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Parkes R, Garcia TX. Bringing proteomics to bear on male fertility: key lessons. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:181-203. [PMID: 38536015 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2327553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a major public health concern globally. Proteomics has revolutionized our comprehension of male fertility by identifying potential infertility biomarkers and reproductive defects. Studies comparing sperm proteome with other male reproductive tissues have the potential to refine fertility diagnostics and guide infertility treatment development. AREAS COVERED This review encapsulates literature using proteomic approaches to progress male reproductive biology. Our search methodology included systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles up to 2023. Keywords used included 'male fertility proteomics,' 'spermatozoa proteome,' 'testis proteomics,' 'epididymal proteomics,' and 'non-hormonal male contraception.' Inclusion criteria were robust experimental design, significant contributions to male fertility, and novel use of proteomic technologies. EXPERT OPINION Expert analysis shows a shift from traditional research to an integrative approach that clarifies male reproductive health's molecular intricacies. A gap exists between proteomic discoveries and clinical application. The expert opinions consolidated here not only navigate the current findings but also chart the future proteomic applications for scientific and clinical breakthroughs. We underscore the need for continued investment in proteomic research - both in the technological and collaborative arenas - to further unravel the secrets of male fertility, which will be central to resolving fertility issues in the coming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Parkes
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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Hernández-Avilés C, Ramírez-Agámez L, Varner DD, Love CC. Lactate-induced spontaneous acrosomal exocytosis as a method to study acrosome function in stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2023; 210:169-181. [PMID: 37517302 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of acrosome function in stallion sperm is mostly based on the use of inducers of acrosomal exocytosis (AE), such as the calcium ionophore A23187 or progesterone. Recently, it has been reported that incubation of stallion sperm under presumed capacitating conditions (i.e., medium formulated with calcium, bicarbonate, and bovine serum albumin) using a lactate-only containing medium (Lac-MW) results in a high rate of spontaneous AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable). In the current study, we developed an alternative assay of acrosome function for stallion sperm following the incubation of sperm in a medium formulated only with lactate as an energy substrate (Lac-MW). In Experiment 1, freshly ejaculated stallion sperm was incubated with 10 μM A23187, Lac-MW, or Control, for up to 6 h under capacitating conditions. The percentages of motile sperm, viable sperm, total AE (Total AE), and AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable) were compared among treatment groups. Incubation in Lac-MW, but not with Control or A23187, resulted in a time-dependent increase in the percentage of AE/Viable, as determined by flow cytometry, particularly at 4 and 6 h of incubation (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, freshly ejaculated sperm was incubated in Lac-MW for up to 6 h, and the occurrence of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and AE/Viable were determined. At 4h and 6h of incubation in Lac-MW, ∼40% of the sperm displayed a protein tyrosine phosphorylation immunofluorescence pattern that coincides with that recently associated with stallion sperm capacitation (i.e., immunofluorescence signal at the acrosome and midpiece). In Experiment 3, the rate of AE/Viable sperm was compared among freshly ejaculated, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed stallion sperm. Except at 2h incubation in Lac-MW, differences in mean AE/Viable among fresh, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed sperm were not observed (P > 0.05). In Experiment 4, the relationship between Total AE (A23187), or AE/Viable (Lac-MW), and in vivo fertility of 5 stallions was determined. A linear relationship was observed between mean AE/Viable and the per-cycle (r = 0.93; P < 0.05) and seasonal (r = 0.66; P < 0.05) pregnancy rates of five stallions used for artificial insemination with cool-stored semen. In Experiment 5, frozen/thawed sperm from subfertile Thoroughbred (TB) stallions, known to carry the susceptibility genotype for Impaired Acrosomal Exocytosis (IAE; FKBP6 A/A-A/A) was evaluated following incubation in Lac-MW. Sperm from subfertile TB stallions with IAE had lower mean AE/Viable, at both 4h and 6h incubation in Lac-MW, when compared to that of fertile control stallions (P < 0.05). Overall, the Lac-MW model validated in the current study may be a useful complementary assay to evaluate the ability of stallion sperm to physiologically undergo AE and to study stallion fertility potential. This acrosome function assay can be used to evaluate fresh, cool-stored, or frozen/thawed stallion sperm, and describes a strong linear relationship with in vivo-fertility of stallions used in artificial insemination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA.
| | - Luisa Ramírez-Agámez
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
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Mostek-Majewska A, Majewska A, Janta A, Ciereszko A. New insights into posttranslational modifications of proteins during bull sperm capacitation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:72. [PMID: 37046330 PMCID: PMC10091539 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the unique nature of spermatozoa, which are transcriptionally and translationally silent, the regulation of capacitation is based on the formation of posttranslational modifications of proteins (PTMs). However, the interactions between different types of PTMs during the capacitation remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to unravel the PTM-based regulation of sperm capacitation by considering the relationship between tyrosine phosphorylation and reversible oxidative PTMs (oxPTMs), i.e., S-nitrosylation and S-glutathionylation. Since reversible oxPTMs may be closely related to peroxyredoxin (PRDX) activity, the second aim was to verify the role of PRDXs in the PTM-based regulation of capacitation. METHODS Cryopreserved bull sperm were capacitated in vitro with or without PRDX inhibitor. Qualitative parameters of sperm and symptoms characteristic of capacitation were analyzed. Posttranslational protein modifications (S-nitrosylation, S-glutathionylation, tyrosine phosphorylation) were investigated at the cellular level (flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy) and at the proteomic level (fluorescent gel-based proteomic approach). RESULTS Zona-pellucida binding proteins (ACRBP, SPAM1, ZAN, ZPBP1 and IZUMO4) were particularly rich in reversible oxPTMs. Moreover, numerous flagellar proteins were associated with all analyzed types of PTMs, which indicates that the direction of posttranslational modifications was integrated. Inhibition of PRDX activity during capacitation caused an increase in S-nitrosylation and S-glutathionylation and a decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation. Inhibition of PRDXs caused GAPDHS to undergo S-glutathionylation and the GSTO2 and SOD2 enzymes to undergo denitrosylation. Moreover, PRDX inhibition caused the AKAP proteins to be dephosphorylated. CONCLUSIONS Our research provides evidence that crosstalk occurs between tyrosine phosphorylation and reversible oxPTMs during bull sperm capacitation. This study demonstrates that capacitation triggers S-nitrosylation and S-glutathionylation (and reverse reactions) of zona-pellucida binding proteins, which may be a new important mechanism that determines the interaction between sperms and oocytes. Moreover, TCA-related and flagellar proteins, which are particularly rich in PTMs, may play a key role in sperm capacitation. We propose that the deglutathionylation of ODFs and IZUMO4 proteins is a new hallmark of bull sperm capacitation. The obtained results indicate a relationship between PRDX activity and protein phosphorylation, S-glutathionylation and S-nitrosylation. The activity of PRDXs may be crucial for maintaining redox balance and for providing proper PKA-mediated protein phosphorylation during capacitation. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Mostek-Majewska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Anna Majewska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Janta
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ciereszko
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
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Hackerova L, Klusackova B, Zigo M, Zelenkova N, Havlikova K, Krejcirova R, Sedmikova M, Sutovsky P, Komrskova K, Postlerova P, Simonik O. Modulatory effect of MG-132 proteasomal inhibition on boar sperm motility during in vitro capacitation. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1116891. [PMID: 37035827 PMCID: PMC10077870 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1116891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of biochemical and biophysical changes during sperm capacitation initiates various signaling pathways related to protein phosphorylation leading to sperm hyperactivation, simultaneously with the regulation of proteasomal activity responsible for protein degradation and turnover. Our study aimed to unveil the role of the proteasome in the regulation of boar sperm motility, hyperactivated status, tyrosine phosphorylation, and total protein ubiquitination. The proteolytic activity of the 20S proteasomal core was inhibited by MG-132 in concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM; and monitored parameters were analyzed every hour during 3 h of in vitro capacitation (IVC). Sperm motility and kinematic parameters were analyzed by Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) during IVC, showing a significant, negative, dose-dependent effect of MG-132 on total and progressive sperm motility (TMOT, PMOT, respectively). Furthermore, proteasomal inhibition by 50 and 100 μM MG-132 had a negative impact on velocity-based kinematic sperm parameters (VSL, VAP, and VCL). Parameters related to the progressivity of sperm movement (LIN, STR) and ALH were the most affected by the highest inhibitor concentration (100 μM). Cluster analysis revealed that the strongest proteasome-inhibiting treatment had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the hyperactivated sperm subpopulation. The flow cytometric viability results proved that reduced TMOT and PMOT were not caused by disruption of the integrity of the plasma membrane. Neither the protein tyrosine phosphorylation profile changes nor the accumulation of protein ubiquitination was observed during the course of capacitation under proteasome inhibition. In conclusion, inhibition of the proteasome reduced the ability of spermatozoa to undergo hyperactivation; however, there was no significant effect on the level of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. These effects might be due to the presence of compensatory mechanisms or the alteration of various ubiquitin-proteasome system-regulated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Hackerova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Barbora Klusackova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Natalie Zelenkova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katerina Havlikova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Romana Krejcirova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marketa Sedmikova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavla Postlerova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Pavla Postlerova
| | - Ondrej Simonik
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
- Ondrej Simonik
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Ferreira AF, Santiago J, Silva JV, Oliveira PF, Fardilha M. PP1, PP2A and PP2B Interplay in the Regulation of Sperm Motility: Lessons from Protein Phosphatase Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315235. [PMID: 36499559 PMCID: PMC9737803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Male fertility relies on the ability of spermatozoa to fertilize the egg in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Spermatozoa acquire activated motility during epididymal maturation; however, to be capable of fertilization, they must achieve hyperactivated motility in the FRT. Extensive research found that three protein phosphatases (PPs) are crucial to sperm motility regulation, the sperm-specific protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) isoform gamma 2 (PP1γ2), protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) and protein phosphatase type 2B (PP2B). Studies have reported that PP activity decreases during epididymal maturation, whereas protein kinase activity increases, which appears to be a requirement for motility acquisition. An interplay between these PPs has been extensively investigated; however, many specific interactions and some inconsistencies remain to be elucidated. The study of PPs significantly advanced following the identification of naturally occurring toxins, including calyculin A, okadaic acid, cyclosporin, endothall and deltamethrin, which are powerful and specific PP inhibitors. This review aims to overview the protein phosphorylation-dependent biochemical pathways underlying sperm motility acquisition and hyperactivation, followed by a discussion of the PP inhibitors that allowed advances in the current knowledge of these pathways. Since male infertility cases still attain alarming numbers, additional research on the topic is required, particularly using other PP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F. Ferreira
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana Santiago
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Joana V. Silva
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro F. Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Biomedicine-iBiMED, Medical Sciences Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-918-143-947
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Carracedo S, Briand-Amirat L, Dordas-Perpinyà M, Ramos Escuredo Y, Delcombel R, Sergeant N, Delehedde M. ProAKAP4 protein marker: Towards a functional approach to male fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Motility Assessment of Ram Spermatozoa. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121715. [PMID: 36552225 PMCID: PMC9774426 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
For successful fertilisation to occur, spermatozoa need to successfully migrate through the female reproductive tract and penetrate the oocyte. Predictably, poor sperm motility has been associated with low rates of fertilisation in many mammalian species, including the ram. As such, motility is one of the most important parameters used for in vitro evaluation of ram sperm quality and function. This review aims to outline the mechanical and energetic processes which underpin sperm motility, describe changes in motility which occur as a result of differences in sperm structure and the surrounding microenvironment, and assess the effectiveness of the various methods used to assess sperm motility in rams. Methods of subjective motility estimation are convenient, inexpensive methods widely used in the livestock industries, however, the subjective nature of these methods can make them unreliable. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) technology accurately and objectively measures sperm motility via two-dimensional tracing of sperm head motion, making it a popular method for sperm quality assurance in domesticated animal production laboratories. Newly developed methods of motility assessment including flagellar tracing, three-dimensional sperm tracing, in vivo motility assessment, and molecular assays which quantify motility-associated biomarkers, enable analysis of a new range of sperm motion parameters with the potential to reveal new mechanistic insights and improve ram semen assessment. Experimental application of these technologies is required to fully understand their potential to improve semen quality assessment and prediction of reproductive success in ovine artificial breeding programs.
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Cavarocchi E, Whitfield M, Saez F, Touré A. Sperm Ion Transporters and Channels in Human Asthenozoospermia: Genetic Etiology, Lessons from Animal Models, and Clinical Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073926. [PMID: 35409285 PMCID: PMC8999829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sperm fertilization potential relies on efficient progression within the female genital tract to reach and fertilize the oocyte. This fundamental property is supported by the flagellum, an evolutionarily conserved organelle that provides the mechanical force for sperm propulsion and motility. Importantly several functional maturation events that occur during the journey of the sperm cells through the genital tracts are necessary for the activation of flagellar beating and the acquisition of fertilization potential. Ion transporters and channels located at the surface of the sperm cells have been demonstrated to be involved in these processes, in particular, through the activation of downstream signaling pathways and the promotion of novel biochemical and electrophysiological properties in the sperm cells. We performed a systematic literature review to describe the currently known genetic alterations in humans that affect sperm ion transporters and channels and result in asthenozoospermia, a pathophysiological condition defined by reduced or absent sperm motility and observed in nearly 80% of infertile men. We also present the physiological relevance and functional mechanisms of additional ion channels identified in the mouse. Finally, considering the state-of-the art, we discuss future perspectives in terms of therapeutics of asthenozoospermia and male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cavarocchi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (E.C.); (M.W.)
| | - Marjorie Whitfield
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (E.C.); (M.W.)
| | - Fabrice Saez
- UMR GReD Institute (Génétique Reproduction & Développement) CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Team «Mécanismes de L’Infertilité Mâle Post-Testiculaire», Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Aminata Touré
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (E.C.); (M.W.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (A.T.)
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Yanagimachi R. Mysteries and unsolved problems of mammalian fertilization and related topics. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:644-675. [PMID: 35292804 PMCID: PMC9040664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a fascinating process that leads to the formation of a new individual. Eggs and sperm are complex cells that must meet at the appropriate time and position within the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. I have been studying various aspects of mammalian fertilization over 60 years. In this review, I discuss many different aspects of mammalian fertilization, some of my laboratory's contribution to the field, and discuss enigmas and mysteries that remain to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Couto-Santos F, Viana AGDA, Souza ACF, Dutra AADA, Mendes TADO, Ferreira ATDS, Aguilar JEP, Oliveira LL, Machado-Neves M. Prepubertal arsenic exposure alters phosphoproteins profile, quality, and fertility of epididymal spermatozoa in sexually mature rats. Toxicology 2021; 460:152886. [PMID: 34352348 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic intoxication affects male reproductive parameters of prepubertal rats. Besides, morphological and functional alterations in their testis and epididymis may remain after withdrawal of arsenic insult, causing potential impairment in male fertility during adulthood. In this study, we aimed at analyzing the effect of prepubertal arsenic exposure on the fecundity of epididymal sperm from sexually mature Wistar rats, assessing fertility indexes, sperm parameters, and sperm phosphoproteins content. Male pups on postnatal day (PND) 21 received filtered water (controls, n = 10) and 10 mg L-1 arsenite (n = 10) daily for 30 days. From PND52 to PND81, rats from both groups received filtered water. During this period, the males mated with non-exposed females between PND72 and PND75. Our results showed that sexually mature rats presented low sperm production, epididymal sperm count, motility, and quality after prepubertal arsenic exposure. These findings possibly contributed to the low fertility potential and high preimplantation loss. Epididymal sperm proteome detected 268 proteins, which 170 were found in animals from both control and arsenic groups, 27 proteins were detected only in control animals and 71 proteins only in arsenic-exposed rats. In these animals, SPATA 18 and other five proteins were upregulated, whereas keratin type II cytoskeletal 1 was downregulated (q < 0.1). The results of KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated an enrichment of pathways related to dopaminergic response, adrenergic signaling, protein degradation, and oocyte meiosis in arsenic-exposed animals. Moreover, 26 proteins were identified by phosphoproteomic with different phosphorylation pattern in animals from both groups, but SPATA18 was phosphorylated only in arsenic-exposed animals. We concluded that prepubertal exposure to arsenic is deleterious to sperm quality and male fertility, altering the sperm phosphoproteins profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Couto-Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Arabela Guedes de Azevedo Viana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Ana Cláudia Ferreira Souza
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR-465, Km 7, 23897-000, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Augusto de Assis Dutra
- Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Rua Cruzeiro 1, Jardim São Paulo, 39803-371, Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímca e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | | | - Jonas Enrique Perales Aguilar
- Laboratório de Toxinologia/Plataforma de Proteômica, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Leandro Licursi Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Machado-Neves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Estrutural, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, Campus Universitário, 36570-900, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Li X, Li Y, Song W, Xie D, Zhu F, Yang M, Li Y. cDNA cloning, expression and bioinformatical analysis of Tssk genes in tree shrews. Comput Biol Chem 2021; 92:107474. [PMID: 33765466 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2021.107474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tree shrews are more closely related to primate animals than rodents in many aspects. In addition, they also possess several advantageous characteristics including small body size, high brain-to-body mass ratio, low cost of feeding and maintenance, short reproductive cycle and life span, which make them promising novel laboratory animals to replace more precious larger primate animals. Testis-specific serine/threonine kinase (Tssk) plays important roles in spermatogenesis and/or the regulation of sperm function. However, studies on Tssk in tree shrews have not been reported yet. In the present study, the full-length sequences of five members of the Tssk family in tree shrews were cloned and their CDS region sequences were analyzed by basic bioinformatics. The phylogenetic tree and prokaryotic protein expression system of Tssk gene of tree shrews were constructed. The mRNA expressions of Tssk genes in 11 tissues/organs from tree shrews were studied. The results showed that: 1. the length of the CDS region of tree shrew Tssk gene for Tssk1B, Tssk2, Tssk3 (variant X1 / X2), Tssk4 (variant X1 / X2) and Tssk6 is 1080bp, 1077bp, 867 / 807bp, 1014 / 984bp, 822bp, respectively, encoding 359, 358, 288/268, 337/327 and 273 amino acids, respectively; the cloned sequences of Tssk genes have been submitted to GenBank with the following accession numbers: KX091161(Tssk1B), KX091162(Tssk2), KX091163(Tssk3 variant X1)/KX091164(Tssk3 variant X2), KX091165(Tssk4variant X1)/KX091166(Tssk4variant X2), KX091160(Tssk6). 2. All tree shrew Tssk proteins distribute in cytoplasm, indicating that they are hydrophilic and non-secretory proteins, with multiple phosphorylation sites of serine and/or threonine. In addition, they are all mixed proteins with similar tertiary structures sharing a highly conserved functional domain of S_TKc (Serine/Threonine protein kinases, catalytic domain). 3.The molecular phylogenetic tree of five Tssk genes in tree shrews indicates that they are neither rodent nor primate animal, but are closely related to primate animals. 4. Five members of the Tssk recombinant proteins in tree shrews were successfully obtained using the constructed prokaryotic protein expression system. 5. Five Tssk genes are specifically expressed in the testis and/or sperm of tree shrews. Additionally, small amount of Tssk1B was expressed in several tissues other than testis and sperm. Limited mRNA levels of Tssk2 and Tssk4 were expressed in the brain, while mRNA of Tssk3 or Tssk6 could only be detected in the testis and sperm. This study will provide fundamental data on reproductive biology of tree shrews, which paves a way for further studying Tssk's biological function in this novel model animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yuanji Li
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Wenfei Song
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China; Institute of Sericultural and Apiculture, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mengzi, 661101, China
| | - Daohao Xie
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Fangfang Zhu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Minghua Yang
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Yahui Li
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China.
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12
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Huffmeyer AA, Pukazhenthi BS, Wayne RK. Differential gene expression patterns in spermatozoa from teratospermic and normospermic domestic cats. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 226:106698. [PMID: 33476905 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106698] [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] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Large percentages of abnormal sperm, termed teratospermia, are associated with poor fertility in cats, many of which are threatened with extinction from their natural habitats. Even normal appearing spermatozoa from felids with teratospermia may have a compromised capacity for motility and fertilization indicating there are factors affecting the fertilization capacity of all sperm regardless of morphology. There was a comparative study conducted using the RNA-Seq approach to identify differentially expressed genes between morphologically normal and abnormal sperm from domestic cates with normospermia and teratospermia to elucidate genes and pathways associated with abnormal sperm function. Normal sperm from cats with teratospermia have a gene expression profile similar to abnormal sperm from males with teratospermia. There was also downregulation of cGMP pathways which may be associated with a lesser sperm motility in ejaculates from males with teratospermia. Kinase phosphorylation pathways also were downregulated in normal spermatozoa from ejaculates of males with teratospermia. Results indicate that analysis of sperm gene expression provides for a more precise assessment of sperm function in semen of cats with teratospermia and facilitates identification of molecular abnormalities that may lead to compromised fertilization capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audra A Huffmeyer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Budhan S Pukazhenthi
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, USA.
| | - Robert K Wayne
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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13
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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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Finkelstein M, Etkovitz N, Breitbart H. Ca 2+ signaling in mammalian spermatozoa. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 516:110953. [PMID: 32712383 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Calcium is an essential ion which regulates sperm motility, capacitation and the acrosome reaction (AR), three processes necessary for successful fertilization. The AR enables the spermatozoon to penetrate into the egg. In order to undergo the AR, the spermatozoon must reside in the female reproductive tract for several hours, during which a series of biochemical transformations takes place, collectively called capacitation. An early event in capacitation is relatively small elevation of intracellular Ca2+ (in the nM range) and bicarbonate, which collectively activate the soluble adenylyl cyclase to produce cyclic-AMP; c-AMP activates protein kinase A (PKA), leading to indirect tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins. During capacitation, there is an increase in the membrane-bound phospholipase C (PLC) which is activated prior to the AR by relatively high increase in intracellular Ca2+ (in the μM range). PLC catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidyl-inositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to diacylglycerol and inositol-trisphosphate (IP3), leading to activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and the IP3-receptor. PKC activates a Ca2+- channel in the plasma membrane, and IP3 activates the Ca2+- channel in the outer acrosomal membrane, leading to Ca2+ depletion from the acrosome. As a result, the plasma-membrane store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC) is activated to increase cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, enabling completion of the acrosome reaction. The hydrolysis of PIP2 by PLC results in the release and activation of PIP2-bound gelsolin, leading to F-actin dispersion, an essential step prior to the AR. Ca2+ is also involved in the regulation of sperm motility. During capacitation, the sperm develops a unique motility pattern called hyper-activated motility (HAM) which is essential for successful fertilization. The main Ca2+-channel that mediates HAM is the sperm-specific CatSper located in the sperm tail.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nir Etkovitz
- Sperm Bank, Sheba Hospital, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina & Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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15
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F. Riesco M, Anel-Lopez L, Neila-Montero M, Palacin-Martinez C, Montes-Garrido R, Alvarez M, de Paz P, Anel L. ProAKAP4 as Novel Molecular Marker of Sperm Quality in Ram: An Integrative Study in Fresh, Cooled and Cryopreserved Sperm. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1046. [PMID: 32674525 PMCID: PMC7408074 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve artificial insemination protocols in ovine species it is crucial to optimize sperm quality evaluation after preservation technologies. Emerging technologies based on novel biomolecules and related to redox balance and proteins involved in sperm motility such as ProAKAP4 could be successfully applied in ram sperm evaluation. In this work, a multiparametric analysis of fresh, cooled, and cryopreserved ram sperm was performed at different complexity levels. Samples were evaluated in terms of motility (total motility, progressive motility, and curvilinear velocity), viability, apoptosis, content of reactive oxygen species, oxidation‒reduction potential, and ProAKAP4 expression and concentration. As expected, cryopreserved samples showed a significant decrease of sperm quality (p < 0.05), evidencing different freezability classes among samples that were detected by ProAKAP4 analyses. However, in cooled sperm no differences were found concerning motility, viability, apoptosis, ROS content, and redox balance compared to fresh sperm that could explain the reported decrease in fertility rates. However, although the proportion of sperm ProAKAP4 positive-cells remained unaltered in cooled sperm compared to fresh control, the concentration of this protein significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in cooled samples. This altered protein level could contribute to the decrease in fertility rates of cooled samples detected by some authors. More importantly, ProAKAP4 can be established as a promising diagnostic parameter of sperm quality allowing us to optimize sperm conservation protocols and finally improve artificial insemination in ovine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta F. Riesco
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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16
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Saraswathi S, Chaitra BS, Tannavi K, Mamtha R, Sowrabha R, Rao KV, Doddamane M. Proteome analysis of male accessory gland secretions in Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a Solanum melongena L. pest. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 104:e21672. [PMID: 32232934 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Male accessory gland (MAG) proteins are transferred along with the sperm to females at the time of mating and have diverse effects on female reproductive physiology in a wide range of insects. In this study, we sought to identify the MAG proteins in Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee, a Solanum melongena L. pest, by analyzing the MAG proteins of virgin and mated male moths by nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS techniques. A total of 142 and 131 proteins in virgin and mated males were identified, respectively, among which 17 (12.0%) and 10 (7.6%) proteins were found to show secretory signals in virgin and mated males, respectively. These secretory proteins were shown to be involved in several biological processes in insects, including egg development, sperm-related functions/capacitation, defense, metabolism, and protein chaperoning. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to perform a proteome analysis of the MAG proteins of L. orbonalis, and offers an opportunity for further investigation of the functions of these proteins. In insects, certain MAG proteins are known to inhibit mating whereas others accelerate egg-laying. Therefore, the identification of these proteins in L. orbonalis may be useful for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B S Chaitra
- Department of Microbiology, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Kiran Tannavi
- Department of Microbiology, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - R Mamtha
- Department of Microbiology, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - R Sowrabha
- Department of Microbiology, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Karthik V Rao
- Department of Microbiology, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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17
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Leemans B, Stout TAE, De Schauwer C, Heras S, Nelis H, Hoogewijs M, Van Soom A, Gadella BM. Update on mammalian sperm capacitation: how much does the horse differ from other species? Reproduction 2020; 157:R181-R197. [PMID: 30721132 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to various other mammalian species, conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) with horse gametes is not reliably successful. In particular, stallion spermatozoa fails to penetrate the zona pellucida, most likely due to incomplete activation of stallion spermatozoa (capacitation) under in vitro conditions. In other mammalian species, specific capacitation triggers have been described; unfortunately, none of these is able to induce full capacitation in stallion spermatozoa. Nevertheless, knowledge of capacitation pathways and their molecular triggers might improve our understanding of capacitation-related events observed in stallion sperm. When sperm cells are exposed to appropriate capacitation triggers, several molecular and biochemical changes should be induced in the sperm plasma membrane and cytoplasm. At the level of the sperm plasma membrane, (1) an increase in membrane fluidity, (2) cholesterol depletion and (3) lipid raft aggregation should occur consecutively; the cytoplasmic changes consist of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and elevated pH, cAMP and Ca2+ concentrations. These capacitation-related events enable the switch from progressive to hyperactivated motility of the sperm cells, and the induction of the acrosome reaction. These final capacitation triggers are indispensable for sperm cells to migrate through the viscous oviductal environment, penetrate the cumulus cells and zona pellucida and, finally, fuse with the oolemma. This review will focus on molecular aspects of sperm capacitation and known triggers in various mammalian species. Similarities and differences with the horse will be highlighted to improve our understanding of equine sperm capacitation/fertilizing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sonia Heras
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hilde Nelis
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maarten Hoogewijs
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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18
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Baskaran S, Finelli R, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Reactive oxygen species in male reproduction: A boon or a bane? Andrologia 2020; 53:e13577. [PMID: 32271474 DOI: 10.1111/and.13577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are free radicals derived from oxygen during normal cellular metabolism. ROS play a crucial role in the physiological processes and signalling pathways associated with male fertility. At physiological concentrations, ROS act as molecular mediators of signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. They also trigger the morphological changes required for sperm maturation, such as DNA compaction and flagellar modification. Furthermore, ROS modulate crucial processes involved in the attainment of sperm fertilising ability such as capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion. Conversely, oxidative stress prevails when the concentration of ROS overwhelms the body's antioxidant defence. Various endogenous and exogenous factors enhance the synthesis of ROS resulting in the disruption of structural and functional integrity of spermatozoa through the induction of apoptotic pathway and oxidation of molecules, such as lipids, proteins and DNA. Therefore, maintenance of a balanced redox state is critical for normal male reproductive functions. This article discusses the dual role of ROS in male reproduction, highlighting the physiological role as well as their pathological implications on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Leclerc P, Goupil S, Rioux J, Lavoie‐Ouellet C, Clark M, Ruiz J, Saindon A. Study on the role of calmodulin in sperm function through the enrichment and identification of calmodulin‐binding proteins in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:5340-5352. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Leclerc
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Serge Goupil
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Jean‐François Rioux
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Camille Lavoie‐Ouellet
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Marie‐Ève Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Juliana Ruiz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
| | - Andrée‐Anne Saindon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and ReproductionCenter for Research on Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Laval University Quebec Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health AxisCHU de Quebec‐Université Laval research Center Quebec Canada
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20
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Touré A. Importance of SLC26 Transmembrane Anion Exchangers in Sperm Post-testicular Maturation and Fertilization Potential. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:230. [PMID: 31681763 PMCID: PMC6813192 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sperm cells produced within the testis are structurally differentiated but remain immotile and are unable to fertilize the oocyte unless they undergo a series of maturation events during their transit in the male and female genital tracts. This post-testicular functional maturation is known to rely on the micro-environment of both male and female genital tracts, and is tightly controlled by the pH of their luminal milieus. In particular, within the epididymis, the establishment of a low bicarbonate (HCO3–) concentration contributes to luminal acidification, which is necessary for sperm maturation and subsequent storage in a quiescent state. Following ejaculation, sperm is exposed to the basic pH of the female genital tract and bicarbonate (HCO3–), calcium (Ca2+), and chloride (Cl–) influxes induce biochemical and electrophysiological changes to the sperm cells (cytoplasmic alkalinization, increased cAMP concentration, and protein phosphorylation cascades), which are indispensable for the acquisition of fertilization potential, a process called capacitation. Solute carrier 26 (SLC26) members are conserved membranous proteins that mediate the transport of various anions across the plasma membrane of epithelial cells and constitute important regulators of pH and HCO3– concentration. Most SLC26 members were shown to physically interact and cooperate with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel (CFTR) in various epithelia, mainly by stimulating its Cl– channel activity. Among SLC26 members, the function of SLC26A3, A6, and A8 were particularly investigated in the male genital tract and the sperm cells. In this review, we will focus on SLC26s contributions to ionic- and pH-dependent processes during sperm post-testicular maturation. We will specify the current knowledge regarding their functions, based on data from the literature generated by means of in vitro and in vivo studies in knock-out mouse models together with genetic studies of infertile patients. We will also discuss the limits of those studies, the current research gaps and identify some key points for potential developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminata Touré
- INSERM U1016, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8104, Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Ramió-Lluch L, Prieto OB, Ramírez A, Fernández-Novell JM, Peña A, Rodríguez-Gil JE. "In vitro" capacitation and further progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis are linked to specific changes in the expression and location of threonine phosphorylation of boar spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1085-1094. [PMID: 31145488 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if the achievement of the "in vitro" capacitation (IVC) status and subsequent progesterone-induced "in vitro" acrosome exocytosis (IVAE) was accompanied with overall changes in threonine phosphorylation (pThre) of boar spermatozoa. For this purpose, mono- and bi-dimensional Western blot analyses as well as immunocytochemistry studies against pThre were performed in boar sperm subjected to IVC and subsequent IVAE. Mono-dimensional Western blot in non-capacitated samples showed that launching of IVC did induce an overall increase in signal intensity in all observed bands that was followed by a subsequent decrease afterwards. Bi-dimensional Western blot analysis showed the presence of four main signal protein clusters. The attainment of IVC induced an overall decrease in the number and intensity of spots of Clusters A, B and C and a concomitant increase in the intensity of spots of Cluster D. The IVAE launching caused a rapid increase in the intensity of spots of Clusters B, C and D, which was followed by a subsequent decrease of the intensity together with a concomitant pI displacement of Cluster C. Finally, immunocytochemistry showed that the pThre signal of non-capacitated cells was located at the whole sperm. The IVC did not induce prominent changes in this location. In contrast, the induction of IVAE caused the appearance of an additional an intense acrosome and tail pThre signal that subsequently decreased. In conclusion, our results indicate that IVC and further IVAE induced specific changes in the intensity and appearance of pThre protein phosphorylation which were linked to changes of specific protein characteristics as pI. These results support, thus, the existence of a specific role of pThre in IVC/IVAE of boar sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ramió-Lluch
- Dept. Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Olga Blanco Prieto
- Dept. Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alfredo Ramírez
- Animal Science Institute, Austral University of Chile, Valdívia, Chile
| | | | - Alejandro Peña
- Dept. Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Joan Enric Rodríguez-Gil
- Dept. Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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22
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Blommaert D, Sergeant N, Delehedde M, Jouy N, Mitchell V, Franck T, Donnay I, Lejeune J, Serteyn D. Expression, localization, and concentration of A-kinase anchor protein 4 (AKAP4) and its precursor (proAKAP4) in equine semen: Promising marker correlated to the total and progressive motility in thawed spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2019; 131:52-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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23
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Arai Y, Sakase M, Fukushima M, Harayama H. Identification of isoforms of calyculin A-sensitive protein phosphatases which suppress full-type hyperactivation in bull ejaculated spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2019; 129:46-53. [PMID: 30798082 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In bull spermatozoa, extracellular Ca2+-dependent full-type hyperactivation, which is characterized by the asymmetrical beating in whole parts of the middle/principal pieces, is suppressed by calyculin A-sensitive protein phosphatases. The aim of this study was to identify isoforms of these protein phosphatases. Ejaculated spermatozoa were used for the investigation on effects of protein phosphatase inhibitors (calyculin A with high specificity for both of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, and okadaic acid with relatively higher specificity for protein phosphatase 2A than protein phosphatase 1) on the induction of extracellular Ca2+-dependent full-type hyperactivation by incubation with CaCl2 and cAMP analog (cBiMPS). They were also used for the immunodetection of protein phosphatases 1α, 1β, 1γ, 2Aα and 2Aβ. Percentages of full-type hyperactivated spermatozoa significantly increased after incubation with calyculin A (10 nM) in a concentration-dependent manner of CaCl2 (0-3.42 mM), though only minor increases in the percentages of full-type hyperactivated spermatozoa were observed after incubation with okadaic acid (10 nM). Moreover, the immunodetection of protein phosphatase isoforms showed sperm connecting piece and flagellum included protein phosphatases 1α and 1γ, but did not do the other isoforms. These results suggest that calyculin A-sensitive and okadaic acid-less sensitive protein phosphatases (1α and 1γ) are suppressors for the extracellular Ca2+-dependent full-type hyperactivation in bull ejaculated spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Arai
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Sakase
- Hokubu Agricultural Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan
| | - Moriyuki Fukushima
- Hokubu Agricultural Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Harayama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Japan.
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24
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Matamoros-Volante A, Moreno-Irusta A, Torres-Rodriguez P, Giojalas L, Gervasi MG, Visconti PE, Treviño CL. Semi-automatized segmentation method using image-based flow cytometry to study sperm physiology: the case of capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:64-73. [PMID: 29186618 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is image-based flow cytometry a useful tool to study intracellular events in human sperm such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation or signaling processes? SUMMARY ANSWER Image-based flow cytometry is a powerful tool to study intracellular events in a relevant number of sperm cells, which enables a robust statistical analysis providing spatial resolution in terms of the specific subcellular localization of the labeling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm capacitation is required for fertilization. During this process, spermatozoa undergo numerous physiological changes, via activation of different signaling pathways, which are not completely understood. Classical approaches for studying sperm physiology include conventional microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting. These techniques present disadvantages for obtaining detailed subcellular information of signaling pathways in a relevant number of cells. This work describes a new semi-automatized analysis using image-based flow cytometry which enables the study, at the subcellular and population levels, of different sperm parameters associated with signaling. The increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation is presented as an example. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION Sperm cells were isolated from seminal plasma by the swim-up technique. We evaluated the intensity and distribution of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in non-capacitation and capacitation-supporting media for 1 and 18 h under different experimental conditions. We used an antibody against FER kinase and pharmacological inhibitors in an attempt to identify the kinases involved in protein tyrosine phosphorylation during human sperm capacitation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Semen samples from normospermic donors were obtained by masturbation after 2-3 days of sexual abstinence. We used the innovative technique image-based flow cytometry and image analysis tools to segment individual images of spermatozoa. We evaluated and quantified the regions of sperm where protein tyrosine phosphorylation takes place at the subcellular level in a large number of cells. We also used immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Independent experiments were performed with semen samples from seven different donors. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Using image analysis tools, we developed a completely novel semi-automatic strategy useful for segmenting thousands of individual cell images obtained using image-based flow cytometry. Contrary to immunofluorescence which relies on the analysis of a limited sperm population and also on the observer, image-based flow cytometry allows for unbiased quantification and simultaneous localization of post-translational changes in an extended sperm population. Interestingly, important data can be independently analyzed by looking to the frame of interest. As an example, we evaluated the capacitation-associated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm incubated in non-capacitation and capacitation-supporting media for 1 and 18 h. As previously reported, protein tyrosine phosphorylation increases in a time-depending manner, but our method revealed that this increase occurs differentially among distinct sperm segments. FER kinase is reported to be the enzyme responsible for the increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse sperm. Our Western blot analysis revealed for the first time the presence of this enzyme in human sperm. Using our segmentation strategy, we aimed to quantify the effect of pharmacological inhibition of FER kinase and found a marked reduction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation only in the flagellum, which corresponded to the physical localization of FER in human sperm. Our method provides an alternative strategy to study signaling markers associated with capacitation, such as protein tyrosine phosphorylation, in a fast and quantitative manner. LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study performed under controlled conditions. Chemical inhibitors are not completely specific for the intended target; the possibility of side effects cannot be discarded. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results demonstrate that the use of image-based flow cytometry is a very powerful tool to study sperm physiology. A large number of cells can be easily analyzed and information at the subcellular level can be obtained. As the segmentation process works with bright-field images, it can be extended to study expression of other proteins of interest using different antibodies or it can be used in living sperm to study intracellular parameters that can be followed using fluorescent dyes sensitive to the parameter of interest (e.g. pH, Ca2+). Therefore, this a versatile method that can be exploited to study several aspects of sperm physiology. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported DGAPA (IN203116 to C. Treviño), Fronteras-CONACyT No. 71 and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NIH (RO1 HD38082) to P.E. Visconti and by a Lalor Foundation fellowship to M.G. Gervasi. A. Matamoros is a student of the Maestría en Ciencias Bioquímicas-UNAM program supported by CONACyT (416400) and DGAPA-UNAM. A. Moreno obtained a scholarship from Red MacroUniversidades and L. Giojalas obtained a schloarhip from CONICET and Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. The authors declare there are not conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Matamoros-Volante
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Ayelen Moreno-Irusta
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Paulina Torres-Rodriguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
| | - Laura Giojalas
- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62250, Mexico
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25
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Nixon B, Bernstein IR, Cafe SL, Delehedde M, Sergeant N, Anderson AL, Trigg NA, Eamens AL, Lord T, Dun MD, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG. A Kinase Anchor Protein 4 Is Vulnerable to Oxidative Adduction in Male Germ Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:319. [PMID: 31921838 PMCID: PMC6933317 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a leading causative agent in the defective sperm function associated with male infertility. Such stress commonly manifests via the accumulation of pathological levels of the electrophilic aldehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), generated as a result of lipid peroxidation. This highly reactive lipid aldehyde elicits a spectrum of cytotoxic lesions owing to its propensity to form stable adducts with biomolecules. Notably however, not all elements of the sperm proteome appear to display an equivalent vulnerability to 4HNE modification, with only a small number of putative targets having been identified to date. Here, we validate one such target of 4HNE adduction, A-Kinase Anchor Protein 4 (AKAP4); a major component of the sperm fibrous sheath responsible for regulating the signal transduction and metabolic pathways that support sperm motility and capacitation. Our data confirm that both the precursor (proAKAP4), and mature form of AKAP4, are conserved targets of 4HNE adduction in primary cultures of post-meiotic male germ cells (round spermatids) and in mature mouse and human spermatozoa. We further demonstrate that 4HNE treatment of round spermatids and mature spermatozoa results in a substantial reduction in the levels of both proAKAP4 and AKAP4 proteins. This response proved refractory to pharmacological inhibition of proteolysis, but coincided with an apparent increase in the degree of protein aggregation. Further, we demonstrate that 4HNE-mediated protein degradation and/or aggregation culminates in reduced levels of capacitation-associated phosphorylation in mature human spermatozoa, possibly due to dysregulation of the signaling framework assembled around the AKAP4 scaffold. Together, these findings suggest that AKAP4 plays an important role in the pathophysiological responses to 4HNE, thus strengthening the importance of AKAP4 as a biomarker of sperm quality, and providing the impetus for the design of an efficacious antioxidant-based intervention strategy to alleviate sperm dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
| | - Ilana R. Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Shenae L. Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Nicolas Sergeant
- SPQI – 4BioDx-Breeding Section, Lille, France
- University of Lille, INSERM UMRS, Lille, France
| | - Amanda L. Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A. Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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26
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Li Y, Li RH, Ran MX, Zhang Y, Liang K, Ren YN, He WC, Zhang M, Zhou GB, Qazi IH, Zeng CJ. High throughput small RNA and transcriptome sequencing reveal capacitation-related microRNAs and mRNA in boar sperm. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:736. [PMID: 30305024 PMCID: PMC6180635 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Capacitation, a prerequisite for oocyte fertilization, is a complex process involving series of structural and functional changes in sperms such as membrane modifications, modulation of enzyme activities, and protein phosphorylation. In order to penetrate and fertilize an oocyte, mammalian sperms must undergo capacitation. Nevertheless, the process of sperm capacitation remains poorly understood and requires further elucidation. In the current study, via high throughput sequencing, we identified and explored the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs involved in boar sperm capacitation. Results We identified a total of 5342 mRNAs and 204 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in fresh and capacitated boar sperms. From these, 12 miRNAs (8 known and 4 newly identified miRNAs) and their differentially expressed target mRNAs were found to be involved in sperm capacitation-related PI3K-Akt, MAPK, cAMP-PKA and Ca2+signaling pathways. Conclusions Our study is first to provide the complete miRNA and transcriptome profiles of boar sperm. Our findings provide important insights for the understanding of the RNA profile in boar sperm and future elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanism relevant to mammalian sperm capacitation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5132-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Rong-Hong Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming-Xia Ran
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Kai Liang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ying-Nan Ren
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wen-Cheng He
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guang-Bin Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Sindh, 67210, Pakistan
| | - Chang-Jun Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China.
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27
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Effect of endocrine disruptors on the ratio of X and Y chromosome-bearing live spermatozoa. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 82:10-17. [PMID: 30219569 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although equal numbers of X and Y spermatozoa are produced during spermatogenesis, the sex chromosome ratio in ejaculated spermatozoa can be altered by exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can be reflected by altered sex ratios at birth. Here, we hypothesized EDCs affect sperm functions and viability of X and Y chromosome-bearing human spermatozoa. After exposure to genistein (Gen), bisphenol A (BPA), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), dibromochloropropane (DBCP), and diazinon (Diaz), we evaluated motility, viability, capacitation, and differential viability of X and Y spermatozoa. All EDCs tested altered sperm viability, motility, and capacitation. Interestingly, the Y/X ratio of live spermatozoa was significantly lower in sperm treated with TCDD, DBCP, and Diaz than control spermatozoa. Our results suggest that some of EDCs have larger effects on the viability of Y spermatozoa than X spermatozoa, implicating that a reduction in Y sperm viability may result in a female-biased sex ratio of offspring at birth.
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28
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Brukman NG, Nuñez SY, Puga Molina LDC, Buffone MG, Darszon A, Cuasnicu PS, Da Ros VG. Tyrosine phosphorylation signaling regulates Ca 2+ entry by affecting intracellular pH during human sperm capacitation. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:5276-5288. [PMID: 30203545 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Capacitation is a mandatory process for the acquisition of mammalian sperm fertilization competence and involves the activation of a complex and still not fully understood system of signaling pathways. Under in vitro conditions, there is an increase in both protein tyrosine phosphorylation (pTyr) and intracellular Ca2+ levels in several species. In human sperm, results from our group revealed that pTyr signaling can be blocked by inhibiting proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2). Based on the role of PYK2 in other cell types, we investigated whether the PYK2-dependent pTyr cascade serves as a sensor for Ca 2+ signaling during human sperm capacitation. Flow cytometry studies showed that exposure of sperm to the PYK2 inhibitor N-[2-[[[2-[(2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-1 H-indol-5-yl)amino]-5-(trifluoromethyl)-4-pyrimidinyl]amino]methyl]phenyl]- N-methyl-methanesulfonamide hydrate (PF431396) produced a significant and concentration-dependent reduction in intracellular Ca 2+ levels during capacitation. Further studies revealed that PF431396-treated sperm exhibited a decrease in the activity of CatSper, a key sperm Ca 2+ channel. In addition, time course studies during capacitation in the presence of PF431396 showed a significant and sustained decrease in both intracellular Ca 2+ and pH levels after 2 hr of incubation, temporarily coincident with the activation of PYK2 during capacitation. Interestingly, decreases in Ca 2+ levels and progressive motility caused by PF431396 were reverted by inducing intracellular alkalinization with NH 4 Cl, without affecting the pTyr blockage. Altogether, these observations support pTyr as an intracellular sensor for Ca 2+ entry in human sperm through regulation of cytoplasmic pH. These results contribute to a better understanding of the modulation of the polymodal CatSper and signaling pathways involved in human sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Gastón Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sol Yanel Nuñez
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lis Del Carmen Puga Molina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Gabriel Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, México
| | - Patricia Sara Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina Gabriela Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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29
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Puga Molina LC, Luque GM, Balestrini PA, Marín-Briggiler CI, Romarowski A, Buffone MG. Molecular Basis of Human Sperm Capacitation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:72. [PMID: 30105226 PMCID: PMC6078053 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the early 1950s, Austin and Chang independently described the changes that are required for the sperm to fertilize oocytes in vivo. These changes were originally grouped under name of “capacitation” and were the first step in the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in humans. Following these initial and fundamental findings, a remarkable number of observations led to characterization of the molecular steps behind this process. The discovery of certain sperm-specific molecules and the possibility to record ion currents through patch-clamp approaches helped to integrate the initial biochemical observation with the activity of ion channels. This is of particular importance in the male gamete due to the fact that sperm are transcriptionally inactive. Therefore, sperm must control all these changes that occur during their transit through the male and female reproductive tracts by complex signaling cascades that include post-translational modifications. This review is focused on the principal molecular mechanisms that govern human sperm capacitation with particular emphasis on comparing all the reported pieces of evidence with the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lis C Puga Molina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara I Marín-Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Jumeau F, Sigala J, Dossou-Gbete F, Frimat K, Barbotin AL, Buée L, Béhal H, Sergeant N, Mitchell V. A-kinase anchor protein 4 precursor (pro-AKAP4) in human spermatozoa. Andrology 2018; 6:854-859. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Jumeau
- EA 4308 - GQG - Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality; University of Lille; Lille France
- CHU Lille; Reproductive Biology - Spermiology - CECOS Institute; Lille France
- INSERM, UMR-S 1172, Alzheimer & Tauopathies; CHU Lille; University of Lille; Lille France
| | - J. Sigala
- EA 4308 - GQG - Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality; University of Lille; Lille France
- CHU Lille; Reproductive Biology - Spermiology - CECOS Institute; Lille France
- INSERM, UMR-S 1172, Alzheimer & Tauopathies; CHU Lille; University of Lille; Lille France
| | - F. Dossou-Gbete
- EA 4308 - GQG - Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality; University of Lille; Lille France
- CHU Lille; Reproductive Biology - Spermiology - CECOS Institute; Lille France
- INSERM, UMR-S 1172, Alzheimer & Tauopathies; CHU Lille; University of Lille; Lille France
| | - K. Frimat
- EA 4308 - GQG - Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality; University of Lille; Lille France
- INSERM, UMR-S 1172, Alzheimer & Tauopathies; CHU Lille; University of Lille; Lille France
| | - A. L. Barbotin
- EA 4308 - GQG - Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality; University of Lille; Lille France
- CHU Lille; Reproductive Biology - Spermiology - CECOS Institute; Lille France
| | - L. Buée
- INSERM, UMR-S 1172, Alzheimer & Tauopathies; CHU Lille; University of Lille; Lille France
| | - H. Béhal
- CHU Lille; EA 2694 - Santé Publique: Épidémiologie et Qualité des Soins; University of Lille; Lille France
| | - N. Sergeant
- INSERM, UMR-S 1172, Alzheimer & Tauopathies; CHU Lille; University of Lille; Lille France
| | - V. Mitchell
- EA 4308 - GQG - Gametogenesis and Gamete Quality; University of Lille; Lille France
- CHU Lille; Reproductive Biology - Spermiology - CECOS Institute; Lille France
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31
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Jin SK, Yang WX. Factors and pathways involved in capacitation: how are they regulated? Oncotarget 2018; 8:3600-3627. [PMID: 27690295 PMCID: PMC5356907 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, fertilization occurs via a comprehensive progression of events. Freshly ejaculated sperm have yet to acquire progressive motility or fertilization ability. They must first undergo a series of biochemical and physiological changes, collectively known as capacitation. Capacitation is a significant prerequisite to fertilization. During the process of capacitation, changes in membrane properties, intracellular ion concentration and the activities of enzymes, together with other protein modifications, induce multiple signaling events and pathways in defined media in vitro or in the female reproductive tract in vivo. These, in turn, stimulate the acrosome reaction and prepare spermatozoa for penetration of the egg zona pellucida prior to fertilization. In the present review, we conclude all mainstream factors and pathways regulate capacitation and highlight their crosstalk. We also summarize the relationship between capacitation and assisted reproductive technology or human disease. In the end, we sum up the open questions and future avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Kai Jin
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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32
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Bellezza I, Minelli A. Adenosine in sperm physiology. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 55:102-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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33
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Abstract
The genetic bases and molecular mechanisms involved in the assembly and function of the flagellum components as well as in the regulation of the flagellar movement are not fully understood, especially in humans. There are several causes for sperm immotility, of which some can be avoided and corrected, whereas other are related to genetic defects and deserve full investigation to give a diagnosis to patients. This review was performed after an extensive literature search on the online databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Here, we review the involvement of regulatory pathways responsible for sperm motility, indicating possible causes for sperm immotility. These included the calcium pathway, the cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway, the importance of kinases and phosphatases, the function of reactive oxygen species, and how the regulation of cell volume and osmolarity are also fundamental components. We then discuss main gene defects associated with specific morphological abnormalities. Finally, we slightly discuss some preventive and treatments approaches to avoid development of conditions that are associated with unspecified sperm immotility. We believe that in the near future, with the development of more powerful techniques, the genetic causes of sperm immotility and the regulatory mechanisms of sperm motility will be better understand, thus enabling to perform a full diagnosis and uncover new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research-UMIB, ICBAS-UP, Portugal
| | - Rosália Sá
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research-UMIB, ICBAS-UP, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics Alberto Barros, Av. do Bessa, 240, 1° Dto. Frente, 4100-012 Porto, Portugal.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto. Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal and Institute of Health Research an Innovation (I3S), University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal and Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research-UMIB, ICBAS-UP, Portugal
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34
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López-Torres AS, González-González ME, Mata-Martínez E, Larrea F, Treviño CL, Chirinos M. Luteinizing hormone modulates intracellular calcium, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and motility during human sperm capacitation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 483:834-839. [PMID: 28063926 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In order to fertilize, spermatozoa must undergo physiological and biochemical changes during their transit along the female reproductive tract before reaching and fusing with the oocyte, process known as capacitation. Sperm modifications associated with capacitation are modulated by their interaction with molecules present in the female reproductive tract. During the woman fertile window, some reproductive hormones reach their maximum concentrations in serum, such as the luteinizing hormone (LH). Since spermatozoa preparing to fertilize may be exposed to LH, the purpose of this work was to study the effects of this hormone on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i), protein tyrosine phosphorylation, sperm motility and acrosome reaction under capacitating conditions. The results showed that LH increases the duration and amplitude of Ca2+ oscillations. Furthermore, motility analysis indicated that LH decreases rapid progressive motility and that sperm hyperactivation as well as several kinetic parameters augment in the presence of 0.5 and 1 μg/ml of the hormone. In addition, these two hormone concentrations also consistently promoted protein tyrosine phosphorylation. However, no effects on acrosome reaction were observed. In conclusion, the evidence indicates that LH modulates several sperm function variables involved in capacitation, suggesting that may have an important and unexplored role during human fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aideé S López-Torres
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Ciudad Universitaria 3000, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María E González-González
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Esperanza Mata-Martínez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, 62210, Mexico
| | - Fernando Larrea
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, 62210, Mexico
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Av. Vasco de Quiroga 15, Tlalpan, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
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35
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Samanta L, Swain N, Ayaz A, Venugopal V, Agarwal A. Post-Translational Modifications in sperm Proteome: The Chemistry of Proteome diversifications in the Pathophysiology of male factor infertility. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:1450-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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36
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Takei GL, Fujinoki M. Regulation of hamster sperm hyperactivation by extracellular Na+. Reproduction 2016; 151:589-603. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Mammalian sperm motility has to be hyperactivated to be fertilization-competent. Hyperactivation is regulated by extracellular environment. Osmolality of mammalian semen is higher than that in female reproductive tract; however, the effect of them on hyperactivation has not been investigated. So we investigated the effect of osmotic environment on hyperactivation using hamster spermatozoa at first. Increase in the osmolality of the media (∼370 mOsm) by increasing the concentration of NaCl (∼150 mmol/L) caused the delay of the expression of hyperactivation. When NaCl concentration varied in the same range (75–150 mmol/L) whereas the osmolality was fixed at 370 mOsm by adding mannitol, the delay of hyperactivation occurred dependent on NaCl concentration. Increase in NaCl concentration also caused suppression of curvilinear velocity, bend angle, and sliding velocity of the flagellum at the onset of incubation, suggesting that NaCl concentration affect both activation and hyperactivation in hamster spermatozoa. Hamster sperm intracellular Ca2+ concentration decreased as extracellular NaCl concentration increased, whereas membrane potential and intracellular pH were unaffected by extracellular NaCl concentration. SN-6 and SEA0400, inhibitors of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), increased intracellular Ca2+ and accelerated hyperactivation in the presence of 150 mmol/L NaCl. Tyrosine phosphorylation on fibrous sheath proteins was unaffected by extracellular NaCl concentration. These results suggest that extracellular Na+ suppresses hamster sperm hyperactivation by reducing intracellular Ca2+ via an action of NCX in a tyrosine phosphorylation-independent manner. It seems that the removal of suppression by extracellular Na+ leads to the expression of hyperactivated motility.
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37
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Aly MA, Ezz TM, Harhash MM, Shenawe SEE, Shehata A. Performance of some Table Grape Cultivars Grafting on Different Rootstocks in El-Nubaria Region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.3923/ajcs.2015.256.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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38
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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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39
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Martínez-León E, Osycka-Salut C, Signorelli J, Pozo P, Pérez B, Kong M, Morales P, Pérez-Martínez S, Díaz ES. Fibronectin stimulates human sperm capacitation through the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A pathway. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2138-51. [PMID: 26109618 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does fibronectin (Fn) stimulate the sperm capacitation process in humans? SUMMARY ANSWER Fibronectin stimulates human sperm capacitation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Capacitation is a process that occurs in the oviduct. It has been suggested that some molecules present in the oviductal fluid and cells as well as proteins present in the cumulus oophorus could be involved in the modulation of sperm function and their acquisition of fertilizing capacity. Fibronectin is a glycoprotein that is present in the fluid and the oviduct epithelium, and its receptor (alpha 5 beta 1 integrin) is present in human sperm. When alpha 5 beta 1 (α5β1) integrin binds to fibronectin, intracellular signals similar to the process of sperm capacitation are activated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Human sperm were selected via a percoll gradient and were then incubated in non-capacitated medium (NCM) or reconstituted capacitated medium (RCM), in the presence or absence of fibronectin for different time periods. A total of 39 donors were used during the study, which lasted 3 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Freshly ejaculated sperm from healthy volunteers were obtained by masturbation. All semen samples were normal according to the World Health Organization parameters. Six approaches were used to determine the effects of fibronectin on sperm capacitation: chlortetracycline (CTC) assay, heterologous co-culture of human sperm with bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC), measurement of cyclic (c) AMP levels, activity of protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylation of proteins in tyrosine (Tyr) residues, and induction of acrosome reaction with progesterone. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE When sperm were incubated in RCM in the presence of Fn, we observed differences with respect to sperm incubated in RCM without Fn (control): (i) a 10% increase in the percentage of sperm with the B pattern (capacitated sperm) of CTC fluorescence from the beginning of capacitation (P < 0.001); (ii) an effect on both the concentration of cAMP (P < 0.05) and PKA activity (P < 0.05) during early capacitation; (iii) an increase in the degree of phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine residues after 60 min of capacitation (P < 0.01); (iv) an increase in the percentage of acrosome-reacted sperm in response to progesterone (P < 0.05); and (v) a decrease in the percentage of sperm attached to BOEC (P < 0.05). Moreover, we noted that the effect of Fn was specific and mediated by alpha 5 beta 1 integrin (P < 0.001). Fn by itself had no effect on sperm capacitation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was carried out with sperm from young adult men. Men with abnormal semen samples were excluded. The results cannot be directly extrapolated to other mammalian species. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Currently, male subfertility has become a huge public health problem, which makes it imperative to develop new treatments. This is a novel discovery that extends our current knowledge concerning normal and pathological sperm physiology as well as events that regulate the process of fertilization. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by grants from FONDECYT (1130341, E.S.D. and 1120056, P.M.) and FONCYT (PIP 2011-0496, S.P.-M). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martínez-León
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - C Osycka-Salut
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction in Mammals, Center for Pharmacological and Botanicals Studies (National Council of Scientific and Techniques Research), University of Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Signorelli
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - P Pozo
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - B Pérez
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - M Kong
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - P Morales
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile Antofagasta Institute, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - S Pérez-Martínez
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction in Mammals, Center for Pharmacological and Botanicals Studies (National Council of Scientific and Techniques Research), University of Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E S Díaz
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
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40
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Vizel R, Hillman P, Ickowicz D, Breitbart H. AKAP3 degradation in sperm capacitation is regulated by its tyrosine phosphorylation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1850:1912-20. [PMID: 26093290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) family is essential for sperm motility, capacitation and the acrosome reaction. PKA-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation occurs in mammalian sperm capacitation including AKAP3. In a recent study, we showed that AKAP3 undergoes degradation under capacitation conditions. Thus, we tested here whether AKAP3 degradation might be regulated by its tyrosine phosphorylation. METHODS The intracellular levels of AKAP3 were determined by western blot (WB) analysis using specific anti-AKAP3 antibodies. Tyrosine phosphorylation of AKAP3 was tested by immunoprecipitation and WB analysis. Acrosome reaction was examined using FITC-pisum sativum agglutinin. RESULTS AKAP3 is degraded and undergoes tyrosine-dephosphorylation during sperm capacitation and the degradation was reduced by inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase and enhanced by inhibition of tyrosine kinase. Sperm starvation or inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, which reduce cellular ATP levels, significantly accelerated AKAP3 degradation. Treatment with vanadate, or Na(+) or bicarbonate depletion, reduced AKAP3-degradation and the AR rate, while antimycin A or NH4Cl elevated both AKAP3-degradation and the AR degree. Treatment of sperm with NH4Cl enhanced PKA-dependent phosphorylation of four proteins, further supporting the involvement of AKAP3-degradation in capacitation. To demonstrate more specifically that sperm capacitation requires AKAP3-degradation, we inhibited AKAP3-degradation using anti-AKAP3 antibody in permeabilized cells. The anti-AKAP3-antibody induced significant inhibition of AKAP3-degradation and of the AR rate. CONCLUSION Sperm capacitation process requires AKAP3-degradation, and the degradation degree is regulated by the level of AKAP3 tyrosine phosphorylation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that mediate sperm capacitation can be used for infertility diagnosis, treatment and the developing of male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Vizel
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Pnina Hillman
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Debby Ickowicz
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel.
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41
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Fujinoki M, Takei GL. Estrogen suppresses melatonin-enhanced hyperactivation of hamster spermatozoa. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:287-95. [PMID: 25959801 PMCID: PMC4547986 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2014-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hamster sperm hyperactivation is enhanced by progesterone, and this progesterone-enhanced hyperactivation is suppressed by 17β-estradiol (17βE2) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Although it has been indicated that melatonin also enhances hyperactivation, it is unknown whether melatonin-enhanced hyperactivation is also suppressed by 17βE2 and GABA. In the present study, melatonin-enhanced hyperactivation was significantly suppressed by 17βE2 but not by GABA. Moreover, suppression of melatonin-enhanced hyperactivation by 17βE2 occurred through non-genomic regulation via the estrogen receptor (ER). These results suggest that enhancement of hyperactivation is regulated by melatonin and 17βE2 through non-genomic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakatsu Fujinoki
- Department of Physiology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
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42
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Wang J, Qi L, Huang S, Zhou T, Guo Y, Wang G, Guo X, Zhou Z, Sha J. Quantitative phosphoproteomics analysis reveals a key role of insulin growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) tyrosine kinase in human sperm capacitation. Mol Cell Proteomics 2015; 14:1104-12. [PMID: 25693802 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m114.045468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important changes during sperm capacitation is the enhancement of tyrosine phosphorylation. However, the mechanisms of protein tyrosine phosphorylation during sperm capacitation are not well studied. We used label-free quantitative phosphoproteomics to investigate the overall phosphorylation events during sperm capacitation in humans and identified 231 sites with increased phosphorylation levels. Motif analysis using the NetworKIN algorithm revealed that the activity of tyrosine phosphorylation kinases insulin growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R)/insulin receptor is significantly enriched among the up-regulated phosphorylation substrates during capacitation. Western blotting further confirmed inhibition of IGF1R with inhibitors GSK1904529A and NVP-AEW541, which inhibited the increase in tyrosine phosphorylation levels during sperm capacitation. Additionally, sperm hyperactivated motility was also inhibited by GSK1904529A and NVP-AEW541 but could be up-regulated by insulin growth factor 1, the ligand of IGF1R. Thus, the IGF1R-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation pathway may play important roles in the regulation of sperm capacitation in humans and could be a target for improvement in sperm functions in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Lin Qi
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shaoping Huang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Gaigai Wang
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zuomin Zhou
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- From the ‡State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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Kwon WS, Rahman MS, Pang MG. Diagnosis and prognosis of male infertility in mammal: the focusing of tyrosine phosphorylation and phosphotyrosine proteins. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:4505-17. [PMID: 25223855 DOI: 10.1021/pr500524p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility refers to the inability of a man to achieve a pregnancy in a fertile female. In more than one-third of cases, infertility arises due to the male factor. Therefore, developing strategies for the diagnosis and prognosis of male infertility is critical. Simultaneously, a satisfactory model for the cellular mechanisms that regulate normal sperm function must be established. In this regard, tyrosine phosphorylation is one of the most common mechanisms through which several signal transduction pathways are adjusted in spermatozoa. It regulates the various aspects of sperm function, for example, motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction, fertilization, and beyond. Several recent large-scale studies have identified the proteins that are phosphorylated in spermatozoa to acquire fertilization competence. However, most of these studies are basal and have not presented an overall mechanism through which tyrosine phosphorylation regulates male infertility. In this review, we focus of this mechanism, discussing most of the tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in spermatozoa that have been identified to date. We categorized tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in spermatozoa that regulate male infertility using MedScan Reader (v5.0) and Pathway Studio (v9.0).
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science & Technology, Chung-Ang University , Anseong, Gyeonggi-do 456-756, Republic of Korea
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Battistone MA, Alvau A, Salicioni AM, Visconti PE, Da Ros VG, Cuasnicú PS. Evidence for the involvement of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 in tyrosine phosphorylation downstream of protein kinase A activation during human sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:1054-66. [PMID: 25180269 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm capacitation involves an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration as well as in protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent protein tyrosine (Tyr) phosphorylation. Interestingly, in humans, a decrease in extracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]e) during capacitation induces an increase in Tyr phosphorylation indicating the complexity of Ca(2+) signaling during this process. In view of this, in the present study we further investigated the Ca(2+)-mediated signaling pathways implicated in Tyr phosphorylation during human sperm capacitation. Results revealed that sperm incubation in a medium without added Ca(2+) (⊖ Ca(2+)) increased Tyr phosphorylation but did not modify PKA-mediated phosphorylation. Moreover, inhibition of either PKA or Src family kinase signaling cascades in ⊖ Ca(2+) down-regulated both PKA substrate and Tyr phosphorylations, indicating that the [Ca(2+)]e effects on Tyr phosphorylation depend on PKA targets. Inhibition of calmodulin or Ser/Thr protein phosphatase 2B also increased Tyr phosphorylation without affecting PKA-mediated phosphorylation, supporting the potential role of these Ca(2+) downstream effectors in the increase in Tyr phosphorylation observed in ⊖ Ca(2+). Experiments aimed to identify the kinase responsible for these observations revealed the presence of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2), a focal adhesion kinase (FAK) family member, in human sperm, and the use of PF431396, an FAK inhibitor, supported the involvement of PYK2 in Tyr phosphorylation downstream of PKA activation. Results also showed that PYK2 was activated in ⊖ Ca(2+) as well as during capacitation and that PF431396 affected capacitated sperm motility, acrosome reaction and ability to penetrate both mouse cumulus matrix and zona-free hamster eggs. Together, our observations support PYK2 as an intermediary component of Ca(2+) signaling between PKA-mediated and Tyr phosphorylations that is required for achieving functional human sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Battistone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - A Alvau
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - A M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - P E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - V G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - P S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
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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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46
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Pons-Rejraji H, Brugnon F, Sion B, Maqdasy S, Gouby G, Pereira B, Marceau G, Gremeau AS, Drevet J, Grizard G, Janny L, Tauveron I. Evaluation of atorvastatin efficacy and toxicity on spermatozoa, accessory glands and gonadal hormones of healthy men: a pilot prospective clinical trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:65. [PMID: 25016482 PMCID: PMC4114109 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recommendations for cardiovascular disease prevention advocate lowering both cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol systemic levels, notably by statin intake. However, statins are the subject of questions concerning their impact on male fertility. This study aimed to evaluate, by a prospective pilot assay, the efficacy and the toxicity of a decrease of cholesterol blood levels, induced by atorvastatin on semen quality and sexual hormone levels of healthy, normocholesterolaemic and normozoospermic men. METHODS Atorvastatin (10 mg daily) was administrated orally during 5 months to 17 men with normal plasma lipid and standard semen parameters. Spermatozoa parameters, accessory gland markers, semen lipid levels and blood levels of gonadal hormones were assayed before statin intake, during the treatment, and 3 months after its withdrawal. RESULTS Atorvastatin treatment significantly decreased circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol concentrations by 42% and 24% (p<0.0001) respectively, and reached the efficacy objective of the protocol. During atorvastatin therapy and/or 3 months after its withdrawal numerous semen parameters were significantly modified, such as total number of spermatozoa (-31%, p<0.05), vitality (-9.5%, p<0.05), total motility (+7.5%, p<0.05), morphology (head, neck and midpiece abnormalities, p<0.05), and the kinetics of acrosome reaction (p<0.05). Seminal concentrations of acid phosphatases (p<0.01), α-glucosidase (p<0.05) and L-carnitine (p<0.05) were also decreased during the therapy, indicating an alteration of prostatic and epididymal functions. Moreover, we measured at least one altered semen parameter in 35% of the subjects during atorvastatin treatment, and in 65% of the subjects after withdrawal, which led us to consider that atorvastatin is unsafe in the context of our study. CONCLUSIONS Our results show for the first time that atorvastatin significantly affects the sperm parameters and the seminal fluid composition of healthy men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanae Pons-Rejraji
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire de BDR: AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- GReD, UMR CNRS 6293 INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Brugnon
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire de BDR: AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- GReD, UMR CNRS 6293 INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Benoit Sion
- Pharmacologie Fondamentale et Clinique de la Douleur, France Inserm, U 1107, Neuro-Dol, Clermont Université, Université d’Auvergne, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Salwan Maqdasy
- GReD, UMR CNRS 6293 INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service d’Endocrinologie-Diabétologie, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Gerald Gouby
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l’Innovation (DRCI), F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Biostatistics unit, DRCI, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Geoffroy Marceau
- GReD, UMR CNRS 6293 INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Laboratoire de Biochimie, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Gremeau
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire de BDR: AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joel Drevet
- GReD, UMR CNRS 6293 INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Pharmacologie Fondamentale et Clinique de la Douleur, France Inserm, U 1107, Neuro-Dol, Clermont Université, Université d’Auvergne, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Genevieve Grizard
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire de BDR: AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Janny
- CHU Clermont Ferrand, Laboratoire de BDR: AMP-CECOS, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- GReD, UMR CNRS 6293 INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Igor Tauveron
- GReD, UMR CNRS 6293 INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service d’Endocrinologie-Diabétologie, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Shrivastava V, Marmor H, Chernyak S, Goldstein M, Feliciano M, Vigodner M. Cigarette smoke affects posttranslational modifications and inhibits capacitation-induced changes in human sperm proteins. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 43:125-9. [PMID: 24345728 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sperm are highly dependent on posttranslational modifications of proteins. Massive phosphorylation on tyrosine residue is required for sperm capacitation. Sumoylation has also been recently implicated in spermatogenesis and sperm functions. Cigarette smoke is known to cause oxidative stress in different tissues, and several studies suggest that it causes oxidative stress in sperm. Whether tobacco affects posttranslational modifications in human sperm is currently unknown. In this study, we show that a short exposure of human sperm to physiological concentrations of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) causes the partial de-sumoylation of many sperm proteins. Furthermore, the presence of a low concentration of CSE in the human tubal fluid during an induction of in vitro capacitation inhibits the capacitation-associated increase in protein phosphorylation. Collectively, changes in posttranslational modifications may be one of the mechanisms through which exposure to tobacco can negatively affect sperm functions and cause fertility problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibha Shrivastava
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hannah Marmor
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sholom Chernyak
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marc Goldstein
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Miriam Feliciano
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Margarita Vigodner
- Department of Biology, Stern College, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, United States; Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York, United States.
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Aalberts M, Stout TAE, Stoorvogel W. Prostasomes: extracellular vesicles from the prostate. Reproduction 2013; 147:R1-14. [PMID: 24149515 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The term 'prostasomes' is generally used to classify the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released into prostatic fluid by prostate epithelial cells. However, other epithelia within the male reproductive tract also release EVs that mix with 'true' prostasomes during semen emission or ejaculation. Prostasomes have been proposed to regulate the timing of sperm cell capacitation and induction of the acrosome reaction, as well as to stimulate sperm motility where all three are prerequisite processes for spermatozoa to attain fertilising capacity. Other proposed functions of prostasomes include interfering with the destruction of spermatozoa by immune cells within the female reproductive tract. On the other hand, it is unclear whether the distinct presumed functions are performed collectively by a single type of prostasome or by separate distinct sub-populations of EVs. Moreover, the exact molecular mechanisms through which prostasomes exert their functions have not been fully resolved. Besides their physiological functions, prostasomes produced by prostate tumour cells have been suggested to support prostate cancer spread development, and prostasomes in peripheral blood plasma may prove to be valuable biomarkers for prostate cancer.
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Sati L, Cayli S, Delpiano E, Sakkas D, Huszar G. The pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation in human sperm in response to binding to zona pellucida or hyaluronic acid. Reprod Sci 2013; 21:573-81. [PMID: 24077441 DOI: 10.1177/1933719113504467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian species, acquisition of sperm fertilization competence is dependent on the phenomenon of sperm capacitation. One of the key elements of capacitation is protein tyrosine phosphorylation (TP) in various sperm membrane regions. In previous studies performed, the pattern of TP was examined in human sperm bound to zona pellucida of oocytes. In the present comparative study, TP patterns upon sperm binding to the zona pellucida or hyaluronic acid (HA) were investigated in spermatozoa arising from the same semen samples. Tyrosine phosphorylation, visualized by immunofluorescence, was localized within the acrosomal cap, equatorial head region, neck, and the principal piece. Tyrosine phosphorylation has increased in a time-related manner as capacitation progressed, and the phosphorylation pattern was identical within the principal piece and neck, regardless of the sperm bound to the zona pellucida or HA. Thus, the data demonstrated that the patterns of sperm activation-related TP were similar regardless of the spermatozoa bound to zona pellucida or HA. Further, sperm with incomplete development, as detected by excess cytoplasmic retention, failed to exhibit TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Sati
- 1Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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50
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Saccary L, She YM, Oko R, Kan FW. Hamster Oviductin Regulates Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Sperm Proteins During In Vitro Capacitation1. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:38. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.109314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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