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Campolo F, Assenza MR, Venneri MA, Barbagallo F. Once upon a Testis: The Tale of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase in Testicular Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087617. [PMID: 37108780 PMCID: PMC10146088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087617] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterases are key regulators that fine tune the intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides, given their ability to hydrolyze cAMP and cGMP. They are critical regulators of cAMP/cGMP-mediated signaling pathways, modulating their downstream biological effects such as gene expression, cell proliferation, cell-cycle regulation but also inflammation and metabolic function. Recently, mutations in PDE genes have been identified and linked to human genetic diseases and PDEs have been demonstrated to play a potential role in predisposition to several tumors, especially in cAMP-sensitive tissues. This review summarizes the current knowledge and most relevant findings regarding the expression and regulation of PDE families in the testis focusing on PDEs role in testicular cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Campolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Assenza
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Kore" University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Barbagallo
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Kore" University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy
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Dimitriadis F, Kaltsas A, Zachariou A, Mamoulakis C, Tsiampali C, Giannakis I, Paschopoulos M, Papatsoris A, Loutradis D, Tsounapi P, Takenaka A, Sofikitis N. PDE5 inhibitors and male reproduction: Is there a place for PDE5 inhibitors in infertility clinics or andrology laboratories? Int J Urol 2022; 29:1405-1418. [PMID: 36194789 DOI: 10.1111/iju.15046] [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: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this review study is to evaluate the therapeutic role of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5is) in the amelioration of oligoasthenospermia in infertile males. PDE5is have a beneficial influence on the secretory function of the Leydig and Sertoli cells, the biochemical environment within the seminiferous tubule, the contractility of the testicular tunica albuginea, and the prostatic secretory function. In several studies, the overall effect of sildenafil and vardenafil increased quantitative and qualitative sperm motility. Furthermore, some studies indicate that PDE5is influence positively the sperm capacity to undergo capacitation under biochemical conditions that are known to induce the sperm capacitation process. Additional research efforts are necessary in order to recommend unequivocally the usage of sildenafil, vardenafil, or avanafil for the alleviation of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Aristotle University School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aris Kaltsas
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Mamoulakis
- Department of Urology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Chara Tsiampali
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Giannakis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Minas Paschopoulos
- Department of Ob/Gyn, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Papatsoris
- 2nd Department of Urology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Tsounapi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takenaka
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Japan
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Department of Urology, Ioannina University School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.,Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago, Japan
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Campolo F, Capponi C, Tarsitano MG, Tenuta M, Pozza C, Gianfrilli D, Magliocca F, Venneri MA, Vicini E, Lenzi A, Isidori AM, Barbagallo F. cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase 8A and 8B isoforms are differentially expressed in human testis and Leydig cell tumor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1010924. [PMID: 36277728 PMCID: PMC9585345 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1010924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate/Protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) signaling pathway is the master regulator of endocrine tissue function. The level, compartmentalization and amplitude of cAMP response are finely regulated by phosphodiesterases (PDEs). PDE8 is responsible of cAMP hydrolysis and its expression has been characterized in all steroidogenic cell types in rodents including adrenal and Leydig cells in rodents however scarce data are currently available in humans. Here we demonstrate that human Leydig cells express both PDE8A and PDE8B isoforms. Interestingly, we found that the expression of PDE8B but not of PDE8A is increased in transformed Leydig cells (Leydig cell tumors-LCTs) compared to non-tumoral cells. Immunofluorescence analyses further reveals that PDE8A is also highly expressed in specific spermatogenic stages. While the protein is not detected in spermatogonia it accumulates nearby the forming acrosome, in the trans-Golgi apparatus of spermatocytes and spermatids and it follows the fate of this organelle in the later stages translocating to the caudal part of the cell. Taken together our findings suggest that 1) a specific pool(s) of cAMP is/are regulated by PDE8A during spermiogenesis pointing out a possible new role of this PDE8 isoform in key events governing the differentiation and maturation of human sperm and 2) PDE8B can be involved in Leydig cell transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Campolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Capponi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Tarsitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marta Tenuta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Magliocca
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mary A. Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Federica Barbagallo,
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Laqqan MM, Yassin MM. Influence of tobacco cigarette heavy smoking on DNA methylation patterns and transcription levels of MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A genes in human spermatozoa. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-021-00084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Tobacco smoking is considered as one of the lifestyles factors that influence the sperm DNA methylation and global sperm DNA methylation and that may affect the sperm phenotype. This study was performed to investigate whether tobacco cigarette heavy smoking influences sperm DNA methylation patterns and semen parameters and to determine whether there is an alteration in the transcription level of MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A genes in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers. Thirty samples were subjected to 450K arrays as a screening study to assess the variation in sperm DNA methylation levels between heavy smokers and non-smokers. Five CpG sites have the highest difference in methylation levels (cg07869343, cg05813498, cg09785377, cg06833981, and cg02745784), which are located in the MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A genes, respectively, and were selected for further analysis using deep bisulfite sequencing in 280 independent samples (120 proven non-smokers and 160 heavy smokers) with a mean age of 33.8 ± 8.4 years. The global sperm DNA methylation, sperm DNA fragmentation, and chromatin non-condensation were evaluated also.
Results
A significant increase was found in the methylation level at seven, three, and seventeen CpGs within the GAA, ANXA2, and MAPK8IP3 genes amplicon, respectively (P< 0.01) in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers. Additionally, a significant increase was found in the methylation levels at all CpGs within PRRC2A and PDE11A gene amplicon (P< 0.01). A significant increase was found in the level of sperm chromatin non-condensation, DNA fragmentation, and global DNA methylation (P < 0.001) in heavy smokers compared to non-smokers.
Conclusion
These results indicate that tobacco cigarette smoking can alter the DNA methylation level at several CpGs, the status of global DNA methylation, and transcription level of the following genes “MAPK8IP3, GAA, ANXA2, PRRC2A, and PDE11A” in human spermatozoa. These findings may affect negatively semen parameters and men’s fertility.
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Bloom ML, Johnston LB, Datta SR. Renewal and Differentiation of GCD Necklace Olfactory Sensory Neurons. Chem Senses 2021; 45:333-346. [PMID: 32333759 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjaa027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Both canonical olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and sensory neurons belonging to the guanylate cyclase D (GCD) "necklace" subsystem are housed in the main olfactory epithelium, which is continuously bombarded by toxins, pathogens, and debris from the outside world. Canonical OSNs address this challenge, in part, by undergoing renewal through neurogenesis; however, it is not clear whether GCD OSNs also continuously regenerate and, if so, whether newborn GCD precursors follow a similar developmental trajectory to that taken by canonical OSNs. Here, we demonstrate that GCD OSNs are born throughout adulthood and can persist in the epithelium for several months. Phosphodiesterase 2A is upregulated early in the differentiation process, followed by the sequential downregulation of β-tubulin and the upregulation of CART protein. The GCD and MS4A receptors that confer sensory responses upon GCD neurons are initially expressed midway through this process but become most highly expressed once CART levels are maximal late in GCD OSN development. GCD OSN maturation is accompanied by a horizontal migration of neurons toward the central, curved portions of the cul-de-sac regions where necklace cells are concentrated. These findings demonstrate that-like their canonical counterparts-GCD OSNs undergo continuous renewal and define a GCD-specific developmental trajectory linking neurogenesis, maturation, and migration.
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Baro Graf C, Ritagliati C, Stival C, Luque GM, Gentile I, Buffone MG, Krapf D. Everything you ever wanted to know about PKA regulation and its involvement in mammalian sperm capacitation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110992. [PMID: 32853743 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein kinase (PKA) is a tetrameric holoenzyme comprising a set of two regulatory subunits (PKA-R) and two catalytic (PKA-C) subunits. The PKA-R subunits act as sensors of cAMP and allow PKA-C activity. One of the first signaling events observed during mammalian sperm capacitation is PKA activation. Thus, understanding how PKA activity is restricted in space and time is crucial to decipher the critical steps of sperm capacitation. It is widely accepted that PKA specificity depends on several levels of regulation. Anchoring proteins play a pivotal role in achieving proper localization signaling, subcellular targeting and cAMP microdomains. These multi-factorial regulation steps are necessary for a precise spatio-temporal activation of PKA. Here we discuss recent understanding of regulatory mechanisms of PKA in mammalian sperm, such as post-translational modifications, in the context of its role as the master orchestrator of molecular events conducive to capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Baro Graf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Iñaki Gentile
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
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Functional and Structural Analysis of Predicted Proteins Obtained from Homo sapiens' Minisatellite 33.15-Tagged Transcript pAKT-45 Variants. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:2562950. [PMID: 32566673 PMCID: PMC7273396 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2562950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The spermatozoa are transcriptionally dormant entities which have been recognized to be an archive of mRNA, coding for a variety of functionally crucial cellular proteins. This significant repository of mRNA is predicted to be associated with early embryogenesis and postfertilization. The mRNA transcripts which are tagged with minisatellites have been involved in the regulation of the gene functions as well as their organization. However, very little information is available regarding the expression of the transcripts tagged with minisatellites in spermatozoa. Therefore, in order to understand the functions and the conformational behavior of the proteins expressed from these minisatellite-tagged transcripts, we have performed a detailed in silico analysis using the sequences of the transcripts. The protein predicted from KF274549 showed the functionalities similar to uncharacterized C4orf26 proteins, while that obtained from KF274557 predicted to be a metallophosphoesterase. Furthermore, the structural folds in the structure of these predicted proteins were analyzed by using the homology modeling and their conformational behaviors in the explicit water conditions were analyzed by using the techniques of Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. This detailed analysis will facilitate the understanding of these proteins in the spermatozoon region and can be used for uncovering other attributes of the metabolic network.
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Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Carvajal G, Maldera JA, Curci L, Torres P, Lombardo D, Pignataro OP, Da Ros VG, Cuasnicú PS. Influence of the genetic background on the reproductive phenotype of mice lacking Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 1 (CRISP1). Biol Reprod 2019; 99:373-383. [PMID: 29481619 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal sperm protein CRISP1 has the ability to both regulate murine CatSper, a key sperm calcium channel, and interact with egg-binding sites during fertilization. In spite of its relevance for sperm function, Crisp1-/-mice are fertile. Considering that phenotypes can be influenced by the genetic background, in the present work mice from the original mixed Crisp1-/- colony (129/SvEv*C57BL/6) were backcrossed onto the C57BL/6 strain for subsequent analysis of their reproductive phenotype. Whereas fertility and fertilization rates of C57BL/6 Crisp1-/- males did not differ from those reported for mice from the mixed background, several sperm functional parameters were clearly affected by the genetic background. Crisp1-/- sperm from the homogeneous background exhibited defects in both the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and motility not observed in the mixed background, and normal rather than reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Additional studies revealed a significant decrease in sperm hyperactivation as well as in cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) substrate phosphorylation levels in sperm from both colonies. The finding that exposure of mutant sperm to a cAMP analog and phosphodiesterase inhibitor overcame the sperm functional defects observed in each colony indicated that a common cAMP-PKA signaling defect led to different phenotypes depending on the genetic background. Altogether, our observations indicate that the phenotype of CRISP1 null males is modulated by the genetic context and reveal new roles for the protein in both the functional events and signaling pathways associated to capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta A Maldera
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ludmila Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Torres
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Lombardo
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Omar P Pignataro
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Alonso CAI, Lottero-Leconte R, Luque GM, Vernaz ZJ, Di Siervi N, Gervasi MG, Buffone MG, Davio C, Perez-Martinez S. MRP4-mediated cAMP efflux is essential for mouse spermatozoa capacitation. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.230565. [PMID: 31253671 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.230565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa must undergo biochemical and structural changes to acquire the capacity for fertilization, in a process known as capacitation. Activation of PKA enzymes is essential for capacitation, and thus cAMP levels are tightly regulated during this process. Previously, we demonstrated that during capacitation, bovine spermatozoa extrude cAMP through multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4, also known as ABCC4), which regulates intracellular levels of the nucleotide and provides cAMP to the extracellular space. Here, we report the presence of functional MRP4 in murine spermatozoa, since its pharmacological inhibition with MK571 decreased levels of extracellular cAMP. This also produced a sudden increase in PKA activity, with decreased tyrosine phosphorylation at the end of capacitation. Blockade of MRP4 inhibited induction of acrosome reaction, hyperactivation and in vitro fertilization. Moreover, MRP4 inhibition generated an increase in Ca2+ levels mediated by PKA, and depletion of Ca2+ salts from the medium prevented the loss of motility and phosphotyrosine inhibition produced by MK571. These results were supported using spermatozoa from CatSper Ca2+ channel knockout mice. Taken together, these results suggest that cAMP efflux via MRP4 plays an essential role in mouse sperm capacitation.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A I Alonso
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - R Lottero-Leconte
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - G M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Z J Vernaz
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - N Di Siervi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - M G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - M G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - C Davio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - S Perez-Martinez
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
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Balbach M, Beckert V, Hansen JN, Wachten D. Shedding light on the role of cAMP in mammalian sperm physiology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 468:111-120. [PMID: 29146556 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization relies on sperm finding the egg and penetrating the egg vestments. All steps in a sperm's lifetime crucially rely on changes in the second messenger cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). In recent years, it has become clear that signal transduction in sperm is not a continuum, but rather organized in subcellular domains, e.g. the sperm head and the sperm flagellum, with the latter being further separated into the midpiece, principal piece, and endpiece. To understand the underlying signaling pathways controlling sperm function in more detail, experimental approaches are needed that allow to study sperm signaling with spatial and temporal precision. Here, we will give a comprehensive overview on cAMP signaling in mammalian sperm, describing the molecular players involved in these pathways and the sperm functions that are controlled by cAMP. Furthermore, we will highlight recent advances in analyzing and manipulating sperm signaling with spatio-temporal precision using light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Balbach
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vera Beckert
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan N Hansen
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), Minerva Max Planck Research Group, Molecular Physiology, Bonn, Germany.
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Alonso CAI, Osycka-Salut CE, Castellano L, Cesari A, Di Siervi N, Mutto A, Johannisson A, Morrell JM, Davio C, Perez-Martinez S. Extracellular cAMP activates molecular signalling pathways associated with sperm capacitation in bovines. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:521-534. [PMID: 28521061 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is extracellular cAMP involved in the regulation of signalling pathways in bovine sperm capacitation? SUMMARY ANSWER Extracellular cAMP induces sperm capacitation through the activation of different signalling pathways that involve phospholipase C (PLC), PKC/ERK1-2 signalling and an increase in sperm Ca2+ levels, as well as soluble AC and cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signalling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In order to fertilize the oocyte, ejaculated spermatozoa must undergo a series of changes in the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. This correlates with a number of membrane and metabolic modifications that include an increased influx of bicarbonate and Ca2+, activation of a soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) to produce cAMP, PKA activation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the development of hyperactivated motility. We previously reported that cAMP efflux by Multidrug Resistance Protein 4 (MRP4) occurs during sperm capacitation and the pharmacological blockade of this inhibits the process. Moreover, the supplementation of incubation media with cAMP abolishes the inhibition and leads to sperm capacitation, suggesting that extracellular cAMP regulates crucial signalling cascades involved in this process. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Bovine sperm were selected by the wool glass column method, and washed by centrifugation in BSA-Free Tyrode's Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (sp-TALP). Pellets were resuspended then diluted for each treatment. For in vitro capacitation, 10 to 15 × 106 SPZ/ml were incubated in 0.3% BSA sp-TALP at 38.5°C for 45 min under different experimental conditions. To evaluate the role of extracellular cAMP on different events associated with sperm capacitation, 10 nM cAMP was added to the incubation medium as well as different inhibitors of enzymes associated with signalling transduction pathways: U73122 (PLC inhibitor, 10 μM), Gö6983 (PKC inhibitor, 10 μM), PD98059 (ERK-1/2 inhibitor, 30 μM), H89 and KT (PKA inhibitors, 50 μM and 100 nM, respectively), KH7 (sAC inhibitor, 10 μM), BAPTA-AM (intracellular Ca2+ chelator, 50 μM), EGTA (10 μM) and Probenecid (MRPs general inhibitor, 500 μM). In addition, assays for binding to oviductal epithelial cells and IVF were carried out to test the effect of cAMP compared with other known capacitant agents such as heparin (60 μg/ml) and bicarbonate (40 mM). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Straws of frozen bovine semen (20-25 × 106 spermatozoa/ml) were kindly provided by Las Lilas, CIALE and CIAVT Artificial Insemination Centers. The methods used in this work include western blot, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, computer-assisted semen analysis, live imaging of Ca2+ and fluorescence scanning. At least three independent assays with bull samples of proven fertility were carried. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the present study, we elucidate the molecular events induced by extracellular cAMP. Our results showed that external cAMP induces sperm capacitation, depending upon the action of PLC. Downstream, this enzyme increased ERK1-2 activation through PKC and elicited a rise in sperm Ca2+ levels (P < 0.01). Moreover, extracellular cAMP-induced capacitation also depended on the activity of sAC and PKA, and increased tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating that the nucleotide exerts a broad range of responses. In addition, extracellular cAMP-induced sperm hyperactivation and concomitantly increased the proportion of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial activity (P < 0.01). Finally, cAMP increased the in vitro fertilization rate compared to control conditions (P < 0.001). LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study performed with bovine cryopreserved spermatozoa. Studies in other species and with fresh samples are needed to extrapolate these data. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings strongly suggest an important role of extracellular cAMP in the regulation of the signalling pathways involved in the acquisition of bull sperm fertilizing capability. The data presented here indicate that not only a rise, but also a regulation of cAMP levels is necessary to ensure sperm fertilizing ability. Thus, exclusion of the nucleotide to the extracellular space might be essential to guarantee the achievement of a cAMP tone, needed for all capacitation-associated events to take place. Moreover, the ability of cAMP to trigger such broad and complex signalling events allows us to hypothesize that cAMP is a self-produced autocrine/paracrine factor, and supports the emerging paradigm that spermatozoa do not compete but, in fact, communicate with each other. A precise understanding of the functional competence of mammalian spermatozoa is essential to generate clinical advances in the treatment of infertility and the development of novel contraceptive strategies. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas [PIP0 496 to S.P.-M.], Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecológica [PICT 2012-1195 and PICT2014-2325 to S.P.-M., and PICT 2013-2050 to C.D.], Boehringer Ingelheim Funds, and the Swedish Farmers Foundation [SLF-H13300339 to J.M.]. The authors declare there are no conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Agustín I Alonso
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Medicina (CONICET-UBA), Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia E Osycka-Salut
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (IIB/UNTECH-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Matheu 3910 (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Castellano
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Medicina (CONICET-UBA), Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andreína Cesari
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (IIB-CONICET-UNMDP), Funes 3250 (7600), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Di Siervi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Junín 954 (C1113AAD) Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrián Mutto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (IIB/UNTECH-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Matheu 3910 (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE-750 07), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE-750 07), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carlos Davio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Junín 954 (C1113AAD) Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Perez-Martinez
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Medicina (CONICET-UBA), Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Laqqan M, Solomayer EF, Hammadeh M. Association between alterations in DNA methylation level of spermatozoa at CpGs dinucleotide and male subfertility problems. Andrologia 2017; 50. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Laqqan
- Gynecology & Assisted Reproduction Laboratory; Department of Obstetrics; Saarland University; Saarland Germany
| | - E. F. Solomayer
- Gynecology & Assisted Reproduction Laboratory; Department of Obstetrics; Saarland University; Saarland Germany
| | - M. Hammadeh
- Gynecology & Assisted Reproduction Laboratory; Department of Obstetrics; Saarland University; Saarland Germany
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13
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Zhang J, Yuan Y, Liu Q, Yang D, Liu M, Shen L, Zhou Y, Wang Z. Differentially expressed genes in the testicular tissues of adenylyl cyclase 3 knockout mice. Gene 2017; 602:33-42. [PMID: 27864010 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Adenylate cyclase 3 (AC3) is an important component of the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway and converts adenosine triphosphate into cAMP. Male mice with AC3 deletion (AC3-/-) are sterile. However, the mechanical mechanism remains unclear. By TUNEL staining, we found that cell apoptosis in the testicular tissues of AC3-/- mice increased significantly compared with that in the wild-type (AC3+/+) mice. Differentially expressed genes regulated by AC3 in the testicular tissues were identified by gene chip hybridization. We observed that the expression of 693 genes was altered in the testicular tissues of AC3-/- mice, including 330 up-regulated and 363 down-regulated gene expression with fold changes higher than 2 (≥2) as the standards. Furthermore, part of these differentially expressed genes was verified by the real-time fluorescence quantification PCR and immunofluorescent staining. The expression levels of the genes related to olfactory receptors, cell apoptosis, transcriptional activity, defensive reaction, cell adhesion, cell death, and immunoreactions were significantly altered in the testicular tissues of AC3-/- mice compared with AC3+/+ mice. In addition, the corresponding Ca2+, cAMP, and cell adhesion signaling pathways, as well as the signaling pathways related to axon guidance and cell interaction, were altered significantly in the AC3-/- mice. These data would help elucidate the general understanding of the mechanisms underlying the sterility in AC3-/- male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Qingxiu Liu
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Dong Yang
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Mingshen Liu
- College of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Limin Shen
- College of Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Yanfen Zhou
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071002, China.
| | - Zhenshan Wang
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei Province 071002, China.
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14
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Bergeron A, Hébert A, Guillemette C, Laroche A, Poulin MP, Aragon JP, Leclerc P, Sullivan R, Blondin P, Vigneault C, Richard FJ. Papaverine-sensitive phosphodiesterase activity is measured in bovine spermatozoa. Andrology 2016; 5:169-179. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Bergeron
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - A. Hébert
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - C. Guillemette
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - A. Laroche
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - M.-P. Poulin
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - J. P. Aragon
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - P. Leclerc
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction; Faculté de Médecine; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | - R. Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction; Faculté de Médecine; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
| | | | | | - F. J. Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction; Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
- Département des Sciences Animales; Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
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15
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Bergeron A, Aragon JP, Guillemette C, Hébert A, Sullivan R, Blondin P, Richard FJ. Characterization of cAMP-phosphodiesterase activity in bovine seminal plasma. Andrology 2016; 4:1123-1130. [PMID: 27565610 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has a central role in sperm physiology. Extracellular cAMP can be sequentially degraded into 5'AMP and adenosine by ecto-phosphodiesterases (ecto-PDE) and ecto-nucleotidases, a phenomenon called extracellular cAMP-adenosine pathway. As cAMP-adenosine pathway is involved in sperm capacitation, we hypothesize that extracellular PDEs are functionally present in seminal plasma. Exclusively measuring cAMP-PDE activity, total activity in bovine seminal plasma was 10.1 ± 1.5 fmoles/min/μg. Using different family-specific PDE inhibitors, we showed that in seminal plasma, the major cAMP-PDE activity was papaverine sensitive (47.5%). These data support the presence of PDE10 in bovine seminal plasma and was further confirmed by western blot. In epididymal fluid, total cAMP-PDE activity was 48.2 ± 14.8 fmoles/min/μg and we showed that the major cAMP-PDE activity was 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine insensitive and thus ascribed to PDE8 family. PDE10A mRNAs were found in the testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicles. cAMP-PDE activity is present in bovine seminal plasma and epididymal fluid. The results suggest a role for ecto-PDEs present in those fluids in the signaling pathways involved in sperm functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bergeron
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - J P Aragon
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - C Guillemette
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - A Hébert
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - R Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - P Blondin
- Boviteq, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - F J Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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16
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Goupil S, Maréchal L, El Hajj H, Tremblay MÈ, Richard FJ, Leclerc P. Identification and Localization of the Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase 10A in Bovine Testis and Mature Spermatozoa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161035. [PMID: 27548062 PMCID: PMC4993467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, adenosine 3’, 5’-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is known to play highly important roles in sperm motility and acrosomal exocytosis. It is known to act through protein phosphorylation via PRKA and through the activation of guanine nucleotide exchange factors like EPAC. Sperm intracellular cAMP levels depend on the activity of adenylyl cyclases, mostly SACY, though transmembrane-containing adenylyl cyclases are also present, and on the activity of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE) whose role is to degrade cAMP into 5’-AMP. The PDE superfamily is subdivided into 11 families (PDE1 to 11), which act on either cAMP or cGMP, or on both cAMP and cGMP although with different enzymatic properties. PDE10, which is more effective on cAMP than cGMP, has been known for almost 15 years and is mostly studied in the brain where it is associated with neurological disorders. Although a high level of PDE10A gene expression is observed in the testis, information on the identity of the isoforms or on the cell type that express the PDE10 protein is lacking. The objective of this study was to identify the PDE10A isoforms expressed in the testis and germ cells, and to determine the presence and localization of PDE10A in mature spermatozoa. As a sub-objective, since PDE10A transcript variants were reported strictly through analyses of bovine genomic sequence, we also wanted to determine the nucleotide and amino acid sequences by experimental evidence. Using RT-PCR, 5’- and 3’-RACE approaches we clearly show that PDE10A transcript variants X3 and X5 are expressed in bovine testis as well as in primary spermatocytes and spermatids. We also reveal using a combination of immunological techniques and proteomics analytical tools that the PDE10A isoform X4 is present in the area of the developing acrosome of spermatids and of the acrosome of mature spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Goupil
- Département d’obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Université Laval, et Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, G1V 4G2, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Loïze Maréchal
- Département d’obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Université Laval, et Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, G1V 4G2, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Hassan El Hajj
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, et Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, G1V 4G2, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, et Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, G1V 4G2, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - François J. Richard
- Département des sciences animales, Université Laval, et Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Leclerc
- Département d’obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Université Laval, et Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, G1V 4G2, Québec, QC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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17
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Eid AA, Badr El Dine FMM, Nabil IM. Histopathologic and Ultrastructural Changes in Seminiferous Tubules of Adult Male Albino Rats Following Daily Administration of Different Doses of Tadalafil. Urology 2016; 90:89-96. [PMID: 26772640 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2015.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of chronic daily administration of different doses of tadalafil on the structure of the seminiferous tubules and on spermatogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty adult male Wistar rats were included; they were divided into four groups: a control group (group I) and groups II, III, and IV that received daily tadalfil in doses of 0.45, 0.9, and 1.8 mg/kg for 12 weeks (equivalent to human doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg daily), respectively. The epididymis was processed for evaluation of sperm parameters, serum testosterone was measured, Johnsen score for rats was calculated, and testicular histopathological and ultrastructural examinations were performed. RESULTS Serum testosterone was significantly lower in group IV than in groups I and II. Moreover, posttreatment values in group IV were significantly lower than pretreatment values. A significant decline in sperm motility and morphology was detected in groups III and IV compared to groups I and II. Sperm count was significantly lower in group IV compared to the other groups. Johnsen score was significantly lower in groups III and IV compared to groups I and II and in group IV compared to group III. In addition, histopathological and ultrastructural degenerative changes in rat testes were detected; these changes were dose dependent and increased with increasing the dose of tadalafil. CONCLUSION Chronic daily oral administration of tadalafil to male albino rats demonstrates a dose-dependent alteration to testicular histology and semen parameters. The influence of these changes on the actual fertility of these animals remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Abulfotooh Eid
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | | | - Iman Mohamed Nabil
- Department of Histology & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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18
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Ioki S, Wu QS, Takayama O, Motohashi HH, Wakai T, Funahashi H. A phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor, sildenafil, induces sperm capacitation and penetration into porcine oocytes in a chemically defined medium. Theriogenology 2015; 85:428-33. [PMID: 26443234 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of a phosphodiesterase (PDE) type-5 (cyclic guanosine monophosphate-specific) inhibitor, sildenafil, on capacitation and penetration of boar spermatozoa in a basic chemically defined medium (adenosine- and theophylline-free PGM-tac4). When ejaculated spermatozoa were cultured for 90 minutes in the absence or presence of sildenafil at 2.5 mM, the inhibitor significantly increased the percentage of capacitated/acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, as a result of the chlortetracycline assay. When fresh spermatozoa were co-cultured with oocytes in the presence of sildenafil at a different concentration (0, 2.5, 25, or 250 μM), higher sildenafil concentrations (25 and 250 μM) significantly resulted in higher sperm penetration rates. When oocytes matured in vitro were co-cultured with spermatozoa in the presence of 25 μM sildenafil or 25 mM caffeine benzoate for 8 hours, the incidence of penetrated oocytes did not differ between two groups, whereas the incidence of monospermic oocytes in penetrated one was significantly higher in the presence of sildenafil. Immunocytochemical analysis reported the presence of PDE type-5 on the acrosome region of boar spermatozoa. These results report that regulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-specific PDE type-5 by sildenafil somehow can increase the penetrability of boar spermatozoa in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumire Ioki
- Department of Animal Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Qing-Shan Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Osamu Takayama
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | | | - Takuya Wakai
- Department of Animal Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Funahashi
- Department of Animal Science, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan; Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
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19
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Navarrete FA, García-Vázquez FA, Alvau A, Escoffier J, Krapf D, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Salicioni AM, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Biphasic role of calcium in mouse sperm capacitation signaling pathways. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:1758-1769. [PMID: 25597298 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm acquire fertilizing ability in the female tract in a process known as capacitation. At the molecular level, capacitation is associated with up-regulation of a cAMP-dependent pathway, changes in intracellular pH, intracellular Ca(2+), and an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. How these signaling systems interact during capacitation is not well understood. Results presented in this study indicate that Ca(2+) ions have a biphasic role in the regulation of cAMP-dependent signaling. Media without added Ca(2+) salts (nominal zero Ca(2+)) still contain micromolar concentrations of this ion. Sperm incubated in this medium did not undergo PKA activation or the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation suggesting that these phosphorylation pathways require Ca(2+). However, chelation of the extracellular Ca(2+) traces by EGTA induced both cAMP-dependent phosphorylation and the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. The EGTA effect in nominal zero Ca(2+) media was mimicked by two calmodulin antagonists, W7 and calmidazolium, and by the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A. These results suggest that Ca(2+) ions regulate sperm cAMP and tyrosine phosphorylation pathways in a biphasic manner and that some of its effects are mediated by calmodulin. Interestingly, contrary to wild-type mouse sperm, sperm from CatSper1 KO mice underwent PKA activation and an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation upon incubation in nominal zero Ca(2+) media. Therefore, sperm lacking Catsper Ca(2+) channels behave as wild-type sperm incubated in the presence of EGTA. This latter result suggests that Catsper transports the Ca(2+) involved in the regulation of cAMP-dependent and tyrosine phosphorylation pathways required for sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Francisco A García-Vázquez
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA.,Department of Physiology, Veterinary School, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum) and Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Alvau
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Jessica Escoffier
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Molecular de Rosario (CONICET), UNR, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, IBT-UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
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Tardif S, Madamidola OA, Brown SG, Frame L, Lefièvre L, Wyatt PG, Barratt CLR, Martins Da Silva SJ. Clinically relevant enhancement of human sperm motility using compounds with reported phosphodiesterase inhibitor activity. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:2123-35. [PMID: 25124668 PMCID: PMC4481575 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can we identify compound(s) with reported phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDEI) activity that could be added to human spermatozoa in vitro to enhance their motility without compromising other sperm functions? SUMMARY ANSWER We have identified several compounds that produce robust and effective stimulation of sperm motility and, importantly, have a positive response on patient samples. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY For >20 years, the use of non-selective PDEIs, such as pentoxifylline, has been known to influence the motility of human spermatozoa; however, conflicting results have been obtained. It is now clear that human sperm express several different phosphodiesterases and these are compartmentalized at different regions of the cells. By using type-specific PDEIs, differential modulation of sperm motility may be achieved without adversely affecting other functions such as the acrosome reaction (AR). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a basic medical research study examining sperm samples from normozoospermic donors and subfertile patients attending the Assisted Conception Unit (ACU), Ninewells Hospital Dundee for diagnostic semen analysis, IVF and ICSI. Phase 1 screened 43 commercially available compounds with reported PDEI activity to identify lead compounds that stimulate sperm motility. Samples were exposed (20 min) to three concentrations (1, 10 and 100 µM) of compound, and selected candidates (n = 6) progressed to Phase 2, which provided a more comprehensive assessment using a battery of in vitro sperm function tests. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All healthy donors and subfertile patients were recruited at the Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee and ACU, Ninewells Hospital Dundee (ethical approval 08/S1402/6). In Phase 1, poor motility cells recovered from the 40% interface of the discontinuous density gradient were used as surrogates for patient samples. Pooled samples from three to four different donors were utilized in order to reduce variability and increase the number of cells available for simultaneous examination of multiple compounds. During Phase 2 testing, semen samples from 23 patients attending for either routine diagnostic andrology assessment or IVF/ICSI were prepared and exposed to selected compounds. Additionally, 48 aliquots of prepared samples, surplus to clinical use, were examined from IVF (n = 32) and ICSI (n = 16) patients to further determine the effects of selected compounds under clinical conditions of treatment. Effects of compounds on sperm motility were assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis. A modified Kremer test using methyl cellulose was used to assess sperm functional ability to penetrate into viscous media. Sperm acrosome integrity and induction of apoptosis were assessed using the acrosomal content marker PSA-FITC and annexin V kit, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In Phase 1, six compounds were found to have a strong effect on poor motility samples with a magnitude of response of ≥60% increase in percentage total motility. Under capacitating and non-capacitating conditions, these compounds significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the percentage of total and progressive motility. Furthermore, these compounds enhanced penetration into a cervical mucus substitute (P ≤ 0.05). Finally, the AR was not significantly induced and these compounds did not significantly increase the externalization of phosphatidylserine (P = 0.6, respectively). In general, the six compounds maintained the stimulation of motility over long periods of time (180 min) and their effects were still observed after their removal. In examinations of clinical samples, there was a general observation of a more significant stimulation of sperm motility in samples with lower baseline motility. In ICSI samples, compounds #26, #37 and #38 were the most effective at significantly increasing total motility (88, 81 and 79% of samples, respectively) and progressive motility (94, 93 and 81% of samples, respectively). In conclusion, using a two-phased drug discovery screening approach including the examination of clinical samples, 3/43 compounds were identified as promising candidates for further study. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study and caution must be taken when extrapolating the results. Data for patients were from one assessment and thus the robustness of responses needs to be established. The n values for ICSI samples were relatively small. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We have systematically screened and identified several compounds that have robust and effective stimulation (i.e. functional significance with longevity and no toxicity) of total and progressive motility under clinical conditions of treatment. These compounds could be clinical candidates with possibilities in terms of assisted reproductive technology options for current or future patients affected by asthenozoospermia or oligoasthenozoospermia. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded primarily by the MRC (DPFS) but with additional funding from the Wellcome Trust, Tenovus (Scotland), University of Dundee, NHS Tayside and Scottish Enterprise. The authors have no competing interests. A patent (#WO2013054111A1) has been published containing some of the information presented in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Tardif
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK Present address: International Center for Biotechnology, MOFA Global, Mount Horeb, WI 53572, USA
| | - Oladipo A Madamidola
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK Assisted Conception Unit, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK University of Abertay, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | | | - Lorna Frame
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Linda Lefièvre
- Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B152TG, UK
| | - Paul G Wyatt
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK Assisted Conception Unit, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Sarah J Martins Da Silva
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK Assisted Conception Unit, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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Buffone MG, Wertheimer EV, Visconti PE, Krapf D. Central role of soluble adenylyl cyclase and cAMP in sperm physiology. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1842:2610-20. [PMID: 25066614 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP), the first second messenger to be described, plays a central role in cell signaling in a wide variety of cell types. Over the last decades, a wide body of literature addressed the different roles of cAMP in cell physiology, mainly in response to neurotransmitters and hormones. cAMP is synthesized by a wide variety of adenylyl cyclases that can generally be grouped in two types: transmembrane adenylyl cyclase and soluble adenylyl cyclases. In particular, several aspects of sperm physiology are regulated by cAMP produced by a single atypical adenylyl cyclase (Adcy10, aka sAC, SACY). The signature that identifies sAC among other ACs, is their direct stimulation by bicarbonate. The essential nature of cAMP in sperm function has been demonstrated using gain of function as well as loss of function approaches. This review unifies state of the art knowledge of the role of cAMP and those enzymes involved in cAMP signaling pathways required for the acquisition of fertilizing capacity of mammalian sperm. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The role of soluble adenylyl cyclase in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eva V Wertheimer
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, ISB, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET), UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario, Argentina
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22
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Vadnais ML, Cao W, Aghajanian HK, Haig-Ladewig L, Lin AM, Al-Alao O, Gerton GL. Adenine nucleotide metabolism and a role for AMP in modulating flagellar waveforms in mouse sperm. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:128. [PMID: 24740601 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.114447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
While most ATP, the main energy source driving sperm motility, is derived from glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, the metabolic demands of the cell require the efficient use of power stored in high-energy phosphate bonds. In times of high energy consumption, adenylate kinase (AK) scavenges one ATP molecule by transphosphorylation of two molecules of ADP, simultaneously yielding one molecule of AMP as a by-product. Either ATP or ADP supported motility of detergent-modeled cauda epididymal mouse sperm, indicating that flagellar AKs are functional. However, the ensuing flagellar waveforms fueled by ATP or ADP were qualitatively different. Motility driven by ATP was rapid but restricted to the distal region of the sperm tail, whereas ADP produced slower and more fluid waves that propagated down the full flagellum. Characterization of wave patterns by tracing and superimposing the images of the flagella, quantifying the differences using digital image analysis, and computer-assisted sperm analysis revealed differences in the amplitude, periodicity, and propagation of the waves between detergent-modeled sperm treated with either ATP or ADP. Surprisingly, addition of AMP to the incubation medium containing ATP recapitulated the pattern of sperm motility seen with ADP alone. In addition to AK1 and AK2, which we previously demonstrated are present in outer dense fibers and mitochondrial sheath of the mouse sperm tail, we show that another AK, AK8, is present in a third flagellar compartment, the axoneme. These results extend the known regulators of sperm motility to include AMP, which may be operating through an AMP-activated protein kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Vadnais
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Wenlei Cao
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Haig K Aghajanian
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lisa Haig-Ladewig
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Angel M Lin
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Osama Al-Alao
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - George L Gerton
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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23
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Khalaf MAM, Abbas MF, El-Fakahany HM. Effects of chronic tadalafil use on the testes and sperm parameters of old albino rats. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:370-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01191.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Breininger E, Cetica P, Beconi M. Capacitation inducers act through diverse intracellular mechanisms in cryopreserved bovine sperm. Theriogenology 2010; 74:1036-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Revised: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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25
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Fraser LR. The "switching on" of mammalian spermatozoa: molecular events involved in promotion and regulation of capacitation. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:197-208. [PMID: 19908247 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Following the discovery of mammalian sperm capacitation and its fundamental importance for the acquisition of fertilizing potential, it has gradually become possible to identify some specific molecules and molecular events that play pivotal roles in the "switching on" of spermatozoa. These are discussed in the context of the promotion and regulation of capacitation, emphasizing differences between commonly used conditions in vitro and the environment in vivo where spermatozoa normally undergo capacitation. Although typical culture media used in vitro do support capacitation, they do not prevent capacitated cells from undergoing spontaneous acrosome reactions and so losing fertilizing potential. This is not a problem in vitro, but could be in vivo where few spermatozoa reach the site of fertilization. Several small molecules, known to be present in vivo, have been shown in vitro to bind to spermatozoa and to regulate capacitation, first accelerating capacitation and then inhibiting spontaneous acrosome reactions, by regulating cAMP production. Since spermatozoa would contact these molecules during and after ejaculation, it is plausible that they serve a similar function in vivo. The mechanisms whereby the presence or absence of decapacitation factors might alter plasma membrane architecture and so alter functionality of a number of membrane-associated enzymes involved in capacitation are also considered. Finally, several unresolved issues relating to events during capacitation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn R Fraser
- Division of Reproduction and Endocrinology, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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26
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Pons-Rejraji H, Bailey JL, Leclerc P. Modulation of bovine sperm signalling pathways: correlation between intracellular parameters and sperm capacitation and acrosome exocytosis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2009; 21:511-24. [PMID: 19383258 DOI: 10.1071/rd07169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the viability, intracellular pH (pHi), cAMP ([cAMP]i), calcium concentration and protein phosphotyrosine content were evaluated in relation to the acrosomal and capacitation status of freshly ejaculated bull spermatozoa. These parameters were evaluated before and after incubation with the capacitation inducer heparin, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), the phosphotyrosyl-protein phosphatase inhibitors phenylarsine oxide (PAO) and sodium orthovanadate, and hydrogen peroxide. The results obtained were integrated to address the physiological interactions between the different signalling events affecting sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. As expected, heparin promoted the expression of the 'B' pattern of chlortetracycline binding, increased pHi, [cAMP]i and the phosphotyrosine content of sperm proteins. The effects of heparin were enhanced by IBMX. Both PAO and sodium orthovanadate stimulated protein phosphotyrosine content and acrosomal exocytosis, although only PAO affected pH, Ca2+ and cAMP levels. Intracellular pH was increased while both Ca2+ and [cAMP]i were decreased. Physiological concentrations of H2O2 increased [cAMP]i and promoted acrosomal exocytosis. A significant positive correlation was found between sperm capacitation, protein phosphotyrosine content and stored Ca2+ concentration, whereas the acrosome reaction was correlated with pHi and Ca2+ concentration. This study presents the first global analysis of the major elements individually described during sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction signalling pathways, supported by statistical correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
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27
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Abstract
This review aims to elucidate the possible effects of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors on sperm functions. PDEs hydrolyze cyclic nucleotides, and together with adenylyl and guanylyl cyclase, which catalyze the formation of cAMP and cGMP, regulate the levels of these second messengers in cells. cGMP-specific PDE5 is one of the PDEs that have been intensively studied because of its fundamental pharmacological relevance, as oral PDE5 inhibitors are used successfully in treating erectile dysfunction. In addition, they have shown diverse beneficial actions in different disease categories. Specific relevance of the cGMP system in reproductive functions has been recently proposed. Its use was shown to be devoid of effects on semen volume, concentration, sperm membrane integrity or sperm penetration assay. Most available studies demonstrated a significant increase in sperm motility and viability both in vivo and in vitro, which seems to be enhanced at low doses and reduced at high concentrations. Also, these molecules showed a role in capacitation and a debated one concerning acrosome reaction. However, due to the relative short period since the launching of oral PDE5 inhibitors, more investigations should be carried out in wider scales to assess their effect(s) on variant sperm function that could be beneficial as potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Mostafa
- Department of Andrology & Sexology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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28
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Colas C, James P, Howes L, Jones R, Cebrian-Perez JA, Muiño-Blanco T. Cyclic-AMP initiates protein tyrosine phosphorylation independent of cholesterol efflux during ram sperm capacitation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2008; 20:649-58. [PMID: 18671912 DOI: 10.1071/rd08023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike most other species, ram spermatozoa are difficult to capacitate in vitro. Bicarbonate and Ca(2+) are necessary, whereas bovine serum albumin does not appear to be obligatory. In the present investigation we have assessed (1) the ability of the cholesterol-sequestering agent, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (M-beta-CD), to initiate protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and (2) the importance of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in controlling the levels of cAMP. Results show that despite removing significant amounts of membrane cholesterol, as assessed by filipin staining, M-beta-CD treatment did not stimulate major increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Addition of a cocktail of PDE inhibitors (theophylline and caffeine), a phosphatase inhibitor (okadaic acid) and dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP), however, stimulated specific tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins between 30 and 120 kDa. On their own, none of the above reagents were effective but a combination of db-cAMP + PDE inhibitors was sufficient to achieve a maximal response. H-89, a protein kinase-A inhibitor, suppressed tyrosine phosphorylation significantly. Immunofluorescence revealed that the newly-phosphorylated proteins localised mainly in the sperm tail. These findings suggest that in ram spermatozoa cAMP levels are too low to initiate tyrosine phosphorylation of flagellar proteins that are indicative of the capacitation state and that this is caused by unusually high levels of intracellular PDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Colas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, Saragossa, Spain
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29
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Gross-Langenhoff M, Stenzl A, Altenberend F, Schultz A, Schultz JE. The properties of phosphodiesterase 11A4 GAF domains are regulated by modifications in its N-terminal domain. FEBS J 2008; 275:1643-50. [PMID: 18312413 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2008.06319.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The tandem GAF domain of human phosphodiesterase 11A4 (hPDE11A4) requires 72 microm cGMP for half-maximal effective concentration (EC(50)) of a cyanobacterial adenylyl cyclase used as a reporter enzyme. Here we examine whether modifications in the N-terminus of PDE11A4 affect cGMP signalling. The N-terminus has two phosphorylation sites for cyclic nucleotide monophosphate-dependent protein kinases (Ser117, Ser168). Phosphorylation of both by cAMP-dependent protein kinase decreased the EC(50) value for cGMP from 72 to 23 microm. Phosphomimetic point mutations (S117D/S167D), which project complete phosphorylation, lowered the EC(50) value to 16 microm. Structural and sequence data indicate that 196 amino acids precede the start of the GAF domain in hPDE11A4. Removal of 197 amino acids yielded unregulated cyclase activity, whereas truncation by 196 amino acids resulted in a cGMP-regulated protein with a cGMP EC(50) value of 7.6 microm. Truncation by 176 amino acids was required for cGMP EC(50) values to decrease to below 10 microm; a construct truncated by 168 amino acids had an EC(50) value of 224 microm. The decrease in EC(50) values was accompanied by a sixfold increase in basal activity; the extent of cGMP stimulation remained unaffected, however. We conclude that N-terminal modifications strongly affect cGMP regulation of hPDE11A4.
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Gajar SA, Tano T, Resende ÂC, Bitencourt JAF, de Lemos Neto M, Damião R, Criddle DN, Soares de Moura R. Inhibitory effect of sildenafil on the human isolated seminal vesicle. BJU Int 2007; 100:1322-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2007.07260.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Beltrán C, Vacquier VD, Moy G, Chen Y, Buck J, Levin LR, Darszon A. Particulate and soluble adenylyl cyclases participate in the sperm acrosome reaction. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 358:1128-35. [PMID: 17524362 PMCID: PMC3644950 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
cAMP is important in sea urchin sperm signaling, yet the molecular nature of the adenylyl cyclases (ACs) involved remained unknown. These cells were recently shown to contain an ortholog of the mammalian soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). Here, we show that sAC is present in the sperm head and as in mammals is stimulated by bicarbonate. The acrosome reaction (AR), a process essential for fertilization, is influenced by the bicarbonate concentration in seawater. By using functional assays and immunofluorescence techniques we document that sea urchin sperm also express orthologs of multiple isoforms of transmembrane ACs (tmACs). Our findings employing selective inhibitors for each class of AC indicate that both sAC and tmACs participate in the sperm acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62250, Mexico.
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Beltrán C, Galindo BE, Rodríguez-Miranda E, Sánchez D. Signal transduction mechanisms regulating ion fluxes in the sea urchin sperm. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/sita.200600129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Vasta V, Shimizu-Albergine M, Beavo JA. Modulation of Leydig cell function by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 8A. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:19925-30. [PMID: 17172443 PMCID: PMC1750886 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0609483103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells produce testosterone in the testes under the pulsatile control of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH). cAMP is the intracellular messenger for LH action on steroidogenesis, and pharmacological evidence indicates that the response to LH can be modulated by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). However the types and roles of the PDEs present in Leydig cells have not been fully defined. We report here that PDE8A is expressed in Leydig cells, and using PDE8A knockout mice we provide evidence that PDE8A is a key regulator of LH signaling and steroidogenesis. A 4-fold increase in the sensitivity to LH for testosterone production was detected in Leydig cells isolated from PDE8A knockout mice. In Leydig cells from wild-type mice, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, a compound that inhibits all cAMP PDEs except PDE8A, elicited only a small increase in the sensitivity of testosterone production to LH. However, in the PDE8-null mice, the effect of this inhibitor is much more pronounced. These observations indicate that PDE8A and at least one other PDE control the same or a complementary pool of cAMP that mediates LH-regulated steroidogenesis. Overall, these results suggest that pharmacological manipulation of PDE8A, alone or in combination with other PDEs present in Leydig cells, may be exploited to modulate testosterone synthesis and possibly to treat various conditions where the local levels of this androgen need to be altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Vasta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195-7280
| | - Masami Shimizu-Albergine
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195-7280
| | - Joseph A. Beavo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195-7280
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Oberholzer M, Bregy P, Marti G, Minca M, Peier M, Seebeck T. Trypanosomes and mammalian sperm: one of a kind? Trends Parasitol 2006; 23:71-7. [PMID: 17174157 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2006.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2006] [Revised: 11/02/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Flagellar-mediated motility is an indispensable function for cell types as evolutionarily distant as mammalian sperm and kinetoplastid parasites, a large group of flagellated protozoa that includes several important human pathogens. Despite the obvious importance of flagellar motility, little is known about the signalling processes that direct the frequency and wave shape of the flagellar beat, or those that provide the motile cell with the necessary environmental cues that enable it to aim its movement. Similarly, the energetics of the flagellar beat and the problem of a sufficient ATP supply along the entire length of the beating flagellum remain to be explored. Recent proteome projects studying the flagella of mammalian sperm and kinetoplastid parasites have provided important information and have indicated a surprising degree of similarities between the flagella of these two cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Oberholzer
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Coskran TM, Morton D, Menniti FS, Adamowicz WO, Kleiman RJ, Ryan AM, Strick CA, Schmidt CJ, Stephenson DT. Immunohistochemical localization of phosphodiesterase 10A in multiple mammalian species. J Histochem Cytochem 2006; 54:1205-13. [PMID: 16864896 DOI: 10.1369/jhc.6a6930.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A monoclonal antibody directed against the amino terminal of rat phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) was used to localize PDE10A in multiple central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues from mouse, rat, dog, cynomolgus macaque, and human. PDE10A immunoreactivity is strongly expressed in the CNS of these species with limited expression in peripheral tissues. Within the brain, strong immunoreactivity is present in both neuronal cell bodies and neuropil of the striatum, in striatonigral and striatopallidal white matter tracks, and in the substantia nigra and globus pallidus. Outside the brain, PDE10A immunoreactivity is less intense, and distribution is limited to few tissues such as the testis, epididymal sperm, and enteric ganglia. These data demonstrate that PDE10A is an evolutionarily conserved phosphodiesterase highly expressed in the brain but with restricted distribution in the periphery in multiple mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Coskran
- PGRD-Groton, MS 8274-1415, One Eastern Point Road, Groton CT 06340, USA.
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Makhlouf A, Kshirsagar A, Niederberger C. Phosphodiesterase 11: a brief review of structure, expression and function. Int J Impot Res 2006; 18:501-9. [PMID: 16395323 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase 11 (PDE11) is the latest isoform of the phosphodiesterase family to be identified. Interest in PDE11 has increased recently because tadalafil, an oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, cross reacts with PDE11. The function of PDE11 remains largely unknown, but growing evidence points to a possible role in male reproduction. The published literature on PDE11 structure, function and expression is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Makhlouf
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612-7316, USA.
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Su YH, Vacquier VD. Cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase-5 regulates motility of sea urchin spermatozoa. Mol Biol Cell 2005; 17:114-21. [PMID: 16236790 PMCID: PMC1345651 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e05-08-0820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Motility, chemotaxis, and the acrosome reaction of animal sperm are all regulated by cyclic nucleotides and protein phosphorylation. One of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) substrates in sea urchin sperm is a member of the phosphodiesterase (PDE) family. The molecular identity and in vivo function of this PDE remained unknown. Here we cloned and characterized this sea urchin sperm PDE (suPDE5), which is an ortholog of human PDE5. The recombinant catalytic domain of suPDE5 hydrolyzes only cyclic GMP (cGMP) and the activity is pH-dependent. Phospho-suPDE5 localizes mainly to sperm flagella and the phosphorylation increases when sperm contact the jelly layer surrounding eggs. In vitro dephosphorylation of suPDE5 decreases its activity by approximately 50%. PDE5 inhibitors such as Viagra block the activity of suPDE5 and increase sperm motility. This is the first PDE5 protein to be discovered in animal sperm. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that suPDE5 regulates cGMP levels in sperm, which in turn modulate sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsien Su
- Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0202, USA
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