A role for the chemokine receptor CCR6 in mammalian sperm motility and chemotaxis

Long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs profiling in ovary during laying and broodiness in Taihe Black-Bone Silky Fowls (Gallus gallus Domesticus Brisson)

BACKGROUND

Broodiness significantly impacts poultry egg production, particularly notable in specific breeds such as the black-boned Silky, characterized by pronounced broodiness. An understanding of the alterations in ovarian signaling is essential for elucidating the mechanisms that influence broodiness. However, comparative research on the characteristics of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the ovaries of broody chickens (BC) and high egg-laying chickens (GC) remains scant. In this investigation, we employed RNA sequencing to assess the ovarian transcriptomes, which include both lncRNAs and mRNAs, in eight Taihe Black-Bone Silky Fowls (TBsf), categorized into broody and high egg-laying groups. This study aims to provide a clearer understanding of the genetic underpinnings associated with broodiness and egg production.

RESULTS

We have identified a total of 16,444 mRNAs and 18,756 lncRNAs, of which 349 mRNAs and 651 lncRNAs exhibited significantly different expression (DE) between the BC and GC groups. Furthermore, we have identified the cis-regulated and trans-regulated target genes of differentially abundant lncRNA transcripts and have constructed an lncRNA-mRNA trans-regulated interaction network linked to ovarian follicle development. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation analyses have revealed that DE mRNAs and the target genes of DE lncRNAs are associated with pathways including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, CCR6 chemokine receptor binding, G-protein coupled receptor binding, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and ECM-receptor interaction.

CONCLUSION

Our research presents a comprehensive compilation of lncRNAs and mRNAs linked to ovarian development. Additionally, it establishes a predictive interaction network involving differentially abundant lncRNAs and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within TBsf. This significantly contributes to our understanding of the intricate interactions between lncRNAs and genes governing brooding behavior.

New insights into sperm physiology regulation: Enlightenment from G-protein-coupled receptors

BACKGROUND

G-protein-coupled receptors are critical in many physiological and pathological processes in various organs. Serving as the control panel for sensing extracellular stimuli, G-protein-coupled receptors recognise various ligands, including light, temperature, odours, pheromones, hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, etc. Most recently, G-protein-coupled receptors residing in spermatozoa have been found to be indispensable for sperm function.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we have summarised cutting-edge findings on the functional mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptors that are known to be associated with sperm functions and the activation of their downstream effectors, providing new insights into the roles of G-protein-coupled receptors in sperm physiology.

RESULTS

Emerging studies hint that alterations in G-protein-coupled receptors could affect sperm function, implicating their role in fertility, but solid evidence needs to be continuing excavated with various means. Several members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, including olfactory receptors, opsins, orphan G-protein-coupled receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 4, CC chemokine receptor 5 and CC chemokine receptor 6 as well as their downstream effector β-arrestins, etc., were suggested to be essential for sperm motility, capacitation, thermotaxis, chemotaxis, Ca2+ influx through CatSper channel and fertilisation capacity.

CONCLUSION

The present review provides a comprehensive overview of studies describing G-protein-coupled receptors and their potential action in sperm function. We also present a critical discussion of these issues, and a possible framework for future investigations on the diverse ligands, biological functions and cell signalling of G-protein-coupled receptors in spermatozoa. Here, the G-protein-coupled receptors and their related G proteins that specifically were identified in spermatozoa were summarised, and provided references valuable for further illumination, despite the evidence that is not overwhelming in most cases.

Roles of Different β-Defensins in the Human Reproductive System: A Review Study

Human β-defensins (hBDs) are cationic peptides with an amphipathic spatial shape and a high cysteine content. The members of this peptide family have been found in the human body with various functions, including the human reproductive system. Of among β-defensins in the human body, β-defensin 1, β-defensin 2, and β-defensin 126 are known in the human reproductive system. Human β-defensin 1 interacts with chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) in the male reproductive system to prevent bacterial infections. This peptide has a positive function in antitumor immunity by recruiting dendritic cells and memory T cells in prostate cancer. It is necessary for fertilization via facilitating capacitation and acrosome reaction in the female reproductive system. Human β-defensin 2 is another peptide with antibacterial action which can minimize infection in different parts of the female reproductive system such as the vagina by interacting with CCR6. Human β-defensin 2 could play a role in preventing cervical cancer via interactions with dendritic cells. Human β-defensin 126 is required for sperm motility and protecting the sperm against immune system factors. This study attempted to review the updated knowledge about the roles of β-defensin 1, β-defensin 2, and β-defensin 126 in both the male and female reproductive systems.

Cryostress induces fragmentation and alters the abundance of sperm transcripts associated with fertilizing competence and reproductive processes in buffalo

The study aimed to assess the influence of cryostress on RNA integrity and functional significance in sperm fertilizing ability. The fresh and post-thawed buffalo sperm (n = 6 each) samples were evaluated for their functional attributes, and sperm total RNA was subjected to transcriptome sequencing followed by validation using real-time PCR and dot blot. Overall, 6911 genes had an expression of FPKM > 1, and among these 431 genes were abundantly expressed (FPKM > 20) in buffalo sperm. These abundantly expressed genes regulate reproductive functions such as sperm motility (TEKT2, SPEM1, and PRM3, FDR = 1.10E-08), fertilization (EQTN, PLCZ1, and SPESP1, FDR = 7.25E-06) and the developmental process involved in reproduction (SPACA1, TNP1, and YBX2, FDR = 7.21E-06). Cryopreservation significantly (p < 0.05) affected the structural and functional membrane integrities of sperm. The expression levels of transcripts that regulate the metabolic activities and fertility-related functions were compromised during cryopreservation. Interestingly, cryostress induces the expression of genes involved (p < 0.05) in chemokine signaling (CX3CL1, CCL20, and CXCR4), G-protein coupled receptor binding (ADRB1, EDN1, and BRS3), translation (RPS28, MRPL28, and RPL18A), oxidative phosphorylation (ND1, ND2, and COX2), response to reactive oxygen species (GLRX2, HYAL2, and EDN1), and immune responses (CX3CL1, CCL26, and TBXA2R). These precociously expressed genes during cryopreservation alter the signaling mechanisms that govern sperm functional competence and can impact fertilization and early embryonic development.

Sperm selection by the oviduct: perspectives for male fertility and assisted reproductive technologies†

The contribution of sperm to embryogenesis is gaining attention with up to 50% of infertility cases being attributed to a paternal factor. The traditional methods used in assisted reproductive technologies for selecting and assessing sperm quality are mainly based on motility and viability parameters. However, other sperm characteristics, including deoxyribonucleic acid integrity, have major consequences for successful live birth. In natural reproduction, sperm navigate the male and female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the egg. During transport, sperm encounter many obstacles that dramatically reduce the number arriving at the fertilization site. In humans, the number of sperm is reduced from tens of millions in the ejaculate to hundreds in the Fallopian tube (oviduct). Whether this sperm population has higher fertilization potential is not fully understood, but several studies in animals indicate that many defective sperm do not advance to the site of fertilization. Moreover, the oviduct plays a key role in fertility by modulating sperm transport, viability, and maturation, providing sperm that are ready to fertilize at the appropriate time. Here we present evidence of sperm selection by the oviduct with emphasis on the mechanisms of selection and the sperm characteristics selected. Considering the sperm parameters that are essential for healthy embryonic development, we discuss the use of novel in vitro sperm selection methods that mimic physiological conditions. We propose that insight gained from understanding how the oviduct selects sperm can be translated to assisted reproductive technologies to yield high fertilization, embryonic development, and pregnancy rates.

Integration of omics studies indicates that species-dependent molecular mechanisms govern male fertility

BACKGROUND

Comparative and comprehensive omics studies have recently been conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying infertility. However, because these huge omics datasets often contain irrelevant information, editing strategies for summarizing and filtering the data are necessary prerequisite steps for identifying biomarkers of male fertility. Here, we attempted to integrate omics data from spermatozoa with normal and below-normal fertility from boars and bulls, including transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted and visualized using g:Profiler, Cytoscape, EnrichmentMap, and AutoAnnotation to determine fertility-related biological functions according to species.

RESULTS

In particular, gamete production and protein biogenesis-associated pathways were enriched in bull spermatozoa with below-normal fertility, whereas mitochondrial-associated metabolic pathways were enriched in boar spermatozoa with normal fertility. These results indicate that below-normal fertility may be determined by aberrant regulation of protein synthesis during spermatogenesis, and the modulation of reactive oxygen species generation to maintain capacitation and the acrosome reaction governs boar sperm fertility.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this approach demonstrated that distinct molecular pathways drive sperm fertility in mammals in a species-dependent manner. Moreover, we anticipate that searching for species-specific signaling pathways may aid in the discovery of fertility-related biomarkers within large omics datasets.

In silico docking analysis of beta-defensin 20 against cation channel sperm-associated protein 1-4 to predict its role in the sperm maturation

Beta-defensin 20 (DEFB20) is widely expressed in the epididymis with gene features involved in epididymal sperm maturation. However, the action mechanism and function of DEFB20 in sperm maturation are still unclear. One of the important roles of beta-defensin is the ion channel activity. The cation channel sperm-associated protein (CatSper) alpha is an ion channel protein found on the sperm surface. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between DEFB20 and CatSper1-4 protein in relation to the sperm maturation process. Protein sequences were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Protein modeling and validation were carried out by using the Robetta modeling server and the Ramachandran plot method. Rosetta web server was used for the docking analysis. The results revealed a natural interaction between DEFB20 and CatSper1-4. The interaction occurred at the cation channel (close to the casein kinase II), ion transport protein, and kinase c phosphorylation of the CatSper1-4 active site. The DEFB20 region interacting with CatSper2-4 was the beta-defensin domain, while with CatSper1 was the non-beta-defensin domain. Based on the analysis, DEFB20 may interact with CatSper α subunits, particularly CatsSper1, to affect ion channel activity during sperm maturation.

Analysis of amplification and association polymorphisms in the bovine beta-defensin 129 (BBD129) gene revealed its function in bull fertility

β-defensins are adsorbable on the sperm surface in the male reproductive tract (MRT) and enhance sperm functional characteristics. The beta-defensin 129 (DEFB129) antimicrobial peptide is involved in sperm maturation, motility, and fertilization. However, its role in bovine fertility has not been well investigated. This study examines the relationship between the bovine BBD129 gene and Bos indicus x Bos taurus bull fertility. The complete coding sequence of BBD129 mRNA was identified by RNA Ligase Mediated-Rapid Amplification of cDNA End (RLM-RACE) and Sanger sequencing methodologies. It consisted of 582 nucleotides (nts) including 5' untranslated region (UTR) (46nts) and 3'UTR (23nts). It conserves all beta-defensin-like features. The expression level of BBD129 was checked by RT-qPCR and maximal expression was detected in the corpus-epididymis region compared to other parts of MRT. Polymorphism in BBD129 was also confirmed by Sanger sequencing of 254 clones from 5 high fertile (HF) and 6 low fertile (LF) bulls at two positions, 169 T > G and 329A > G, which change the S57A and N110S in the protein sequence respectively. These two mutations give rise to four types of BBD129 haplotypes. The non-mutated TA-BBD129 (169 T/329A) haplotype was substantially more prevalent among high-fertile bulls (P < 0.005), while the double-site mutated GG-BBD129 (169 T > G/329A > G) haplotype was significantly more prevalent among low-fertile bulls (P < 0.005). The in silico analysis confirmed that the polymorphism in BBD129 results in changes in mRNA secondary structure, protein conformations, protein stability, extracellular-surface availability, post-translational modifications (O-glycosylation and phosphorylation), and affects antibacterial and immunomodulatory capabilities. In conclusion, the mRNA expression of BBD129 in the MRT indicates its region-specific dynamics in sperm maturation. BBD129 polymorphisms were identified as the deciding elements accountable for the changed proteins with impaired functionality, contributing to cross-bred bulls' poor fertility.

N-Formyl-L-aspartate mediates chemotaxis in sperm via the beta-2-adrenergic receptor

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.

Released ATP Mediates Spermatozoa Chemotaxis Promoted by Uterus-Derived Factor (UDF) in Ascaris suum

Fertilization requires sperm migration toward oocytes and subsequent fusion. Sperm chemotaxis, a process in which motile sperm are attracted by factors released from oocytes or associated structures, plays a key role in sperm migration to oocytes. Here, we studied sperm chemotaxis in the nematode Ascaris suum. Our data show that uterus-derived factor (UDF), the protein fraction of uterine extracts, can attract spermatozoa. UDF is heat resistant, but its activity is attenuated by certain proteinases. UDF binds to the surface of spermatozoa but not spermatids, and this process is mediated by membranous organelles that fuse with the plasma membrane. UDF induces spermatozoa to release ATP from intracellular storage sites to the extracellular milieu, and extracellular ATP modulates sperm chemotaxis. Moreover, UDF increases protein serine phosphorylation (pS) levels in sperm, which facilitates sperm chemotaxis. Taken together, we revealed that both extracellular ATP and intracellular pS signaling are involved in Ascaris sperm chemotaxis. Our data provide insights into the mechanism of sperm chemotaxis in Ascaris suum.

Mathematical model reveals that heterogeneity in the number of ion transporters regulates the fraction of mouse sperm capacitation

Capacitation is a complex maturation process mammalian sperm must undergo in the female genital tract to be able to fertilize an egg. This process involves, amongst others, physiological changes in flagellar beating pattern, membrane potential, intracellular ion concentrations and protein phosphorylation. Typically, in a capacitation medium, only a fraction of sperm achieve this state. The cause for this heterogeneous response is still not well understood and remains an open question. Here, one of our principal results is to develop a discrete regulatory network, with mostly deterministic dynamics in conjunction with some stochastic elements, for the main biochemical and biophysical processes involved in the early events of capacitation. The model criterion for capacitation requires the convergence of specific levels of a select set of nodes. Besides reproducing several experimental results and providing some insight on the network interrelations, the main contribution of the model is the suggestion that the degree of variability in the total amount and individual number of ion transporters among spermatozoa regulates the fraction of capacitated spermatozoa. This conclusion is consistent with recently reported experimental results. Based on this mathematical analysis, experimental clues are proposed for the control of capacitation levels. Furthermore, cooperative and interference traits that become apparent in the modelling among some components also call for future theoretical and experimental studies.

Simulating nature in sperm selection for assisted reproduction

Sperm selection in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is sophisticated. Only about 1,000 sperm out of millions in an ejaculate reach the fallopian tube and thus have a chance of fertilizing an oocyte. In assisted reproduction techniques, sperm are usually selected using their density or motility, characteristics that do not reflect their fertilization competence and, therefore, might result in failure to fertilize the oocyte. Although sperm processing in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) bypasses many of the selection processes in the FRT, selection by the cumulus mass and the zona pellucida remain intact. By contrast, the direct injection of a sperm into an oocyte in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) bypasses all natural selection barriers and, therefore, increases the risk of transferring paternal defects such as fragmented DNA and genomic abnormalities in sperm to the resulting child. Research into surrogate markers of fertilization potential and into simulating the natural sperm selection processes has progressed. However, methods of sperm isolation - such as hyaluronic acid-based selection and microfluidic isolation based on sperm tactic responses - use only one or two parameters and are not comparable with the multistep sperm selection processes naturally occurring within the FRT. Fertilization-competent sperm require a panel of molecules, including zona pellucida-binding proteins and ion channel proteins, that enable them to progress through the FRT to achieve fertilization. The optimal artificial sperm selection method will, therefore, probably need to use a multiparameter tool that incorporates the molecular signature of sperm with high fertilization potential, and their responses to external cues, within a microfluidic system that can replicate the physiological processes of the FRT in vitro.

Sperm Accumulation Induced by the Female Reproductive Fluid: Putative Evidence of Chemoattraction Using a New Tool

There is considerable evidence that female reproductive fluid (FRF) interacts intimately with sperm, affecting several sperm traits, including sperm motility and longevity, and ultimately fertilization success. One of the first documented interactions between FRF and sperm is the ability of FRF to attract and guide sperm towards the eggs. However, most of the evidence of FRF’s chemoattraction proprieties comes from a limited number of taxa, specifically mammals and invertebrate broadcasting spawners. In other species, small FRF volumes and/or short sperm longevity often impose methodological difficulties resulting in this gap in chemoattraction studies in non-model species. One of the outcomes of sperm chemotaxis is sperm accumulation towards high chemoattractant concentrations, which can be easily quantified by measuring sperm concentration. Here, we tested sperm accumulation towards FRF in the zebrafish, Danio rerio, using an ad hoc developed, 3D printed, device (‘sperm selection chamber’). This easy-to-use tool allows to select and collect the sperm that swim towards a chemical gradient, and accumulate in a chemoattractant-filled well thus providing putative evidence for chemoattraction. We found that sperm accumulate in FRF in zebrafish. We also found that none of the sperm quality traits we measured (sperm swimming velocity and trajectory, sperm motility, and longevity) were correlated with this response. Together with the 3D printable project, we provide a detailed protocol for using the selection chamber. The chamber is optimized for the zebrafish, but it can be easily adapted for other species. Our device lays the foundation for a standardized way to measure sperm accumulation and in general chemoattraction, stimulating future research aimed at understanding the role and the mechanisms of sperm chemoattraction by FRF.

Deciphering the complexity of sperm transcriptome reveals genes governing functional membrane and acrosome integrities potentially influence fertility

Deciphering sperm transcriptome is the key to understanding the molecular mechanisms governing peri-fertilization, embryonic development, and pregnancy establishment. This study aimed to profile sperm transcriptome to identify signature transcripts regulating male fertility. Semen samples were collected from 47 bulls with varied fertility rates. The sperm total RNA was isolated (n = 8) and subjected to transcriptome sequencing. Based on the expression pattern obtained from RNA profiling, the bulls were grouped (p = 0.03) into high-fertile and sub-fertile, and signature transcripts controlling sperm functions and fertility were identified. The results were validated using the OMIM database, qPCR, and sperm function tests. The sperm contains 1100 to 1700 intact transcripts, of which BCL2L11 and CAPZA3 were abundant and associated (p < 0.05) with spermatogenesis and post-embryonic organ morphogenesis. The upregulated genes in the acrosome integrity and functional membrane integrity groups had a close association with the fertility rate. The biological functions of these upregulated genes (p < 0.05) in the high-fertile bulls were associated with spermatogenesis (AFF4 and BRIP1), sperm motility (AK6 and ATP6V1G3), capacitation and zona binding (AGFG1), embryo development (TCF7 and AKIRIN2), and placental development (KRT19). The transcripts involved in pathways regulating embryonic development such as translation (EEF1B2 and MTIF3, p = 8.87E-05) and nonsense-mediated decay (RPL23 and RPL7A, p = 5.01E-27) were upregulated in high-fertile bulls. The identified transcripts may significantly impact oocyte function, embryogenesis, trophectoderm development, and pregnancy establishment. In addition, the study also reveals that the genes governing sperm functional membrane integrity and acrosome integrity have a prospective effect on male fertility.

N-formyl-l-aspartate: A novel sperm chemoattractant identified in ovulatory phase oviductal fluid using a microfluidic chip

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.

Lack of trusted diagnostic tools for undetermined male infertility

Semen analysis is the cornerstone of evaluating male infertility, but it is imperfect and insufficient to diagnose male infertility. As a result, about 20% of infertile males have undetermined infertility, a term encompassing male infertility with an unknown underlying cause. Undetermined male infertility includes two categories: (i) idiopathic male infertility-infertile males with abnormal semen analyses with an unknown cause for that abnormality and (ii) unexplained male infertility-males with "normal" semen analyses who are unable to impregnate due to unknown causes. The treatment of males with undetermined infertility is limited due to a lack of understanding the frequency of general sperm defects (e.g., number, motility, shape, viability). Furthermore, there is a lack of trusted, quantitative, and predictive diagnostic tests that look inside the sperm to quantify defects such as DNA damage, RNA abnormalities, centriole dysfunction, or reactive oxygen species to discover the underlying cause. To better treat undetermined male infertility, further research is needed on the frequency of sperm defects and reliable diagnostic tools that assess intracellular sperm components must be developed. The purpose of this review is to uniquely create a paradigm of thought regarding categories of male infertility based on intracellular and extracellular features of semen and sperm, explore the prevalence of the various categories of male factor infertility, call attention to the lack of standardization and universal application of advanced sperm testing techniques beyond semen analysis, and clarify the limitations of standard semen analysis. We also call attention to the variability in definitions and consider the benefits towards undetermined male infertility if these gaps in research are filled.

Stromal cell-derived factor 1 regulates in vitro sperm migration towards the cumulus-oocyte complex in cattle

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.

Seminal Plasma Cytokines Are Predictive of the Outcome of Boar Sperm Preservation

Background: Boar seminal plasma is rich in cytokines, which could influence the capability of spermatozoa to tolerate preservation. Objectives: To evaluate the involvement of boar seminal plasma cytokines in the changes experienced by boar spermatozoa during their storage, either in liquid or frozen state. Materials and Methods: In two separated experiments, semen samples from healthy and fertile boars were split in two aliquots, one centrifuged twice (1,500 ×g for 10 min) to harvest seminal plasma, whereas the other was either commercially extended (3 × 10⁷ sperm/mL) and liquid-stored at 17°C during 144 h (n = 28, Experiment 1) or frozen-thawed using a standard 0.5 mL protocol (n = 27, Experiment 2). Sixteen cytokines were quantified using Luminex xMAP®. Sperm attributes (CASA-evaluated total and progressive motility; flow cytometry-evaluated sperm viability, production of intracellular H₂O₂ and O 2 • - and levels of lipid peroxidation in viable spermatozoa) were evaluated either at 0, 72, or 144 h of liquid storage (Experiment 1) or before freezing and at 30- and 150-min post-thawing (Experiment 2). Results: Multiple linear regression models, with Bayesian approach for variable selection, revealed that the anti-inflammatory TGF-β2, TGF-β3, IL-1Ra, and IL-4 and the pro-inflammatory IL-8 and IL-18, predicted changes in sperm motility for liquid-stored semen while the anti-inflammatory IFN-γ was included in the models predicting changes in all sperm attributes for cryopreserved semen. Conclusion: Specific boar seminal plasma cytokines would contribute to modulate the structural and metabolic changes shown by spermatozoa during preservation, either in liquid or frozen state.

Effect of recombinant β-defensin 1 protein on human sperm motility and viability

The reduction of sperm motility and subsequently reduced ability to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction are considered as common causes of male infertility. The β-defensin family is a group of well-known secretory proteins with antimicrobial activity that contribute to the process of "sperm maturation" during the passage of spermatozoa in the epididymis when spermatozoa attain its motility. One member of this family is "β-defensin 1" which is present in seminal plasma and spermatozoa. The aim of this study was the incubation of human processed spermatozoa with recombinant β-defensin 1 (500 ng/ml) for 1, 2 and 3 hr at 37°C under 5% CO₂ atmosphere and assessment of sperm viability and motility in 59 semen samples. The analysis of semen samples such as sperm concentration, motility, viability, morphology and semen volume was performed according to the World Health Organization (2010; World health organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen (p. 287). Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization) criteria. The result of the current study shows that the incubation of spermatozoa with recombinant β-defensin significantly maintained percentage of sperm viability and motility compared to processed spermatozoa incubate in the absence of β-defensin in the studied time intervals (p < .05). Therefore, we concluded that recombinant β-defensin 1 protein as an agent with antimicrobial activity can maintain sperm viability and motility in in vitro condition.

Human β-defensin 1 in follicular fluid and semen: impact on fertility

PURPOSE

β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides expressed at mucosal level of male and female genito-urinary tract, where they exert protective functions against infections, possibly preserving human health and fertility. In our study, we investigated the possible involvement of β-defensins in female and male infertility in Italian infertile couples (i) evaluating the presence of human β-defensin 1 (hBD-1) in follicular fluid (FF) and its correlation with in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes; (ii) investigating the relationship between hBD-1 levels in semen and IVF outcomes (comprising correlation with sperm parameters); and (iii) exploring the effect of hBD-1 peptide on spermatozoa motility in vitro.

METHODS

A perspective observational analytic pilot study was conducted. hBD-1 concentration was measured with ELISA assay in FF and semen from 50 couples that underwent assisted procreation technique procedures due to infertility status. Moreover, hBD-1 exogenous peptide was administered to 29 normozoospermic semen and their motility was recorded.

RESULTS

hBD-1 was detected in FF and its levels were significantly higher in women with good fertilization rate (≥ 75%), respect to those with a poor fertilization rate (< 75%). The hBD-1 semen concentrations in oligo-asthenozoospermic subjects were significantly lower than that in normozoospermic men. Instead, hBD-1 level in sperm and FF not correlated with pregnancy rate. Finally, incubation of sperm with exogenous hBD-1 significantly increased progressive motility after 1 h and 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Being aware of the relatively small sample size and medium power, our results possibly suggest that hBD-1 could influence oocyte and sperm quality, and could improve, when exogenously added, sperm motility.

Advanced Paternal Age Affects Sperm Count and Anogenital Distance in Mouse Offspring

In Western society, couples increasingly delay parenthood until later in life. Overall, studies have focused on the reproductive performance of older parents or the impact of advanced maternal age on pregnancy outcomes, but few studies have examined how advanced paternal age (APA) affects offspring health. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of increasing paternal age on offspring reproductive performance and long-term metabolic health in a mouse model. Here, the same adult B6D2F1/J male mice were mated at 4, 12, and 18 months of age with 6- to 10-week-old naturally cycling CF1 females to generate 3 offspring cohorts conceived at increasing paternal ages PA4, PA12, and PA18. The offspring resulting from mating the same fathers at different ages (n = 20 per age; 10 males and 10 females) were maintained up to 20 weeks of age and morphometric parameters, growth curve, and glucose tolerance were measured. We found that increasing paternal age was associated with a trend toward longer time to conception. Litter sizes were not significantly different. Reassuringly, metabolic parameters and growth curve were not different in the 3 cohorts of offspring. Most importantly, increased paternal age (PA4 vs PA18) was associated with a statistically significant decrease in sperm concentration, sperm motility, and anogenital distance in offspring. These changes raise concerns about the potential impact of APA on the reproductive fitness in males of the next generation.

Molecular Basis of Human Sperm Capacitation

In the early 1950s, Austin and Chang independently described the changes that are required for the sperm to fertilize oocytes in vivo. These changes were originally grouped under name of “capacitation” and were the first step in the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in humans. Following these initial and fundamental findings, a remarkable number of observations led to characterization of the molecular steps behind this process. The discovery of certain sperm-specific molecules and the possibility to record ion currents through patch-clamp approaches helped to integrate the initial biochemical observation with the activity of ion channels. This is of particular importance in the male gamete due to the fact that sperm are transcriptionally inactive. Therefore, sperm must control all these changes that occur during their transit through the male and female reproductive tracts by complex signaling cascades that include post-translational modifications. This review is focused on the principal molecular mechanisms that govern human sperm capacitation with particular emphasis on comparing all the reported pieces of evidence with the mouse model.

Gamete-mediated mate choice: towards a more inclusive view of sexual selection

'Sperm competition'-where ejaculates from two or more males compete for fertilization-and 'cryptic female choice'-where females bias this contest to suit their reproductive interests-are now part of the everyday lexicon of sexual selection. Yet the physiological processes that underlie these post-ejaculatory episodes of sexual selection remain largely enigmatic. In this review, we focus on a range of post-ejaculatory cellular- and molecular-level processes, known to be fundamental for fertilization across most (if not all) sexually reproducing species, and point to their putative role in facilitating sexual selection at the level of the cells and gametes, called 'gamete-mediated mate choice' (GMMC). In this way, we collate accumulated evidence for GMMC across different mating systems, and emphasize the evolutionary significance of such non-random interactions among gametes. Our overall aim in this review is to build a more inclusive view of sexual selection by showing that mate choice often acts in more nuanced ways than has traditionally been assumed. We also aim to bridge the conceptual divide between proximal mechanisms of reproduction, and adaptive explanations for patterns of non-random sperm-egg interactions that are emerging across an increasingly diverse array of taxa.

Pleiotropic Immune Functions of Chemokine Receptor 6 in Health and Disease

C-C chemoattractant cytokine (chemokine) receptor 6 (CCR6) and its exclusive binding molecule CCL20 is an extremely important chemokine receptor-ligand pair which controls cell migration and immune induction during inflammatory disease. Not many scientific studies have been undertaken to study its immune mechanisms in detail, but its unique contribution to steady state cell chemotaxis in upholding immune tolerance and regulating immune homeostasis during inflammation is evident in multiple systems in the human body, including skin, liver, lung, kidney, brain, eye, joints, gonads and the gut. The role of CCR6 is constitutively expressed as a series of much debilitating severe inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and cancer metastasis. CD4⁺ T cells, the central organizers of adaptive immunity, are stringently mobilized by the CCR6/CCL20 axis also induced by cytokines and a host of other factors in a carefully executed immune modulation scenario, to bring about a delicate balance between inflammation inducing T_H17 cells and regulatory T_reg cells. Although the exact immune regulatory role is not elucidated as yet, the CCR6/CCL20 axis is implicated as a front runner which determines the polarization of T_H17 and regulatory T_reg cells, upon which depends the resolution or progression of many debilitating disorders. This review therefore aims at emphasizing the pleiotropic significance of the chemokines CCR6 and CCL20 in immunologic function in multiple organ systems, thereby hoping to accentuate its value in future therapeutic modalities.

In vitro chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 6-dependent non-inflammatory chemotaxis during spermatogenesis

Background

Chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 6 (CCR6) is present in sperm and plays a significant role in sperm motility and chemotaxis acting in the reproductive tracts. However, the expression and functional significance of CCR6 in testis are still poorly understood, especially in the process of spermatogenesis.

Methods and results

CCR6 was expressed in spermatogenic cell lines and its expression was shown in an age-dependent upregulation manner from puberty to adulthood in mouse testis. Immunostaining results confirmed the localization of CCR 6 in testis. Further chemotaxis assays demonstrated that spermatogenic cells GC-1 and -2 exhibited a directional movement toward CCR6-specific ligand such as CCL20 or Sertoli cells in vitro.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that CCR6 is involved in the chemotaxis of spermatogenic cells in vitro and promotes chemotaxis under non-inflammatory conditions during normal spermatogenesis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40659-018-0161-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chemotactic behavior of spermatozoa captured using a microfluidic chip

Chemotaxis, as a mechanism for sperm guidance in vivo, is an enigma which has been difficult to demonstrate. To address this issue, various devices have been designed to study sperm chemotaxis in vitro. Limitations of traditional chemotaxis devices were related to the inability to maintain a stable concentration gradient as well as track single sperm over long times. Microfluidics technology, which provides superior control over fluid flow, has been recently used to generate stable concentration gradients for investigating the chemotactic behavior of several cell types including spermatozoa. However, the chemotactic behavior of sperm has not been unequivocally demonstrated even in these studies due to the inability to distinguish it from rheotaxis, thermotaxis, and chemokinesis. For instance, the presence of fluid flow in the microchannels not only destabilizes the concentration gradient but also elicits a rheotactic response from sperm. In this work, we have designed a microfluidic device which can be used to establish both, a uniform concentration and a uniform concentration gradient in a stationary fluid. By facilitating measurement of sperm response in ascending, descending ,and uniform chemoattractant concentration, the assay could isolate sperm chemotactic response from rheotaxis and chemokinesis. The device was validated using acetylcholine, a known chemoattractant and further tested with rat oviductal fluid from the estrus phase.

CCR6 is required for ligand-induced CatSper activation in human sperm

CatSper channel has been considered the principal sperm Ca²⁺ channel responsible for the cytosolic Ca²⁺ elevation required for various sperm functions necessary for fertilization [1–4]. However, the mechanism underlying the activation of CatSper channel by various physiological ligands remain incompletely understood. We have recently demonstrated the expression of C-C chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) in sperm and Ca²⁺ influx upon binding of human β-defensin 1 (DEFB1) to CCR6, which is important for sperm motility [5]. In the present study, we have demonstrated that CCR6 receptor and CatSper channel are both required for the Ca²⁺ entry/current induced by physiological ligands DEFB1, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) and progesterone in human sperm. CCR6 is co-localized and interacts with CatSper in human sperm. Ca²⁺ influx mediated by CCR6 and CatSper is required for essential sperm functions, including motility, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction, which are impaired in infertile sperm showing reduced levels of CCR6 and CatSper. The present finding suggests a critical role of CCR6 receptor in mediating ligand-induced, CatSper-dependent Ca²⁺ influx required for various sperm functions and thus male fertility.

Long noncoding RNA expression profile changes associated with dietary energy in the sheep testis during sexual maturation

Spermatogenesis can be affected by nutrition, which operates through normal physiological processes by changing the testicular mass and hormone levels profoundly. However, little is known regarding how testis development is regulated by long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). In this study, we investigated the effects of high-grain (HG) feeding on testis development during sexual maturation mediated by lncRNA. The HG diet group showed an increase in growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and testosterone (T) levels, and in the number of sperm in the seminiferous tubules compared with the hay-fed group (p  < 0.05). Moreover, we found 59 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 229 DE mRNAs in sheep testis between the two groups. qRT-PCR results of 20 randomly selected DE lncRNAs and mRNAs were also consistent with the RNA-seq data. Through functional enrichment analysis and lncRNA-mRNA interaction network analysis, we screened several lncRNAs that may be enriched for male reproduction such as spermatogenesis, sperm motility, steroid hormones, MAPK and ErbB signaling pathways. This study provides a first insight into the development of the testis with HG feeding in sheep and shows that these changes are associated with alterations in lncRNA expression.

Possible ability of bovine follicular fluid to attract migrating bull spermatozoa

Aim

To examine the potential of bovine follicular fluid (BFF) to attract bull spermatozoa.

Methods

The ability of the BFF to attract bull sperm was evaluated by observing changes in sperm migration after being placed in a cross‐column chamber. The movement parameters of the heads and flagella of the sperm that were attracted to the BFF were analyzed by using the Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis system.

Results

It was observed that 61.6% of the bull sperm migrated toward the BFF when the BFF was used at a concentration of 0.1%, but 67.2% of the sperm did not migrate toward the BFF at a concentration of 10%. Relatively larger numbers of both precapacitated and postcapacitated bull sperm migrated toward the BFF (0.1%). The ability of the 0.1% BFF to attract sperm probably affected both the normal artificial insemination (AI) fertility sperm and the poor AI fertility spermatozoa. The flagellar curvilinear ratio of the sperm winding to the 0.1% BFF was significantly higher than that of the prewinding sperm.

Conclusion

These results could suggest that BFF potentially attracts bull sperm at a certain concentration, irrespective of the capacitation status of the sperm. Although the mechanism by which this attraction occurs remains unclear, these data imply that it could be related to BFF‐dependent changes in the sperm flagellar curvilinear ratio.

Characterization of non-olfactory GPCRs in human sperm with a focus on GPR18

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transduce external chemical cues into intracellular signals and are involved in a plethora of physiological processes, but knowledge regarding the function of these receptors in spermatozoa is limited. In the present study, we performed RNA-Seq and analyzed the expression of the all GPCRs except olfactory receptors in human spermatozoa. We revealed the expression of up to 223 different GPCR transcripts in human spermatozoa (FPKM > 0.1) and identified GPR18, a newly described cannabinoid receptor, together with GPR137 and GPR135, as one of the three most highly expressed GPCRs. To date, the expression of GPR18 was completely unknown in human spermatozoa. We confirmed GPR18 expression using RT-PCR and immuncytochemistry experiments and localized the GPR18 protein in the midpiece of human spermatozoa. Stimulation of human spermatozoa with the GPR18 ligand N-arachidonoylglycine induced the phosphorylation of 12 protein kinases, some of them are for example known to be involved in the acrosome reaction. In line with this, N-arachidonoylglycine affected the cytoskeleton by changing levels of F-actin and inducing the acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results indicate that GPR18 might be involved in physiological processes of human spermatozoa, suggesting GPR18 to be a potential player in sperm physiology.

Cryptic female choice enhances fertilization success and embryo survival in chinook salmon

In this study, we investigated two potentially important intersexual postcopulatory gametic interactions in a population of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): (i) the effect of female ovarian fluid (OF) on the behaviour of spermatozoa during fertilization and (ii) the effects of multilocus heterozygosity (MLH) (as an index of male quality) and female-male genetic relatedness on sperm behaviour and male fertilization success when there is sperm competition in the presence of that OF. To do this, we conducted a series of in vitro competitive fertilization experiments and found that, when ejaculates from two males are competing for access to a single female's unfertilized eggs, fertilization success was significantly biased towards the male whose sperm swam fastest in the female's OF. Embryo survival--a measure of fitness--was also positively correlated with both sperm swimming speed in OF and male MLH, providing novel evidence that cryptic female choice is adaptive for the female, enhancing the early survival of her offspring and potentially influencing her fitness.

The role of sex hormones in immune protection of the female reproductive tract

Within the human female reproductive tract (FRT), the challenge of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is coupled with the need to enable successful reproduction. Oestradiol and progesterone, which are secreted during the menstrual cycle, affect epithelial cells, fibroblasts and immune cells in the FRT to modify their functions and hence the individual's susceptibility to STIs in ways that are unique to specific sites in the FRT. The innate and adaptive immune systems are under hormonal control, and immune protection in the FRT varies with the phase of the menstrual cycle. Immune protection is dampened during the secretory phase of the cycle to optimize conditions for fertilization and pregnancy, which creates a 'window of vulnerability' during which potential pathogens can enter and infect the FRT.