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Miguel-Jiménez S, Borao S, Portolés-Bayod V, Casao A, Pérez-Pe R. In vitro approach points to a chemotactic effect of melatonin on ram spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2023; 198:36-46. [PMID: 36542876 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sperm orientation mechanisms, such as chemotaxis, are essential for the sperm to reach the oocyte and fertilize it. Melatonin is secreted by the cumulus cells and is also present in the follicular fluid in mammals. The presence of membrane receptors for melatonin in ram spermatozoa, and its proven involvement in the sperm functionality, may suggest a possible role in the guided movement towards the oocyte. Hence, the objective of the present work is to study the in vitro potential chemotactic action of melatonin on ram spermatozoa, analysing the influence of the season (breeding and non-breeding) and the sperm capacitation state. The first experimental approach consisted in the inclusion of melatonin in the upper layer of a swim-up selection method. During the non-breeding season, the presence of melatonin at 100 pM and 1 μM concentrations significantly increased the cell recovery rate, and induced changes in the sperm location of the MT2 melatonin receptor, compared with the standard swim-up. Moreover, the selected sperm population with 100 pM melatonin presented a higher percentage of capacitated spermatozoa. The greater recovery rate obtained with melatonin could be due to the stimulation of sperm movement in random directions, i.e., a chemokinetic effect, or due to a guided movement (chemotaxis) towards the gradient of the melatonin. To elucidate this issue, together with the study of the influence of the sperm capacitation status, we performed a second experimental approach which consisted in the use of chemotaxis chambers and an open-source software (Open-CASA) that analyses the sperm trajectories towards the hormone gradient and calculates a chemotaxis index (SL index). There was a significant difference between the SL index in the presence of 1 μM melatonin and the control without hormone. This effect was only observed in capacitated spermatozoa with cAMP-elevating agents (Cap-CK samples) obtained during the non-breeding season. These results would point to an in vitro chemotactic effect of melatonin on ram spermatozoa, although chemokinesis cannot be ruled out. Nonetheless, the inclusion of this hormone in the swim-up procedure could enhance the sperm recovery rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Miguel-Jiménez
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular - Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sonia Borao
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular - Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Virginia Portolés-Bayod
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular - Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Adriana Casao
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular - Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosaura Pérez-Pe
- Grupo BIOFITER-Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular - Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.
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Panchal D, Bhagwat S, Parte P. N-Formyl-L-aspartate mediates chemotaxis in sperm via the beta-2-adrenergic receptor. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:959094. [PMID: 36211455 PMCID: PMC9538769 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.959094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotaxis is a highly conserved physiological event required for directed sperm movement during fertilization. Recently, studies from our laboratory have identified N-formyl-L-aspartate (NFA) as a sperm chemoattractant. NFA is a known agonist for the beta-2-adrenergic receptor (β-2-AR) that regulates cAMP production and Ca2+ mobilization in somatic cells. As these downstream signaling molecules are also reported to be involved in sperm chemotaxis, in the present study we investigated the putative mechanism/s by which NFA may mediate chemotaxis. Toward this, the expression and localization of β-2-AR in sperm were studied by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The responses of sperm to various concentration gradients of NFA and ICI-118,551, a β-2-AR specific antagonist, were evaluated using the microfluidics device-based chemotaxis assay. The intracellular concentration of Ca2+, on exposure to NFA, was analyzed using FURA-2 AM-based fluorimetric assay. Furthermore, the effect of NFA on sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction was evaluated using Western blot and immunofluorescence. NFA exhibited a bell-shaped dose-response curve typical of chemotaxis, with maximum response observed at 0.01M NFA, beyond which it was inhibitory; β-2-AR localization was seen on the sperm head and the mid-piece region of the flagella. Inhibition of sperm chemotaxis by ICI-118,551 confirms that sperm respond chemotactically to NFA via β-2-AR. Interestingly, at the concentration used for chemotaxis, NFA induced an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ but decreased cAMP in capacitating sperm. However, NFA per se did not induce capacitation as seen from the lack of effect on tyrosine phosphorylation and membrane potential of uncapacitated sperm. Acrosome evaluation of NFA-treated sperm using PSA-FITC staining showed no effect on the acrosome structure. Our data thus provide evidence indicating that NFA induces sperm chemotaxis and the chemotactic response of sperm to NFA from the ovulatory phase of oviductal fluid is mediated through the β-2-AR on sperm possibly via non-canonical signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durva Panchal
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shweta Bhagwat
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Priyanka Parte
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- *Correspondence: Priyanka Parte,
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Tiwary E, Hu M, Prasain JK. Sperm-Guiding Unconventional Prostaglandins in C. elegans: Synthesis and Signaling. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11120853. [PMID: 34940611 PMCID: PMC8705762 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandins comprise a family of lipid signaling molecules derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids and are involved in a wide array of biological processes, including fertilization. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (a.k.a. cyclooxygenase or Cox) initiates prostaglandin synthesis from 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid. Oocytes of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) have been shown to secrete sperm-guidance cues prostaglandins, independent of Cox enzymes. Both prostaglandin synthesis and signal transduction in C. elegans are environmentally modulated pathways that regulate sperm guidance to the fertilization site. Environmental factors such as food triggers insulin and TGF-β secretion and their levels regulate tissue-specific prostaglandin synthesis in C. elegans. This novel PG pathway is abundant in mouse and human ovarian follicular fluid, where their functions, mechanism of synthesis and pathways remain to be established. Given the importance of prostaglandins in reproductive processes, a better understanding of how diets and other environmental factors influence their synthesis and function may lead to new strategies towards improving fertility in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Tiwary
- Department of Medicines, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA;
| | - Muhan Hu
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA;
| | - Jeevan K. Prasain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(205)-996-2612
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Bhagwat S, Sontakke S, Desai S, Panchal D, Jadhav S, Parte P. N-formyl-l-aspartate: A novel sperm chemoattractant identified in ovulatory phase oviductal fluid using a microfluidic chip. Andrology 2021; 9:1214-1226. [PMID: 33599114 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotaxis, as a mechanism for sperm guidance although known, has been difficult to demonstrate in vitro. Consequently, very few chemoattractants have been identified till date. OBJECTIVES To investigate sperm motility behavior in response to ovulatory (OV) and preovulatory (preOV) oviductal fluid (OF) and identify potential chemotactic metabolites. MATERIALS AND METHODS Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+ ]I ) influx in capacitating sperm was determined by spectrofluorimetry. The chemotactic response of rat caudal sperm to OF from the preOV- and OV- phases of normally cycling female rats was assessed in a microfluidic device developed by us. Hydrophilic metabolites extracted from the OF of both the phases were resolved and identified by LC-MS/MS, followed by data analysis using XCMS and MetaboAnalyst software, and chemotactic potential of the most promising compound was validated using the microfluidic device. RESULTS Spectrofluorimetric analysis depicts a significant increase in sperm [Ca2+ ]I in response to OV-OF. With the microfluidic chemotaxis assay, sperm population shows a significantly increased directionality and velocity to an ascending gradient of 0.06 µg/µl OV-OF compared to preOV-OF. LC-MS/MS of the OFs demonstrates five and four metabolites to be exclusive to the OV-OF and preOV-OF, respectively, and 25 metabolites common to both, of which 14 metabolites, including N-formyl-l-aspartate (NFA), are increased in OV-OF; NFA was tested for its ability to influence sperm movement, and shows chemotaxis potential. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION(S) This is the first study that has systematically demonstrated sperm chemotaxis with OV phase rat OF, identified NFA present in this fluid as a novel chemoattractant to sperm, and proven the utility of the device to test putative chemoattractants. It remains to be seen whether NFA is present in the follicular fluid (FF) of infertile women, and whether it may likely be a reason for the failure of natural conception in idiopathic infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Bhagwat
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Shraddha Sontakke
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Sneha Desai
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Durva Panchal
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Sameer Jadhav
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Priyanka Parte
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai, India
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Giojalas LC, Guidobaldi HA. Getting to and away from the egg, an interplay between several sperm transport mechanisms and a complex oviduct physiology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110954. [PMID: 32738445 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the architecture and physiology of the oviduct are very complex, and one long-lasting intriguing question is how spermatozoa are transported from the sperm reservoir in the isthmus to the oocyte surface. In recent decades, several studies have improved knowledge of the factors affecting oviduct fluid movement and sperm transport. They report sperm-guiding mechanisms that move the spermatozoa towards (rheotaxis, thermotaxis, and chemotaxis) or away from the egg surface (chemorepulsion), but only a few provide evidence of their occurrence in vivo. This gives rise to several questions: how and when do the sperm transport mechanisms operate inside such an active oviduct? why are there so many sperm guidance processes? is one dominant over the others, or do they cooperate to optimise the success of fertilisation? Assuming that sperm guidance evolved alongside oviduct physiology, in this review we propose a theoretical model that integrates oviduct complexity in space and time with the sperm-orienting mechanisms. In addition, since all of the sperm-guidance processes recruit spermatozoa in a better physiological condition than those not selected, they could potentially be incorporated into assisted reproductive technology (ART) to improve fertility treatment and/or to develop innovative contraceptive methods. All these issues are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cecilia Giojalas
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular (FCEFyN- UNC), and Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET - UNC), Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Héctor Alejandro Guidobaldi
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular (FCEFyN- UNC), and Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET - UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
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6
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Chiu YL, Shikina S, Yoshioka Y, Shinzato C, Chang CF. De novo transcriptome assembly from the gonads of a scleractinian coral, Euphyllia ancora: molecular mechanisms underlying scleractinian gametogenesis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:732. [PMID: 33087060 PMCID: PMC7579821 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07113-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual reproduction of scleractinians has captured the attention of researchers and the general public for decades. Although extensive ecological data has been acquired, underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, to better understand mechanisms underlying gametogenesis, we isolated ovaries and testes at different developmental phases from a gonochoric coral, Euphyllia ancora, and adopted a transcriptomic approach to reveal sex- and phase-specific gene expression profiles. In particular, we explored genes associated with oocyte development and maturation, spermiogenesis, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization. RESULTS 1.6 billion raw reads were obtained from 24 gonadal samples. De novo assembly of trimmed reads, and elimination of contigs derived from symbiotic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) and other organisms yielded a reference E. ancora gonadal transcriptome of 35,802 contigs. Analysis of 4 developmental phases identified 2023 genes that were differentially expressed during oogenesis and 678 during spermatogenesis. In premature/mature ovaries, 631 genes were specifically upregulated, with 538 in mature testes. Upregulated genes included those involved in gametogenesis, gamete maturation, sperm motility / capacitation, and fertilization in other metazoans, including humans. Meanwhile, a large number of genes without homology to sequences in the SWISS-PROT database were also observed among upregulated genes in premature / mature ovaries and mature testes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that scleractinian gametogenesis shares many molecular characteristics with that of other metazoans, but it also possesses unique characteristics developed during cnidarian and/or scleractinian evolution. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to create a gonadal transcriptome assembly from any scleractinian. This study and associated datasets provide a foundation for future studies regarding gametogenesis and differences between male and female colonies from molecular and cellular perspectives. Furthermore, our transcriptome assembly will be a useful reference for future development of sex-specific and/or stage-specific germ cell markers that can be used in coral aquaculture and ecological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Chiu
- Doctoral Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.,Doctoral Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shinya Shikina
- Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan. .,Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Rd, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Yuki Yoshioka
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan.
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Rd, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan. .,Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan.
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7
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Stromal cell-derived factor 1 regulates in vitro sperm migration towards the cumulus-oocyte complex in cattle. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232536. [PMID: 32353075 PMCID: PMC7192438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm migration towards an oocyte in the female reproductive tract is an important step for successful fertilization. Although several sperm-chemotactic factors have been identified in mammals, it is unclear whether these chemoattractants contribute to sperm migration towards an oocyte that is the final destination for sperm. Furthermore, chemoattractants for bovine sperm are still undiscovered even though the follicular fluid attracts sperm in cattle. Here, we demonstrated that a single bovine cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) had the ability to attract sperm, suggesting that the COC secreted sperm chemoattractants. We identified stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1), which was expressed in COCs, and its receptor CXCR4 in sperm, as a candidate. Our results showed that bovine sperm preferentially migrated to the area with a high SDF1 concentration and occasionally showed turn movements by asymmetric flagellar bends during the migration. We also demonstrated that increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration via Ca2+ channels was related to SDF1-induced sperm chemotaxis. Finally, a CXCR4 inhibitor significantly suppressed the in vitro bovine sperm migration towards a COC. Taken together, we propose that SDF1 is a chemotactic factor for bovine sperm to regulate their migration towards an oocyte via the CXCR4 receptor.
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8
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Zhang Y, Chiu YL, Chen CJ, Ho YY, Shinzato C, Shikina S, Chang CF. Discovery of a receptor guanylate cyclase expressed in the sperm flagella of stony corals. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14652. [PMID: 31601940 PMCID: PMC6787079 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51224-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor guanylate cyclases (rGCs) in animals serve as sensitive chemoreceptors to detect both chemical and environmental cues. In reproduction, rGCs were shown to be expressed on sperm and serve as receptors for egg-derived sperm-activating and sperm-attracting factors in some echinoderms and mammals. However, sperm-associated rGCs have only been identified in some deuterostomes thus far, and it remains unclear how widely rGCs are utilized in metazoan reproduction. To address this issue, this study investigated the existence and expression of rGCs, particularly asking if rGCs are involved in the reproduction of a basal metazoan, phylum Cnidaria, using the stony coral Euphyllia ancora. Six paralogous rGCs were identified from a transcriptome database of E. ancora, and one of the rGCs, GC-A, was shown to be specifically expressed in the testis. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that E. ancora GC-A protein was expressed in the spermatocytes and spermatids and eventually congregated on the sperm flagella during spermatogenesis. These findings suggest that GC-A may be involved in the regulation of sperm activity and/or functions (e.g., fertilization) in corals. This study is the first to perform molecular characterization of rGCs in cnidarians and provides evidence for the possible involvement of rGCs in the reproduction of basal metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chiu
- Doctoral Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.,Doctoral Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Jhen Chen
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ying Ho
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan
| | - Shinya Shikina
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan. .,Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Fong Chang
- Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan. .,Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, 20224, Taiwan.
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9
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Yu H, Hackenbroch L, Meyer FRL, Reiser J, Razzazi-Fazeli E, Nöbauer K, Besenfelder U, Vogl C, Brem G, Mayrhofer C. Identification of Rabbit Oviductal Fluid Proteins Involved in Pre-Fertilization Processes by Quantitative Proteomics. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800319. [PMID: 30637940 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Oviductal fluid (ODF) proteins modulate and support reproductive processes in the oviduct. In the present study, proteins involved in the biological events that precede fertilization have been identified in the rabbit ODF proteome, isolated from the ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct at different time points within 8 h after intrauterine insemination. A workflow is used that integrates lectin affinity capture with stable-isotope dimethyl labeling prior to nanoLC-MS/MS analysis. In total, over 400 ODF proteins, including 214 lectin enriched glycoproteins, are identified and quantified. Selected data are validated by Western blot analysis. Spatiotemporal alterations in the abundance of ODF proteins in response to insemination are detected by global analysis. A subset of 63 potentially biologically relevant ODF proteins is identified, including extracellular matrix components, chaperones, oxidoreductases, and immunity proteins. Functional enrichment analysis reveals an altered peptidase regulator activity upon insemination. In addition to protein identification and abundance changes, N-glycopeptide analysis further identifies 281 glycosites on 199 proteins. Taken together, these results show, for the first time, the evolving oviductal milieu early upon insemination. The identified proteins are likely those that modulate in vitro processes, including spermatozoa function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lena Hackenbroch
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian R L Meyer
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Reiser
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, 85764, Munich, Germany
| | - Ebrahim Razzazi-Fazeli
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Nöbauer
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Urban Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 3250, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Vogl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gottfried Brem
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Corina Mayrhofer
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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10
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Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Sugrue E, Martínez-Fresneda L, Newport D, Fair S. Hyperactivated stallion spermatozoa fail to exhibit a rheotaxis-like behaviour, unlike other species. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16897. [PMID: 30442996 PMCID: PMC6237856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The journey of spermatozoa through the female genital tract is facilitated by rheotaxis, or the cell's preference to swim against a flow, as well as thigmotaxis, the wall tracking behaviour, which guides them to the site of fertilisation. The aim of this study was to characterise the rheotactic and thigmotactic response of stallion sperm within a microfluidic channel. Stallion sperm rheotaxis was assessed within the microfluidic channel with regard to: (i) A range of flow velocities, (ii) Varying media viscosity and (iii) Sperm hyperactivation. Sperm distribution across the microfluidic channel was also studied and compared to human and ram sperm. Stallion sperm progressed furthest at a velocity range of 10-30 µm/s, with an optimum velocity of 20 µm/s. A flow viscosity of 2.5cP or greater reduced sperm rheotaxis (P < 0.05). Stallion sperm that were hyperactivated were unable to exhibit rheotaxis within the microfluidic channel, whereas, both hyperactivated human and ram sperm did exhibit positive rheotaxis under the same conditions. The number of sperm swimming near the microfluidic channel walls was higher than in the microfluidic channel centre (P < 0.05). This is the first study to illustrate that stallion sperm are rheotactically responsive and increasing viscosity reduces this response. We also demonstrated that sperm are predominantly inclined to swim along a surface and uniquely, hyperactivated stallion sperm are non-progressive and do not exhibit a rheotactic response unlike other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Romero-Aguirregomezcorta
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Emer Sugrue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Lucía Martínez-Fresneda
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - David Newport
- Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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11
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Wang C, Sun G, Wang Y, Kong N, Chi Y, Yang L, Xin Q, Teng Z, Wang X, Wen Y, Li Y, Xia G. Bacterial magnetic particles improve testes-mediated transgene efficiency in mice. Drug Deliv 2017; 24:651-659. [PMID: 28283003 PMCID: PMC8241085 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2017.1293195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nano-scaled materials have been proved to be ideal DNA carriers for transgene. Bacterial magnetic particles (BMPs) help to reduce the toxicity of polyethylenimine (PEI), an efficient gene-transferring agent, and assist tissue transgene ex vivo. Here, the effectiveness of the BMP-PEI complex-conjugated foreign DNAs (BPDs) in promoting testes-mediated gene transfer (TMGT) in mouse was compared with that of liposome-conjugated foreign DNAs. The results proved that through testes injection, the clusters of BPDs successfully reached the cytoplasm and the nuclear of spermatogenesis cell, and expressed in testes of transgene founder mice. Additionally, the ratio of founder mice obtained from BPDs (88%) is about 3 times higher than the control (25%) (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the motility of sperms recovered from epididymis of the founder mice from BPD group were significantly improved, as compared with the control (p < 0.01). Based on classic breeding, the ratio of transgene mice within the first filial was significantly higher in BPDs compared with the control (73.8% versus 11.6%, p < 0.05). TMGT in this study did not produce visible histological changes in the testis. In conclusion, nano-scaled BPDs could be an alternative strategy for efficiently producing transgene mice in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- a State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Guanghong Sun
- a State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Ye Wang
- a State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Nana Kong
- a State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Yafei Chi
- b School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Leilei Yang
- b School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China.,c Department of Pathology , Eye Hospital of Hebei Province , Hebei , China , and
| | - Qiliang Xin
- a State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Zhen Teng
- a State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Xu Wang
- a State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Yujun Wen
- d Ningxia Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Diseases, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , China
| | - Ying Li
- a State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- a State Key Laboratories for Agrobiotechnology and College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University , Beijing , China
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12
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Kong N, Xu X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Hao X, Zhao Y, Qiao J, Xia G, Zhang M. Natriuretic peptide type C induces sperm attraction for fertilization in mouse. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39711. [PMID: 28054671 PMCID: PMC5214687 DOI: 10.1038/srep39711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa undergo selective movement along the isthmus of the oviduct to the ampulla during ovulation, which is a prerequisite for fertilization. The factor(s) that involves in selective spermatozoa movement is still unknown. In this study, we found that the oviductal epithelium in mouse ampulla expressed high levels of natriuretic peptide type C (NPPC) in the presence of ovulated oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs). Spermatozoa expressed NPPC receptor natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2, a guanylyl cyclase) on the midpiece of flagellum. NPPC increased intracellular levels of cGMP and Ca2+ of spermatozoa, and induced sperm accumulation in the capillary by attraction. Importantly, spermatozoa from Npr2 mutant mice were not attracted by NPPC, preventing fertilization in vivo. Oocyte-derived paracrine factors promoted the expression of Nppc mRNA in the ampulla. Therefore, NPPC secreted by oviductal ampulla attracts spermatozoa towards oocytes, which is essential for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Kong
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoting Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yakun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Hao
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guoliang Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Meijia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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13
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Li S, Winuthayanon W. Oviduct: roles in fertilization and early embryo development. J Endocrinol 2017; 232:R1-R26. [PMID: 27875265 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Animal oviducts and human Fallopian tubes are a part of the female reproductive tract that hosts fertilization and pre-implantation development of the embryo. With an increasing understanding of roles of the oviduct at the cellular and molecular levels, current research signifies the importance of the oviduct on naturally conceived fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development. This review highlights the physiological conditions within the oviduct during fertilization, environmental regulation, oviductal fluid composition and its role in protecting embryos and supplying nutrients. Finally, the review compares different aspects of naturally occurring fertilization and assisted reproductive technology (ART)-achieved fertilization and embryo development, giving insight into potential areas for improvement in this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- School of Molecular BiosciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- School of Molecular BiosciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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14
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Abstract
Fertilization, the union of an oocyte and a sperm, is a fundamental process that restores the diploid genome and initiates embryonic development. For the sperm, fertilization is the end of a long journey, one that starts in the male testis before transitioning to the female reproductive tract's convoluted tubule architecture. Historically, motile sperm were thought to complete this journey using luck and numbers. A different picture of sperm has emerged recently as cells that integrate complex sensory information for navigation. Chemical, physical, and thermal cues have been proposed to help guide sperm to the waiting oocyte. Molecular mechanisms are being delineated in animal models and humans, revealing common features, as well as important differences. Exposure to pheromones and nutritional signals can modulate guidance mechanisms, indirectly impacting sperm motility performance and fertility. These studies highlight the importance of sensory information and signal transduction in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieu D Hoang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Michael A Miller
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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15
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Qiao J, Zhao H, Zhang Y, Peng H, Chen Q, Zhang H, Zheng X, Jin Y, Ni H, Duan E, Guo Y. GPR39 is region-specifically expressed in mouse oviduct correlating with the Zn 2+ distribution. Theriogenology 2016; 88:98-105. [PMID: 27865419 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) plays a role in cellular and physiological processes, including insulin secretion, cell death inhibition, wound healing, and obesity. Increasing evidence suggests that GPR39 is potently stimulated by zinc ions (Zn2+) and is therefore considered a putative Zn2+ receptor. Given the importance of Zn2+ in the reproductive system, we proposed that GPR39 might have a functional role in the reproductive system. However, the localization of GPR39 in the reproductive system remains unknown. Here, we used mice expressing a Gpr39 promoter-driven LacZ reporter system to detect Gpr39 expression in the reproductive system at different phases of the estrous cycle and found an interesting region-specific distribution of Gpr39 in the mouse oviduct epithelium, with strong expression at the ampulla and weak expression at the isthmus, which was consistent with the results using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. Moreover, using ZnSeAMG staining, we found that Zn2+, the putative ligand of GPR39, also found a distribution similar to GPR39 expression, suggesting that their potential interaction mediates fertilization and embryo transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqiao Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Huashan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - He Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xueying Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hemin Ni
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Enkui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yong Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
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16
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Perez-Cerezales S, Boryshpolets S, Eisenbach M. Behavioral mechanisms of mammalian sperm guidance. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:628-32. [PMID: 25999361 PMCID: PMC4492055 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.154308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sperm guidance in the oviduct appears essential for successful sperm arrival at the oocyte. Hitherto, three different potential sperm guidance mechanisms have been recognized: thermotaxis, rheotaxis, and chemotaxis, each of them using specific stimuli – a temperature gradient, fluid flow, and a chemoattractant gradient, respectively. Here, we review sperm behavioral in these mechanisms and indicate commonalities and differences between them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Eisenbach
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
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17
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Osteopontin is expressed in the oviduct and promotes fertilization and preimplantation embryo development of mouse. ZYGOTE 2014; 23:622-30. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199414000483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
SummaryOsteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional phosphoprotein that is detected in various tissues, including male and female reproductive tracts. In this study, we evaluated OPN expression in mouse oviducts during the estrus cycle, and at days 1–5 of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The mice oocytes, sperm and embryos were treated with different concentrations of anti-OPN antibody in vitro to detect the function of OPN in fertilization and preimplantation embryo development. OPN mRNA and protein expression in mouse oviducts were cyclic dependent throughout the estrous cycle, which was highest at estrous and lowest at diestrous. Such a phenomenon was consistent with the change in estrogen level in mice. The expression levels of OPN in mice oviduct of normal pregnancy and pseudopregnancy were significantly different, which indicated that OPN expression in mouse oviducts was depend on estrogen and preimplantation embryo. Furthermore, anti-OPN antibody treatment could reduce the rates of fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst formation in vitro in a dose-dependent way. Overall, our results indicated that the expression of OPN in mouse oviducts during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy is likely regulated by estrogen and the embryo, and OPN may play a vital role in oocyte fertilization and preimplantation embryo development.
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18
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Exploiting genomic data to identify proteins involved in abalone reproduction. J Proteomics 2014; 108:337-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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19
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Hiradate Y, Inoue H, Kobayashi N, Shirakata Y, Suzuki Y, Gotoh A, Roh SG, Uchida T, Katoh K, Yoshida M, Sato E, Tanemura K. Neurotensin enhances sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction in mice. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:53. [PMID: 25031361 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.112789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT) has multiple functions, ranging from acting as a neurotransmitter to regulating intestinal movement. However, its function in reproductive physiology is unknown. Here, we confirmed the expression and localization of NT receptors (NTR1) in mouse epididymal spermatozoa and investigated the effect of NT on sperm function. Sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation, one of the indices of sperm capacitation, was facilitated dose-dependently by NT administration. In addition, the acrosome reaction was promoted in capacitated spermatozoa, and addition of a selective antagonist of NTR1 and NTR2 blocked the induction. Furthermore, intracellular calcium mobilization by NT addition was observed. This showed that NT was an accelerator of sperm function via its functional receptors. The presence of NT was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and its localization was observed in epithelia of the uterus and oviduct isthmus and ampulla, which correspond to the fertilization route of spermatozoa. The NT mRNA level in ovulated cumulus cell was remarkably increased by treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Using an in vitro maturation model, we analyzed the effects of FSH, epidermal growth factor (EGF), estradiol, and progesterone in NT production in cumulus cells. We found that FSH and EGF upregulated NT release and mRNA expression. Both FSH- and EGF-induced upregulation were inhibited by U0126, an MAPK kinase inhibitor, indicating that FSH and EGF regulate NT expression via a MAPK-dependent pathway. This evidence suggests that NT can act as a promoter of sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction in the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Hiradate
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroki Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Shirakata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Aina Gotoh
- Laboratory of Enzymology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sang-Gun Roh
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takafumi Uchida
- Laboratory of Enzymology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazuo Katoh
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Eimei Sato
- National Livestock Breeding, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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20
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Coy P, García-Vázquez FA, Visconti PE, Avilés M. Roles of the oviduct in mammalian fertilization. Reproduction 2012; 144:649-60. [PMID: 23028122 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The oviduct or Fallopian tube is the anatomical region where every new life begins in mammalian species. After a long journey, the spermatozoa meet the oocyte in the specific site of the oviduct named ampulla and fertilization takes place. The successful fertilization depends on several biological processes that occur in the oviduct some hours before this rendezvous and affect both gametes. Estrogen and progesterone, released from the ovary, orchestrate a series of changes by genomic and nongenomic pathways in the oviductal epithelium affecting gene expression, proteome, and secretion of its cells into the fluid bathing the oviductal lumen. In addition, new regulatory molecules are being discovered playing important roles in oviductal physiology and fertilization. The present review tries to describe these processes, building a comprehensive map of the physiology of the oviduct, to better understand the importance of this organ in reproduction. With this purpose, gamete transport, sperm and oocyte changes in the oviductal environment, and other interactions between gametes and oviduct are discussed in light of recent publications in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Campus de Espinardo, Murcia 30071, Spain.
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