1
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Senese R, Petito G, Silvestri E, Ventriglia M, Mosca N, Potenza N, Russo A, Manfrevola F, Cobellis G, Chioccarelli T, Porreca V, Mele VG, Chianese R, de Lange P, Ricci G, Cioffi F, Lanni A. Effect of CB1 Receptor Deficiency on Mitochondrial Quality Control Pathways in Gastrocnemius Muscle. Biology (Basel) 2024; 13:116. [PMID: 38392333 PMCID: PMC10886598 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020116] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the complex role of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) signaling in the gastrocnemius muscle, assessing physiological processes in both CB1+/+ and CB1-/- mice. The primary focus is to enhance our understanding of how CB1 contributes to mitochondrial homeostasis. At the tissue level, CB1-/- mice exhibit a substantial miRNA-related alteration in muscle fiber composition, characterized by an enrichment of oxidative fibers. CB1 absence induces a significant increase in the oxidative capacity of muscle, supported by elevated in-gel activity of Complex I and Complex IV of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The increased oxidative capacity is associated with elevated oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense systems. Analysis of mitochondrial biogenesis markers indicates an enhanced capacity for new mitochondria production in CB1-/- mice, possibly adapting to altered muscle fiber composition. Changes in mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy response, and unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways reveal a dynamic interplay in response to CB1 absence. The interconnected mitochondrial network, influenced by increased fusion and mitochondrial UPR components, underlines the dual role of CB1 in regulating both protein quality control and the generation of new mitochondria. These findings deepen our comprehension of the CB1 impact on muscle physiology, oxidative stress, and MQC processes, highlighting cellular adaptability to CB1-/-. This study paves the way for further exploration of intricate signaling cascades and cross-talk between cellular compartments in the context of CB1 and mitochondrial homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Senese
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Petito
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Elena Silvestri
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Maria Ventriglia
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicola Mosca
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pieter de Lange
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Cioffi
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Antonia Lanni
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
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2
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Siniscalchi C, Di Palo A, Petito G, Senese R, Manfrevola F, Leo ID, Mosca N, Chioccarelli T, Porreca V, Marchese G, Ravo M, Chianese R, Cobellis G, Lanni A, Russo A, Potenza N. A landscape of mouse mitochondrial small non-coding RNAs. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293644. [PMID: 38165955 PMCID: PMC10760717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly miRNAs, play key roles in a plethora of biological processes both in health and disease. Although largely operative in the cytoplasm, emerging data indicate their shuttling in different subcellular compartments. Given the central role of mitochondria in cellular homeostasis, here we systematically profiled their small ncRNAs content across mouse tissues that largely rely on mitochondria functioning. The ubiquitous presence of piRNAs in mitochondria (mitopiRNA) of somatic tissues is reported for the first time, supporting the idea of a strong and general connection between mitochondria biology and piRNA pathways. Then, we found groups of tissue-shared and tissue-specific mitochondrial miRNAs (mitomiRs), potentially related to the "basic" or "cell context dependent" biology of mitochondria. Overall, this large data platform will be useful to deepen the knowledge about small ncRNAs processing and their governed regulatory networks contributing to mitochondria functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Siniscalchi
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Armando Di Palo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Petito
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosalba Senese
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilenia De Leo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
- Genomix4Life S.r.l., Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Nicola Mosca
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Marchese
- Genomix4Life S.r.l., Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health, CRGS, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Maria Ravo
- Genomix4Life S.r.l., Baronissi (SA), Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health, CRGS, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonia Lanni
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
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3
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Mele VG, Chioccarelli T, Finamore R, D’Agostino A, d’Agostino M, Cimini D, Mattia M, Porreca V, Giori AM, Fasano S, Cobellis G, Schiraldi C, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. Antioxidants positively regulate obesity dependent circRNAs - sperm quality - functional axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1290971. [PMID: 38169845 PMCID: PMC10758610 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1290971] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a pathophysiological condition, dependent on body fat accumulation, that progressively induces systemic oxidative stress/inflammation leading to a set of associated clinical manifestations, including male infertility. CircRNAs, covalently closed RNA molecules, are key regulators of sperm quality. Recently, we have characterized a complete profile of high-fat diet (HFD) spermatic circRNA cargo, predicting paternal circRNA dependent networks (ceRNETs), potentially involved in sperm oxidative stress and motility anomalies. In the current work, using HFD C57BL6/J male mice, orally treated with a mix of bioactive molecules (vitamin C; vitamin B12; vitamin E; selenium-L-methionine; glutathione-GSH) for 4 weeks, a reversion of HFD phenotype was observed. In addition, the functional action of the proposed formulations on circRNA biogenesis was evaluated by assessing the endogenous spermatic FUS-dependent backsplicing machinery and related circRNA cargo. After that, spermatic viability and motility were also analyzed. Paternal ceRNETs, potentially involved in oxidative stress regulation and sperm motility defects, were identified and used to suggest that the beneficial action of the food supplements here conveniently formulated on sperm motility was likely due to the recovery of circRNA profile. Such a hypothesis was, then, verified by an in vitro assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Finamore
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella D’Agostino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria d’Agostino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Donatella Cimini
- Department of Sciences and Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Monica Mattia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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4
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Manfrevola F, Chioccarelli T, Mele VG, Porreca V, Mattia M, Cimini D, D'Agostino A, Cobellis G, Fasano S, Schiraldi C, Chianese R, Pierantoni R. Novel Insights into circRNA Saga Coming from Spermatozoa and Epididymis of HFD Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076865. [PMID: 37047838 PMCID: PMC10095261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a pathophysiological disorder associated with adiposity accumulation, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation state that is progressively increasing in younger population worldwide, negatively affecting male reproductive skills. An emerging topic in the field of male reproduction is circRNAs, covalently closed RNA molecules produced by backsplicing, actively involved in a successful spermatogenesis and in establishing high-quality sperm parameters. However, a direct correlation between obesity and impaired circRNA cargo in spermatozoa (SPZ) remains unclear. In the current work, using C57BL6/J male mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat) as experimental model of oxidative stress, we investigated the impact of HFD on sperm morphology and motility as well as on spermatic circRNAs. We performed a complete dataset of spermatic circRNA content by a microarray strategy, and differentially expressed (DE)-circRNAs were identified. Using a circRNA/miRNA/target network (ceRNET) analysis, we identified circRNAs potentially involved in oxidative stress and sperm motility pathways. Interestingly, we demonstrated an enhanced skill of HFD sperm in backsplicing activity together with an inefficient epididymal circRNA biogenesis. Fused protein in sarcoma (FUS) and its ability to recruit quaking (QKI) could be involved in orchestrating such mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Mattia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Donatella Cimini
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonella D'Agostino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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5
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Martinez G, Cappetta D, Telesca M, Urbanek K, Castaldo G, Dhellemmes M, Mele VG, Chioccarelli T, Porreca V, Barbotin AL, Boursier A, Guillou F, Coutton C, Brouillet S, De Angelis A, Berrino L, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. Cytochalasin D restores nuclear size acting on F-actin and IZUMO1 localization in low-quality spermatozoa. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2234-2255. [PMID: 37151878 PMCID: PMC10158014 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.77166] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In spermatozoa, the nuclear F-actin supports the acroplaxome, a subacrosomal structure involved in the correct exposure of several acrosomal membrane proteins; among them, the glycoprotein IZUMO1 is the major protein involved in sperm-oocyte fusion. Nuclear F-actin is also involved in sperm head shaping and chromosome compartmentalization. To date, few notions regarding the bivalent role of F-actin on sperm chromatin organization and IZUMO1 positioning have been reported. In our work, we characterized subcellular organization of F-actin in human high- and low-quality spermatozoa (A- and B-SPZ), respectively, showing that F-actin over-expression in sperm head of B-SPZ affected IZUMO1 localization. A correct IZUMO1 repositioning following in vitro induction of F-actin depolymerization, by cytochalasin D treatment, occurred. Interestingly, F-actin depolymerization was also associated with a correct acrosome repositioning, thus to favor a proper acrosome reaction onset, with changes in sperm nuclear size parameters and histone acetylation rate reaching high-quality conditions. In conclusion, the current work shows a key role of F-actin in the control of IZUMO1 localization as well as chromatin remodeling and acetylation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Martinez
- Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Donato Cappetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce
| | - Marialucia Telesca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Konrad Urbanek
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via A. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via A. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Magali Dhellemmes
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Anne-Laure Barbotin
- CHU Lille, Institute de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Angèle Boursier
- CHU Lille, Institute de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Florian Guillou
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, 38000 Grenoble, France
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sophie Brouillet
- Université de Montpellier, EmbryoPluripotency, DEFE, INSERM 1203, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, CHRU Saint-Eloi, 80 Avenue Augustin Fliche, CEDEX 05, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Liberato Berrino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- ✉ Corresponding author: Prof. Rosanna Chianese, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy. Tel. Number: +39 081 5667528;
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
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6
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Manfrevola F, Potenza N, Chioccarelli T, Di Palo A, Siniscalchi C, Porreca V, Scialla A, Mele VG, Petito G, Russo A, Lanni A, Senese R, Ricci G, Pierantoni R, Chianese R, Cobellis G. Actin remodeling driven by circLIMA1: sperm cell as an intriguing cellular model. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5136-5153. [PMID: 35982890 PMCID: PMC9379403 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CircRNA cargo in spermatozoa (SPZ) participates in setting cell quality, in terms of morphology and motility. Cannabinoid receptor CB1 activity is correlated with a proper spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. Despite CB1 promotes endogenous skill to circularize mRNAs in SPZ, few notions are reported regarding the functional link between endocannabinoids and spermatic circRNA cargo. In CB1 knock-out male mice, we performed a complete dataset of spermatic circRNA content by microarray strategy. Differentially expressed (DE)-circRNAs, as a function of genotype, were identified. Within DE-circRNAs, we focused the attention on circLIMA1, as putative actin-cytoskeleton architecture regulator. The validation of circLIMA1 dependent-competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network (ceRNET) in in vitro cell line confirmed its activity in the regulation of the cytoskeletal actin. Interestingly, a dynamic actin regulation in SPZ nuclei was found during their epididymal maturation. In this scenario, we showed for the first time an intriguing sperm nuclear actin remodeling, regulated via a ceRNET-independent pathway, consisting in the nuclear shuttling of circLIMA1-QKI interactome and downstream in Gelsolin regulation. In particular, the increased levels of circLIMA1 in CB1 knock-out SPZ, associated with an inefficient depolymerization of nuclear actin, specifically illustrate how endocannabinoids, by regulating circRNA cargo, may contribute to sperm morpho-cellular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Armando Di Palo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Chiara Siniscalchi
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Scialla
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Petito
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonia Lanni
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosalba Senese
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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7
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Ricci G, Guillou F, Catizone A, Mele VG, Moggio M, Chioccarelli T, Diano N, Meccariello R, Pierantoni R, Fasano S, Cobellis G, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. KISS1R and ANKRD31 Cooperate to Enhance Leydig Cell Gene Expression via the Cytoskeletal-Nucleoskeletal Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:877270. [PMID: 35813201 PMCID: PMC9260857 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.877270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins are involved in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, Leydig cell functions, and testosterone secretion, acting as endogenous ligands of the KISS1 receptor. ANKRD31 protein participates in male fertility, regulating meiotic progression, and epididymal sperm maturation. Here, we show that in Leydig cells, KISS1 receptor and ANKRD31 proteins physically interact; the formation of this protein complex is enhanced by Kisspeptin-10 that also modulates F-actin synthesis, favoring histone acetylation in chromatin and gene expression via the cytoskeletal–nucleoskeletal pathway. Kp/KISS1R system deregulation, expression impairment of cytoskeletal–nucleoskeletal mediators, Leydig gene targets, and the decreased testosterone secretion in Ankrd31−/− testis strongly supported our hypothesis. Furthermore, cytochalasin D treatment subverted the gene expression induction dependent on Kisspeptin-10 action. In conclusion, the current work highlights a novel role for the Kisspeptin-10 in the induction of the cytoskeletal–nucleoskeletal route, downstream a physical interaction between KISS1 receptor and ANKRD31, with gene expression activation as final effect, in Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ricci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Florian Guillou
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Angela Catizone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Anatomiche, Istologiche, Medico Legali e dell’Apparato Locomotore, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Moggio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Diano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Rosanna Chianese,
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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8
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Cuomo F, Dell'Aversana C, Chioccarelli T, Porreca V, Manfrevola F, Papulino C, Carafa V, Benedetti R, Altucci L, Cobellis G, Cobellis G. HIF3A Inhibition Triggers Browning of White Adipocytes via Metabolic Rewiring. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:740203. [PMID: 35096807 PMCID: PMC8790297 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.740203] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of energy balance between intake and expenditure is a prerequisite of human health, disrupted in severe metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), mainly due to accumulation of white adipose tissue (WAT). WAT undergoes a morphological and energetic remodelling toward brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the BAT activation has anti-obesity potential. The mechanisms or the regulatory factors able to activate BAT thermogenesis have been only partially deciphered. Identifying novel regulators of BAT induction is a question of great importance for fighting obesity and T2D. Here, we evaluated the role of Hif3α in murine pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 cell line, a versatile and well characterized biological model of adipogenesis, by gain- and loss-of function approaches and in thermogenesis-induced model in vivo. HIF3A is regulated by inflammation, it modulates lypolysis in adipose tissue of obese adults, but its role in energy metabolism has not previously been investigated. We characterized gene and protein expression patterns of adipogenesis and metabolic activity in vitro and mechanistically in vivo. Overexpression of Hif3α in differentiating adipocytes increases white fat cells, whereas silencing of Hif3α promotes “browning” of white cells, activating thermogenesis through upregulation of Ucp1, Elovl3, Prdm16, Dio2 and Ppargc1a genes. Investigating cell metabolism, Seahorse Real-Time Cell Metabolism Analysis showed that silencing of Hif3α resulted in a significant increase of mitochondrial uncoupling with a concomitant increase in acetyl-CoA metabolism and Sirt1 and Sirt3 expression. The causal Hif3α/Ucp1 inverse relation has been validated in Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) knockout, a thermogenesis-induced model in vivo. Our data indicate that Hif3α inhibition triggers “browning” of white adipocytes activating the beneficial thermogenesis rewiring energy metabolism in vitro and in vivo. HIF3A is a novel player that controls the energy metabolism with potential applications in developing therapy to fight metabolic disorders, as obesity, T2D and ultimately cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cuomo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmela Dell'Aversana
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy.,Institute Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS)-National Research Council (CNR), Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Chiara Papulino
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Carafa
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy.,Biogem Institute of Molecular and Genetic Biology, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
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9
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Chioccarelli T, Falco G, Cappetta D, De Angelis A, Roberto L, Addeo M, Ragusa M, Barbagallo D, Berrino L, Purrello M, Ambrosino C, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. FUS driven circCNOT6L biogenesis in mouse and human spermatozoa supports zygote development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:50. [PMID: 34936029 PMCID: PMC8739325 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) biogenesis requires a backsplicing reaction, promoted by inverted repeats in cis-flanking sequences and trans factors, such as RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Among these, FUS plays a key role. During spermatogenesis and sperm maturation along the epididymis such a molecular mechanism has been poorly explored. With this in mind, we chose circCNOT6L as a study case and wild-type (WT) as well as cannabinoid receptor type-1 knock-out (Cb1−/−) male mice as animal models to analyze backsplicing mechanisms. Our results suggest that spermatozoa (SPZ) have an endogenous skill to circularize mRNAs, choosing FUS as modulator of backsplicing and under CB1 stimulation. A physical interaction between FUS and CNOT6L as well as a cooperation among FUS, RNA Polymerase II (RNApol2) and Quaking (QKI) take place in SPZ. Finally, to gain insight into FUS involvement in circCNOT6L biogenesis, FUS expression was reduced through RNA interference approach. Paternal transmission of FUS and CNOT6L to oocytes during fertilization was then assessed by using murine unfertilized oocytes (NF), one-cell zygotes (F) and murine oocytes undergoing parthenogenetic activation (PA) to exclude a maternal contribution. The role of circCNOT6L as an active regulator of zygote transition toward the 2-cell-like state was suggested using the Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC) system. Intriguingly, human SPZ exactly mirror murine SPZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Geppino Falco
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore, Biogem scarl, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Donato Cappetta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca Roberto
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore, Biogem scarl, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Martina Addeo
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Liberato Berrino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Michele Purrello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore, Biogem scarl, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Università del Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
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10
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Chioccarelli T, Pierantoni R, Manfrevola F, Porreca V, Fasano S, Chianese R, Cobellis G. Histone Post-Translational Modifications and CircRNAs in Mouse and Human Spermatozoa: Potential Epigenetic Marks to Assess Human Sperm Quality. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030640. [PMID: 32121034 PMCID: PMC7141194 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa (SPZ) are motile cells, characterized by a cargo of epigenetic information including histone post-translational modifications (histone PTMs) and non-coding RNAs. Specific histone PTMs are present in developing germ cells, with a key role in spermatogenic events such as self-renewal and commitment of spermatogonia (SPG), meiotic recombination, nuclear condensation in spermatids (SPT). Nuclear condensation is related to chromatin remodeling events and requires a massive histone-to-protamine exchange. After this event a small percentage of chromatin is condensed by histones and SPZ contain nucleoprotamines and a small fraction of nucleohistone chromatin carrying a landascape of histone PTMs. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a new class of non-coding RNAs, characterized by a nonlinear back-spliced junction, able to play as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, protein scaffolds and translation templates, have been recently characterized in both human and mouse SPZ. Since their abundance in eukaryote tissues, it is challenging to deepen their biological function, especially in the field of reproduction. Here we review the critical role of histone PTMs in male germ cells and the profile of circRNAs in mouse and human SPZ. Furthermore, we discuss their suggested role as novel epigenetic biomarkers to assess sperm quality and improve artificial insemination procedure.
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11
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Chioccarelli T, Manfrevola F, Migliaccio M, Altucci L, Porreca V, Fasano S, Cobellis G. Fetal-Perinatal Exposure to Bisphenol-A Affects Quality of Spermatozoa in Adulthood Mouse. Int J Endocrinol 2020; 2020:2750501. [PMID: 32256569 PMCID: PMC7109585 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2750501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is considered an endocrine disruptor with estrogenic activity. It is described as an environment-polluting industrial chemical whose adverse effects on the male reproductive system depend on the period of exposure (i.e., fetal, prepubertal, or adult life). We exposed male mice to BPA during the fetal-perinatal period (from 10 days post coitum to 31 days post partum) and investigated the impact of this early-life exposure on gamete health in adulthood animals at 78 days of age. Both in control and BPA-exposed mice, viability and motility of spermatozoa, as well as sperm motility acquisition and chromatin condensation of spermatozoa, have been evaluated. Results reveal harmful effect of BPA on viability and motility of sperm cells as well as on chromatin condensation status during epididymal maturation of spermatozoa. In particular, BPA exposure interferes with biochemical mechanism useful to stabilize sperm chromatin condensation, as it interferes with oxidation of thiol groups associated to chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marina Migliaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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12
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Manfrevola F, Chioccarelli T, Cobellis G, Fasano S, Ferraro B, Sellitto C, Marella G, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. CircRNA Role and circRNA-Dependent Network (ceRNET) in Asthenozoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:395. [PMID: 32754116 PMCID: PMC7366322 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of circRNA in reproduction is under investigation. CircRNAs are expressed in human testis, spermatozoa (SPZ), and seminal plasma. Their involvement in embryo development has also been suggested. Asthenozoospermia, a common cause of male infertility, is characterized by reduced or absent sperm motility in fresh ejaculate. While abnormal mitochondrial function, altered sperm tail, and genomic causes have been deeply investigated, the epigenetic signature of asthenozoospermic derived SPZ still remains unexplored. CircRNAs may take part in the repertoire of differentially expressed molecules in infertile men. Considering this background, we carried out a circRNA microarray, identifying a total of 9,138 transcripts, 22% of them novel based and 83.5% with an exonic structure. Using KEGG analysis, we evaluated the circRNA contribution in pathways related to mitochondrial function and sperm motility. In order to discriminate circRNAs with a differential expression in SPZ with differential morphological parameters, we separated sperm cells by Percoll gradient and analyzed their differential circRNA payload. A bioinformatic approach was then utilized to build a circRNA/miRNA/mRNA network. With the aim to demonstrate a dynamic contribution of circRNAs to the sperm epigenetic signature, we verified their modulation as a consequence of an oral amino acid supplementation, efficacious in improving SPZ motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Ferraro
- UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise, Caserta, Italy
| | - Carolina Sellitto
- UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marella
- UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise, Caserta, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Rosanna Chianese
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13
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Errico S, Chioccarelli T, Moggio M, Diano N, Cobellis G. A New LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous and Quantitative Detection of Bisphenol-A and Steroids in Target Tissues: A Power Tool to Characterize the Interference of Bisphenol-A Exposure on Steroid Levels. Molecules 2019; 25:molecules25010048. [PMID: 31877782 PMCID: PMC6983012 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, may affect in situ steroidogenesis and alter steroids levels. The present work proposes a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to simultaneously quantify BPA, 17β-Estradiol and testosterone in two target tissues: testis and visceral fat mass. Analytes were isolated and lipophilic impurities removed by two serial steps: liquid-liquid and solid phase extraction. All compounds were separated in a single gradient run by Kinetex F5 column and detected via multiple reaction monitoring using a triple quadrupole with a TurboIon electrospray source in both negative and positive modes. The method is selective and very sensitive. In the investigated concentration range, the linearity of the detector response is verified in both tissues. The use of specific SPE cartridges for affinity chromatography purification allows obtaining high percentages of process efficiency (68.0-83.3% for testicular tissue; 63.7-70.7% for visceral fat mass). Good repeatability and reproducibility was observed. The validated method can be efficiently applied for direct biological monitoring in testis and visceral fat mass from mice exposed to BPA. The quantification of compounds in a single assay could be achieved without a loss of sensitivity.
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14
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Ragusa M, Barbagallo D, Chioccarelli T, Manfrevola F, Cobellis G, Di Pietro C, Brex D, Battaglia R, Fasano S, Ferraro B, Sellitto C, Ambrosino C, Roberto L, Purrello M, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. CircNAPEPLD is expressed in human and murine spermatozoa and physically interacts with oocyte miRNAs. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1237-1248. [PMID: 31135264 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1624469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have a critical role in the control of gene expression. Their function in spermatozoa (SPZ) is unknown to date. Twenty-eight genes, involved in SPZ/testicular and epididymal physiology, were given in circBase database to find which of them may generate circular transcripts. We focused on circNAPEPLDiso1, one of the circular RNA isoforms of NAPEPLD transcript, because expressed in human and murine SPZ. In order to functionally characterize circNAPEPLDiso1 as potential microRNA (miRNA) sponge, we performed circNAPEPLDiso1-miR-CATCH and then profiled the expression of 754 miRNAs, by using TaqMan® Low Density Arrays. Among them, miRNAs 146a-5p, 203a-3p, 302c-3p, 766-3p and 1260a (some of them previously shown to be expressed in the oocyte), resulted enriched in circNAPEPLDiso1-miR-CATCHed cell lysate: the network of interactions generated from their validated targets was centred on a core of genes involved in the control of cell cycle. Moreover, computational analysis of circNAPEPLDiso1 sequence also showed its potential translation in a short form of NAPEPLD protein. Interestingly, the expression analysis in murine-unfertilized oocytes revealed low and high levels of circNAPEPLDiso1 and circNAPEPLDiso2, respectively. After fertilization, circNAPEPLDiso1 expression significantly increased, instead circNAPEPLDiso2 expression appeared constant. Based on these data, we suggest that SPZ-derived circNAPEPLDiso1 physically interacts with miRNAs primarily involved in the control of cell cycle; we hypothesize that it may represent a paternal cytoplasmic contribution to the zygote and function as a miRNA decoy inside the fertilized oocytes to regulate the first stages of embryo development. This role is proposed here for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ragusa
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania , Catania , Italy.,b Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS , Troina , Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- c Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, sez "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Napoli , Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- c Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, sez "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Napoli , Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- c Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, sez "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Napoli , Italy
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Duilia Brex
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- c Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, sez "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Napoli , Italy
| | - Bruno Ferraro
- d UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise , Caserta , Italy
| | - Carolina Sellitto
- d UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise , Caserta , Italy
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- e Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Università del Sannio , Benevento , Italy
| | - Luca Roberto
- f IRGS, Biogem , Ariano Irpino, Avellino , Italy
| | - Michele Purrello
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- c Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, sez "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Napoli , Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- c Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, sez "F. Bottazzi", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Napoli , Italy
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15
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Chioccarelli T, Manfrevola F, Ferraro B, Sellitto C, Cobellis G, Migliaccio M, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. Expression Patterns of Circular RNAs in High Quality and Poor Quality Human Spermatozoa. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:435. [PMID: 31338066 PMCID: PMC6626923 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are expressed in human testis and seminal plasma. Until today, there is missing information about a possible payload of circRNAs in human spermatozoa (SPZ). With this in mind, we carried out a circRNA microarray identifying a total of 10.726 transcripts, 28% novel based and 84.6% with exonic structure; their potential contribution in molecular pathways was evaluated by KEGG analysis. Whether circRNAs may be related to SPZ quality was speculated evaluating two different populations of SPZ (A SPZ = good quality, B SPZ = low quality), separated on the basis of morphology and motility parameters, by Percoll gradient. Thus, 148 differentially expressed (DE)-circRNAs were identified and the expression of selected specific SPZ-derived circRNAs was evaluated in SPZ head/tail-enriched preparations, to check the preservation of these molecules during SPZ maturation and their transfer into oocyte during fertilization. Lastly, circRNA/miRNA/mRNA network was built by bioinformatics approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Ferraro
- UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise, Caserta, Italy
| | - Carolina Sellitto
- UOSD di Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione, Presidio Ospedaliero di Marcianise, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Migliaccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Pierantoni
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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16
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Migliaccio M, Ricci G, Suglia A, Manfrevola F, Mackie K, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chioccarelli T, Cobellis G. Analysis of Endocannabinoid System in Rat Testis During the First Spermatogenetic Wave. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:269. [PMID: 29896156 PMCID: PMC5986923 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are lipid mediators, enzymatically synthesized and hydrolyzed, that bind cannabinoid receptors. Together with their receptors and metabolic enzymes, they form the "endocannabinoid system" (ECS). Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the main endocannabinoids studied in testis. In this study, using the first wave of spermatogenesis as an in vivo model to verify the progressive appearance of germ cells in seminiferous tubules [i.e., spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids], we analyzed the expression of the main enzymes and receptors of ECS in rat testis. In particular, the expression profile of the main enzymes metabolizing AEA and 2-AG as well as the expression of cannabinoid receptors, such as CB1 and CB2, and specific markers of mitotic, meiotic, and post-meiotic germ cell appearance or activities have been analyzed by RT-PCR and appropriately correlated. Our aim was to envisage a relationship between expression of ECS components and temporal profile of germ cell appearance or activity as well as among ECS components. Results show that expression of ECS components is related to germ cell progression. In particular, CB2 and 2-AG appear to be related to mitotic/meiotic stages, while CB1 and AEA appear to be related to spermatogonia stem cells activity and spermatids appearance, respectively. Our data also suggest that a functional interaction among ECS components occurs in the testis. Indeed, in vitro-incubated testis show that AEA-CB2 activity affects negatively monoacylglycerol-lipase levels via upregulation of CB1 suggesting a CB1/CB2-mediated relationship between AEA and 2-AG. Finally, we provide the first evidence that CB1 is present in fetal gonocytes, during mitotic arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Migliaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratorio di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Suglia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gilda Cobellis,
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Migliaccio M, Chioccarelli T, Ambrosino C, Suglia A, Manfrevola F, Carnevali O, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Characterization of Follicular Atresia Responsive to BPA in Zebrafish by Morphometric Analysis of Follicular Stage Progression. Int J Endocrinol 2018; 2018:4298195. [PMID: 30675159 PMCID: PMC6323489 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4298195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A is an industrial chemical compound, pervasively polluting the environment and diet, classified as an endocrine disruptor because of its interference effects on the endocrine system. In zebrafish, BPA exposure induces follicular atresia. To acquire knowledge on this atretic effect, using a qualitative and quantitative histomorphological approach, we studied zebrafish ovarian follicular stage development in response to low BPA concentrations. Results show that BPA interferes with follicular progression by affecting the previtellogenic and vitellogenic phases. In particular, BPA exposure (i) increases follicular recruitment by acting on primary stage follicles, (ii) forces the follicular transition from stage III to stage IV producing enlarged stage IV follicles, and (iii) induces atresia by producing atretic follicles that are peculiarly enlarged (i.e., big atretic follicles). We suggest that BPA induces atresia by the primary effect on recruitment of stage I follicles. This forces follicular progression and produces stage IV follicles that are peculiarly enlarged that undertake the atretic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Migliaccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - T. Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - C. Ambrosino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Università del Sannio, Via Port'Arsa 11, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - A. Suglia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - F. Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - O. Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - S. Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - R. Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - G. Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Chianese R, Cobellis G, Chioccarelli T, Ciaramella V, Migliaccio M, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Kisspeptins, Estrogens and Male Fertility. Curr Med Chem 2017; 23:4070-4091. [PMID: 27593959 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160902155434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The control of male fertility requires accurate endocrine, paracrine and autocrine communications along the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis. In this respect, the possible interplay between upcoming/classical modulators of reproductive functions deserves attention in that may be a successful tool for the future exploitation of new potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of fertility disorders. METHODS In this review we will discuss upcoming data concerning the role of kisspeptins, the products of the Kiss1 gene, and estrogens - classically considered as female hormones - as well as their possible interplay in testis. RESULTS Kisspeptins, via the activation of kisspeptin receptor Gpr54 represent the main gatekeeper of the hypothalamic Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) centrally modulating the onset and maintaining reproductive functions. As a consequence, the loss of kisspeptin signalling causes hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in humans and animal models. In spite of the well recognized functions at hypothalamic levels, recent data strongly support direct production and activity of kisspeptin in testis and its involvement in the control of Leydig cells, germ cells progression and sperm functions. Similarly, estrogens exhibit high impact on proliferative/apoptotic/differentiative events in testis, thus resulting as local key modulators for the production - but also for the release, transport and maturation - of high quality spermatozoa. CONCLUSION This review summarizes the upcoming data from experimental models and humans concerning the testicular activity of kisspeptins and estrogens to preserve male fertility. Mutual enhancement of kisspeptin and estradiol signalling for the progression of spermatogenesis has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy
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Suglia A, Chianese R, Migliaccio M, Ambrosino C, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Chioccarelli T. Bisphenol A induces hypothalamic down-regulation of the the cannabinoid receptor 1 and anorexigenic effects in male mice. Pharmacol Res 2016; 113:376-383. [PMID: 27641926 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A is an environment-polluting industrial chemical able to interfere with the endocrine system. An obesogenic effect in perinatally exposed rodents has been described as estrogenic activity. We exposed male mice to Bisphenol A during fetal-perinatal period (from 10 days post coitum to 31 days post partum) and investigated the effects of this early-life exposure at 78 days of age. Body weight, food intake, fat mass, and hypothalamic signals related to anorexigenic control of food intake were analyzed. Results show that Bisphenol A exposure reduced body weight and food intake. In addition, the exposure decreased epididymal fat mass and adiposity, acting negatively on adipocyte volume. At hypothalamic level, Bisphenol A exposure reduced the expression of the cannabinoid receptor 1 and induced gene expression of cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript-1. This observation suggests that Bisphenol A induces activation of anorexigenic signals via down-regulation of the hypothalamic cannabinoid receptor 1 with negative impact on food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Suglia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marina Migliaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- Department of Science and Technology University of Sannio, Via Port'Arsa 11, 82100, Benevento, Italy; IRGS, Biogem, Via Camporeale, 83031, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
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Ciaramella V, Meccariello R, Chioccarelli T, Sirleto M, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. Anandamide acts via kisspeptin in the regulation of testicular activity of the frog, Pelophylax esculentus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 420:75-84. [PMID: 26586207 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the frog Pelophylax esculentus, the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) modulates Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) system in vitro and down-regulates steroidogenic enzymes in vivo. Thus, male frogs were injected with AEA ± SR141716A, a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist, to evaluate possible effects on GnRH and Kiss1/Gpr54 systems, gonadotropin receptors and steroid levels. In frog diencephalons, AEA negatively affected both GnRH and Kiss1/Gpr54 systems. In testis, AEA induced the expression of gonadotropin receptors, cb1, gnrh2 and gnrhr3 meanwhile reducing gnrhr2 mRNA and Kiss1/Gpr54 proteins. Furthermore, aromatase (Cyp19) expression increased in parallel to testosterone decrease and estradiol increase. In vitro treatment of testis with AEA revealed direct effects on Cyp19 and induced the expression of the AEA-degrading enzyme Faah. Lastly, AEA effects on Faah were counteracted by the antiestrogen ICI182780, indicating estradiol mediated effect. In conclusion, for the first time we show in a vertebrate that AEA regulates testicular activity through kisspeptin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Monica Sirleto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
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Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S, Pierantoni R. Effects of Neuroendocrine CB1 Activity on Adult Leydig Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:47. [PMID: 27375550 PMCID: PMC4891325 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids control male reproduction acting at central and local level via cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid receptor CB1 has been characterized in the testis, in somatic and germ cells of mammalian and non-mammalian animal models, and its activity related to Leydig cell differentiation, steroidogenesis, spermiogenesis, sperm quality, and maturation. In this short review, we provide a summary of the insights concerning neuroendocrine CB1 activity in male reproduction focusing on adult Leydig cell ontogenesis and steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Pierantoni,
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Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Intra-testicular signals regulate germ cell progression and production of qualitatively mature spermatozoa in vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:69. [PMID: 24847312 PMCID: PMC4021137 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, a highly conserved process in vertebrates, is mainly under the hypothalamic-pituitary control, being regulated by the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, in response to stimulation exerted by gonadotropin releasing hormone from hypothalamic neurons. At testicular level, gonadotropins bind specific receptors located on the somatic cells regulating the production of steroids and factors necessary to ensure a correct spermatogenesis. Indeed, besides the endocrine route, a complex network of cell-to-cell communications regulates germ cell progression, and a combination of endocrine and intra-gonadal signals sustains the production of high quality mature spermatozoa. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the area of the intra-gonadal signals supporting sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Pierantoni, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, Naples 80138, Italy e-mail:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Altucci L, Viggiano A, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Nuclear size as estrogen-responsive chromatin quality parameter of mouse spermatozoa. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 193:201-9. [PMID: 23973938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we have investigated the endocannabinoid involvement in chromatin remodeling events occurring in male spermatids. Indeed, we have demonstrated that genetic inactivation of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (Cnr1) negatively influences chromatin remodeling mechanisms, by reducing histone displacement and indices of sperm chromatin quality (chromatin condensation and DNA integrity). Conversely, Cnr1 knock-out (Cnr1(-/-)) male mice, treated with estrogens, replaced histones and rescued chromatin condensation as well as DNA integrity. In the present study, by exploiting Cnr1(+/+), Cnr(+/-) and Cnr1(-/-) epididymal sperm samples, we show that histone retention directly correlates with low values of sperm chromatin quality indices determining sperm nuclear size elongation. Moreover, we demonstrate that estrogens, by promoting histone displacement and chromatin condensation rescue, are able to efficiently reduce the greater nuclear length observed in Cnr1(-/-) sperm. As a consequence of our results, we suggest that nucleus length may be used as a morphological parameter useful to screen out spermatozoa with low chromatin quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cacciola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Altucci L, Ledent C, Mason JI, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Low 17beta-estradiol levels in CNR1 knock-out mice affect spermatid chromatin remodeling by interfering with chromatin reorganization. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:152. [PMID: 23677985 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.105726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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
The type 1-cannabinoid receptor, CNR1, regulates differentiation of spermatids. Indeed, we have recently reported that the genetic inactivation of Cnr1 in mice influenced chromatin remodeling of spermatids, by reducing histone displacement and then sperm chromatin quality indices (chromatin condensation and DNA integrity). Herein, we have studied, at both central and testicular levels, the molecular signals potentially involved in histone displacement. In particular, investigation of the neuroendocrine axis involved in estrogen production demonstrated down-regulation of the axis supporting FSH/estrogen secretion in Cnr1-knockout male mice. Conversely, Cnr1-knockout male mice treated with 17beta-estradiol showed a weak increase of pituitary Fsh-beta subunit mRNA levels and a rescue of sperm chromatin quality indices demonstrating that estrogens, possibly in combination with FSH secretion, play an important role in regulating chromatin remodeling of spermatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cacciola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Estrogens and spermiogenesis: new insights from type 1 cannabinoid receptor knockout mice. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:501350. [PMID: 24324492 PMCID: PMC3845505 DOI: 10.1155/2013/501350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex mechanism which allows the production of male gametes; it consists of mitotic, meiotic, and differentiation phases. Spermiogenesis is the terminal differentiation process during which haploid round spermatids undergo several biochemical and morphological changes, including extensive remodelling of chromatin and nuclear shape. Spermiogenesis is under control of endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors, like gonadotropins and testosterone. More recently, emerging pieces of evidence are suggesting that, among these factors, estrogens may have a role. To date, this is a matter of debate and concern because of the agonistic and antagonistic estrogenic effects that environmental chemicals may have on animal and human with damaging outcome on fertility. In this review, we summarize data which fuel this debate, with a particular attention to our recent results, obtained using type 1 cannabinoid receptor knockout male mice as animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cacciola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- *Riccardo Pierantoni:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Cacciola G, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R, Cobellis G. The contribution of lower vertebrate animal models in human reproduction research. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 171:17-27. [PMID: 21192939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Revised: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Many advances have been carried out on the estrogens, GnRH and endocannabinoid system that have impact in the reproductive field. Indeed, estrogens, the generally accepted female hormones, have performed an unsuspected role in male sexual functions thanks to studies on non-mammalian vertebrates. Similarly, these animal models have provided important contributions to the identification of several GnRH ligand and receptor variants and their possible involvement in sexual behavior and gonadal function regulation. Moreover, the use of non-mammalian animal models has contributed to a better comprehension about the endocannabinoid system action in several mammalian reproductive events. We wish to highlight here how non-mammalian vertebrate animal model research contributes to advancements with implications on human health as well as providing a phylogenetic perspective on the evolution of reproductive systems in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Chioccarelli T, Cacciola G, Altucci L, Lewis SEM, Simon L, Ricci G, Ledent C, Meccariello R, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Cannabinoid receptor 1 influences chromatin remodeling in mouse spermatids by affecting content of transition protein 2 mRNA and histone displacement. Endocrinology 2010; 151:5017-29. [PMID: 20810562 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Marijuana smokers and animals treated with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal component of marijuana, show alterations of sperm morphology suggesting a role for cannabinoids in sperm differentiation and/or maturation. Because the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) activation appears to play a pivotal role in spermiogenesis, the developmental stage where DNA is remodeled, we hypothesized that CNR1 receptors might also influence chromatin quality in sperm. We used Cnr1 null mutant (Cnr1-/-) mice to study the possible role of endocannabinoids on sperm chromatin during spermiogenesis. We demonstrated that CNR1 activation regulated chromatin remodeling of spermatids by either increasing Tnp2 levels or enhancing histone displacement. Comparative analysis of wild-type, Cnr1+/-, and Cnr1-/- animals suggested the possible occurrence of haploinsufficiency for Tnp2 turnover control by CNR1, whereas histone displacement was disrupted to a lesser extent. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the genetic loss of Cnr1 decreased sperm chromatin quality and was associated with sperm DNA fragmentation. This damage increased during epididymal transit, from caput to cauda. Collectively, our results show that the expression/activity of CNR1 controls the physiological alterations of DNA packaging during spermiogenesis and epididymal transit. Given the deleterious effects of sperm DNA damage on male fertility, we suggest that the reproductive function of marijuana users may also be impaired by deregulation of the endogenous endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Cobellis G, Ricci G, Cacciola G, Orlando P, Petrosino S, Cascio MG, Bisogno T, De Petrocellis L, Chioccarelli T, Altucci L, Fasano S, Meccariello R, Pierantoni R, Ledent C, Di Marzo V. A Gradient of 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Regulates Mouse Epididymal Sperm Cell Start-Up1. Biol Reprod 2010; 82:451-8. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.079210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Cacciola G, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S. Testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone activity, progression of spermatogenesis, and sperm transport in vertebrates. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1163:279-91. [PMID: 19456349 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03617.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Since the end of the 1970s, studies have shown that, besides the endocrine route, a chemical mediator may also act through autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms. This has opened new frontiers for research as a result of a redefinition of what endocrinology represents. Apart from androgens within the male gonad, testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone, estrogens, molecular chaperones, proto-oncogenes, and, very recently, the endocannabinoid system have been shown to play important roles. Their activities to regulate spermatogenesis, including spermiogenesis and sperm maturation, will be discussed from the comparative viewpoint to describe adaptive phenomena and to speculate on evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy.
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Fasano S, Meccariello R, Cobellis G, Chianese R, Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Pierantoni R. The Endocannabinoid System: An Ancient Signaling Involved in the Control of Male Fertility. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1163:112-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04437.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Acone G, Trabucco E, Colacurci N, Cobellis L, Mackie K, Meccariello R, Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Low Type I Cannabinoid Receptor Levels Characterize Placental Villous in Labouring Delivery. Placenta 2009; 30:203-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Revised: 09/28/2008] [Accepted: 11/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Cacciola G, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S. CB1 activity in male reproduction: mammalian and nonmammalian animal models. Vitam Horm 2009; 81:367-87. [PMID: 19647119 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(09)81014-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The importance of the endocannabinoid system (ECBS) and its involvement in several physiological processes is still increasing. Since the isolation of the main active compound of Cannabis sativa, Delta(9)-THC, several lines of research have evidenced the basic roles of this signaling system mainly considering its high conservation during evolution. In this chapter the attention is focussed on the involvement of the ECBS in the control of male reproductive aspects at both central and local levels which are both considered from a comparative point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli, Napoli, Italy
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Mackie K, Meccariello R, Ledent C, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Expression of Type-1 Cannabinoid Receptor During Rat Postnatal Testicular Development: Possible Involvement in Adult Leydig Cell Differentiation1. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:758-65. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.070128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Ricci G, Meccariello R, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. The endocannabinoid system in vertebrate male reproduction: a comparative overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 286:S24-30. [PMID: 18342433 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2007] [Revised: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/11/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Prevailing studies emphasize on endocannabinoid activity in brain. However, sporadic evidences hint that endocannabinoid system controls male reproduction ranging from invertebrates to vertebrates. Although N-arachidonoylethanolamine is described in rat testis, its activity is still poorly known. Type-1 cannabinoid receptor and fatty acid amide hydrolase are particularly expressed in elongating spermatids and spermatozoa suggesting that endocannabinoids affect spermiogenesis and sperm physiology. Aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of the information available in vertebrates on male germ cell progression and sperm maturation mediated by the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cacciola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. "F. Bottazzi", II Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Cobellis G, Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Izzo G, Meccariello R, Pierantoni R, Fasano S. Estrogen regulation of the male reproductive tract in the frog, Rana esculenta: a role in Fra-1 activation in peritubular myoid cells and in sperm release. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2008; 155:838-46. [PMID: 18061183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2007.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Revised: 09/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous and environmental estrogens have been proved to affect male reproduction in vertebrates. Both positive and negative effects in the regulation of the reproductive tract have been described. Since it is well known that amphibians represent a useful model to study several aspects concerning reproductive activity, we have taken advantage of the frog, Rana esculenta, to study the involvement of estrogens in sperm release. We show here that pituitary hormones increased the number of peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) expressing Fra-1 and induced testicular morphological changes related to sperm release. The estrogen antagonist ICI182-780 counteracted the hypophysis driven effects. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that 17beta-Estradiol acted directly on the testis to switch-on Fra-1 in PMCs. Furthermore, impairment of estrogen activity significantly reduced sperm release mainly affecting the detachment of spermatozoa from Sertoli cells (spermiation). Therefore, estrogens can be considered a new entry in the list of substances involved in spermiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- II Università di Napoli, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Via Costrantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italia
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