
- Centre for Chemical Biology, University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and DevelopmentUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Estelle A. Law
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Duangporn Jamsai
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and DevelopmentUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental BiologyMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Moira K. O'Bryan
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and DevelopmentUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental BiologyMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Centre for Chemical Biology, University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and DevelopmentUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Eileen A. McLaughlin
- Centre for Chemical Biology, University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and DevelopmentUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - R. John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and DevelopmentUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Shaun D. Roman
- Centre for Chemical Biology, University of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive ScienceUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and DevelopmentUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, Mihalas BP, Tyagi S, Holt JE, McLaughlin EA, Nixon B. Assessment of microRNA expression in mouse epididymal epithelial cells and spermatozoa by next generation sequencing. Genom Data 2015; 6:208-11. [PMID: 26697376 PMCID: PMC4664737 DOI: 10.1016/j.gdata.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian epididymis is a highly specialized region of the male reproductive tract that is lined with a continuous layer of epithelial cells that display a remarkable level of regionalized secretory and absorptive activity. The luminal environment created by this combined secretory and absorptive activity is directly responsible for promoting the functional maturation of spermatozoa and their maintenance in a quiescent and viable state prior to ejaculation. This study was designed to identify the complement of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are expressed within the mouse epididymal epithelial cells and the maturing populations of spermatozoa. Through the use of Next Generation Sequencing technology we have demonstrated that both epididymal epithelial cells and spermatozoa harbour a complex repertoire of miRNAs that have substantially different expression profiles along the length of the tract. These data, deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) with the accession numbers GSE70197 and GSE70198, afford valuable insight into the post-transcriptional control of gene expression within the epididymis and provide the first evidence for the dynamic transformation of the miRNA content of maturing sperm cells. Ultimately such information promises to inform our understanding of the aetiology of male infertility. Herein we provide a detailed description of the methodology used to generate these important data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Anderson
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bettina P Mihalas
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sonika Tyagi
- Australian Genome Research Facility Ltd, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janet E Holt
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nixon B, Stanger SJ, Mihalas BP, Reilly JN, Anderson AL, Tyagi S, Holt JE, McLaughlin EA. The microRNA signature of mouse spermatozoa is substantially modified during epididymal maturation. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:91. [PMID: 26333995 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.132209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years considerable effort has been devoted to understanding the epigenetic control of sperm development, leading to an increased appreciation of the importance of RNA interference pathways, and in particular miRNAs, as key regulators of spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation. It has also been shown that sperm are endowed with an impressive array of miRNA that have been implicated in various aspects of fertilization and embryo development. However, to date there have been no reports on whether the sperm miRNA signature is static or whether it is influenced by their prolonged maturation within the male reproductive tract. To investigate this phenomenon, we employed next-generation sequencing to systematically profile the miRNA signature of maturing mouse spermatozoa. In so doing we have provided the first evidence for the posttesticular modification of the sperm miRNA profile under normal physiological conditions. Such modifications include the apparent loss and acquisition of an impressive cohort of some 113 and 115 miRNAs, respectively, between the proximal and distal epididymal segments. Interestingly, the majority of these changes occur late in maturation and include the uptake of novel miRNA species in addition to a significant increase in many miRNAs natively expressed in immature sperm. Because sperm are not capable of de novo transcription, these findings identify the epididymis as an important site in establishing the sperm epigenome with the potential to influence the peri-conceptual environment of the female reproductive tract, contribute to the inheritance of acquired characteristics, and/or alter the developmental trajectory of the resulting offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bettina P Mihalas
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jackson N Reilly
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sonika Tyagi
- Australian Genome Research Facility Ltd, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janet E Holt
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sobinoff AP, Dando SJ, Redgrove KA, Sutherland JM, Stanger SJ, Armitage CW, Timms P, McLaughlin EA, Beagley KW. Chlamydia muridarum infection-induced destruction of male germ cells and sertoli cells is partially prevented by Chlamydia major outer membrane protein-specific immune CD4 cells. Biol Reprod 2014; 92:27. [PMID: 25472923 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.124180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infections are increasingly prevalent worldwide. Male chlamydial infections are associated with urethritis, epididymitis, and orchitis; however, the role of Chlamydia in prostatitis and male factor infertility remains controversial. Using a model of Chlamydia muridarum infection in male C57BL/6 mice, we investigated the effects of chlamydial infection on spermatogenesis and determined the potential of immune T cells to prevent infection-induced outcomes. Antigen-specific CD4 T cells significantly reduced the infectious burden in the penile urethra, epididymis, and vas deferens. Infection disrupted seminiferous tubules, causing loss of germ cells at 4 and 8 wk after infection, with the most severely affected tubules containing only Sertoli cells. Increased mitotic proliferation, DNA repair, and apoptosis in spermatogonial cells and damaged germ cells were evident in atrophic tubules. Activated caspase 3 (casp3) staining revealed increased (6-fold) numbers of Sertoli cells with abnormal morphology that were casp3 positive in tubules of infected mice, indicating increased levels of apoptosis. Sperm count and motility were both decreased in infected mice, and there was a significant decrease in morphologically normal spermatozoa. Assessment of the spermatogonial stem cell population revealed a decrease in promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF)-positive cells in the seminiferous tubules. Interestingly, adoptive transfer of antigen-specific CD4 cells, particularly T-helper 2-like cells, prior to infection prevented these effects in spermatogenesis and Sertoli cells. These data suggest that chlamydial infection adversely affects spermatogenesis and male fertility, and that vaccination can potentially prevent the spread of infection and these adverse outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Sobinoff
- Priority Research Centres in Chemical Biology and Reproductive Science, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samantha J Dando
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate A Redgrove
- Priority Research Centres in Chemical Biology and Reproductive Science, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- Priority Research Centres in Chemical Biology and Reproductive Science, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centres in Chemical Biology and Reproductive Science, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charles W Armitage
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Priority Research Centres in Chemical Biology and Reproductive Science, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sobinoff AP, Sutherland JM, Beckett EL, Stanger SJ, Johnson R, Jarnicki AG, McCluskey A, St John JC, Hansbro PM, McLaughlin EA. Damaging legacy: maternal cigarette smoking has long-term consequences for male offspring fertility. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2719-35. [PMID: 25269568 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the effects on fertility of cigarette smoke-induced toxicity on male offspring exposed during the gestational/weaning period? SUMMARY ANSWER Maternal cigarette smoke exposure during the gestational/weaning period causes long-term defects in male offspring fertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cigarette smoke is a well-known reproductive toxicant which is particularly harmful to both fetal and neonatal germ cells. However, recent studies suggest a significant portion of young mothers in the developed world still smoke during pregnancy. In the context of male reproductive health, our understanding of the effects of in utero exposure on offspring fertility is limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this study, 27 C57BL/6 5-week-old female mice were exposed via the nose-only to cigarette smoke (treatment) or 27 were exposed to room air (control) for 6 weeks before being housed with stud males to produce litters. In the treatment group, smoke exposure continued throughout mating, pregnancy and lactation until weaning of pups at 21 days post birth. Male offspring were examined at post-natal days 3, 6, 12, 21 and 98 (adult). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Approximately 108 maternal smoke-exposed C57BL/6 offspring and controls were examined. Spermatogenesis was examined using testicular histology and apoptosis/DNA damage was assessed using caspase immunohistochemistry and TUNEL. Sertoli cell morphology and fluctuations in the spermatogonial stem cell population were also examined using immunohistochemistry. Microarray and QPCR analysis were performed on adult testes to examine specific long-term transcriptomic alteration as a consequence of maternal smoke exposure. Sperm counts and motility, zona/oolemma binding assays, COMET analysis and mitochondrial genomic sequencing were also performed on spermatozoa obtained from adult treated and control mice. Fertility trials using exposed adult male offspring were also performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Maternal cigarette smoke exposure caused increased gonocyte and meiotic spermatocyte apoptosis (P < 0.01) as well as germ cell depletion in the seminiferous tubules of neonatal and juvenile offspring. Aberrant testicular development characterized by abnormal Sertoli and germ cell organization, a depleted spermatogonial stem cell population (P < 0.01), atrophic seminiferous tubules and increased germ cell DNA damage (P < 0.01) persisted in adult offspring 11 weeks after exposure. Microarray analysis of adult offspring testes associated these defects with meiotic germ cell development, sex hormone metabolism, oxidative stress and Sertoli cell signalling. Next generation sequencing also revealed a high mitochondrial DNA mutational load in the testes of adult offspring (P < 0.01). Adult maternal smoke-exposed offspring also had reduced sperm counts with spermatozoa exhibiting morphological abnormalities (P < 0.01), affecting motility and fertilization potential. Odf2, a spermatozoa flagellum component required for coordinated ciliary beating, was also significantly down-regulated (P < 0.01) in maternal smoke-exposed adult offspring, with aberrant localization along the spermatozoa flagellum. Adult maternal smoke-exposed offspring took significantly longer to impregnate control females and had a slight but significant (P < 0.01) reduction in litter size. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study examined only one species (mouse) using a smoking model which only simulates human cigarette smoke exposure. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study represents the first comprehensive animal model of maternal smoking on male offspring reproductive function, suggesting that exposure during the gestational/weaning period causes long-term defects in male offspring fertility. This is due to a compromised spermatogonial stem cell population resulting from gonocyte apoptosis and impaired spermatogenic development. This results in significant germ cell damage and Sertoli cell dysfunction, impacting germ cell number, tubule organization, DNA damage and spermatozoa in adult offspring. This study strengthens the current literature suggesting that maternal exposure impairs male offspring fertility, which is currently debated due to conflicting studies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was funded by the Australian Research Council, Hunter Medical Research Institute, National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and the Newcastle Permanent Building Society Charitable Trust. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A P Sobinoff
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - J M Sutherland
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - E L Beckett
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - S J Stanger
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - R Johnson
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - A G Jarnicki
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - A McCluskey
- Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - J C St John
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton Vic 3168, Australia
| | - P M Hansbro
- Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - E A McLaughlin
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia Monash Medical Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nixon BJ, Katen AL, Stanger SJ, Schjenken JE, Nixon B, Roman SD. Mouse spermatocytes express CYP2E1 and respond to acrylamide exposure. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94904. [PMID: 24788432 PMCID: PMC4008485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450s (encoded by the CYP genes) often leads to bio-activation, producing reactive metabolites that interfere with cellular processes and cause DNA damage. In the testes, DNA damage induced by xenobiotics has been associated with impaired spermatogenesis and adverse effects on reproductive health. We previously reported that chronic exposure to the reproductive toxicant, acrylamide, produced high levels of DNA damage in spermatocytes of Swiss mice. CYP2E1 metabolises acrylamide to glycidamide, which, unlike acrylamide, readily forms adducts with DNA. Thus, to investigate the mechanisms of acrylamide toxicity in mouse male germ cells, we examined the expression of the CYP, CYP2E1, which metabolises acrylamide. Using Q-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we establish that CYP2E1 is expressed in germ cells, in particular in spermatocytes. Additionally, CYP2E1 gene expression was upregulated in these cells following in vitro acrylamide exposure (1 µM, 18 h). Spermatocytes were isolated and treated with 1 µM acrylamide or 0.5 µM glycidamide for 18 hours and the presence of DNA-adducts was investigated using the comet assay, modified to detect DNA-adducts. Both compounds produced significant levels of DNA damage in spermatocytes, with a greater response observed following glycidamide exposure. A modified comet assay indicated that direct adduction of DNA by glycidamide was a major source of DNA damage. Oxidative stress played a small role in eliciting this damage, as a relatively modest effect was found in a comet assay modified to detect oxidative adducts following glycidamide exposure, and glutathione levels remained unchanged following treatment with either compound. Our results indicate that the male germ line has the capacity to respond to xenobiotic exposure by inducing detoxifying enzymes, and the DNA damage elicited by acrylamide in male germ cells is likely due to the formation of glycidamide adducts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J. Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aimee L. Katen
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J. Stanger
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John E. Schjenken
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun D. Roman
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Reid AT, Lord T, Stanger SJ, Roman SD, McCluskey A, Robinson PJ, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Dynamin regulates specific membrane fusion events necessary for acrosomal exocytosis in mouse spermatozoa. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:37659-72. [PMID: 22977254 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.392803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa must complete an acrosome reaction prior to fertilizing an oocyte. The acrosome reaction is a unique exocytotic event involving a series of prolonged membrane fusions that ultimately result in the production of membrane vesicles and release of the acrosomal contents. This event requires the concerted action of a large number of fusion-competent signaling and scaffolding proteins. Here we show that two different members of the dynamin GTPase family localize to the developing acrosome of maturing mouse germ cells. Both dynamin 1 and 2 also remain within the periacrosomal region of mature mouse spermatozoa and are thus well positioned to regulate the acrosome reaction. Two pharmacological inhibitors of dynamin, dynasore and Dyngo-4a, blocked the in vitro induction of acrosomal exocytosis by progesterone, but not by the calcium ionophore A23187, and elicited a concomitant reduction of in vitro fertilization. In vivo treatment with these inhibitors also resulted in spermatozoa displaying reduced acrosome reaction potential. Dynamin 1 and 2 phosphorylation increased on progesterone treatment, and this was also selectively blocked by dynasore. On the basis of our collective data, we propose that dynamin could regulate specific membrane fusion events necessary for acrosomal exocytosis in mouse spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Reid
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nixon BJ, Stanger SJ, Nixon B, Roman SD. Chronic Exposure to Acrylamide Induces DNA Damage in Male Germ Cells of Mice. Toxicol Sci 2012; 129:135-45. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
22
|
McIver SC, Stanger SJ, Santarelli DM, Roman SD, Nixon B, McLaughlin EA. A unique combination of male germ cell miRNAs coordinates gonocyte differentiation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35553. [PMID: 22536405 PMCID: PMC3334999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The last 100 years have seen a concerning decline in male reproductive health associated with decreased sperm production, sperm function and male fertility. Concomitantly, the incidence of defects in reproductive development, such as undescended testes, hypospadias and testicular cancer has increased. Indeed testicular cancer is now recognised as the most common malignancy in young men. Such cancers develop from the pre-invasive lesion Carcinoma in Situ (CIS), a dysfunctional precursor germ cell or gonocyte which has failed to successfully differentiate into a spermatogonium. It is therefore essential to understand the cellular transition from gonocytes to spermatogonia, in order to gain a better understanding of the aetiology of testicular germ cell tumours. MicroRNA (miRNA) are important regulators of gene expression in differentiation and development and thus highly likely to play a role in the differentiation of gonocytes. In this study we have examined the miRNA profiles of highly enriched populations of gonocytes and spermatogonia, using microarray technology. We identified seven differentially expressed miRNAs between gonocytes and spermatogonia (down-regulated: miR-293, 291a-5p, 290-5p and 294*, up-regulated: miR-136, 743a and 463*). Target prediction software identified many potential targets of several differentially expressed miRNA implicated in germ cell development, including members of the PTEN, and Wnt signalling pathways. These targets converge on the key downstream cell cycle regulator Cyclin D1, indicating that a unique combination of male germ cell miRNAs coordinate the differentiation and maintenance of pluripotency in germ cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Skye C. McIver
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J. Stanger
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Danielle M. Santarelli
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun D. Roman
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eileen A. McLaughlin
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|