1
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Jessberger G, Várnai C, Stocsits RR, Tang W, Stary G, Peters JM. Cohesin and CTCF do not assemble TADs in Xenopus sperm and male pronuclei. Genome Res 2023; 33:gr.277865.123. [PMID: 38129077 PMCID: PMC10760524 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277865.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Paternal genomes are compacted during spermiogenesis and decompacted following fertilization. These processes are fundamental for inheritance but incompletely understood. We analyzed these processes in the frog Xenopus laevis, whose sperm can be assembled into functional pronuclei in egg extracts in vitro. In such extracts, cohesin extrudes DNA into loops, but in vivo cohesin only assembles topologically associating domains (TADs) at the mid-blastula transition (MBT). Why cohesin assembles TADs only at this stage is unknown. We first analyzed genome architecture in frog sperm and compared it to human and mouse. Our results indicate that sperm genome organization is conserved between frogs and humans and occurs without formation of TADs. TADs can be detected in mouse sperm samples, as reported, but these structures might originate from somatic chromatin contaminations. We therefore discuss the possibility that the absence of TADs might be a general feature of vertebrate sperm. To analyze sperm genome remodeling upon fertilization, we reconstituted male pronuclei in Xenopus egg extracts. In pronuclei, chromatin compartmentalization increases, but cohesin does not accumulate at CTCF sites and assemble TADs. However, if pronuclei are formed in the presence of exogenous CTCF, CTCF binds to its consensus sites, and cohesin accumulates at these and forms short-range chromatin loops, which are preferentially anchored at CTCF's N terminus. These results indicate that TADs are only assembled at MBT because before this stage CTCF sites are not occupied and cohesin only forms short-range chromatin loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Jessberger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, A-1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Csilla Várnai
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2SY, United Kingdom
| | - Roman R Stocsits
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wen Tang
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan-Michael Peters
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria;
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2
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McMillan RB, Bediako H, Devenica LM, Velasquez A, Hardy IP, Ma YE, Roscoe DM, Carter AR. Protamine folds DNA into flowers and loop stacks. Biophys J 2023; 122:4288-4302. [PMID: 37803830 PMCID: PMC10645571 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA in sperm undergoes an extreme compaction to almost crystalline packing levels. To produce this dense packing, DNA is dramatically reorganized in minutes by protamine proteins. Protamines are positively charged proteins that coat negatively charged DNA and fold it into a series of toroids. The exact mechanism for forming these ∼50-kbp toroids is unknown. Our goal is to study toroid formation by starting at the "bottom" with folding of short lengths of DNA that form loops and working "up" to more folded structures that occur on longer length scales. We previously measured folding of 200-300 bp of DNA into a loop. Here, we look at folding of intermediate DNA lengths (L = 639-3003 bp) that are 2-10 loops long. We observe two folded structures besides loops that we hypothesize are early intermediates in the toroid formation pathway. At low protamine concentrations (∼0.2 μM), we see that the DNA folds into flowers (structures with multiple loops that are positioned so they look like the petals of a flower). Folding at these concentrations condenses the DNA to 25% of its original length, takes seconds, and is made up of many small bending steps. At higher protamine concentrations (≥2 μM), we observe a second folded structure-the loop stack-where loops are stacked vertically one on top of another. These results lead us to propose a two-step process for folding at this length scale: 1) protamine binds to DNA, bending it into loops and flowers, and 2) flowers collapse into loop stacks. These results highlight how protamine uses a bind-and-bend mechanism to rapidly fold DNA, which may be why protamine can fold the entire sperm genome in minutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan B McMillan
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Hilary Bediako
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Luka M Devenica
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | | | - Isabel P Hardy
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Yuxing E Ma
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Donna M Roscoe
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Ashley R Carter
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts.
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3
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Malla AB, Rainsford SR, Smith ZD, Lesch BJ. DOT1L promotes spermatid differentiation by regulating expression of genes required for histone-to-protamine replacement. Development 2023; 150:dev201497. [PMID: 37082969 PMCID: PMC10259660 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Unique chromatin remodeling factors orchestrate dramatic changes in nuclear morphology during differentiation of the mature sperm head. A crucial step in this process is histone-to-protamine exchange, which must be executed correctly to avoid sperm DNA damage, embryonic lethality and male sterility. Here, we define an essential role for the histone methyltransferase DOT1L in the histone-to-protamine transition. We show that DOT1L is abundantly expressed in mouse meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells, and that methylation of histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79), the modification catalyzed by DOT1L, is enriched in developing spermatids in the initial stages of histone replacement. Elongating spermatids lacking DOT1L fail to fully replace histones and exhibit aberrant protamine recruitment, resulting in deformed sperm heads and male sterility. Loss of DOT1L results in transcriptional dysregulation coinciding with the onset of histone replacement and affecting genes required for histone-to-protamine exchange. DOT1L also deposits H3K79me2 and promotes accumulation of elongating RNA Polymerase II at the testis-specific bromodomain gene Brdt. Together, our results indicate that DOT1L is an important mediator of transcription during spermatid differentiation and an indispensable regulator of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aushaq B. Malla
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Zachary D. Smith
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Bluma J. Lesch
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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4
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Arévalo L, Esther Merges G, Schneider S, Schorle H. Protamines: lessons learned from mouse models. Reproduction 2022; 164:R57-R74. [PMID: 35900356 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Protamines package and shield the paternal DNA in the sperm nucleus and have been studied in many mouse models over decades. This review recapitulates and updates our knowledge about protamines and reveals a surprising complexity in protamine function and their interactions with other sperm nuclear proteins. Abstract The packaging and safeguarding of paternal DNA in the sperm cell nucleus is a critical feature of proper sperm function. Histones cannot mediate the necessary hypercondensation and shielding of chromatin required for motility and transit through the reproductive tracts. Paternal chromatin is therefore reorganized and ultimately packaged by protamines. In most mammalian species, one protamine is present in mature sperm (PRM1). In rodents and primates among others, however, mature sperm contain a second protamine (PRM2). Unlike PRM1, PRM2 is cleaved at its N-terminal end. Although protamines have been studied for decades due to their role in chromatin hypercondensation and involvement in male infertility, key aspects of their function are still unclear. This review updates and integrates our knowledge of protamines and their function based on lessons learned from mouse models and starts to answer open questions. The combined insights from recent work reveal that indeed both protamines are crucial for the production of functional sperm and indicate that the two protamines perform distinct functions beyond simple DNA compaction. Loss of one allele of PRM1 leads to subfertility whereas heterozygous loss of PRM2 does not. Unprocessed PRM2 seems to play a distinct role related to the eviction of intermediate DNA-bound proteins and the incorporation of both protamines into chromatin. For PRM1, on the other hand, heterozygous loss leads to strongly reduced sperm motility as the main phenotype, indicating that PRM1 might be important for processes ensuring correct motility, apart from DNA compaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Bonn Technology Campus, Core Facility 'Gene-Editing', University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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5
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Okada Y. Sperm chromatin structure: Insights from in vitro to in situ experiments. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2022; 75:102075. [PMID: 35344802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2022.102075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The sperm genome is tightly packed into a minimal volume of sperm nuclei. Sperm chromatin is highly condensed by protamines (PRMs) after histone-protamine replacement, and the majority of the sperm genome forms a nucleo-protamine structure, namely, the PRM-DNA complex. The outline of sperm chromatin structure was proposed 30 years ago, and the details have been explored by approaches from several independent research fields including male reproduction and infertility, DNA biopolymer, and most recently, genome-wide sequence-based approaches. In this review, the history of research on sperm chromatin structure is briefly described, and the progress of recent related studies is summarized to obtain a more integrated view for the sperm chromatin, an extremely compacted "black box."
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Okada
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan.
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6
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Ruseska I, Fresacher K, Petschacher C, Zimmer A. Use of Protamine in Nanopharmaceuticals-A Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:1508. [PMID: 34200384 PMCID: PMC8230241 DOI: 10.3390/nano11061508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Macromolecular biomolecules are currently dethroning classical small molecule therapeutics because of their improved targeting and delivery properties. Protamine-a small polycationic peptide-represents a promising candidate. In nature, it binds and protects DNA against degradation during spermatogenesis due to electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged DNA-phosphate backbone and the positively charged protamine. Researchers are mimicking this technique to develop innovative nanopharmaceutical drug delivery systems, incorporating protamine as a carrier for biologically active components such as DNA or RNA. The first part of this review highlights ongoing investigations in the field of protamine-associated nanotechnology, discussing the self-assembling manufacturing process and nanoparticle engineering. Immune-modulating properties of protamine are those that lead to the second key part, which is protamine in novel vaccine technologies. Protamine-based RNA delivery systems in vaccines (some belong to the new class of mRNA-vaccines) against infectious disease and their use in cancer treatment are reviewed, and we provide an update on the current state of latest developments with protamine as pharmaceutical excipient for vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andreas Zimmer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Universitätsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria; (I.R.); (K.F.); (C.P.)
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7
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Wu L, Wei Y, Li H, Li W, Gu C, Sun J, Xia H, Zhang J, Chen F, Liu Q. The ubiquitination and acetylation of histones are associated with male reproductive disorders induced by chronic exposure to arsenite. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 408:115253. [PMID: 32991915 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to arsenic, which occurs via various routes, can cause reproductive toxicity. However, the mechanism for arsenic-induced reproductive disorders in male mice has not been extensively investigated. Here, 6-week-old male mice were dosed to 0, 5, 10, or 20 ppm sodium arsenite (NaAsO2), an active form of arsenic, in drinking water for six months. For male mice exposed to arsenite, fertility was lower compared to control mice. Moreover, for exposed mice, there were lower sperm counts, lower sperm motility, and higher sperm malformation ratios. Further, the mRNA and protein levels of the gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (DDX25) and chromosome region maintenance-1 protein (CRM1), along with proteins associated with high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2), phosphoglycerate kinase 2 (PGK2), and testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) were lower. Furthermore, chronic exposure to arsenite led to lower H2A ubiquitination (ubH2A); histone H3 acetylation K18 (H3AcK18); and histone H4 acetylations K5, K8, K12, and K16 (H4tetraAck) in haploid spermatids from testicular tissues. These alterations disrupted deposition of protamine 1 (Prm1) in testes. Overall, the present results indicate that the ubiquitination and acetylation of histones is involved in the spermiogenesis disorders caused by chronic exposure to arsenite, which points to a previously unknown connection between the modification of histones and arsenite-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wu
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongyue Wei
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Li
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqi Li
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenxi Gu
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Sun
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Xia
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingshu Zhang
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide, and Veterinary Drug, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Chen
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qizhan Liu
- Center for Global Health, China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Ukogu OA, Smith AD, Devenica LM, Bediako H, McMillan RB, Ma Y, Balaji A, Schwab RD, Anwar S, Dasgupta M, Carter AR. Protamine loops DNA in multiple steps. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:6108-6119. [PMID: 32392345 PMCID: PMC7293030 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamine proteins dramatically condense DNA in sperm to almost crystalline packing levels. Here, we measure the first step in the in vitro pathway, the folding of DNA into a single loop. Current models for DNA loop formation are one-step, all-or-nothing models with a looped state and an unlooped state. However, when we use a Tethered Particle Motion (TPM) assay to measure the dynamic, real-time looping of DNA by protamine, we observe the presence of multiple folded states that are long-lived (∼100 s) and reversible. In addition, we measure folding on DNA molecules that are too short to form loops. This suggests that protamine is using a multi-step process to loop the DNA rather than a one-step process. To visualize the DNA structures, we used an Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) assay. We see that some folded DNA molecules are loops with a ∼10-nm radius and some of the folded molecules are partial loops—c-shapes or s-shapes—that have a radius of curvature of ∼10 nm. Further analysis of these structures suggest that protamine is bending the DNA to achieve this curvature rather than increasing the flexibility of the DNA. We therefore conclude that protamine loops DNA in multiple steps, bending it into a loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obinna A Ukogu
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Adam D Smith
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Luka M Devenica
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Hilary Bediako
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Ryan B McMillan
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Yuxing Ma
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Ashwin Balaji
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Robert D Schwab
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Shahzad Anwar
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | | | - Ashley R Carter
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
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9
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Rostamzadeh A, Amini-khoei H, Mardani Korani MJ, Rahimi-madiseh M. Comparison effects of olive leaf extract and oleuropein compounds on male reproductive function in cyclophosphamide exposed mice. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03785. [PMID: 32337382 PMCID: PMC7176941 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complicated process in which sperm is susceptible to various chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide (CP). As olive leaf extract (OLE) and its active ingredient, oleuropein, have variousantioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of OLE and oleuropein on male reproductive function focusing antioxidative effects and histological modifications in the testes of CP-exposed mice. In order to do this, 80 NMRI male mice were divided into eight groups including control group, group received CP, group received OLE, group received oleuropein, group received OLE following CP exposure, group received oleuropein following CP exposure, group received OLE plus oleuropein and group received OLE plus oleuropein following CP exposure. In all groups CP (single dose of 100 mg/kg (, OLE (100 mg/kg for consequence 28 days) and oleuropein (100 mg/kg for consequence 28 days) were injected intraperitoneally. Moreover, testis histology, sperm parameters and serum levels of LH, FSH, MDA and antioxidant capacity were investigated. Results showed that CP caused oxidative state and abnormal changes in sperms and testes. Besides, treatments with oleuropein and OLE led to mitigate the harmful effects of CP on the male reproductive system. In conclusion, our findings showed that olive's compounds can diminish the hazardous effects of CP on spermatogenesis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoob Rostamzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mardani Korani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rahimi-madiseh
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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10
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Germ cell-mediated mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 97:116-122. [PMID: 31404658 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that lifestyle and other environmental factors have the potential to shape our own health and future. Research from the last two decades, however, provides mounting evidence that parental exposures or experiences such as dietary challenges, toxin exposure, or stress can impact the health and future of our offspring. There are indications that both the paternal and maternal germline are able to store information of the parental environment and pass certain information on to their progeny. These intergenerational effects are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. This review summarizes and discusses insights into germline epigenetic plasticity caused by environmental stimuli and how such alterations are transmitted to induce a stable phenotype in the offspring.
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11
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Components and antibacterial activity of a novel essential oil from the nutrient broth of Eremothecium ashbyii H4565. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2018.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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12
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Cao M, Wang Y, Zhao W, Qi R, Han Y, Wu R, Wang Y, Xu H. Peptide-Induced DNA Condensation into Virus-Mimicking Nanostructures. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:24349-24360. [PMID: 29979028 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A series of surfactant-like peptides have been designed for inducing DNA condensation, which are all comprised of the same set of amino acids in different sequences. Results from experiments and molecular dynamics simulations show that the peptide's self-assembly and DNA-interaction behaviors can be well manipulated through sequence variation. With optimized pairing modes between the β-sheets, the peptide of I3V3A3G3K3 can induce efficient DNA condensation into virus-mimicking structures. The condensation involves two steps; the peptide molecules first bind onto the DNA chain through electrostatic interactions and then self-associate into β-sheets under hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. In such condensates, the peptide β-sheets act as scaffolds to assist the ordered arrangement of DNA, mimicking the very nature of the virus capsid in helping DNA packaging. Such a hierarchy affords an extremely stable structure to attain the highly condensed state and protect DNA against enzymatic degradation. Moreover, the condensate size can be well tuned by the DNA length. The condensates with smaller sizes and narrow size distribution can deliver DNA efficiently into cells. The study helps not only for probing into the DNA packaging mechanism in virus but also delineating the role of peptide self-assembly in DNA condensation, which may lead to development of peptide-based gene vectors for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiwen Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering , China University of Petroleum (East China) , 66 Changjiang West Road , Qingdao 266580 , China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering , China University of Petroleum (East China) , 66 Changjiang West Road , Qingdao 266580 , China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering , China University of Petroleum (East China) , 66 Changjiang West Road , Qingdao 266580 , China
| | - Ruilian Qi
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Science, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Yuchun Han
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Science, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Rongliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Material Science and Engineering , Donghua University , Shanghai 201620 , China
| | - Yilin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Science, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Hai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering , China University of Petroleum (East China) , 66 Changjiang West Road , Qingdao 266580 , China
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13
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Gold HB, Jung YH, Corces VG. Not just heads and tails: The complexity of the sperm epigenome. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:13815-13820. [PMID: 29507096 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r117.001561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Transgenerational inheritance requires mechanisms by which epigenetic information is transferred via gametes. Canonical thought holds that mammalian sperm chromatin would be incapable of carrying epigenetic information as post-translational modifications of histones because of their replacement with protamine proteins. Furthermore, compaction of the sperm genome would hinder DNA accessibility of proteins involved in transcriptional regulation and genome architecture. In this Minireview, we delineate the paternal chromatin remodeling events during spermatogenesis and fertilization. Sperm chromatin is epigenetically modified at various time points throughout its development. This allows for the addition of environment-specific modifications that can be passed from parents to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B Gold
- From the Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Yoon Hee Jung
- From the Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Victor G Corces
- From the Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
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14
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Malo AF, Martinez-Pastor F, Garcia-Gonzalez F, Garde J, Ballou JD, Lacy RC. A father effect explains sex-ratio bias. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.1159. [PMID: 28855362 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1159] [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: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex ratio allocation has important fitness consequences, and theory predicts that parents should adjust offspring sex ratio in cases where the fitness returns of producing male and female offspring vary. The ability of fathers to bias offspring sex ratios has traditionally been dismissed given the expectation of an equal proportion of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (CBS) in ejaculates due to segregation of sex chromosomes at meiosis. This expectation has been recently refuted. Here we used Peromyscus leucopus to demonstrate that sex ratio is explained by an exclusive effect of the father, and suggest a likely mechanism by which male-driven sex-ratio bias is attained. We identified a male sperm morphological marker that is associated with the mechanism leading to sex ratio bias; differences among males in the sperm nucleus area (a proxy for the sex chromosome that the sperm contains) explain 22% variation in litter sex ratio. We further show the role played by the sperm nucleus area as a mediator in the relationship between individual genetic variation and sex-ratio bias. Fathers with high levels of genetic variation had ejaculates with a higher proportion of sperm with small nuclei area. This, in turn, led to siring a higher proportion of sons (25% increase in sons per 0.1 decrease in the inbreeding coefficient). Our results reveal a plausible mechanism underlying unexplored male-driven sex-ratio biases. We also discuss why this pattern of paternal bias can be adaptive. This research puts to rest the idea that father contribution to sex ratio variation should be disregarded in vertebrates, and will stimulate research on evolutionary constraints to sex ratios-for example, whether fathers and mothers have divergent, coinciding, or neutral sex allocation interests. Finally, these results offer a potential explanation for those intriguing cases in which there are sex ratio biases, such as in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio F Malo
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK .,Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, IL, USA.,Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Felipe Martinez-Pastor
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus Universitario s. n. 02071, Albacete, Spain.,INDEGSAL and Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, León, Spain
| | - Francisco Garcia-Gonzalez
- Estacion Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain.,Centre for Evolutionary Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Julián Garde
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus Universitario s. n. 02071, Albacete, Spain
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15
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EPC1/TIP60-Mediated Histone Acetylation Facilitates Spermiogenesis in Mice. Mol Cell Biol 2017; 37:MCB.00082-17. [PMID: 28694333 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00082-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Global histone hyperacetylation is suggested to play a critical role for replacement of histones by transition proteins and protamines to compact the genome during spermiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms for hyperacetylation-mediated histone replacement remains poorly understood. Here, we report that EPC1 and TIP60, two critical components of the mammalian nucleosome acetyltransferase of H4 (NuA4) complexes, are coexpressed in male germ cells. Strikingly, genetic ablation of either Epc1 or Tip60 disrupts hyperacetylation and impairs histone replacement, in turn causing aberrant spermatid development. Taking these observations together, we reveal an essential role of the NuA4 complexes for histone hyperacetylation and subsequent compaction of the spermatid genome.
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16
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Lee KH, Chen HL, Leung CM, Chen HP, Hsu PC. Indium acetate toxicity in male reproductive system in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2016; 31:68-76. [PMID: 25044390 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Indium, a rare earth metal characterized by high plasticity, corrosion resistance, and a low melting point, is widely used in the electronics industry, but has been reported to be an environmental pollutant and a health hazard. We designed a study to investigate the effects of subacute exposure of indium compounds on male reproductive function. Twelve-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into test and control groups, and received weekly intraperitoneal injections of indium acetate (1.5 mg/kg body weight) and normal saline, respectively, for 8 weeks. Serum indium levels, cauda epididymal sperm count, motility, morphology, chromatin DNA structure, mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, and testis DNA content were investigated. The indium acetate-treated group showed significant reproductive toxicity, as well as an increased percentage of sperm morphology abnormality, chromatin integrity damage, and superoxide anion generation. Furthermore, positive correlations among sperm morphology abnormalities, chromatin DNA damage, and superoxide anion generation were also noted. The results of this study demonstrated the toxic effect of subacute low-dose indium exposure during the period of sexual maturation on male reproductive function in adulthood, through an increase in oxidative stress and sperm chromatin DNA damage during spermiogenesis, in a rodent model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Hsin Lee
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811, Taiwan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ling Chen
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Hazard Prevention, Hung Kuang University, Taichung, 43302, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Man Leung
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 813, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Pao Chen
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Chi Hsu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 811, Taiwan
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW, 2308, Australia
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17
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Khamlor T, Pongpiachan P, Parnpai R, Punyawai K, Sangsritavong S, Chokesajjawatee N. Bovine embryo sex determination by multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Theriogenology 2015; 83:891-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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18
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Popłońska K. Occurrence of calreticulin during the exchange of nucleohistones into protamine-type proteins in Chara vulgaris spermiogenesis. PROTOPLASMA 2013; 250:43-51. [PMID: 22198493 PMCID: PMC3557377 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-011-0370-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
During spermiogenesis of an alga Chara vulgaris, which resembles that of animals, nucleohistones are replaced by protamine-type proteins. This exchange takes place in a spermatid nucleus during the key V spermiogenesis stage, in which rough endoplasmic reticulum is the site of protamine-type protein synthesis and is also the pathway guiding the proteins to their destination, nucleus. In the present work, it was shown that a chaperon protein, calreticulin (CRT), abundantly present at this significant V stage of spermiogenesis in a few cellular compartments, i.e., a nucleus, lumen of cisternae, and vesicles of significantly swollen ER as well as outside these structures, e.g., in Golgi apparatus, could have taken part in the process of exchange of nuclear proteins. Colocalization of two proteins, protamine-type proteins, crucial for reproduction, and CRT, was especially visible in a nucleus, mainly on its peripheries where condensed chromatin was present. Localization of protamine-type proteins and CRT in nucleus is in agreement with our previous results showing that protamine-type proteins were twofold more labelled in the peripheral area in comparison to the nucleus center occupied by noncondensed chromatin. The role of CRT in the reproduction of both plants and animals is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Popłońska
- Department of Cytophysiology, University of Łódź, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Łódź, Poland.
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19
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Ortega MA, Marh J, Alarcon VB, Ward WS. Unique pattern of ORC2 and MCM7 localization during DNA replication licensing in the mouse zygote. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:62. [PMID: 22674395 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.101774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, DNA synthesis is preceded by licensing of replication origins. We examined the subcellular localization of two licensing proteins, ORC2 and MCM7, in the mouse zygotes and two-cell embryos. In somatic cells ORC2 remains bound to DNA replication origins throughout the cell cycle, while MCM7 is one of the last proteins to bind to the licensing complex. We found that MCM7 but not ORC2 was bound to DNA in metaphase II oocytes and remained associated with the DNA until S-phase. Shortly after fertilization, ORC2 was detectable at the metaphase II spindle poles and then between the separating chromosomes. Neither protein was present in the sperm cell at fertilization. As the sperm head decondensed, MCM7 was bound to DNA, but no ORC2 was seen. By 4 h after fertilization, both pronuclei contained DNA bound ORC2 and MCM7. As expected, during S-phase of the first zygotic cell cycle, MCM7 was released from the DNA, but ORC2 remained bound. During zygotic mitosis, ORC2 again localized first to the spindle poles, then to the area between the separating chromosomes. ORC2 then formed a ring around the developing two-cell nuclei before entering the nucleus. Only soluble MCM7 was present in the G2 pronuclei, but by zygotic metaphase it was bound to DNA, again apparently before ORC2. In G1 of the two-cell stage, both nuclei had salt-resistant ORC2 and MCM7. These data suggest that licensing follows a unique pattern in the early zygote that differs from what has been described for other mammalian cells that have been studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Ortega
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA
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20
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Julianelli V, Farrando B, Alvarez Sedo C, Calvo L, Romanato M, Calvo JC. Heparin enhances protamine disulfide bond reduction during in vitro decondensation of human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:1930-8. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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21
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DeRouchey JE, Rau DC. Salt effects on condensed protamine-DNA assemblies: anion binding and weakening of attraction. J Phys Chem B 2011; 115:11888-94. [PMID: 21894933 DOI: 10.1021/jp203834z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Using osmotic stress coupled with X-ray scattering, we have directly examined the salt sensitivity of the intermolecular forces between helices in condensed protamine-DNA arrays. Thermodynamic forces are measured from the dependence of DNA helical interaxial spacings on external salt concentration or the osmotic pressure applied by neutral polymer solutions in equilibrium with the condensed phase. Force curves of salmon protamine-DNA condensates are highly dependent on salt species and concentration, indicating salt binding to protamine-DNA complexes. This dependence of the forces on salt species follows the Hofmeister series for anions. Chaotropic anions bind more tightly to protamine-DNA arrays than kosmotropic anions, thus more greatly disrupting the attractive thermodynamic forces. Variations with cation type are small compared with those observed for anions. Further, osmotic stress is used to estimate the number of ions bound in the condensed phase through a Gibbs-Duhem relationship. We estimate that at equilibrium, ∼1 Br(-) is bound per protamine molecule at 200 mM NaBr concentration. Remarkably, this one bound anion results in a change of ∼12% in the surface-to-surface distance between DNA helices. Potential biological implications of this attractive force salt sensitivity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E DeRouchey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0055, United States.
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22
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Vavouri T, Lehner B. Chromatin organization in sperm may be the major functional consequence of base composition variation in the human genome. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002036. [PMID: 21490963 PMCID: PMC3072381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin in sperm is different from that in other cells, with most of the genome packaged by protamines not nucleosomes. Nucleosomes are, however, retained at some genomic sites, where they have the potential to transmit paternal epigenetic information. It is not understood how this retention is specified. Here we show that base composition is the major determinant of nucleosome retention in human sperm, predicting retention very well in both genic and non-genic regions of the genome. The retention of nucleosomes at GC-rich sequences with high intrinsic nucleosome affinity accounts for the previously reported retention at transcription start sites and at genes that regulate development. It also means that nucleosomes are retained at the start sites of most housekeeping genes. We also report a striking link between the retention of nucleosomes in sperm and the establishment of DNA methylation-free regions in the early embryo. Taken together, this suggests that paternal nucleosome transmission may facilitate robust gene regulation in the early embryo. We propose that chromatin organization in the male germline, rather than in somatic cells, is the major functional consequence of fine-scale base composition variation in the human genome. The selective pressure driving base composition evolution in mammals could, therefore, be the need to transmit paternal epigenetic information to the zygote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Vavouri
- EMBL-CRG Systems Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Suzuki M, Crozatier C, Yoshikawa K, Mori T, Yoshikawa Y. Protamine-induced DNA compaction but not aggregation shows effective radioprotection against double-strand breaks. Chem Phys Lett 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2009.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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24
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Tsarev I, Bungum M, Giwercman A, Erenpreisa J, Ebessen T, Ernst E, Erenpreiss J. Evaluation of male fertility potential by Toluidine Blue test for sperm chromatin structure assessment. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:1569-74. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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25
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Tarozzi N, Nadalini M, Stronati A, Bizzaro D, Dal Prato L, Coticchio G, Borini A. Anomalies in sperm chromatin packaging: implications for assisted reproduction techniques. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 18:486-95. [DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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26
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Humpolíčková J, Beranová L, Štěpánek M, Benda A, Procházka K, Hof M. Fluorescence Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy Reveals Compaction Mechanism of 10 and 49 kbp DNA and Differences between Polycation and Cationic Surfactant. J Phys Chem B 2008; 112:16823-9. [DOI: 10.1021/jp806358w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Humpolíčková
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Dolejškova 2155/3, CZ-18223, Prague 8, Czech Republic, and Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Beranová
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Dolejškova 2155/3, CZ-18223, Prague 8, Czech Republic, and Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Štěpánek
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Dolejškova 2155/3, CZ-18223, Prague 8, Czech Republic, and Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Benda
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Dolejškova 2155/3, CZ-18223, Prague 8, Czech Republic, and Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Procházka
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Dolejškova 2155/3, CZ-18223, Prague 8, Czech Republic, and Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hof
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v. v. i., Dolejškova 2155/3, CZ-18223, Prague 8, Czech Republic, and Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 2030, CZ-128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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27
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Wojtczak A, Popłońska K, Kwiatkowska M. Phosphorylation of H2AX histone as indirect evidence for double-stranded DNA breaks related to the exchange of nuclear proteins and chromatin remodeling in Chara vulgaris spermiogenesis. PROTOPLASMA 2008; 233:263-267. [PMID: 18682885 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-008-0010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 06/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorylation of H2AX histone results not only from DNA damage (caused by ionizing radiation, UV or chemical substances, e.g. hydroxyurea), but also regularly takes place during spermiogenesis, enabling correct chromatin remodeling. Immunocytochemical analysis using antibodies against H2AX histone phosphorylated at serine 139 indirectly revealed endogenous double-stranded DNA breaks in Chara vulgaris spermatids in mid-spermiogenesis (stages V, VI and VII), when protamine-type proteins appear in the nucleus. Fluorescent foci were not observed in early (stages I-IV) and late (VIII-X) spermiogenesis, after replacement of histones by protamine-type proteins was finished. A similar phenomenon exists in animals. Determination of the localization of fluorescent foci and the ultrastructure of nuclei led to the hypothesis that DNA breaks at stage V, when condensed chromatin adheres to the nuclear envelope. This is transformed into a net-like structure during stage VI, probably allowing chromosome repositioning to specific regions in the mature spermatozoid. However, at stages VI and VII, DNA breaks are necessary for transformation of the nucleosomal structure into a fibrillar and finally the extremely condensed status of sleeping genes at stage X.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wojtczak
- Department of Cytophysiology, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland.
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28
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Single bovine sperm sex typing by amelogenin nested PCR. Theriogenology 2008; 70:978-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2008] [Revised: 05/08/2008] [Accepted: 05/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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29
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Boaz SM, Dominguez K, Shaman JA, Ward WS. Mouse spermatozoa contain a nuclease that is activated by pretreatment with EGTA and subsequent calcium incubation. J Cell Biochem 2008; 103:1636-45. [PMID: 17879959 PMCID: PMC2679532 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrated that mouse spermatozoa cleave their DNA into approximately 50 kb loop-sized fragments with topoisomerase IIB when treated with MnCl(2) and CaCl(2) in a process we term sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF). SCF can be reversed by EDTA. A nuclease then further degrades the DNA in a process we term sperm DNA degradation (SDD). MnCl(2) alone could elicit this activity, but CaCl(2) had no effect. Here, we demonstrate the existence of a nuclease in the vas deferens that can be activated by ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to digest the sperm DNA by SDD. Spermatozoa were extracted with salt and dithiothreitol to remove protamines and then incubated with EGTA. Next, the EGTA was removed and divalent cations were added. We found that Mn(2+), Ca(2+), or Zn(2+) could each activate SDD in spermatozoa but Mg(2+) could not. When the reaction was slowed by incubation on ice, EGTA pretreatment followed by incubation in Ca(2+) elicited the reversible fragmentation of sperm DNA evident in SCF. When the reactions were then incubated at 37 degrees C they progressed to the more complete degradation of DNA by SDD. EDTA could also be used to activate the nuclease, but required a higher concentration than EGTA. This EGTA-activatable nuclease activity was found in each fraction of the vas deferens plasma: in the spermatozoa, in the surrounding fluid, and in the insoluble components in the fluid. These results suggest that this sperm nuclease is regulated by a mechanism that is sensitive to EGTA, possibly by removing inhibition of a calcium binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - W. Steven Ward
- Address correspondence to: W. Steven Ward, Ph.D., Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 1960 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, Tel. 808 956-5189, Fax. 808 956-7316, E-Mail:
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30
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Wojtczak A, Kwiatkowska M. Immunocytochemical and Ultrastructural Analyses of the Function of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System During Spermiogenesis with the Use of the Inhibitors of Proteasome Proteolytic Activity in the Alga, Chara vulgaris1. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:577-85. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.062901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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31
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Andrabi SMH. Mammalian sperm chromatin structure and assessment of DNA fragmentation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2007; 24:561-9. [PMID: 18008155 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-007-9177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2007] [Accepted: 10/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This review article illustrates the biology of mammalian sperm chromatin structure. The possible causes of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) fragmentation are discussed. Also available molecular techniques for assessment of mammalian sperm DNA damage are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M H Andrabi
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad, 45500, Pakistan.
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32
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Raspaud E, Pelta J, de Frutos M, Livolant F. Solubility and charge inversion of complexes of DNA and basic proteins. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2006; 97:068103. [PMID: 17026207 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.97.068103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2005] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The basic proteins, protamines and histones H1, are known to condense DNA in vivo. We examine here their ability to condense and solubilize in vitro linear DNA [and a synthetic polyanion, Poly(Styrene-Sulfonate) or PSS] at low ionic concentrations by varying the charge concentration ratio. Phase separation is observed in a very narrow range of ratios for short DNA and PSS; on both sides of this range, polydisperse and charged complexes are formed. A charge inversion is detected. For long DNA chains however, a different behavior is observed: the complexes are not soluble in excess of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Raspaud
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris Sud, 91405 Orsay Cedex, France.
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Dietrich GJ, Szpyrka A, Wojtczak M, Dobosz S, Goryczko K, Zakowski L, Ciereszko A. Effects of UV irradiation and hydrogen peroxide on DNA fragmentation, motility and fertilizing ability of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2005; 64:1809-22. [PMID: 15921734 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2005] [Revised: 04/14/2005] [Accepted: 04/17/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Preservation of DNA integrity is essential for protection of sperm quality. This study examined, with the use of comet assay, DNA fragmentation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) spermatozoa subjected to UV irradiation (2,075 microW/cm(2), 0-15 min) or oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (0-20mM). Sperm motility and fertilizing ability were also measured. A dramatic increase in DNA fragmentation was recorded after 5 min UV irradiation but no significant changes in sperm motility were observed at this time. Longer irradiation resulted in a decrease in motility parameters and further increase of DNA fragmentation. UV irradiation caused a clear decrease in the percentage of eyed embryos and most of the embryos did not hatch. When highly diluted sperm suspensions (50,000-fold) were exposed to 0.1mM H(2)O(2) evident increase in DNA fragmentation was observed. On the other hand, when more concentrated sperm suspensions (diluted only 40-fold) were employed (in order to conduct motility and fertilization measurements at the same time) 1-20mM H(2)O(2) caused only moderate increase in DNA fragmentation and dose-dependent decline in sperm motility and fertilizing ability. This suggests that toxic effects of H(2)O(2) were primarily related to inhibition of sperm motility. Our results demonstrate that comet assay can be used for monitoring the effectiveness of fish sperm DNA inactivation by UV irradiation. Therefore, the comet assay together with sperm motility analysis can be applied in optimization works of gynogenetic procedures in fish. Lack of effectiveness of H(2)O(2) in inducing major DNA fragmentation suggests presence of mechanisms of antioxidative defense in rainbow trout spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Dietrich
- Semen Biology Group, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-747 Olsztyn, Tuwima 10, Poland
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34
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Kimmins S, Sassone-Corsi P. Chromatin remodelling and epigenetic features of germ cells. Nature 2005; 434:583-9. [PMID: 15800613 DOI: 10.1038/nature03368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells have the unique capacity to start a new life upon fertilization. They are generated during a sex-specific differentiation programme called gametogenesis. Maturation of germ cells is characterized by an impressive degree of cellular restructuring and gene regulation that involves remarkable genomic reorganization. These events are finely tuned, but are also susceptible to the introduction of various types of error. Because stable genetic transmission to future generations is essential for life, understanding the control of these processes has far-reaching implications for human health and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, B.P. 10142, 67404 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
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Nasr-Esfahani MH, Salehi M, Razavi S, Mardani M, Bahramian H, Steger K, Oreizi F. Effect of protamine-2 deficiency on ICSI outcome. Reprod Biomed Online 2004; 9:652-8. [PMID: 15670415 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
During spermiogenesis, histones are replaced by protamines (P1 and P2), resulting in sperm chromatin condensation followed by a halt to gene expression in haploid spermatids and spermatozoa. As a consequence, protamine deficiency and aberrant P1/P2 ratio have a profound effect on both fertilization and embryo development. However, reports on the effect of the P1/P2 ratio on fertilization and embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are contradictory between human and animal studies. The question that still remains to be elucidated is which type of protamine deficiency is most common among protamine deficient samples. The present study has a direct bearing on this issue investigating the correlation of the P1/P2 ratio with protamine deficiency, fertilization, embryo quality and embryo development in ICSI patients. This study was carried out on 71 patients. Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining was used to determine protamine deficiency. Since this procedure does not indicate the type of protamine deficiency, the P1/P2 ratio was evaluated by nuclear protein extraction, acetic acid urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and analysis of protein bands with software. Polyclonal anti-P1 and anti-P2 antibodies were used to confirm P1 and P2 presence. Results show a negative significant correlation of fertilization rate with protamine deficiency and P1/P2 ratio. No significant correlation was observed between protamine deficiency and P1/P2 ratio. Therefore, it can be concluded that altered P1/P2 ratio effects fertilization rate and embryo quality which subsequently may affect implantation and pregnancy outcome.
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36
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Dadoune JP, Siffroi JP, Alfonsi MF. Transcription in haploid male germ cells. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2004; 237:1-56. [PMID: 15380665 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(04)37001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Major modifications in chromatin organization occur in spermatid nuclei, resulting in a high degree of DNA packaging within the spermatozoon head. However, before arrest of transcription during midspermiogenesis, high levels of mRNA are found in round spermatids. Some transcripts are the product of genes expressed ubiquitously, whereas some are generated from male germ cell-specific gene homologs of somatic cell genes. Others are transcript variants derived from genes with expression regulated in a testis-specific fashion. The haploid genome of spermatids also initiates the transcription of testis-specific genes. Various general transcription factors, distinct promoter elements, and specific transcription factors are involved in transcriptional regulation. After meiosis, spermatids are genetically but not phenotypically different, because of transcript and protein sharing through cytoplasmic bridges connecting spermatids of the same generation. Interestingly, different types of mRNAs accumulate in the sperm cell nucleus, raising the question of their origin and of a possible role after fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Dadoune
- Laboratoire de Cytologie et Histologie, Centre Universitaire des Saints-Pères, 75270 Paris, France
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37
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Brewer L, Corzett M, Lau EY, Balhorn R. Dynamics of protamine 1 binding to single DNA molecules. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:42403-8. [PMID: 12912999 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m303610200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamine molecules bind to and condense DNA in the sperm of most vertebrates, packaging the sperm genome in an inactive state until it can be reactivated following fertilization. By using methods that enable the analysis of protamine binding to individual DNA molecules, we have monitored the kinetics of DNA condensation and decondensation by protamine 1 (P1) and synthetic peptides corresponding to specific segments of the bull P1 DNA binding domain. Our results show that the number of clustered arginine residues present in the DNA binding domain is the most important factor affecting the condensation and stability of the DNA-protamine complex prior to the formation of inter-protamine disulfide cross-links. The high affinity of P1 for DNA is achieved by the coordinated binding of three anchoring domains, which together in bull P1 contain 19 Arg residues. The single DNA molecule experiments show that sequences containing two or more anchoring domains have an off-rate that is at least 3 orders of magnitude slower than those containing a single domain. The use of Arg, rather than Lys residues, and the inclusion of Tyr or Phe residues in the hinge regions between anchoring domains provide additional stability to the complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Brewer
- Electronic Engineering Technologies Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA
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38
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Tovich PR, Oko RJ. Somatic histones are components of the perinuclear theca in bovine spermatozoa. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:32431-8. [PMID: 12777396 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m303786200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The perinuclear theca is a non-ionic detergent-resistant, electron-dense layer surrounding the condensed nucleus of mammalian sperm. The known proteins originating from the perinuclear theca have implicated the structure in a variety of important cellular processes during spermiogenesis and fertilization. Nonetheless, the composition of the perinuclear theca remains largely unexplored. We have isolated a group of low molecular mass (14-19 kDa) perinuclear theca-derived proteins from acrosome-depleted bovine sperm heads by salt (1 M KCl) extraction and have identified them as core somatic histones. N-terminal sequencing and immunoblotting with anti-histone antibodies confirmed the presence of both intact and proteolytically cleaved somatic histones H3, H2B, H2A, and H4. Identical proteins were isolated using 2% SDS or 1 N HCl extractions. Subsequent acid and SDS extractions of intact bovine sperm revealed the presence of all four intact histone subtypes, with minimal proteolysis. Two-dimensional acid/urea/Triton-SDS-PAGE, coupled with immunoblotting analysis, confirmed the somatic nature of these perinuclear theca-derived histones. Estimates of the abundance of perinuclear theca-derived histones showed that up to 0.2 pg per sperm of each histone subtype was present. Immunogold labeling at the ultrastructural level localized all four core somatic histones to the post-acrosomal sheath region of bovine epididymal sperm, when probed with affinity-purified anti-histone antibodies. Little immunoreactivity was detected in residual perinuclear theca structures following the extractions. Taken together, these findings indicate the unprecedented and stable localization of non-nuclear somatic histones in bovine sperm perinuclear theca.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ronald Tovich
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
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39
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Abstract
The lengths of the DNA molecules of eukaryotic genomes are much greater than the dimensions of the metaphase chromosomes in which they are contained during mitosis. From this observation it has been generally assumed that the linear packing ratio of DNA is an adequate measure of the degree of DNA compaction. This review summarizes the evidence suggesting that the local concentration of DNA is more appropriate than the linear packing ratio for the study of chromatin condensation. The DNA concentrations corresponding to most of the models proposed for the 30-40 nm chromatin fiber are not high enough for the construction of metaphase chromosomes. The interdigitated solenoid model has a higher density because of the stacking of nucleosomes in secondary helices and, after further folding into chromatids, it yields a final concentration of DNA that approaches the experimental value found for condensed chromosomes. Since recent results have shown that metaphase chromosomes contain high concentrations of the chromatin packing ions Mg2+ and Ca2+, it is discussed that dynamic rather than rigid models are required to explain the condensation of the extended fibers observed in the absence of these cations. Finally, considering the different lines of evidence demonstrating the stacking of nucleosomes in different chromatin complexes, it is suggested that the face-to-face interactions between nucleosomes may be the driving force for the formation of higher order structures with a high local concentration of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan-Ramon Daban
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat Autòma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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Gallardo MH, Bickham JW, Kausel G, Köhler N, Honeycutt RL. Gradual and quantum genome size shifts in the hystricognath rodents. J Evol Biol 2003; 16:163-9. [PMID: 14635891 DOI: 10.1046/j.1420-9101.2003.00507.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We assessed genome size variation by flow cytometry within and among 31 species of nine families of African and South American hystricognath rodents. Interspecific variation was extensive and genome size was relatively high among the South American radiation whereas only moderate variation and smaller estimates of genome size were observed in the African counterparts. The largest genome size, indicating tetraploidy was recorded in the South American octodontid, Tympanoctomys barrerae (16.8 pg DNA). This quantum shift in DNA content represents a novel mechanism of genome evolution in mammals. As expected in polyploid organisms, varying nucleotypic effects were observed in the dimensions of the sperm cells and lymphocytes of T. barrerae. The role of control mechanisms that influence cell dimensions in polyploid organisms is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Gallardo
- Instituto de Ecología y Evolución, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla, Valdivia, Chile.
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41
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Abstract
Two transition proteins, TP1 and TP2, participate in the repackaging of the spermatid genome early in mammalian spermiogenesis, coincident with the first detectable changes in chromatin condensation. Using an optical trap and a two-channel flow cell to move single DNA molecules into buffer containing protein, we have measured the rates of DNA condensation and decondensation induced by the binding of Syrian hamster transition proteins TP1 and TP2 and protamines P1 and P2. The results show that both transition proteins condense free DNA, with rates similar to those of protamine 1 and 2. DNA molecules condensed with TP1 were significantly less stable than DNA condensed by protamine or by TP2. Experiments conducted with a peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 25 residues of TP2 showed that this domain is responsible for condensing DNA. Experiments conducted with two fragments of TP1 containing arginine and lysine residues demonstrated that DNA binding by TP1 must involve more than these basic sequences. Zinc facilitated the condensation of DNA by P2 but not by TP2. The dissociation rates of TP2 and P2 from DNA were not affected by the addition of zinc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Brewer
- Electronics Engineering Technologies Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
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42
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Abstract
The metal ions carcinogenic to humans are As, Be, Cd, Cr and Ni, and the candidates also include Co, Cu, Fe and Pt. A range of molecular mechanisms was proposed for these metals, reflecting their diverse chemical properties. The oxidative concept in metal carcinogenesis proposes that some complexes of the above metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni) formed in vivo undergo redox cycling, yielding reactive oxygen species and/or high valence metal ions which oxidize DNA. Some of the products of oxidative DNA damage, including 8-oxoguanine and strand breaks, induce mutations, which may lead to neoplastic transformation. The establishment of metal-binding modes in the cell nucleus and of their reactivity is crucial for the understanding of molecular events in metal carcinogenesis. We have proposed the binding sites for Ni(II) and Cu(II) in core histones (H3, H2A) and sperm protamines (HP2) and, using molecular models, provided evidence for the generation of promutagenic oxidative DNA damage by the bound metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Bal
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Ul. F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383, Poland.
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43
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Pfeifer H, Conrad M, Roethlein D, Kyriakopoulos A, Brielmeier M, Bornkamm GW, Behne D. Identification of a specific sperm nuclei selenoenzyme necessary for protamine thiol cross‐linking during sperm maturation. FASEB J 2001. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.00-0655fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Henning Pfeifer
- Department Trace Elements in Health and Nutrition Hahn-Meitner-Institut Berlin Glienicker Str. 100 D-14109 Berlin Germany
| | - Marcus Conrad
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology and Tumor Genetics GSF-Research Center for Environment and Health Marchioninistr. 25 D-81377 Munich Germany
| | - Doris Roethlein
- Department Trace Elements in Health and Nutrition Hahn-Meitner-Institut Berlin Glienicker Str. 100 D-14109 Berlin Germany
| | - Antonios Kyriakopoulos
- Department Trace Elements in Health and Nutrition Hahn-Meitner-Institut Berlin Glienicker Str. 100 D-14109 Berlin Germany
| | - Markus Brielmeier
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology and Tumor Genetics GSF-Research Center for Environment and Health Marchioninistr. 25 D-81377 Munich Germany
| | - Georg W. Bornkamm
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology and Tumor Genetics GSF-Research Center for Environment and Health Marchioninistr. 25 D-81377 Munich Germany
| | - Dietrich Behne
- Department Trace Elements in Health and Nutrition Hahn-Meitner-Institut Berlin Glienicker Str. 100 D-14109 Berlin Germany
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44
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Abstract
Available data on dry and hydrated nuclear volume of mammalian spermatozoa indicate that available volume is clearly insufficient to contain sperm chromatin packed in nucleosome-like structures. Therefore, sperm DNA-protein complexes must be packed differently than somatic DNA-protein complexes. Packing of DNA in fixed, dehydrated mammalian sperm approaches the physical limits of molecular compaction, making mammalian sperm chromatin the most condensed eukaryotic DNA known. The fundamental packaging unit of sperm chromatin is a toroid approximately 900-A outer diameter. 200-A thickness, and 150-A diameter hole. Each toroid contains 60 kilobases of DNA and is linked to other toroids by uncoiled DNA stretches. The factors that contribute to mammalian chromatin structuration are still under study. The role of protamines in sperm chromatin condensation and nuclear shaping has been overstressed to the exclusion of other possible factors. Chromatin organization in sperm nuclei is maintained during sperm condensation by tight interactions with the nuclear matrix at fixed sites, inducing the formation of individual toroid-shaped DNA loop stuctures. Observations that abnormal manchettes affect sperm head shape and chromatin organization inducing sterility speak about manchette importance during chromatin organization. The presence in sperm chromatin of regions packaged in specific ways with several types of protamines or even with histones, indicates that nuclear shaping and chromatin organization must be under DNA control. The structural properties that distinguish sperm DNA from somatic DNA may play the most important role in chromatin organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Fuentes-Mascorro
- Division de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, México DF, Mexico.
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45
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Bench G, Corzett MH, Kramer CE, Grant PG, Balhorn R. Zinc is sufficiently abundant within mammalian sperm nuclei to bind stoichiometrically with protamine 2. Mol Reprod Dev 2000; 56:512-9. [PMID: 10911401 DOI: 10.1002/1098-2795(200008)56:4<512::aid-mrd9>3.0.co;2-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although studies have demonstrated that zinc can bind to sperm nuclear proteins, specifically protamine 2, it has not been shown that the metal is sufficiently abundant inside the sperm nucleus to interact stoichiometrically with these proteins. In this study proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) has been used to measure the amount of sulfur and zinc within the nuclei of individual sperm cells to infer the stoichiometry of zinc binding to protamine 2 in six species of mammal: bull, chinchilla, stallion, hamster, human, and mouse (protamine 2 comprises from 0% (bull) to 67% (mouse) of the protamine present in the sperm of these animals). Using the sulfur mass and electrophoretic data on the relative proportion of protamine 1 and protamine 2 in the sperm chromatin of these species, the protamine 1, protamine 2, and total protamine contents within each species sperm nuclei have been determined. The PIXE measurements reveal that the zinc content of the sperm nucleus varies proportionately with the protamine 2 content of sperm chromatin. PIXE analyses of hamster protamines extracted under conditions that appear to at least partially preserve zinc binding also confirm that the majority of the metal is bound to protamine. In five of the species examined, sufficient zinc is present for each protamine 2 molecule to bind one zinc. The results obtained for chinchilla sperm, conversely, indicate the chinchilla protamine 2 molecule may interact differently with zinc. Chinchilla sperm only contain enough zinc for one atom to be bound to two protamine 2 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bench
- Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA
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46
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Steger K, Pauls K, Klonisch T, Franke FE, Bergmann M. Expression of protamine-1 and -2 mRNA during human spermiogenesis. Mol Hum Reprod 2000; 6:219-25. [PMID: 10694268 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/6.3.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During spermiogenesis, the histone-to-protamine replacement causes the compaction of the spermatid chromatin. The genes for protamines, PRM-1 and PRM-2, are transcribed in round and elongating spermatids. The transcripts are stored in a translationally-repressed state by the binding of protein repressors before being translated in elongating and elongated spermatids. RNA extracts from homogenized whole testis samples supply only average data, and cell-specific and stage-specific expression cannot be addressed. Therefore, we used UV-laser-assisted cell-picking (UV-LACP) to select spermatids of defined differentiation steps. Subsequent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with intron-spanning primer pairs allowed the detection of DNA-free and pseudogene-free PRM-1 and PRM-2 cDNA. Additional in-situ hybridization with digoxygenin-labelled cRNA probes exhibited PRM-1 and PRM-2 mRNA from step 1/2 spermatids to step 4 spermatids, but not in elongated spermatids. RT-PCR revealed amplicons for PRM-1 and PRM-2 in all spermatids except step 3 round spermatids. Applying proteinase K digestion, PRM-1 and PRM-2 transcripts were also detected in step 3 spermatids indicating that protein repressors may bind to both PRM-1 and PRM-2 mRNA in step 3 round spermatids. These data demonstrate that the combination of UV-LACP and non-radioactive in-situ hybridization appear to be a suitable approach for the study of cell-specific and stage-specific gene expression during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Steger
- Institut für Veterinäranatomie, Frankfurter Strasse 98, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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47
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Abstract
Basic nuclear proteins were isolated from the sperm of the Syrian hamster Mesocricetus auratus and characterized by gel electrophoresis, amino acid analysis, and sequencing. Analyses of the proteins by gel electrophoresis show that sperm of this species contain both protamines 1 and 2. The two proteins were purified by HPLC and the complete primary sequence of hamster protamine 1 was determined by automated amino acid sequence analysis. The protein sequence was subsequently confirmed by sequencing the PCR-amplified protamine 1 gene. The first forty-two residues of the hamster protamine 2 sequence were obtained by amino acid sequence analysis of the isolated protein, and this sequence was also confirmed and extended by sequencing the gene. Total basic nuclear protein was also isolated from sperm of six other species of hamsters, the protamines were identified by HPLC and amino acid analysis, and the proportion of protamines 1 and 2 in each species was determined. Marked differences in the protamine 2 content of sperm were observed among the different species of hamster. This variation and the high level of sequence similarity between mouse and hamster protamines provide insight into how the two protamines may be organized in sperm chromatin. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 54:273-282, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Corzett
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Biology and Biotechnology Research Program, University of California, Livermore, California 94550, USA
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48
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Abstract
The delivery of the paternal genome to the egg is a primary goal of fertilization. In preparation for this step, the nucleus of the developing spermatozoon undergoes extensive morphological and biochemical transformations during spermatogenesis to yield a tightly compacted sperm nucleus. These modifications are essentially reversed during fertilization. As a result, the incorporated sperm nucleus undergoes many steps in the egg cytoplasm as it develops into a male pronucleus. The sperm nucleus (1) loses its nuclear envelope, (2) undergoes nucleoprotein remodeling, (3) decondenses and increases in size, (4) becomes more spherical, (5) acquires a new nuclear envelope, and (6) becomes functionally competent to synthesize DNA and RNA. These changes are coordinate with meiotic processing of the maternal chromatin, and often result in behaviors asynchronous with the maternal chromatin. For example, in eggs fertilized during meiosis, the sperm nucleus decondenses while the maternal chromatin remains condensed. A model is presented that suggests some reasons why this puzzling behavior exists. Defects in any of the processes attending male pronuclear development often result in infertility. New assisted reproductive technologies have been developed that ensure delivery of the sperm nucleus to the egg cytoplasm so that a healthy embryo is produced. An emerging challenge is to further characterize the molecular mechanisms that control sperm nuclear transformations and link these to causes of human infertility. Further understanding of this basic process promises to revolutionize our understanding of the mystery of the beginning of new life.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Wright
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Ohio 45469, USA
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49
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Ahmadi A, Ng SC. Destruction of protamine in human sperm inhibits sperm binding and penetration in the zona-free hamster penetration test but increases sperm head decondensation and male pronuclear formation in the hamster-ICSI assay. J Assist Reprod Genet 1999; 16:128-32. [PMID: 10091115 PMCID: PMC3455208 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022527714175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to investigate the fertilizing ability of human protamine-damaged sperm in a heterologous system using hamster oocytes. METHODS The protamine of the sperm were damaged by exposure to dithiothreitol, a disulfide-reducing agent. Their ability to penetrate and form male pronuclei were investigated using the zona-free hamster penetration test and the hamster-intracytoplasmic sperm injection assay, respectively. RESULTS The zona-free hamster penetration test revealed that protamine-damaged sperm are unable to bind and penetrate the hamster oocyte. On the other hand, hamster-intracytoplasmic sperm injection assay results showed that 56.9% and 39.2% of the injected oocytes developed male pronuclei in protamine-damaged and live-intact sperm groups, respectively, with a significant difference in these rates (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that protamine-damaged sperm are able to undergo sperm head decondensation and male pronuclear formation only when injected into the ooplasm, although they cannot bind and penetrate through the zona and enter the ooplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ahmadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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50
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Kramer JA, Krawetz SA. Genesis of a novel human sequence from the protamine PRM1 gene. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART C, PHARMACOLOGY, TOXICOLOGY & ENDOCRINOLOGY 1998; 120:467-73. [PMID: 9827065 DOI: 10.1016/s0742-8413(98)10062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The members of the male haploid expressed protamine 1 (PRM1)-->protamine 2 (PRM2)-->transition protein 2 (TNP2) locus exist as a single, coordinately expressed genic domain. Previous analysis has revealed that the genes within the human PRM1-->PRM2-->TNP2 domain are inter-related, as they share significant sequence similarity at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels. Analysis described here supports the view that a fourth candidate coding region, gene4/Prm3, was derived from PRM1 during the genesis of the PRM1-->PRM2-->TNP2 domain. In some species, gene4 has diverged to a great extent, which can limit its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Kramer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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