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Furukawa H, Mito S, Nishio J, Sato N, Ando Y, Tominaga A, Toyama F, Nakauchi Y, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Identification and characterization of sperm motility-initiating substance-2 gene in internally fertilizing Cynops species. Dev Growth Differ 2023; 65:144-152. [PMID: 36856665 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS) is an oviductal protein critical for internal fertilization in urodeles. It contributes to the establishment of various reproductive modes in amphibians and is thus a unique research model for the gene evolution of gamete-recognizing ligands that have diversified among animal species. In this study, a paralogous SMIS gene, smis2, was identified via the RNA sequencing of the oviduct of the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. The base sequence of the smis2 gene was homologous (˃90%) to that of the original smis gene (smis1), and deduced amino acid sequences of both genes conserved six cysteine residues essential for the cysteine knot motif. Furthermore, smis2 complementary DNA was identified in the oviduct of Cynops ensicauda, and the base substitution patterns also suggested that the smis gene was duplicated in the Salamandridae. Nonsynonymous/synonymous substitution ratios of smis1 and smis2 genes were 0.79 and 2.6, respectively, suggesting that smis2 gene evolution was independently driven by positive selection. Amino acid substitutions were concentrated in the cysteine knot motif of SMIS2. The smis2 gene was expressed in some organs in addition to the oviduct; in contrast, SMIS1 was only expressed in the oviduct. The SMIS2 protein was suggested to be produced and secreted at least in the oviduct and redundantly act in sperm. These results suggest that smis1 plays the original role in the oviduct, whereas smis2 may undergo neofunctionalization, which rarely occurs in gene evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Furukawa
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Shinya Mito
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Jun Nishio
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Nozomi Sato
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ando
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Fubito Toyama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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2
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Sato T, Arimura T, Murata K, Kawamura M, Obama W, Suzuki M, Nakauchi Y, Tominaga A, Morita M, Hiraoka K, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Differences of Extracellular Cues and Ca 2+ Permeable Channels in the Signaling Pathways for Inducing Amphibian Sperm Motility. Zoolog Sci 2021; 38:343-351. [PMID: 34342955 DOI: 10.2108/zs200159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Low osmolality of freshwater and/or sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS) induce amphibian sperm motility through increases in intracellular Ca2+. In the internally fertilizing newt Cynops pyrrhogaster, the sperm motility-initiating substance engages T type voltage-dependent Ca2 + channels and N-methyl D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors to initiate sperm motility and L type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels to enhance motility. In the present study, differences in the usages of SMIS and Ca2+ permeable channels for sperm motility regulation were examined in amphibians that undergo different reproductive modes. Proteins of 14-17 kDa were detected by antibody against the active site peptide of SMIS in the oviduct secretion of internal fertilizers (C. pyrrhogaster, Cynops ensicauda, and Ambystoma mexicanum) and arboreal fertilizers (Rhacophorus arboreus and Rhacophorus schlegelii), but not in Buergeria japonica, an external fertilizer in freshwater. In the pharmacological study, a blocker of some transient receptor potential channels (RN1734) additionally suppressed enhancement of sperm motility in C. pyrrhogaster. In R. schlegelii, blockers of four types of channels differently suppressed sperm motility induced by low osmolality with or without the active site peptide of SMIS. Notably, blockers of L type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (nifedipine) and N-methyl D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors (MK801) suppressed sperm motility in the presence and the absence of the peptide, respectively. Low osmolality-induced sperm motility was suppressed by RN1734 and MK801 in B. japonica, but not in Xenopus laevis. These results reveal complex differences in the signaling pathways for inducing sperm motility that may be partly related to reproductive modes in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Sato
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Takeshi Arimura
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Kenji Murata
- Center for Health & the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis CA 95616, USA
| | - Maako Kawamura
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Wataru Obama
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Megumu Suzuki
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tominaga
- Faculty of Education, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Masaya Morita
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Sesoko, Motobu, Okinawa 905-0227, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hiraoka
- Expo Memorial Tsukuba Advanced Technology Center, Fujikin Incorporated, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0841, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan,
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Makino N, Sato N, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Localization of sperm intracellular Ca2+ keeps fertilizability in the newt vas deferens. Reproduction 2020; 159:339-349. [PMID: 31940274 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sperm intracellular Ca2+ is crucial for the induction of sperm-egg interaction, but little is known about the significance of Ca2+ maintenance prior to induction. In sperm of the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster, intracellular Ca2+ is localized to the midpiece during storage in the vas deferens, while extracellular Ca2+ is influxed in modified Steinberg's salt solution to promote a spontaneous acrosome reaction related to the decline of sperm quality. In the present study, sperm from the vas deferens were loaded with the Ca2+ indicator Fluo8H, and changes in Ca2+ localization in modified Steinberg's salt solution were examined. Calcium ions expanded from the cytoplasmic area of the midpiece to the entire tail in most sperm during a 1-h incubation and localized to the principal piece in some sperm within 24 h. Similar changes in Ca2+ localization were observed in reconstructed vas deferens solution that included ions and pH at equivalent levels to those in the vas deferens fluid. Sperm with Ca2+ localization in the entire tail or the principal piece weakened or lost responsiveness to sperm motility-initiating substances, which trigger sperm motility for fertilization, but responded to a trigger for acrosome reaction. The change in Ca2+ localization was delayed and transiently reversed by ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid or a mixture of Ca2+ channel blockers including Ni2+ and diltiazem. These results suggest that C. pyrrhogaster sperm localize intracellular Ca2+ to the midpiece through Ca2+ transport in the vas deferens to allow for responses to sperm motility-initiating substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanae Makino
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Nozomi Sato
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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Endo D, Kon S, Sato T, Toyama F, Katsura Y, Nakauchi Y, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. NMDA-type glutamate receptors mediate the acrosome reaction and motility initiation in newt sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1106-1115. [PMID: 31215127 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23225] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The N-methyl d-aspartate type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) is a ligand-gated cation channel that causes Ca2+ influx in nerve cells. An NMDAR agonist is effective to the sperm motility in fowls, although the actual role of NMDAR in sperm function is unknown. In the present study, RNA-seq of the spermatogenic testes suggested the presence of NMDAR in the sperm of the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Glutamate of at least 0.7 ± 0.5 mM was detected in the egg-jelly substances along with acrosome reaction-inducing substance (ARIS) and sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS). In the egg-jelly extract (JE) that included the ARIS and SMIS, the acrosome reaction was inhibited by a NMDAR antagonists, memantine and MK801. MK801 also inhibited the spontaneous acrosome reaction in Steinberg's salt solution (ST). Furthermore, memantine and MK801 suppressed the progressive motility of the sperm in JE and spontaneous waving of the undulating membrane, which is the tail structure giving thrust for forward motility, in ST. The spontaneous waving of the undulating membrane was promoted when Mg2+ , which blocks Ca2+ influx through gated NMDARs, was removed from the ST. In addition, the ARIS-induced acrosome reaction was inhibited by a selective antagonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4, whose activation might result in the membrane depolarization to release Mg2+ from the NMDAR. These results suggest that NMDAR acts together with other cation channels in the induction of the acrosome reaction and motility of the sperm during the fertilization process of C. pyrrhogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Endo
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Kon
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tae Sato
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Fubito Toyama
- Department of Fundamental Engineering, School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Japan
| | - Yohei Katsura
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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Kon S, Takaku A, Toyama F, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Acrosome reaction-inducing substance triggers two different pathways of sperm intracellular signaling in newt fertilization. Int J Dev Biol 2019; 63:589-595. [PMID: 32149368 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.190092aw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The acrosome reaction is induced in the sperm of Cynops pyrrhogaster immediately in response to a ligand protein called acrosome reaction-inducing substance (ARIS) in the egg jelly at fertilization, whereas a spontaneous acrosome reaction occurs time-dependently in correlation with the decline of sperm quality for fertilization. The ARIS-induced acrosome reaction was recently found to be mediated by TRPV4 in association with the NMDA type glutamate receptor, although the intracellular mediators for the acrosome reaction are largely unclear. In the present study, spontaneous acrosome reaction was significantly inhibited by Ni2+, RN1734, and diltiazem, which blocks Cav3.2, TRPV4 or TRPM8, and the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel, respectively. In contrast, expression of Ca2+-activated transmembrane and soluble adenylyl cyclases was detected in the sperm of C. pyrrhogaster by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Activator of transmembrane or soluble adenylyl cyclases (forskolin or HCO 3-) independently promoted spontaneous acrosome reaction, while an inhibitor of each enzyme (MD12330A or KH7) inhibited it only in the sperm with high potential for spontaneous acrosome reaction. An inhibitor of protein kinase A (H89) inhibited spontaneous acrosome reaction in a manner independent of sperm potential for spontaneous acrosome reaction. Surprisingly, KH7 significantly inhibited ARIS-induced acrosome reaction, but its effect was seen in a small percentage of sperm. H89 had no effect on ARIS-induced acrosome reaction. These results suggest that C. pyrrhogaster sperm possess multiple intracellular pathways for acrosome reaction, involving Ca2+ permeable channels, adenylyl cyclases and PKA, and that two pathways having distinct dependencies on adenylyl cyclases may contribute to ARIS-induced acrosome reaction at fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Kon
- Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
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Kon S, Sato T, Endo D, Takahashi T, Takaku A, Nakauchi Y, Toyama F, Meyer-Rochow VB, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Sperm storage influences the potential for spontaneous acrosome reaction of the sperm in the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1314-1322. [PMID: 29235206 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sperm storage is supposed to influence sperm quality, although the details remain unclear. In the present study, we found that sperm stored in a sperm storage site, the vas deferens of Cynops pyrrhogaster, spontaneously undergo acrosome reaction following incubation in Steinberg's salt solution (ST). Percentages of acrosome-reacted sperm increased time-dependently to about 60% in 24 hr. The concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was elevated after incubating sperm in ST, while dibutylyl cAMP induced an acrosome reaction. Chelating of extracellular Ca2+ suppressed the dibutylyl cAMP-induced acrosome reaction as well as spontaneous acrosome reaction in ST. These results suggest that cAMP elevation driven by Ca2+ influx can be a cue for spontaneous acrosome reaction. Relatively low Ca2+ concentration and pH in the vas deferens were sufficient to suppress spontaneous acrosome reaction within 1 hr. In addition, the cysteine rich secretory protein 2 gene was expressed in the vas deferens, indicating that it may be involved in the continuous suppression of spontaneous acrosome reaction. Sperm that underwent spontaneous acrosome reaction in ST was significantly increased when stored in the vas deferens for longer periods, or by males experiencing temperatures in excess of 12°C during hibernation conditions. Percentages of the spontaneously acrosome-reacted sperm were found to differ among males even though they were of identical genetic background. Taken together, C. pyrrhogaster sperm possess the potential for spontaneous acrosome reaction that does not become obvious in the vas deferens, unless promoted in correlation with sperm storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Kon
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tae Sato
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Daisuke Endo
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tomoe Takahashi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Akio Takaku
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Fubito Toyama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Victor B Meyer-Rochow
- Department of Biology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Research Institute of Luminous Organisms, Hachijojima, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
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Sato T, Yokoe M, Endo D, Morita M, Toyama F, Kawamura Y, Nakauchi Y, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Sperm motility initiating substance may be insufficient to induce forward motility of Cynops ensicauda
sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:686-692. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tae Sato
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
| | - Misato Yokoe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
| | - Daisuke Endo
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
| | - Masaya Morita
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center; University of the Ryukyus; Okinawa Japan
| | - Fubito Toyama
- Graduate School of Engineering; Utsunomiya University; Utsunomiya Tochigi Japan
| | - Yuuki Kawamura
- Medical Education Center; Saitama Medical University; Moroyama Saitama Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Biological Division; Yamagata University; Yamagata Japan
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Yokoe M, Takayama-Watanabe E, Saito Y, Kutsuzawa M, Fujita K, Ochi H, Nakauchi Y, Watanabe A. A Novel Cysteine Knot Protein for Enhancing Sperm Motility That Might Facilitate the Evolution of Internal Fertilization in Amphibians. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160445. [PMID: 27579691 PMCID: PMC5007030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal fertilization ensures successful reproduction of tetrapod vertebrates on land, although how this mode of reproduction evolved is unknown. Here, we identified a novel gene encoding sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS), a key protein for the internal fertilization of the urodele Cynops pyrrhogaster by Edman degradation of an isolated protein and subsequent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The SMIS gene encoded a 150 amino-acid sequence including the cysteine knot (CK) motif. No gene with substantial similarity to the SMIS was in the data bank of any model organisms. An active site of the SMIS was in the C-terminal region of the 2nd loop of CK motif. A synthetic peptide including the active site sequence bound to the midpiece and initiated/enhanced the circular motion of C. pyrrhogaster sperm, which allows penetration of the egg jelly specialized for the internal fertilization of this species. The synthetic peptide bound to whole sperm of Rhacophorus arboreus and enhanced the rotary motion, which is adapted to propel the sperm through egg coat matrix specialized for arboreal reproduction, while it bound to the tip of head and tail of Bufo japonicus sperm, and enhanced the vibratory motion, which is suited to sperm penetration through the egg jelly specialized for the reproduction of that species in freshwater. The polyclonal antibody against the active site of the SMIS specifically bound to egg coat matrix of R. arboreus. These findings suggest that diversification of amphibian reproductive modes accompanies the specialization of egg coat and the adaptation of sperm motility to penetrate the specialized egg coat, and SMIS acts as the sperm motility enhancer of anurans and urodeles that might facilitate to adaptively optimize sperm motility for allowing the establishment of internal fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misato Yokoe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Yoko Saito
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Megumi Kutsuzawa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Kosuke Fujita
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Haruki Ochi
- School of Medicine, Yamagata University, Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
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Yokoe M, Sano M, Shibata H, Shibata D, Takayama-Watanabe E, Inaba K, Watanabe A. Sperm proteases that may be involved in the initiation of sperm motility in the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:15210-24. [PMID: 25170808 PMCID: PMC4200841 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A protease of sperm in the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster that is released after the acrosome reaction (AR) is proposed to lyse the sheet structure on the outer surface of egg jelly and release sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS). Here, we found that protease activity in the sperm head was potent to widely digest substrates beneath the sperm. The protease activity measured by fluorescein thiocarbamoyl-casein digestion was detected in the supernatant of the sperm after the AR and the activity was inhibited by 4-(2-aminoethyl) benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF), an inhibitor for serine or cysteine protease, suggesting the release of serine and/or cysteine proteases by AR. In an in silico analysis of the testes, acrosins and 20S proteasome were identified as possible candidates of the acrosomal proteases. We also detected another AEBSF-sensitive protease activity on the sperm surface. Fluorescence staining with AlexaFluor 488-labeled AEBSF revealed a cysteine protease in the principal piece; it is localized in the joint region between the axial rod and undulating membrane, which includes an axoneme and produces powerful undulation of the membrane for forward sperm motility. These results indicate that AEBSF-sensitive proteases in the acrosome and principal piece may participate in the initiation of sperm motility on the surface of egg jelly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misato Yokoe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan.
| | - Makoto Sano
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan.
| | - Honami Shibata
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Shibata
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 5-10-1 Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0025, Japan.
| | - Eriko Takayama-Watanabe
- Institute of Arts and Sciences, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan.
| | - Kazuo Inaba
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 5-10-1 Shimoda, Shizuoka 415-0025, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan.
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Watanabe A, Takayama-Watanabe E. In silico identification of the genes for sperm-egg interaction in the internal fertilization of the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Int J Dev Biol 2014; 58:873-9. [DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.140193aw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Takahashi T, Kutsuzawa M, Shiba K, Takayama-Watanabe E, Inaba K, Watanabe A. Distinct Ca2+channels maintain a high motility state of the sperm that may be needed for penetration of egg jelly of the newt,Cynops pyrrhogaster. Dev Growth Differ 2013; 55:657-67. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoe Takahashi
- Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Yamagata University; 1-4-12 Kojirakawa; Yamagata; 990-8560; Japan
| | - Megumi Kutsuzawa
- Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Yamagata University; 1-4-12 Kojirakawa; Yamagata; 990-8560; Japan
| | - Kogiku Shiba
- Shimoda Marine Research Center; University of Tsukuba; 5-10-1 Shimoda; Shizuoka; 415-0025; Japan
| | - Eriko Takayama-Watanabe
- Institute of Arts and Sciences; Yamagata University; 1-4-12 Kojirakawa; Yamagata; 990-8560; Japan
| | - Kazuo Inaba
- Shimoda Marine Research Center; University of Tsukuba; 5-10-1 Shimoda; Shizuoka; 415-0025; Japan
| | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Yamagata University; 1-4-12 Kojirakawa; Yamagata; 990-8560; Japan
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Watanabe A, Takayama-Watanabe E, Vines CA, Cherr GN. Sperm motility-initiating substance in newt egg-jelly induces differential initiation of sperm motility based on sperm intracellular calcium levels. Dev Growth Differ 2011; 53:9-17. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2010.01216.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Watanabe T, Kubo H, Takeshima S, Nakagawa M, Ohta M, Kamimura S, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A, Onitake K. Identification of the sperm motility-initiating substance in the newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, and its possible relationship with the acrosome reaction during internal fertilization. Int J Dev Biol 2010; 54:591-7. [DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.092894tw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Iwasaki Y, Ohkawa K, Sadakata H, Kashiwadate A, Takayama-Watanabe E, Onitake K, Watanabe A. Two states of active spermatogenesis switch between reproductive and non-reproductive seasons in the testes of the medaka, Oryzias latipes. Dev Growth Differ 2009; 51:521-32. [PMID: 21314670 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2009.01114.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal change in spermatogenesis was examined in the restricted spermatogonium-type testes of a teleost, Oryzias latipes. Histological observation revealed that the number of each stage of germ cells during most of the non-reproductive season, from October to January (O-J period) was nearly half of that during the reproductive season, from May to July (M-J period), except for type B spermatogonia (B-gonia), which was actually equal. As a result, the ratio of primary spermatocytes (P-cytes) to B-gonia was remarkably small in the O-J period. Despite the differences between both time periods, the proliferative activity of type A spermatogonia (A-gonia), B-gonia, or P-cytes was at a similar level in both periods. Moreover, in cultured testes treated with bromodeoxyuridine as a cell-lineage tracer, P-cytes differentiated to spermatids in 11-15 days in both M-J and O-J periods. These indicate that spermatogenesis is active in each period at a different state. In the spermatogenic testis, A-gonial proliferation was maintained by human follicle stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone in culture. Whereas cell death of B-gonia and/or P-cytes gradually increased in the M-J period in spite of those cells being constant in population sizes. In transition to the O-J period, A-gonia and P-cytes first decreased, which was accompanied by a decrease in proliferative activity of A-gonia and relative increase of dead cells from B-gonia and/or P-cytes against live P-cytes. These suggest that A-gonial proliferation and cell death of B-gonia and/or P-cytes that is induced coordinately with B-gonial differentiation are critical for the spermatogenic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Iwasaki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560, Japan
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Watanabe A, Fukutomi K, Kubo H, Ohta M, Takayama-Watanabe E, Onitake K. Identification of egg-jelly substances triggering sperm acrosome reaction in the newt,Cynops pyrrhogaster. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:399-406. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Hiyoshi W, Sasaki T, Takayama-Watanabe E, Takai H, Watanabe A, Onitake K. Egg jelly of the newt,Cynops pyrrhogaster contains a factor essential for sperm binding to the vitelline envelope. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 307:301-11. [PMID: 17366620 DOI: 10.1002/jez.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The acrosome reaction of newt sperm is induced at the surface of egg jelly and the acrosome-reacted sperm acquire the ability to bind to the vitelline envelope. However, because the substance that induces the acrosome reaction has not been identified, the mechanism by which the acrosome-reacted sperm bind to the vitelline envelope remains unclear. We found here that a Dolichos biforus agglutinin (DBA) specifically mimicked the acrosome reaction immediately upon its addition in the presence of milimolar level Ca(2+). Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled DBA bound specifically to the acrosomal cap of the intact sperm in the presence of a Ca(2+)-chelating agent, EDTA, suggesting that binding of DBA to the native receptor for the egg jelly substance on the acrosomal region took the place of the egg jelly substance-induced acrosome reaction. In contrast, the sperm that had been acrosome reacted by DBA treatment did not bind to the vitelline envelope of the egg whose jelly layers were removed. Subsequent addition of jelly extract caused the sperm binding to vitelline envelope, indicating that the egg jelly of the newt contains substances that are involved in not only inducing the acrosome reaction but also binding to the vitelline envelope. This is the first demonstration of the involvement of egg jelly substance in the binding of acrosome-reacted sperm to the vitelline envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Hiyoshi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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Sasaki T, Watanabe A, Takayama-Watanabe E, Suzuki M, Abe H, Onitake K. Ordered progress of spermiogenesis to the fertilizable sperm of the medaka fish, Oryzias latipes, in cell culture. Dev Growth Differ 2005; 47:87-97. [PMID: 15771628 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2005.00785.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is significant for producing sperm with equipment for achieving fertilization. Although multiple events occur in a particular order during spermiogenesis, it is unclear how the timing of those events is controlled. In the present study, we found that primary spermatocytes obtained from the spermatogenic testes of Oryzias latipes synchronously differentiated into sperm without contact with somatic cells in culture. Because those sperm can fertilize with mature eggs (Saiki et al., 1997), any events of spermiogenesis that are essential for achieving fertilization are completed in the in vitro spermiogenesis. In the in vitro spermiogenesis, the protamine gene expression was observed in the early period and mitochondrion localization was established in the same period. Those results suggest that both nuclear remodeling and organelle replacement begin in the early period of spermiogenesis. The cytoplasmic lobe was formed after the mitochondrion localization had been established. In most spermatids differentiated in cell culture, a flagellum began to elongate during the early period and continued to elongate up to 3 days. These results revealed the timings of the spermiogenetic events under the intrinsic control of the cultured spermatids toward the formation of fertilizable sperm in O. latipes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Sasaki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, 1-4-12 Kojirakawa, Yamagata 990-8560 Japan
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