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Zhang F, Li J, Liang Z, Chen X, Zheng H, Wu J, Chen W, Li L. Splicing Mutation in DNALI1 Causes Male Infertility with Severe Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in Humans. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1610-1616. [PMID: 38212584 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01451-1] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT), which is a common cause of male infertility, can be caused by genetic factors. This study reports on a case of a male patient suffering from infertility concomitant with OAT. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) confirmed the presence of a homozygous variant (NM_003462: c.464-1G > A) in the DNALI1 gene via Sanger sequencing. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the DNALI1 signal was nearly undetectable in the patient's sperm. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that this mutation could reverse the splicing of the exon 4 acceptor splice site. A minigene experiment was performed to verify the mutation and the results confirmed that the mutation disrupted the splicing. Our findings show that this rare mutation in DNALI1 contributes to male infertility and OAT in humans, thereby expanding our understanding of the causes and pathogenesis of male infertility. This knowledge facilitates genetic counseling, clinical diagnosis, and therapeutic development of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengbin Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jingping Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhongyan Liang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaopan Chen
- Department of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Huimei Zheng
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinggen Wu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Weikang Chen
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lejun Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China.
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2
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Fakhro KA, Awwad J, Garibova S, Saraiva LR, Avella M. Conserved genes regulating human sex differentiation, gametogenesis and fertilization. J Transl Med 2024; 22:473. [PMID: 38764035 PMCID: PMC11103854 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05162-2] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Fakhro
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Johnny Awwad
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Vincent Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Service, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Luis R Saraiva
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo Avella
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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3
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Wu H, Zhang Y, Li Y, Sun S, Zhang J, Xie Q, Dong Y, Zhou S, Sha X, Li K, Chen J, Zhang X, Gao Y, Shen Q, Wang G, Zha X, Duan Z, Tang D, Xu C, Geng H, Lv M, Xu Y, Zhou P, Wei Z, Hua R, Cao Y, Liu M, He X. Adenylate kinase phosphate energy shuttle underlies energetic communication in flagellar axonemes. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-023-2539-1. [PMID: 38761355 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The complexities of energy transfer mechanisms in the flagella of mammalian sperm flagella have been intensively investigated and demonstrate significant diversity across species. Enzymatic shuttles, particularly adenylate kinase (AK) and creatine kinase (CK), are pivotal in the efficient transfer of intracellular ATP, showing distinct tissue- and species-specificity. Here, the expression profiles of AK and CK were investigated in mice and found to fall into four subgroups, of which Subgroup III AKs were observed to be unique to the male reproductive system and conserved across chordates. Both AK8 and AK9 were found to be indispensable to male reproduction after analysis of an infertile male cohort. Knockout mouse models showed that AK8 and AK9 were central to promoting sperm motility. Immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry revealed that AK8 and AK9 interact with the radial spoke (RS) of the axoneme. Examination of various human and mouse sperm samples with substructural damage, including the presence of multiple RS subunits, showed that the head of radial spoke 3 acts as an adapter for AK9 in the flagellar axoneme. Using an ATP probe together with metabolomic analysis, it was found that AK8 and AK9 cooperatively regulated ATP transfer in the axoneme, and were concentrated at sites associated with energy consumption in the flagellum. These findings indicate a novel function for RS beyond its structural role, namely, the regulation of ATP transfer. In conclusion, the results expand the functional spectrum of AK proteins and suggest a fresh model regarding ATP transfer within mammalian flagella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yanman Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Shuya Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qingsong Xie
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Shushu Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xuan Sha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Xiaomin Zha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zongliu Duan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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4
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Dupuis S, Girault MS, Le Beulze M, Ialy-Radio C, Bermúdez-Guzmán L, Ziyyat A, Barbaux S. The lack of Tex44 causes severe subfertility with flagellar abnormalities in male mice. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:74. [PMID: 38750428 PMCID: PMC11094962 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
By analyzing a mouse Interspecific Recombinant Congenic Strain (IRCS), we previously identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL), called Mafq1 on mouse chromosome 1, that is associated with male hypofertility and ultrastructural sperm abnormalities. Within this locus, we identified a new candidate gene that could be implicated in a reproductive phenotype: Tex44 (Testis-expressed protein 44). We thus performed a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated complete deletion of this gene in mice in order to study its function. Tex44-KO males were severely hypofertile in vivo and in vitro due to a drastic reduction of sperm motility which itself resulted from important morphological sperm abnormalities. Namely, Tex44-KO sperm showed a disorganized junction between the midpiece and the principal piece of the flagellum, leading to a 180° flagellar bending in this region. In addition, the loss of some axonemal microtubule doublets and outer dense fibers in the flagellum's principal piece has been observed. Our results suggest that, in mice, TEX44 is implicated in the correct set-up of the sperm flagellum during spermiogenesis and its absence leads to flagellar abnormalities and consequently to severe male hypofertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Dupuis
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | | | - Morgane Le Beulze
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Côme Ialy-Radio
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | | | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
- Service d'Histologie, d'Embryologie, Biologie de La Reproduction, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Barbaux
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France.
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Graziani A, Rocca MS, Vinanzi C, Masi G, Grande G, De Toni L, Ferlin A. Genetic Causes of Qualitative Sperm Defects: A Narrative Review of Clinical Evidence. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:600. [PMID: 38790229 PMCID: PMC11120687 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Several genes are implicated in spermatogenesis and fertility regulation, and these genes are presently being analysed in clinical practice due to their involvement in male factor infertility (MFI). However, there are still few genetic analyses that are currently recommended for use in clinical practice. In this manuscript, we reviewed the genetic causes of qualitative sperm defects. We distinguished between alterations causing reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and alterations causing changes in the typical morphology of sperm (teratozoospermia). In detail, the genetic causes of reduced sperm motility may be found in the alteration of genes associated with sperm mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial proteins, ion transport and channels, and flagellar proteins. On the other hand, the genetic causes of changes in typical sperm morphology are related to conditions with a strong genetic basis, such as macrozoospermia, globozoospermia, and acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. We tried to distinguish alterations approved for routine clinical application from those still unsupported by adequate clinical studies. The most important aspect of the study was related to the correct identification of subjects to be tested and the correct application of genetic tests based on clear clinical data. The correct application of available genetic tests in a scenario where reduced sperm motility and changes in sperm morphology have been observed enables the delivery of a defined diagnosis and plays an important role in clinical decision-making. Finally, clarifying the genetic causes of MFI might, in future, contribute to reducing the proportion of so-called idiopathic MFI, which might indeed be defined as a subtype of MFI whose cause has not yet been revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Graziani
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Cinzia Vinanzi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Masi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
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6
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Wang Y, Chen J, Huang X, Wu B, Dai P, Zhang F, Li J, Wang L. Gene-knockout by iSTOP enables rapid reproductive disease modeling and phenotyping in germ cells of the founder generation. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1035-1050. [PMID: 38332217 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Cytosine base editing achieves C•G-to-T•A substitutions and can convert four codons (CAA/CAG/CGA/TGG) into STOP-codons (induction of STOP-codons, iSTOP) to knock out genes with reduced mosaicism. iSTOP enables direct phenotyping in founders' somatic cells, but it remains unknown whether this works in founders' germ cells so as to rapidly reveal novel genes for fertility. Here, we initially establish that iSTOP in mouse zygotes enables functional characterization of known genes in founders' germ cells: Cfap43-iSTOP male founders manifest expected sperm features resembling human "multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella" syndrome (i.e., MMAF-like features), while oocytes of Zp3-iSTOP female founders have no zona pellucida. We further illustrate iSTOP's utility for dissecting the functions of unknown genes with Ccdc183, observing MMAF-like features and male infertility in Ccdc183-iSTOP founders, phenotypes concordant with those of Ccdc183-KO offspring. We ultimately establish that CCDC183 is essential for sperm morphogenesis through regulating the assembly of outer dynein arms and participating in the intra-flagellar transport. Our study demonstrates iSTOP as an efficient tool for direct reproductive disease modeling and phenotyping in germ cells of the founder generation, and rapidly reveals the essentiality of Ccdc183 in fertility, thus providing a time-saving approach for validating genetic defects (like nonsense mutations) for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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7
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Zhao S, Liu Q, Su L, Meng L, Tan C, Wei C, Zhang H, Luo T, Zhang Q, Tan YQ, Tu C, Chen H, Gao X. Identification of novel homozygous asthenoteratospermia-causing ARMC2 mutations associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1297-1306. [PMID: 38492154 PMCID: PMC11143164 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03087-9] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the genetic causes of multiple morphological abnormalities in sperm flagella (MMAF) and male infertility in patients from two unrelated Han Chinese families. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was conducted using blood samples from the two individuals with MMAF and male infertility. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy were performed to evaluate sperm morphology. Ultrastructural and immunostaining analyses of the spermatozoa were performed. The HEK293T cells were used to confirm the pathogenicity of the variants. RESULTS We identified two novel homozygous missense ARMC2 variants: c.314C > T: p.P105L and c.2227A > G: p.N743D. Both variants are absent or rare in the human population genome data and are predicted to be deleterious. In vitro experiments indicated that both ARMC2 variants caused a slightly increased protein expression. ARMC2-mutant spermatozoa showed multiple morphological abnormalities (bent, short, coiled, absent, and irregular) in the flagella. In addition, the spermatozoa of the patients revealed a frequent absence of the central pair complex and disrupted axonemal ultrastructure. CONCLUSION We identified two novel ARMC2 variants that caused male infertility and MMAF in Han Chinese patients. These findings expand the mutational spectrum of ARMC2 and provide insights into the complex causes and pathogenesis of MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Zhao
- Department of Urology, The First Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Lilan Su
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells and Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells and Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya and Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya and Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Chunjia Wei
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells and Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells and Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya and Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells and Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya and Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells and Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya and Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells and Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya and Clinical Research Center For Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.
| | - Houyang Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
| | - Xingcheng Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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8
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Long R, Wang M, Zhou J, Mao R, Wang C, Gu L, Chen Y, Jin L, Zhu L. Decreased embryo developmental potential and lower cumulative pregnancy rate in men with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1377780. [PMID: 38745955 PMCID: PMC11091255 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1377780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is characterized by abnormal flagellar phenotypes, which is a particular kind of asthenoteratozoospermia. Previous studies have reported a comparable intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome in terms of fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate in patients with MMAF compared with those with no MMAF; however, others have conflicting opinions. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in individuals with MMAF are still controversial and open to debate. Methods A total of 38 patients with MMAF treated at an academic reproductive center between January 2014 and July 2022 were evaluated in the current retrospective cohort study and followed up until January 2023. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for the baseline clinical characteristics of the patients and to create a comparable control group. The genetic pathogenesis of MMAF was confirmed by whole exome sequencing. The main outcomes were the embryo developmental potential, the cumulative pregnancy rate (CLPR), and the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). Results Pathogenic variants in known genes of DNAH1, DNAH11, CFAP43, FSIP2, and SPEF2 were identified in patients with MMAF. Laboratory outcomes, including the fertilization rate, 2PN cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and available blastocyst rate, followed a trend of decline in the MMAF group (p < 0.05). Moreover, according to the embryo transfer times and complete cycles, the CLPR in the cohort of MMAF was lower compared with the oligoasthenospermia pool (p = 0.033 and p = 0.020, respectively), while no statistical differences were observed in the neonatal outcomes. Conclusion The current study presented decreased embryo developmental potential and compromised clinical outcomes in the MMAF cohort. These findings may provide clinicians with evidence to support genetic counseling and clinical guidance in specific patients with MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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9
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Olszewska M, Malcher A, Stokowy T, Pollock N, Berman AJ, Budkiewicz S, Kamieniczna M, Jackowiak H, Suszynska-Zajczyk J, Jedrzejczak P, Yatsenko AN, Kurpisz M. Effects of Tcte1 knockout on energy chain transportation and spermatogenesis: implications for male infertility. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae020. [PMID: 38650655 PMCID: PMC11035007 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the Tcte1 mutation causative for male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Our collected data underline the complex and devastating effect of the single-gene mutation on the testicular molecular network, leading to male reproductive failure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Recent data have revealed mutations in genes related to axonemal dynein arms as causative for morphology and motility abnormalities in spermatozoa of infertile males, including dysplasia of fibrous sheath (DFS) and multiple morphological abnormalities in the sperm flagella (MMAF). The nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N-DRC) coordinates the dynein arm activity and is built from the DRC1-DRC7 proteins. DRC5 (TCTE1), one of the N-DRC elements, has already been reported as a candidate for abnormal sperm flagella beating; however, only in a restricted manner with no clear explanation of respective observations. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technique, a mouse Tcte1 gene knockout line was created on the basis of the C57Bl/6J strain. The mouse reproductive potential, semen characteristics, testicular gene expression levels, sperm ATP, and testis apoptosis level measurements were then assessed, followed by visualization of N-DRC proteins in sperm, and protein modeling in silico. Also, a pilot genomic sequencing study of samples from human infertile males (n = 248) was applied for screening of TCTE1 variants. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS To check the reproductive potential of KO mice, adult animals were crossed for delivery of three litters per caged pair, but for no longer than for 6 months, in various combinations of zygosity. All experiments were performed for wild-type (WT, control group), heterozygous Tcte1+/- and homozygous Tcte1-/- male mice. Gross anatomy was performed on testis and epididymis samples, followed by semen analysis. Sequencing of RNA (RNAseq; Illumina) was done for mice testis tissues. STRING interactions were checked for protein-protein interactions, based on changed expression levels of corresponding genes identified in the mouse testis RNAseq experiments. Immunofluorescence in situ staining was performed to detect the N-DRC complex proteins: Tcte1 (Drc5), Drc7, Fbxl13 (Drc6), and Eps8l1 (Drc3) in mouse spermatozoa. To determine the amount of ATP in spermatozoa, the luminescence level was measured. In addition, immunofluorescence in situ staining was performed to check the level of apoptosis via caspase 3 visualization on mouse testis samples. DNA from whole blood samples of infertile males (n = 137 with non-obstructive azoospermia or cryptozoospermia, n = 111 samples with a spectrum of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, including n = 47 with asthenozoospermia) was extracted to perform genomic sequencing (WGS, WES, or Sanger). Protein prediction modeling of human-identified variants and the exon 3 structure deleted in the mouse knockout was also performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No progeny at all was found for the homozygous males which were revealed to have oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, while heterozygous animals were fertile but manifested oligozoospermia, suggesting haploinsufficiency. RNA-sequencing of the testicular tissue showed the influence of Tcte1 mutations on the expression pattern of 21 genes responsible for mitochondrial ATP processing or linked with apoptosis or spermatogenesis. In Tcte1-/- males, the protein was revealed in only residual amounts in the sperm head nucleus and was not transported to the sperm flagella, as were other N-DRC components. Decreased ATP levels (2.4-fold lower) were found in the spermatozoa of homozygous mice, together with disturbed tail:midpiece ratios, leading to abnormal sperm tail beating. Casp3-positive signals (indicating apoptosis) were observed in spermatogonia only, at a similar level in all three mouse genotypes. Mutation screening of human infertile males revealed one novel and five ultra-rare heterogeneous variants (predicted as disease-causing) in 6.05% of the patients studied. Protein prediction modeling of identified variants revealed changes in the protein surface charge potential, leading to disruption in helix flexibility or its dynamics, thus suggesting disrupted interactions of TCTE1 with its binding partners located within the axoneme. LARGE SCALE DATA All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files. RNAseq data are available in the GEO database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) under the accession number GSE207805. The results described in the publication are based on whole-genome or exome sequencing data which includes sensitive information in the form of patient-specific germline variants. Information regarding such variants must not be shared publicly following European Union legislation, therefore access to raw data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION In the study, the in vitro fertilization performance of sperm from homozygous male mice was not checked. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study contains novel and comprehensive data concerning the role of TCTE1 in male infertility. The TCTE1 gene is the next one that should be added to the 'male infertility list' because of its crucial role in spermatogenesis and proper sperm functioning. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by National Science Centre in Poland, grants no.: 2015/17/B/NZ2/01157 and 2020/37/B/NZ5/00549 (to M.K.), 2017/26/D/NZ5/00789 (to A.M.), and HD096723, GM127569-03, NIH SAP #4100085736 PA DoH (to A.N.Y.). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Malcher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Stokowy
- Scientific Computing Group, IT Division, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nijole Pollock
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrea J Berman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sylwia Budkiewicz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Hanna Jackowiak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Jedrzejczak
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alexander N Yatsenko
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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10
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Parkes R, Garcia TX. Bringing proteomics to bear on male fertility: key lessons. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:181-203. [PMID: 38536015 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2327553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a major public health concern globally. Proteomics has revolutionized our comprehension of male fertility by identifying potential infertility biomarkers and reproductive defects. Studies comparing sperm proteome with other male reproductive tissues have the potential to refine fertility diagnostics and guide infertility treatment development. AREAS COVERED This review encapsulates literature using proteomic approaches to progress male reproductive biology. Our search methodology included systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles up to 2023. Keywords used included 'male fertility proteomics,' 'spermatozoa proteome,' 'testis proteomics,' 'epididymal proteomics,' and 'non-hormonal male contraception.' Inclusion criteria were robust experimental design, significant contributions to male fertility, and novel use of proteomic technologies. EXPERT OPINION Expert analysis shows a shift from traditional research to an integrative approach that clarifies male reproductive health's molecular intricacies. A gap exists between proteomic discoveries and clinical application. The expert opinions consolidated here not only navigate the current findings but also chart the future proteomic applications for scientific and clinical breakthroughs. We underscore the need for continued investment in proteomic research - both in the technological and collaborative arenas - to further unravel the secrets of male fertility, which will be central to resolving fertility issues in the coming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Parkes
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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11
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Wang Y, Huang X, Sun G, Chen J, Wu B, Luo J, Tang S, Dai P, Zhang F, Li J, Wang L. Coiled-coil domain-containing 38 is required for acrosome biogenesis and fibrous sheath assembly in mice. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:407-418. [PMID: 37709195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
During spermiogenesis, haploid spermatids undergo dramatic morphological changes to form slender sperm flagella and cap-like acrosomes, which are required for successful fertilization. Severe deformities in flagella cause a male infertility syndrome, multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF), while acrosomal hypoplasia in some cases leads to sub-optimal embryonic developmental potential. However, evidence regarding the occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia in MMAF is limited. Here, we report the generation of base-edited mice knocked out for coiled-coil domain-containing 38 (Ccdc38) via inducing a nonsense mutation and find that the males are infertile. The Ccdc38-KO sperm display acrosomal hypoplasia and typical MMAF phenotypes. We find that the acrosomal membrane is loosely anchored to the nucleus and fibrous sheaths are disorganized in Ccdc38-KO sperm. Further analyses reveal that Ccdc38 knockout causes a decreased level of TEKT3, a protein associated with acrosome biogenesis, in testes and an aberrant distribution of TEKT3 in sperm. We finally show that intracytoplasmic sperm injection overcomes Ccdc38-related infertility. Our study thus reveals a previously unknown role for CCDC38 in acrosome biogenesis and provides additional evidence for the occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia in MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guoying Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiahui Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
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12
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Zhang Y, Peng Y, Wang Y, Xu J, Yan H. Novel underlying genetic markers for asthenozoospermia due to abnormal spermatogenesis and reproductive organ inflammation. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:146. [PMID: 38476923 PMCID: PMC10928817 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia, a male fertility disorder, has a complex and multifactorial etiology. Moreover, the effectiveness of different treatments for asthenozoospermia remains uncertain. Hence, by using bioinformatics techniques, the present study aimed to determine the underlying genetic markers and pathogenetic mechanisms associated with asthenozoospermia due to abnormal spermatogenesis and inflammation of the reproductive tract. GSE160749 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and the data were filtered to obtain 1336 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with asthenozoospermia. These DEGs were intersected with the epithelial mesenchymal transition datasets to yield 61 candidate DEGs. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and the results revealed that these candidate DEGs were significantly enriched in the enzyme-linked receptor pathway and the thyroid hormone pathway. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to identify the key genes of asthenozoospermia. A total of five key genes were identified, among which SOX9 was significantly upregulated, while HSPA4, SMAD2, HIF1A and GSK3B were significantly downregulated. These findings were validated by conducting reverse transcription-quantitative PCR for clinical semen samples. To determine the underlying molecular mechanisms, a regulatory network of transcription factors and miRNA-mRNA interactions was predicted. The expression levels of HSPA4, SMAD2 and GSK3B were positively associated with several related etiological genes of asthenozoospermia. In total, five key genes were closely associated with the level and type of immune cells; higher levels of activated B cells and CD8 T cells were observed in asthenozoospermia. Thus, the findings of the present study may provide clues to determine the underlying novel diagnostic genetic markers and treatment strategies for asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaodong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The 971st Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Qindao, Shandong 266071, P.R. China
| | - Yun Peng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Hongli Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
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13
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Muroňová J, Kherraf ZE, Giordani E, Lambert E, Eckert S, Cazin C, Amiri-Yekta A, Court M, Chevalier G, Martinez G, Neirijnck Y, Kühne F, Wehrli L, Klena N, Hamel V, De Macedo L, Escoffier J, Guichard P, Coutton C, Mustapha SFB, Kharouf M, Bouin AP, Zouari R, Thierry-Mieg N, Nef S, Geimer S, Loeuillet C, Ray PF, Arnoult C. Lack of CCDC146, a ubiquitous centriole and microtubule-associated protein, leads to non-syndromic male infertility in human and mouse. eLife 2024; 12:RP86845. [PMID: 38441556 PMCID: PMC10942651 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86845] [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] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
From a cohort of 167 infertile patients suffering from multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagellum (MMAF), pathogenic bi-allelic mutations were identified in the CCDC146 gene. In somatic cells, CCDC146 is located at the centrosome and at multiple microtubule-related organelles during mitotic division, suggesting that it is a microtubule-associated protein (MAP). To decipher the molecular pathogenesis of infertility associated with CCDC146 mutations, a Ccdc146 knock-out (KO) mouse line was created. KO male mice were infertile, and sperm exhibited a phenotype identical to CCDC146 mutated patients. CCDC146 expression starts during late spermiogenesis. In the spermatozoon, the protein is conserved but is not localized to centrioles, unlike in somatic cells, rather it is present in the axoneme at the level of microtubule doublets. Expansion microscopy associated with the use of the detergent sarkosyl to solubilize microtubule doublets suggests that the protein may be a microtubule inner protein (MIP). At the subcellular level, the absence of CCDC146 impacted all microtubule-based organelles such as the manchette, the head-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA), and the axoneme. Through this study, a new genetic cause of infertility and a new factor in the formation and/or structure of the sperm axoneme were characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Muroňová
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Zine Eddine Kherraf
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
- UM GI-DPI, CHU Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Elsa Giordani
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Emeline Lambert
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Simon Eckert
- Cell Biology/ Electron Microscopy, University of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
- UM GI-DPI, CHU Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECRTehranIslamic Republic of Iran
| | - Magali Court
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Geneviève Chevalier
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
- UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, CHU Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Yasmine Neirijnck
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical SchoolGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Francoise Kühne
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical SchoolGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Lydia Wehrli
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical SchoolGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Nikolai Klena
- University of Geneva, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sciences IIIGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Virginie Hamel
- University of Geneva, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sciences IIIGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Lisa De Macedo
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Jessica Escoffier
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Paul Guichard
- University of Geneva, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Sciences IIIGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Charles Coutton
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
- UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, CHU Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | | | - Mahmoud Kharouf
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain NordTunisTunisia
| | - Anne-Pacale Bouin
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Raoudha Zouari
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain NordTunisTunisia
| | - Nicolas Thierry-Mieg
- Laboratoire TIMC/MAGe, CNRS UMR 5525, Pavillon Taillefer, Faculté de MedecineLa TroncheFrance
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical SchoolGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Stefan Geimer
- Cell Biology/ Electron Microscopy, University of BayreuthBayreuthGermany
| | - Corinne Loeuillet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
- UM GI-DPI, CHU Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), CNRS UMR 5309GrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
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14
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Raut S, Khambata K, Singh D, Balasinor NH. Dopamine receptor D2 regulates genes involved in germ cell movement and sperm motility in rat testes†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:377-390. [PMID: 37956402 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad153] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of dopamine receptor D2 (D2R) is well associated with sperm motility; however, the physiological role of D2R present on testicular cells remains elusive. The aim of the present study is to delineate the function of testicular D2R. Serum dopamine levels were found to decrease with age, whereas testicular D2R expression increased. In rat testicular sections, D2R immunolabeling was observed in interstitial cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and mature elongated spermatids, whereas tyrosine hydroxylase immunolabeling was selectively detected in Leydig cells. In vitro seminiferous tubule culture following bromocriptine (D2R agonist) treatment resulted in decreased cAMP levels. Microarray identified 1077 differentially expressed genes (511 up-regulated, 566 down-regulated). The majority of differentially expressed genes were present in post-meiotic cells including early and late spermatids, and sperm. Gene ontology elucidated processes related to extra-cellular matrix to be enriched and was supported by differential expression of various collagens and laminins, thereby indicating a role of dopamine in extra-cellular matrix integrity and transport of spermatids across the seminiferous epithelium. Gene ontology and enrichment map also highlighted cell/sperm motility to be significantly enriched. Therefore, genes involved in sperm motility functions were further validated by RT-qPCR. Seven genes (Akap4, Ccnyl1, Iqcf1, Klc3, Prss55, Tbc1d21, Tl18) were significantly up-regulated, whereas four genes (Dnah1, Dnah5, Clxn, Fsip2) were significantly down-regulated by bromocriptine treatment. The bromocriptine-stimulated reduction in seminiferous tubule cyclic AMP and associated changes in spermatid gene expression suggests that dopamine regulates both spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis within the seminiferous epithelium, and spermatozoa motility following spermiation, as essential processes for fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanketa Raut
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Kushaan Khambata
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Dipty Singh
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Nafisa H Balasinor
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
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15
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Poursafari Talemi E, Hosseini SH, Gourabi H, Sabbaghian M, Mohseni Meybodi A. Evaluation of The 1499T>C Variant in The AKAP3 Gene of Infertile Men with Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of The Sperm Flagella Phenotype: A Case-Control Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2024; 18:180-184. [PMID: 38368523 PMCID: PMC10875313 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.561016.1358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertile men with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) phenotype exhibit mosaic sperm flagella abnormalities such as short, bent, coiled, and irregular flagella or absent flagella. Sperm flagellum has an ultrastructurally axonemal structure that contains a large number of proteins. A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 3 (AKAP3) is expressed in spermatozoa. It may function as a regulator of motility and the acrosome reaction. This study aimed to compare genetic changes in infertile men suffering MMAF phenotype with the control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this case-control study, genetic variants of the AKAP3 gene were evaluated in 60 infertile men with MMAF phenotype and 40 fertile men, as control. As exon five of the AKAP3 gene encodes the functional domain of this protein, its genetic variants were studied. Therefore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing was undertaken on the DNA extracted from control and patients' blood samples. RESULTS Sixty infertile men with MMAF phenotype and 40 normozoospermic men, as control, were enrolled in this study. Four haplotype variants 1378T>C (rs10774251), 1391C>G (rs11063266), 1437T>C (rs11063265), and 1573G>A (rs1990312) were detected in all patients and controls. On the other hand, a missense mutation 1499T>C (rs12366671) was observed in four patients with the homozygous form while seven patients carried the heterozygous form. No mutation was identified in the controls (P=0.04). The difference between the variation allele frequencies was assessed in the patient and control groups by the Fisher Exact Test. CONCLUSION In the homozygous form, this mutation changed Isoleucine to Threonine. This alternation occurred inside the AKAP4 binding domain of the AKAP3 protein. The observed variants caused no significant deviation in the secondary structure of AKAP3 protein and probably its function in spermatozoa flagella. So, these variants cannot be considered as the causes of MMAF phenotype in the studied patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Poursafari Talemi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Hanieh Hosseini
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Gourabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Anahita Mohseni Meybodi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Molecular Diagnostics Division, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Kherraf ZE, Barbotin AL, Martinez G, Mazet A, Cazin C, Coutton C, Arnoult C, Thierry-Mieg N, Rives N, Rives-Feraille A, Ray PF. A splice donor variant of GAS8 induces structural disorganization of the axoneme in sperm flagella and leads to nonsyndromic male infertility. Clin Genet 2024; 105:220-225. [PMID: 37950557 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14450] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Motile cilia and flagella are closely related organelles structured around a highly conserved axoneme whose formation and maintenance involve proteins from hundreds of genes. Defects in many of these genes have been described to induce primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) mainly characterized by chronic respiratory infections, situs inversus and/or infertility. In men, cilia/flagella-related infertility is usually caused by asthenozoospermia due to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). Here, we investigated a cohort of 196 infertile men displaying a typical MMAF phenotype without any other PCD symptoms. Analysis of WES data identified a single case carrying a deleterious homozygous GAS8 variant altering a splice donor consensus site. This gene, also known as DRC4, encodes a subunit of the Nexin-Dynein Regulatory Complex (N-DRC), and has been already associated to male infertility and mild PCD. Confirming the deleterious effect of the candidate variant, GAS8 staining by immunofluorescence did not evidence any signal from the patient's spermatozoa whereas a strong signal was present along the whole flagella length in control cells. Concordant with its role in the N-DRC, transmission electron microscopy evidenced peripheral microtubule doublets misalignments. We confirm here the importance of GAS8 in the N-DRC and observed that its absence induces a typical MMAF phenotype not necessarily accompanied by other PCD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne-Laure Barbotin
- CHU Lille, Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Lille, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Aurélien Mazet
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Nathalie Rives
- Team Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology, Inserm, U1239 NorDIC, University Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory-CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Aurélie Rives-Feraille
- Team Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology, Inserm, U1239 NorDIC, University Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory-CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
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17
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Long S, Fu L, Ma J, Yu H, Tang X, Hu T, Han W, Liu W, Liao H, Fu T, Huang G, Lu W, Lin T. Novel biallelic variants in DNAH1 cause multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella with favorable outcomes of fertility after ICSI in Han Chinese males. Andrology 2024; 12:349-364. [PMID: 37302001 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella is an idiopathic asthenoteratozoospermia characterized by absent, short, coiled, angulation, and irregular-caliber flagella. Genetic variants of DNAH1 gene have been identified as a causative factor of multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an available strategy for infertile males with dynein axonemal heavy chain 1 defects to conceive. OBJECTIVES To identify novel variants and candidate mutant hotspots of DNAH1 gene related to multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and male infertility in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS The DNAH1 variants were identified by whole exome sequencing and confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Papanicolaou staining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and immunostaining were performed to investigate the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of spermatozoa. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was applied for the assisted reproductive therapy of males harboring biallelic DNAH1 variants. RESULTS We identified 18 different DNAH1 variants in 11 unrelated families, including nine missense variants (p.A2564T, p.T3657R, p.G1862R, p.L2296P, p.T4041I, p.L611P, p.A913D, p.R1932Q, p.R2356W) and nine loss-of-function variants (c.2301-1G>T, p.Q1518*, p.R1702*, p.D2845Mfs*2, p.P3909Rfs*33, p.Q4040Dfs*33, p.Q4058*, p.E4060Pfs*61, p.V4071Cfs*54). A total of 66.7% (12/18) of the identified variants were novel. Morphological analysis based on Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the typical multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella characteristics of dynein axonemal heavy chain 1-deficient spermatozoa. Immunostaining further revealed the absence of inner dynein arms but not outer dynein arms, which induced a general ultrastructural disorganization, such as the loss of central pair and mis-localization of the microtubule doublets and outer dense fibers. To date, seven affected couples have accepted the intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment, and three of them have given birth to five healthy babies. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These findings further expand the variant spectrum of DNAH1 gene related to multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella and male infertility in humans, thus providing new information for the molecular diagnosis of asthenoteratozoospermia. The favorable fertility outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection will facilitate the genetic counseling and clinical treatment of infertile males with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunhua Long
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Longlong Fu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Haibing Yu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangrong Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingwenyi Hu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyuan Liao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Fu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenhong Lu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
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18
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Yamamoto R, Kon T. Functional and structural significance of the inner-arm-dynein subspecies d in ciliary motility. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38214410 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Motile cilia play various important physiological roles in eukaryotic organisms including cell motility and fertility. Inside motile cilia, large motor-protein complexes called "ciliary dyneins" coordinate their activities and drive ciliary motility. The ciliary dyneins include the outer-arm dyneins, the double-headed inner-arm dynein (IDA f/I1), and several single-headed inner-arm dyneins (IDAs a, b, c, d, e, and g). Among these single-headed IDAs, one of the ciliary dyneins, IDA d, is of particular interest because of its unique properties and subunit composition. In addition, defects in this subspecies have recently been associated with several types of ciliopathies in humans, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and multiple morphologic abnormalities of the flagellum. In this mini-review, we discuss the composition, structure, and motor properties of IDA d, which have been studied in the model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and further discuss the relationship between IDA d and human ciliopathies. In addition, we provide future perspectives and discuss remaining questions regarding this intriguing dynein subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Yamamoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahide Kon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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19
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Chen Y, Luo M, Tu H, Qi Y, Guo Y, Zhang X, Cui Y, Gao M, Zhou X, Zhu T, Zhu H, Situ C, Li Y, Guo X. STYXL1 regulates CCT complex assembly and flagellar tubulin folding in sperm formation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:44. [PMID: 38168070 PMCID: PMC10761714 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44337-1] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tubulin-based microtubule is a core component of flagella axoneme and essential for sperm motility and male fertility. Structural components of the axoneme have been well explored. However, how tubulin folding is regulated in sperm flagella formation is still largely unknown. Here, we report a germ cell-specific co-factor of CCT complex, STYXL1. Deletion of Styxl1 results in male infertility and microtubule defects of sperm flagella. Proteomic analysis of Styxl1-/- sperm reveals abnormal downregulation of flagella-related proteins including tubulins. The N-terminal rhodanese-like domain of STYXL1 is important for its interactions with CCT complex subunits, CCT1, CCT6 and CCT7. Styxl1 deletion leads to defects in CCT complex assembly and tubulin polymerization. Collectively, our findings reveal the vital roles of germ cell-specific STYXL1 in CCT-facilitated tubulin folding and sperm flagella development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Medical Research Center, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Mengjiao Luo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Haixia Tu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yaling Qi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiangzheng Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Mengmeng Gao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Tianyu Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chenghao Situ
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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20
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Ge H, Zhou W, He M, Zheng H, Zhao X, Zhang T, Zhang Y, Shao C, Cheng C, Liu Y, Tian X, Xu K, Zhang X. Mutations in CFAP47, a previously reported MMAF causative gene, also contribute to the respiratory defects in patients with PCD. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2278. [PMID: 37723893 PMCID: PMC10767284 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2278] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic ciliopathy characterized by dysfunction of motile cilia. Currently, approximately 50 causative genes accounting for 60%-70% of all PCD cases have been identified in PCD-affected individuals, but the etiology in approximately 30%-40% of PCD cases remains unknown. METHODS We analyzed the clinical and genetic data of two PCD individuals who were suspected of having PCD. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify and verify the variants in CFAP47. We also evaluated the expression of CFAP47 by real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Transmission electron microscopy in respiratory epithelial cells was also conducted to analyze ciliary function. RESULTS Two hemizygous missense variants of X-linked CFAP47 in two unrelated PCD individuals were identified. The expression of CFAP47 in two PCD individuals was significantly reduced in vivo and in vitro assays. A reduction in the amount of epithelial ciliary cells and basal bodies from PCD individuals was also observed. CONCLUSIONS We describe two hemizygous missense variants of X-linked CFAP47 in two unrelated PCD individuals and prove CFAP47 variants are related to a reduced number of epithelial ciliary cells. Therefore, we suggest that CFAP47 should be known as a novel pathogenic gene of human PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Ge
- McKusick‐Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular BiologyInstitute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Wangji Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Miao He
- McKusick‐Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular BiologyInstitute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Haixia Zheng
- McKusick‐Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular BiologyInstitute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xinyue Zhao
- McKusick‐Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular BiologyInstitute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Chi Shao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Chongsheng Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yaping Liu
- McKusick‐Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular BiologyInstitute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xinlun Tian
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Kai‐Feng Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xue Zhang
- McKusick‐Zhang Center for Genetic Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular BiologyInstitute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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21
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Ali A, Unar A, Muhammad Z, Dil S, Zhang B, Sadaf H, Khan M, Ali M, Khan R, Shah KMB, Ma A, Jiang X, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Shi Q. A novel NPHP4 homozygous missense variant identified in infertile brothers with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:109-120. [PMID: 37831349 PMCID: PMC10789708 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02966-x] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Asthenozoospermia is an important cause of male infertility, and the most serious type is characterized by multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). However, the precise etiology of MMAF remains unknown. In the current study, we recruited a consanguineous Pakistani family with two infertile brothers suffering from primary infertility due to MMAF without obvious signs of PCD. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing on DNAs of the patients, their parents, and a fertile brother and identified the homozygous missense variant (c.1490C > G (p.P497R) in NPHP4 as the candidate mutation for male infertility in this family. RESULTS Sanger sequencing confirmed that this mutation recessively co-segregated with the MMAF in this family. In silico analysis revealed that the mutation site is conserved across different species, and the identified mutation also causes abnormalities in the structure and hydrophobic interactions of the NPHP4 protein. Different bioinformatics tools predict that NPHP4p.P497R mutation is pathogenic. Furthermore, Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy of sperm revealed that affected individuals displayed typical MMAF phenotype with a high percentage of coiled, bent, short, absent, and/or irregular flagella. Transmission electron microscopy images of the patient's spermatozoa revealed significant anomalies in the sperm flagella with the absence of a central pair of microtubules (9 + 0) in every section scored. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results show that the homozygous missense mutation in NPHP4 is associated with MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Ali
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan.
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Zubair Muhammad
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Humaira Sadaf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ayub Medical Hospital Complex, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Manan Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Ranjha Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Kakakhel Mian Basit Shah
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Ao Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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22
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Jin HJ, Ruan T, Dai S, Geng XY, Yang Y, Shen Y, Chen SR. Identification of CFAP52 as a novel diagnostic target of male infertility with defects of sperm head-tail connection and flagella development. eLife 2023; 12:RP92769. [PMID: 38126872 PMCID: PMC10735225 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92769] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a worldwide population health concern. Asthenoteratozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility, but its etiology remains incompletely understood. No evidence indicates the relevance of CFAP52 mutations to human male infertility. Our whole-exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous mutations in CFAP52 recessively cosegregating with male infertility status in a non-consanguineous Chinese family. Spermatozoa of CFAP52-mutant patient mainly exhibited abnormal head-tail connection and deformed flagella. Cfap52-knockout mice resembled the human infertile phenotype, showing a mixed acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) and multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) phenotype. The ultrastructural analyses further revealed a failure of connecting piece formation and a serious disorder of '9+2' axoneme structure. CFAP52 interacts with a head-tail coupling regulator SPATA6 and is essential for its stability. Expression of microtubule inner proteins and radial spoke proteins were reduced after the CFAP52 deficiency. Moreover, CFAP52-associated male infertility in humans and mice could be overcome by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The study reveals a prominent role for CFAP52 in sperm development, suggesting that CFAP52 might be a novel diagnostic target for male infertility with defects of sperm head-tail connection and flagella development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Tiechao Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Siyu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xin-Yan Geng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ying Shen
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
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23
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Mo S, Deng K, Cao C, Gui Y, Ma Q. FAM71D is dispensable for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:804-809. [PMID: 37992210 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23716] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, the generation of sperm cells capable of fertilization is a highly complex process including spermatogenesis in the testis and maturation in the epididymis. In our previous study, we have demonstrated that FAM71D (Family with sequence similarity 71, member D), which could interact with calmodulin, was highly expressed in human and mouse testis. To investigate the physiological role of FAM71D in spermatogenesis, we next generate Fam71d loss-of-function mouse model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We performed immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR to examine the protein and mRNA expression in testicular cells. We found that FAM71D was predominantly localized in the round and elongated spermatids. And FAM71D KO mice displayed normal development of germ cell and fertility. Furthermore, testicular histology and sperm concentration showed no significant difference between WT and KO mice. These data demonstrate that FAM71D is dispensable for mouse spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomei Mo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Keming Deng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Congcong Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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24
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Braham A, Ghedir H, Ben Khedher MB, Ajina M, Saad A, Ibala-Romdhane S. Nuclear sperm integrity and ICSI prognosis in Tunisian patients with MMAF syndrome (multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella). HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1429-1438. [PMID: 37671855 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2251679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of the Sperm Flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of teratozoospermia associated with several sperm flagellar abnormalities. The study included 52 patients with MMAF syndrome and a control group of 25 fertile men. The impact of nuclear sperm quality on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) results was studied in 20 couples. TUNEL assay was used to assess sperm DNA fragmentation and aniline-blue staining was used to assess chromatin condensation. To investigate chromosomal meiotic segregation, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Semen morphology analysis revealed a mosaic of multiple flagella morphological abnormalities, including 46.73% short flagella, 16.22% bent flagella, 22.07% coiled flagella, and 10.90% absent flagella, all of which were associated with a high percentage of sperm head abnormalities. The mean DNA fragmentation index was substantially higher in patients compared to controls (p = 0.001), whereas the rate of aniline blue-reacted spermatozoa was not significantly different. There was a significant difference in aneuploidy frequencies between the two groups (p < 0.05). Infertile males with MMAF syndrome had lower sperm nuclear quality, which affected ICSI results. As a result, better sperm selection procedures are being employed to increase the success rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Braham
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Houda Ghedir
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Myriam Beya Ben Khedher
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Mounir Ajina
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
- University of Medicine of Sousse, Farhat Hached Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ali Saad
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
- University of Medicine of Sousse, Farhat Hached Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Samira Ibala-Romdhane
- Department of Cytogenetic and Reproductive Biology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
- University of Medicine of Sousse, Farhat Hached Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
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25
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Dacheux D, Martinez G, Broster Reix CE, Beurois J, Lores P, Tounkara M, Dupuy JW, Robinson DR, Loeuillet C, Lambert E, Wehbe Z, Escoffier J, Amiri-Yekta A, Daneshipour A, Hosseini SH, Zouari R, Mustapha SFB, Halouani L, Jiang X, Shen Y, Liu C, Thierry-Mieg N, Septier A, Bidart M, Satre V, Cazin C, Kherraf ZE, Arnoult C, Ray PF, Toure A, Bonhivers M, Coutton C. Novel axonemal protein ZMYND12 interacts with TTC29 and DNAH1, and is required for male fertility and flagellum function. eLife 2023; 12:RP87698. [PMID: 37934199 PMCID: PMC10629824 DOI: 10.7554/elife.87698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is common and complex, presenting a wide range of heterogeneous phenotypes. Although about 50% of cases are estimated to have a genetic component, the underlying cause often remains undetermined. Here, from whole-exome sequencing on samples from 168 infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia due to severe sperm flagellum, we identified homozygous ZMYND12 variants in four unrelated patients. In sperm cells from these individuals, immunofluorescence revealed altered localization of DNAH1, DNALI1, WDR66, and TTC29. Axonemal localization of ZMYND12 ortholog TbTAX-1 was confirmed using the Trypanosoma brucei model. RNAi knock-down of TbTAX-1 dramatically affected flagellar motility, with a phenotype similar to the sperm from men bearing homozygous ZMYND12 variants. Co-immunoprecipitation and ultrastructure expansion microscopy in T. brucei revealed TbTAX-1 to form a complex with TTC29. Comparative proteomics with samples from Trypanosoma and Ttc29 KO mice identified a third member of this complex: DNAH1. The data presented revealed that ZMYND12 is part of the same axonemal complex as TTC29 and DNAH1, which is critical for flagellum function and assembly in humans, and Trypanosoma. ZMYND12 is thus a new asthenoteratozoospermia-associated gene, bi-allelic variants of which cause severe flagellum malformations and primary male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Dacheux
- University of Bordeaux, CNRSBordeauxFrance
- Bordeaux INP, Microbiologie Fondamentale et PathogénicitéBordeauxFrance
| | | | | | - Julie Beurois
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
| | - Patrick Lores
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris CiteParisFrance
| | | | | | | | - Corinne Loeuillet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
| | - Emeline Lambert
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
| | - Zeina Wehbe
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
| | - Jessica Escoffier
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
| | - Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECRTehranIslamic Republic of Iran
| | - Abbas Daneshipour
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECRTehranIslamic Republic of Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Hanieh Hosseini
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECRTehranIslamic Republic of Iran
| | - Raoudha Zouari
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain NordTunisTunisia
| | | | - Lazhar Halouani
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain NordTunisTunisia
| | - Xiaohui Jiang
- Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan UniversitySichuanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan UniversitySichuanChina
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of EducationSichuanChina
| | - Ying Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan UniversitySichuanChina
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of EducationSichuanChina
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan UniversityFudanChina
| | | | | | - Marie Bidart
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire: Maladies Héréditaires et OncologieGrenobleFrance
| | - Véronique Satre
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, UM de Génétique ChromosomiqueGrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
| | - Caroline Cazin
- CHU Grenoble-Alpes, UM de Génétique ChromosomiqueGrenobleFrance
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
- CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPIGrenobleFrance
| | - Zine Eddine Kherraf
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
- CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPIGrenobleFrance
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
- CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPIGrenobleFrance
| | - Aminata Toure
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Physiology and Pathophysiology of Sperm cellsGrenobleFrance
| | | | - Charles Coutton
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of InfertilityGrenobleFrance
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26
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Boursier A, Boudry A, Mitchell V, Loyens A, Rives N, Moerman A, Thomas L, Escudier E, Toure A, Whitfield M, Coutton C, Martinez G, Ray PF, Kherraf ZE, Viville S, Legendre M, Smol T, Robin G, Barbotin AL. Results and perinatal outcomes from 189 ICSI cycles of couples with asthenozoospermic men and flagellar defects assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103328. [PMID: 37742467 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do patients presenting with flagella ultrastructural defects as assessed by electron microscopy, and defined within three phenotypes (dysplasia of the fibrous sheath [DFS], primary flagellar dyskinesia [PFD] and non-specific flagellar abnormalities [NSFA]), have decreased chances of success in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes? DESIGN Retrospective analysis of 189 ICSI cycles from 80 men with spermatozoa flagellum ultrastructural defects (DFS [n = 16]; PFD [n = 14]; NSFA [n = 50] compared with a control group (n = 97). Cycles were cumulatively analysed. All fresh and frozen embryo transfers resulting from each ICSI attempt were included. The effect of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) phenotype on the main ICSI outcomes was assessed by a multivariate logistic regression combined with a generalized linear mixed model to account for the non-independence of the observations. RESULTS No predictive value of TEM phenotype was found on the main outcomes of ICSI, namely fertilization rates, pregnancy and delivery rates, and cumulative pregnancy and delivery rates. Cumulative pregnancy rates ranged from 29.0-43.3% in the different TEM phenotype subgroups compared with 36.8% in the control group. Cumulative live birth rates ranged from 24.6-36.7% compared with 31.4% in the control group. No increase was found in miscarriages, preterm births, low birth weights or birth abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Data on the cumulative chances of success in ICSI of patients with ultrastructural flagellar defects, a rare cause of male infertility often associated with an underlying genetic cause, are reassuring, as are obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angèle Boursier
- CHU Lille, Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, F-59000, Lille, France; Inserm UMR-S 1172, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille, France
| | - Augustin Boudry
- CHU Lille, Centre de Biologie-Pathologie, Laboratoire d'hématologie, F-59000, Lille, France; Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 - METRICS: Évaluation des technologies de santé et des pratiques médicales, Lille, France
| | - Valérie Mitchell
- CHU Lille, Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Anne Loyens
- Inserm UMR-S 1172, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille, France
| | - Nathalie Rives
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Inserm U1239 Team "Adrenal and Gonadal Physiopathology"
| | - Alexandre Moerman
- CHU Lille, Service de Génétique Clinique, Institut de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Lille, France
| | - Lucie Thomas
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Childhood Genetic Disorders, Département de Génétique Médicale, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris 75012, France
| | - Estelle Escudier
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Childhood Genetic Disorders, Département de Génétique Médicale, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris 75012, France
| | - Aminata Toure
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Marjorie Whitfield
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; UM GI-DPI, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; UM GI-DPI, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Stéphane Viville
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace IGMA, INSERM UMR 1112, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'Infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie Legendre
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Childhood Genetic Disorders, Département de Génétique Médicale, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris 75012, France
| | - Thomas Smol
- CHU Lille, Service de Génétique Clinique, Institut de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Lille, France; Université de Lille, EA 7364-RADEME, Lille, France
| | - Geoffroy Robin
- Université de Lille, CHU Lille, Service de Gynécologie Médicale Orthogénie et Sexologie, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Anne-Laure Barbotin
- CHU Lille, Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, F-59000, Lille, France; Inserm UMR-S 1172, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille, France.
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27
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Chen J, Wang Y, Wu B, Shi H, Wang L. Experimental and molecular support for Cfap70 as a causative gene of 'multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella' with male infertility†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:450-460. [PMID: 37458246 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella, a severe form of asthenozoospermia, can lead to male infertility. Recent studies have implicated an association between human CFAP70 deficiency and multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella; however, the underlying biological mechanism and supporting experimental evidence in animal models remain unclear. To address this gap, we used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate Cfap70-deficient mice to investigate the relationship between Cfap70 deficiency and multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella. Our findings show that the loss of CFAP70 leads to multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella and spermiogenesis defects. Specifically, the lack of CFAP70 impairs sperm flagellum biogenesis and head shaping during spermiogenesis. Late-step spermatids from Cfap70-deficient mouse testis exhibited club-shaped sperm heads and abnormal disassembly of the manchette. Furthermore, we found that CFAP70 interacts with DNAI1 and DNAI2; Cfap70 deficiency also reduces the level of AKAP3 in sperm flagella, indicating that CFAP70 may participate in the flagellum assembly and transport of flagellar components. These findings provide compelling evidence implicating Cfap70 as a causative gene of multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella and highlight the consequences of CFAP70 loss on flagellum biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaling Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang R, Yang D, Tu C, Lei C, Ding S, Guo T, Wang L, Liu Y, Lu C, Yang B, Ouyang S, Gong K, Tan Z, Deng Y, Tan Y, Qing J, Luo H. Dynein axonemal heavy chain 10 deficiency causes primary ciliary dyskinesia in humans and mice. Front Med 2023; 17:957-971. [PMID: 37314648 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-0988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a congenital, motile ciliopathy with pleiotropic symptoms. Although nearly 50 causative genes have been identified, they only account for approximately 70% of definitive PCD cases. Dynein axonemal heavy chain 10 (DNAH10) encodes a subunit of the inner arm dynein heavy chain in motile cilia and sperm flagella. Based on the common axoneme structure of motile cilia and sperm flagella, DNAH10 variants are likely to cause PCD. Using exome sequencing, we identified a novel DNAH10 homozygous variant (c.589C > T, p.R197W) in a patient with PCD from a consanguineous family. The patient manifested sinusitis, bronchiectasis, situs inversus, and asthenoteratozoospermia. Immunostaining analysis showed the absence of DNAH10 and DNALI1 in the respiratory cilia, and transmission electron microscopy revealed strikingly disordered axoneme 9+2 architecture and inner dynein arm defects in the respiratory cilia and sperm flagella. Subsequently, animal models of Dnah10-knockin mice harboring missense variants and Dnah10-knockout mice recapitulated the phenotypes of PCD, including chronic respiratory infection, male infertility, and hydrocephalus. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report DNAH10 deficiency related to PCD in human and mouse models, which suggests that DNAH10 recessive mutation is causative of PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongchun Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Danhui Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Cheng Lei
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Shuizi Ding
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Chenyang Lu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Binyi Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Shi Ouyang
- Zebrafish Genetics Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Ke Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Zhiping Tan
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yun Deng
- Zebrafish Genetics Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Yueqiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Jie Qing
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Hong Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Hunan Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Changsha, 410011, China.
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Greither T, Dejung M, Behre HM, Butter F, Herlyn H. The human sperm proteome-Toward a panel for male fertility testing. Andrology 2023; 11:1418-1436. [PMID: 36896575 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although male factor accounts for 40%-50% of unintended childlessness, we are far from fully understanding the detailed causes. Usually, affected men cannot even be provided with a molecular diagnosis. OBJECTIVES We aimed at a higher resolution of the human sperm proteome for better understanding of the molecular causes of male infertility. We were particularly interested in why reduced sperm count decreases fertility despite many normal-looking spermatozoa and which proteins might be involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS Applying mass spectrometry analysis, we qualitatively and quantitatively examined the proteomic profiles of spermatozoa from 76 men differing in fertility. Infertile men had abnormal semen parameters and were involuntarily childless. Fertile subjects exhibited normozoospermia and had fathered children without medical assistance. RESULTS We discovered proteins from about 7000 coding genes in the human sperm proteome. These were mainly known for involvements in cellular motility, response to stimuli, adhesion, and reproduction. Numbers of sperm proteins showing at least threefold deviating abundances increased from oligozoospermia (N = 153) and oligoasthenozoospermia (N = 154) to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (N = 368). Deregulated sperm proteins primarily engaged in flagellar assembly and sperm motility, fertilization, and male gametogenesis. Most of these participated in a larger network of male infertility genes and proteins. DISCUSSION We expose 31 sperm proteins displaying deviant abundances under infertility, which already were known before to have fertility relevance, including ACTL9, CCIN, CFAP47, CFAP65, CFAP251 (WDR66), DNAH1, and SPEM1. We propose 18 additional sperm proteins with at least eightfold differential abundance for further testing of their diagnostic potential, such as C2orf16, CYLC1, SPATA31E1, SPATA31D1, SPATA48, EFHB (CFAP21), and FAM161A. CONCLUSION Our results shed light on the molecular background of the dysfunctionality of the fewer spermatozoa produced in oligozoospermia and syndromes including it. The male infertility network presented may prove useful in further elucidating the molecular mechanism of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Proteomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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30
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Song B, Yang T, Shen Q, Liu Y, Wang C, Li G, Gao Y, Cao Y, He X. Novel mutations in DNAH17 cause sperm flagellum defects and their influence on ICSI outcome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2485-2492. [PMID: 37574497 PMCID: PMC10504183 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02897-7] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify new mutations in DNAH17 that cause male infertility and analyze intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in patients with DNAH17 mutations. METHODS A total of five cases of new DNAH17 mutations exhibiting the multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) phenotype were identified through semen analysis and genetic testing. They were recruited at our reproductive medicine center from September 2018 to July 2022. Information on DNAH17 genetic mutations and ICSI outcomes was systematically explored following a literature review. RESULTS Three novel compound mutations in DNAH17 were identified in patients with male infertility caused by MMAF. This study and previous publications included 21 patients with DNAH17 mutations. DNAH17 has been associated with asthenozoospermia and male infertility, but different types of DNAH17 variants appear to be involved in different sperm phenotypes. In 11 couples of infertile patients with DNAH17 mutations, there were 17 ICSI cycles and 13 embryo transplantation cycles. Only three men with DNAH17 variants ultimately achieved clinical pregnancy with their partners through ICSI combined with assisted oocyte activation (AOA). CONCLUSIONS Loss-of-function mutations in DNAH17 can lead to severe sperm flagellum defects and male infertility. Patients with MMAF-harboring DNAH17 mutations generally have worse pregnancy outcomes following ICSI. ICSI combined with AOA may improve the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) for men with DNAH17 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Tianjin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yiyuan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
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Ko S, Toda A, Tanaka H, Yu J, Kurisu G. Crystal structure of the stalk region of axonemal inner-arm dynein-d reveals unique features in the coiled-coil and microtubule-binding domain. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2149-2160. [PMID: 37400274 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Axonemal dynein is an ATP-dependent microtubular motor protein responsible for cilia and flagella beating, and its dysfunction can cause diseases such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and sperm dysmotility. Despite its biological importance, structure-based mechanisms underlying axonemal dynein motors remain unclear. Here, we determined the X-ray crystal structure of the human inner-arm dynein-d (DNAH1) stalk region, which contains a long antiparallel coiled-coil and a microtubule-binding domain (MTBD), at 2.7 Å resolution. Notably, differences in the relative orientation of the coiled-coil and MTBD in comparison with other dyneins, as well as the diverse orientations of the MTBD flap region among various isoforms, lead us to propose a 'spike shoe model' with an altered stepping angle for the interaction between IAD-d and microtubules. Based on these findings, we discuss isoform-specific functions of the axonemal dynein stalk MTBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seolmin Ko
- Protein Crystallography Laboratory, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Akiyuki Toda
- Protein Crystallography Laboratory, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tanaka
- Protein Crystallography Laboratory, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Jian Yu
- Protein Crystallography Laboratory, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Genji Kurisu
- Protein Crystallography Laboratory, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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Wang M, Kang J, Shen Z, Hu Y, Chen M, Cui X, Liu H, Gao F. CCDC189 affects sperm flagellum formation by interacting with CABCOCO1. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad181. [PMID: 37601242 PMCID: PMC10437088 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are one of the major causes of male infertility and are characterized by multiple defects. In this study, we found that the coiled-coil domain-containing 189 (Ccdc189) gene was predominantly expressed in mouse testes and that inactivation of the Ccdc189 gene caused male infertility. Histological studies revealed that most sperm from Ccdc189-deficient mice carried coiled, curved or short flagella, which are typical MMAF phenotypes. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the CCDC189 protein was located at the radial spoke of the first peripheral microtubule doublet in the sperm axoneme. A CCDC189-interacting protein, CABCOCO1 (ciliary-associated calcium-binding coiled-coil protein 1), was discovered via co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, and inactivation of Cabcoco1 caused malformation of sperm flagella, which was consistent with findings obtained with Ccdc189-deficient mice. Further studies revealed that inactivation of CCDC189 caused downregulation of CABCOCO1 protein expression and that both CCDC189 and CABCOCO1 interacted with the radial-spoke-specific protein RSPH1 and intraflagellar transport proteins. This study demonstrated that Ccdc189 is a radial-spoke-associated protein and is involved in sperm flagellum formation through its interactions with CABCOCO1 and intraflagellar transport proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101499, China
| | - Junyan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhiming Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101499, China
| | - Yingchun Hu
- Core Facilities, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100020, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101499, China
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Shao ZM, Zhu YT, Gu M, Guo SC, Yu H, Li KK, Tang DD, Xu YP, Lv MR. Novel variants in DNAH6 cause male infertility associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) and ICSI outcomes. Asian J Androl 2023; 26:00129336-990000000-00113. [PMID: 37594300 PMCID: PMC10846836 DOI: 10.4103/aja202328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Variations in the dynein axonemal heavy chain gene, dynein axonemal heavy chain 6 (DNAH6), lead to multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella. Recent studies have reported that these deficiencies may result in sperm head deformation. However, whether DNAH6 is also involved in human acrosome biogenesis remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate DNAH6 gene variants and their potential functions in the formation of defective sperm heads and flagella. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on a cohort of 375 patients with asthenoteratozoospermia from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (Hefei, China). Hematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to analyze the sperm morphology and ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis were conducted to examine the effects of genetic variants. We identified three novel deleterious variants in DNAH6 among three unrelated families. The absence of inner dynein arms and radial spokes was observed in the sperm of patients with DNAH6 variants. Additionally, deficiencies in the acrosome, abnormal chromatin compaction, and vacuole-containing sperm heads were observed in these patients with DNAH6 variants. The decreased levels of the component proteins in these defective structures were further confirmed in sperm from patients with DNAH6 variants using Western blot. After intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment, the partner of one patient with a DNAH6 variant achieved successful pregnancy. Overall, novel variants in DNAH6 genes that contribute to defects in the sperm head and flagella were identified, and the findings indicated ICSI as an effective clinical treatment for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Mei Shao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang 236112, China
| | - Yu-Tong Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sen-Chao Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang 236112, China
| | - Kuo-Kuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Dong-Dong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu-Ping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Rong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang 236112, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
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Yuan L, Yu X, Xiao H, Deng S, Xia H, Xu H, Yang Y, Deng H. Identification of novel compound heterozygous variants in the DNAH1 gene of a Chinese family with left-right asymmetry disorder. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1190162. [PMID: 37457836 PMCID: PMC10345202 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1190162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Most internal organs in humans and other vertebrates exhibit striking left-right asymmetry in position and structure. Variation of normal organ positioning results in left-right asymmetry disorders and presents as internal organ reversal or randomization. Up to date, at least 82 genes have been identified as the causative genetic factors of left-right asymmetry disorders. This study sought to discover potential pathogenic variants responsible for left-right asymmetry disorder present in a Han-Chinese family using whole exome sequencing combined with Sanger sequencing. Novel compound heterozygous variants, c.5690A>G (p.Asn1897Ser) and c.7759G>A (p.Val2587Met), in the dynein axonemal heavy chain 1 gene (DNAH1), were found in the proband and absent in unaffected family members. Conservation analysis has shown that the variants affect evolutionarily conserved residues, which may impact the tertiary structure of the DNAH1 protein. The novel compound heterozygous variants may potentially bear responsibility for left-right asymmetry disorder, which results from a perturbation of left-right axis coordination at the earliest embryonic development stages. This study broadens the variant spectrum of left-right asymmetry disorders and may be helpful for genetic counseling and healthcare management for the diagnosed individual, and promotes a greater understanding of the pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamei Yuan
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuehui Yu
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Heng Xiao
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sheng Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Xia
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongbo Xu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Huang F, Zeng J, Liu D, Zhang J, Liang B, Gao J, Yan R, Shi X, Chen J, Song W, Huang HL. A novel frameshift mutation in DNAH6 associated with male infertility and asthenoteratozoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1122004. [PMID: 37424858 PMCID: PMC10324608 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Asthenoteratozoospermia is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Several genes have been identified as genetic causative factors, but there is a considerable genetic heterogeneity underlying asthenoteratozoospermia. In this study, we performed a genetic analysis of two brothers from a consanguineous Uighur family in China to identify gene mutations causative for asthenoteratozoospermia-related male infertility. Methods Two related patients with asthenoteratozoospermia from a large consanguineous family were sequenced by whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing to identify disease-causing genes. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed ultrastructural abnormalities of spermatozoa. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) analysis were used to assess the expression of the mutant messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein. Results A novel homozygous frameshift mutation (c.2823dupT, p.Val942Cysfs*21) in DNAH6 was identified in both affected individuals and was predicted to be pathogenic. Papanicolaou staining and electron microscopy revealed multiple morphological and ultrastructural abnormalities of affected spermatozoa. qRT-PCR and IF analysis showed abnormal expression of DNAH6 in affected sperm, probably due to premature termination code and decay of abnormal 3' untranslated region (UTR) region of mRNA. Furthermore, intracytoplasmic sperm injection could achieve successful fertilization in infertile men with DNAH6 mutations. Discussion The novel frameshift mutation identified in DNAH6 may contribute to asthenoteratozoospermia. These findings expand the spectrum of genetic mutations and phenotypes associated with asthenoteratozoospermia and may be useful for genetic and reproductive counseling in male infertility.
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Zhou L, Liu H, Liu S, Yang X, Dong Y, Pan Y, Xiao Z, Zheng B, Sun Y, Huang P, Zhang X, Hu J, Sun R, Feng S, Zhu Y, Liu M, Gui M, Wu J. Structures of sperm flagellar doublet microtubules expand the genetic spectrum of male infertility. Cell 2023; 186:2897-2910.e19. [PMID: 37295417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility is crucial for successful fertilization. Highly decorated doublet microtubules (DMTs) form the sperm tail skeleton, which propels the movement of spermatozoa. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and artificial intelligence (AI)-based modeling, we determined the structures of mouse and human sperm DMTs and built an atomic model of the 48-nm repeat of the mouse sperm DMT. Our analysis revealed 47 DMT-associated proteins, including 45 microtubule inner proteins (MIPs). We identified 10 sperm-specific MIPs, including seven classes of Tektin5 in the lumen of the A tubule and FAM166 family members that bind the intra-tubulin interfaces. Interestingly, the human sperm DMT lacks some MIPs compared with the mouse sperm DMT. We also discovered variants in 10 distinct MIPs associated with a subtype of asthenozoospermia characterized by impaired sperm motility without evident morphological abnormalities. Our study highlights the conservation and tissue/species specificity of DMTs and expands the genetic spectrum of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunni Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haobin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yun Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhuang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Pengyu Huang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xixi Zhang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin Hu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan Feng
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Miao Gui
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China.
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Jin HJ, Wang JL, Geng XY, Wang CY, Wang BB, Chen SR. CFAP70 is a solid and valuable target for the genetic diagnosis of oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia in infertile men. EBioMedicine 2023; 93:104675. [PMID: 37352829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a worldwide population health concern, but its aetiology remains largely understood. Although CFAP70 variants have already been reported in two oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) individuals by sequencing, animal evidence to support CFAP70 as a credible OAT-pathogenic gene is lacking. METHOD Cfap70-KO mice were generated to explore the physiological role of CFAP70. CFAP70 variants were detected in infertile men with OAT by whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing confirmation. Cfap70-truncated mice were further generated to explore the pathogenicity of the nonsense variant of CFAP70 identified in the proband. FINDINGS Here, we demonstrate that Cfap70-KO mice are sterile mainly due to OAT and further identify a Chinese infertile man carrying a homozygous nonsense variant (c.2962C > T/p.R988X) of CFAP70. Cfap70-truncated mice lacking 5-8 tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs) mimic the patient's symptoms. CFAP70 is required for the biogenesis of spermatid flagella partially by regulating the expression of OAT-associated proteins (e.g., QRICH2), assisting the cytoplasmic preassembly of the calmodulin- and radial spoke-associated complex (CSC), and controlling the manchette localization of axoneme-related proteins. Moreover, we suggest that CFAP70-associated male infertility could be overcome by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. INTERPRETATION Overall, we demonstrate that CFAP70 is necessary to assemble spermatid flagella and that CFAP70 gene could be used as a diagnostic target for male infertility with OAT in the clinic. FUNDING This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Project (2019YFA0802101 to S.C), Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education (to S.C), Central Government to Guide Local Scientific and Technological Development (ZY21195023 to B.W), and Basic Research Projects of Central Scientific Research Institutes (to B.W).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jun-Li Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China; Environmental Health Risk Assessment and Prevention Engineering Center of Ecological Aluminum Industry Base of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xin-Yan Geng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Chun-Yan Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Bin-Bin Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research (NRIFP), National Research Institute for Family Planning, 100081 Beijing, China.
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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Meng L, Liu Q, Tan C, Xu X, He W, Hu T, Tu C, Li Y, Du J, Zhang Q, Lu G, Fan LQ, Lin G, Nie H, Zhang H, Tan YQ. Novel homozygous variants in TTC12 cause male infertility with asthenoteratozoospermia owing to dynein arm complex and mitochondrial sheath defects in flagella. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1184331. [PMID: 37325566 PMCID: PMC10267457 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1184331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Tracing the genetic causes for male infertility due to asthenoteratozoospermia has revealed at least 40 causative genes, which provides valuable reference for the genetic testing of asthenoteratozoospermia in clinical practice. To identify deleterious variants in the human tetratricopeptide repeat domain 12 (TTC12) gene in a large cohort of infertile Chinese males with asthenoteratozoospermia. Methods: A total of 314 unrelated asthenoteratozoospermia-affected men were recruited for whole exome sequencing. The effects of the identified variants were evaluated by in silico analysis, and confirmed by in vitro experiments. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was used to evaluate the efficiency of assisted reproduction technique therapy. Results and Discussion: Novel homozygous TTC12 variants (c.1467_1467delG (p.Asp490Thrfs*14), c.1139_1139delA (p.His380Profs*4), and c.1117G>A (p.Gly373Arg)) were identified in three (0.96%) of the 314 cases. Three mutants were indicated to be damaging using in silico prediction tools, and were further confirmed by in vitro functional analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and ultrastructural observation of the spermatozoa revealed multiple morphological abnormalities of flagella, with the absence of outer and inner dynein arms. Notably, significant mitochondrial sheath malformations were also observed in the sperm flagella. Immunostaining assays indicated that TTC12 is present throughout the flagella, and was strongly concentrated in the mid-piece in control spermatozoa. However, spermatozoa from TTC12-mutated individuals exhibited almost no staining intensity of TTC12 and outer and inner dynein arms components. The three men accepted ICSI treatment using their ejaculated spermatozoa, and two female partners successfully delivered healthy babies. Our findings provide direct genetic evidence that homozygous variants in TTC12 cause male infertility with asthenoteratozoospermia by causing dynein arm complex defects and mitochondrial sheath malformations in the flagellar. We also demonstrated that TTC12 deficiency-mediated infertility could be overcome by ICSI technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Meng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xilin Xu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenbin He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tongyao Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Qu R, Zhang Z, Wu L, Li Q, Mu J, Zhao L, Yan Z, Wang W, Zeng Y, Liu R, Dong J, Li Q, Sun X, Wang L, Sang Q, Chen B, Kuang Y. ADGB variants cause asthenozoospermia and male infertility. Hum Genet 2023; 142:735-748. [PMID: 36995441 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia is one of the main factors leading to male infertility, but the genetic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Variants in the androglobin (ADGB) gene were identified in an infertile male characterized by asthenozoospermia. The variants disrupted the binding of ADGB to calmodulin. Adgb-/- male mice were infertile due to reduced sperm concentration (< 1 × 106 /mL) and motility. Spermatogenesis was also abnormal, with malformation of both elongating and elongated spermatids, and there was an approximately twofold increase in apoptotic cells in the cauda epididymis. These exacerbated the decline in sperm motility. It is surprising that ICSI with testicular spermatids allows fertilization and eventually develops into blastocyst. Through mass spectrometry, we identified 42 candidate proteins that are involved in sperm assembly, flagella formation, and sperm motility interacting with ADGB. In particular, CFAP69 and SPEF2 were confirmed to bind to ADGB. Collectively, our study suggests the potential important role of ADGB in human fertility, revealing its relevance to spermatogenesis and infertility. This expands our knowledge of the genetic causes of asthenozoospermia and provides a theoretical basis for using ADGB as an underlying genetic marker for infertile males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronggui Qu
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qun Li
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Mu
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ruyi Liu
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Dong
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Lei Wang
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qing Sang
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Cao H, Xu H, Zhou Y, Xu W, Lu Q, Jiang L, Rong Y, Zhang Q, Yu C. BBOF1 is required for sperm motility and male fertility by stabilizing the flagellar axoneme in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:152. [PMID: 37198331 PMCID: PMC11072524 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04800-0] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is a specialized type of motile cilium composed of a typical "9 + 2" axonemal structure with peri-axonemal structures, such as outer dense fibers (ODFs). This flagellar arrangement is crucial for sperm movement and fertilization. However, the association of axonemal integrity with ODFs remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that mouse BBOF1 could interact with both MNS1, an axonemal component, and ODF2, an ODF protein, and is required for sperm flagellar axoneme maintenance and male fertility. BBOF1 is expressed exclusively in male germ cells from the pachytene stage onwards and is detected in sperm axoneme fraction. Spermatozoa derived from Bbof1-knockout mice exhibit a normal morphology, however, reduced motility due to the absence of certain microtubule doublets, resulting in the failure to fertilize mature oocytes. Furthermore, BBOF1 is found to interact with ODF2 and MNS1 and is also required for their stability. Our findings in mice suggest that Bbof1 could also be essential for human sperm motility and male fertility, thus is a novel potential candidate gene for asthenozoospermia diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Haomang Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yiqing Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qinglin Lu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining, 314400, China
| | - Lingying Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yan Rong
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qianting Zhang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining, 314400, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Chao Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Wang W, Su L, Meng L, He J, Tan C, Yi D, Cheng D, Zhang H, Lu G, Du J, Lin G, Zhang Q, Tu C, Tan YQ. Biallelic variants in KCTD19 associated with male factor infertility and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Hum Reprod 2023:7165695. [PMID: 37192818 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can whole-exome sequencing (WES) reveal new genetic factors responsible for male infertility characterized by oligozoospermia? SUMMARY ANSWER We identified biallelic missense variants in the Potassium Channel Tetramerization Domain Containing 19 gene (KCTD19) and confirmed it to be a novel pathogenic gene for male infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY KCTD19 is a key transcriptional regulator that plays an indispensable role in male fertility by regulating meiotic progression. Kctd19 gene-disrupted male mice exhibit infertility due to meiotic arrest. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited a cohort of 536 individuals with idiopathic oligozoospermia from 2014 to 2022 and focused on five infertile males from three unrelated families. Semen analysis data and ICSI outcomes were collected. WES and homozygosity mapping were performed to identify potential pathogenic variants. The pathogenicity of the identified variants was investigated in silico and in vitro. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Male patients diagnosed with primary infertility were recruited from the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya. Genomic DNA extracted from affected individuals was used for WES and Sanger sequencing. Sperm phenotype, sperm nuclear maturity, chromosome aneuploidy, and sperm ultrastructure were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and toluidine blue staining, FISH and transmission electron microscopy. The functional effects of the identified variants in HEK293T cells were investigated via western blotting and immunofluorescence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified three homozygous missense variants (NM_001100915, c.G628A:p.E210K, c.C893T:p.P298L, and c.G2309A:p.G770D) in KCTD19 in five infertile males from three unrelated families. Abnormal morphology of the sperm heads with immature nuclei and/or nuclear aneuploidy were frequently observed in individuals with biallelic KCTD19 variants, and ICSI was unable to rescue these deficiencies. These variants reduced the abundance of KCTD19 due to increased ubiquitination and impaired its nuclear colocalization with its functional partner, zinc finger protein 541 (ZFP541), in HEK293T cells. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The exact pathogenic mechanism remains unclear, and warrants further studies using knock-in mice that mimic the missense mutations found in individuals with biallelic KCTD19 variants. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study is the first to report a likely causal relationship between KCTD19 deficiency and male infertility, confirming the critical role of KCTD19 in human reproduction. Additionally, this study provided evidence for the poor ICSI clinical outcomes in individuals with biallelic KCTD19 variants, which may guide clinical treatment strategies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China (2022YFC2702604 to Y.-Q.T.), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81971447 and 82171608 to Y.-Q.T., 82101961 to C.T.), a key grant from the Prevention and Treatment of Birth Defects from Hunan Province (2019SK1012 to Y.-Q.T.), a Hunan Provincial Grant for Innovative Province Construction (2019SK4012), and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2022M721124 to W.W.). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Lilan Su
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaxin He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Duo Yi
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Dehua Cheng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Abstract
Reproduction involves a wide range of biological processes, including organ formation and development, neuroendocrine regulation, hormone production, and meiosis and mitosis. Infertility, the failure of reproduction, has become a major issue for human reproductive health and affects up to one in seven couples worldwide. Here, we review various aspects of human infertility, including etiology, mechanisms, and treatments, with a particular emphasis on genetics. We focus on gamete production and gamete quality, which is the core of successful reproduction. We also discuss future research opportunities and challenges to further expand our understanding of human infertility and improve patient care by providing precision diagnosis and personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 380000 Grenoble, France
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Molecular genetic mechanisms of teratozoospermia. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:101-110. [PMID: 36740361 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the incidence of teratospermia has been increasing, and it has become a very important factor leading to male infertility. The research on the molecular mechanism of teratospermia is also progressing rapidly. This article briefly summarizes the clinical incidence of teratozoospermia, and makes a retrospective summary of related studies reported in recent years. Specifically discussing the relationship between gene status and spermatozoa, the review aims to provide the basis for the genetic diagnosis and gene therapy of teratozoospermia.
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Cannarella R, Bertelli M, Condorelli RA, Vilaj M, La Vignera S, Jezek D, Calogero AE. Analysis of 29 Targeted Genes for Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: The Relationship between Genetic Testing and Testicular Histology. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:422-433. [PMID: 36047072 PMCID: PMC10042652 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the presence of potentially pathogenic variants of 29 candidate genes known to cause spermatogenic failure (SPGF) in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) who underwent testicular histology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-eight patients with unexplained NOA referred to the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia for testicular biopsy. They were divided into three groups: those who had cryptorchidism (n=9), those with varicocele (n=14), and those with idiopathic NOA (n=25). All included patients underwent blood withdrawal for next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis and gene sequencing. RESULTS We found a possible genetic cause in 4 patients with idiopathic NOA (16%) and in 2 with cryptorchidism (22%). No pathogenic or possibly pathogenic mutations were identified in patients with varicocele. Variants of undetermined significance (VUS) were found in 11 patients with idiopathic NOA (44%), 3 with cryptorchidism (33%), and 8 patients with varicocele (57%). VUSs of the USP9Y gene were the most frequently as they were found in 14 out of 48 patients (29%). In particular, the VUS USP9Y c.7434+14del was found in 11 patients. They showed varied histological pictures, including Sertoli cell-only syndrome, mixed atrophy, and hypospermatogenesis, regardless of cryptorchidism or varicocele. No direct correlation was found between the gene mutation/variant and the testicular histological picture. CONCLUSIONS Different mutations of the same gene cause various testicular histological pictures. These results suggest that it is not the gene itself but the type of mutation/variation that determines the testicular histology picture. Based on the data presented above, it remains challenging to design a genetic panel with prognostic value for the outcome of testicular sperm extraction in patients with NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marija Vilaj
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Davor Jezek
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Sato B, Kim J, Morohoshi K, Kang W, Miyado K, Tsuruta F, Kawano N, Chiba T. Proteasome-Associated Proteins, PA200 and ECPAS, Are Essential for Murine Spermatogenesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040586. [PMID: 37189334 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteasomes are highly sophisticated protease complexes that degrade non-lysosomal proteins, and their proper regulation ensures various biological functions such as spermatogenesis. The proteasome-associated proteins, PA200 and ECPAS, are predicted to function during spermatogenesis; however, male mice lacking each of these genes sustain fertility, raising the possibility that these proteins complement each other. To address this issue, we explored these possible roles during spermatogenesis by producing mice lacking these genes (double-knockout mice; dKO mice). Expression patterns and quantities were similar throughout spermatogenesis in the testes. In epididymal sperm, PA200 and ECPAS were expressed but were differentially localized to the midpiece and acrosome, respectively. Proteasome activity was considerably reduced in both the testes and epididymides of dKO male mice, resulting in infertility. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed LPIN1 as a target protein for PA200 and ECPAS, which was confirmed via immunoblotting and immunostaining. Furthermore, ultrastructural and microscopic analyses demonstrated that the dKO sperm displayed disorganization of the mitochondrial sheath. Our results indicate that PA200 and ECPAS work cooperatively during spermatogenesis and are essential for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ban Sato
- Master's and Doctoral Program in Biology, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Jiwoo Kim
- College of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Kazunori Morohoshi
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Woojin Kang
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya 157-8535, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya 157-8535, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tsuruta
- Master's and Doctoral Program in Biology, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Natsuko Kawano
- Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Tomoki Chiba
- Master's and Doctoral Program in Biology, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
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Liu C, Si W, Tu C, Tian S, He X, Wang S, Yang X, Yao C, Li C, Kherraf ZE, Ye M, Zhou Z, Ma Y, Gao Y, Li Y, Liu Q, Tang S, Wang J, Saiyin H, Zhao L, Yang L, Meng L, Chen B, Tang D, Zhou Y, Wu H, Lv M, Tan C, Lin G, Kong Q, Shi H, Su Z, Li Z, Yao YG, Jin L, Zheng P, Ray PF, Tan YQ, Cao Y, Zhang F. Deficiency of primate-specific SSX1 induced asthenoteratozoospermia in infertile men and cynomolgus monkey and tree shrew models. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:516-530. [PMID: 36796361 PMCID: PMC10027476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Primate-specific genes (PSGs) tend to be expressed in the brain and testis. This phenomenon is consistent with brain evolution in primates but is seemingly contradictory to the similarity of spermatogenesis among mammals. Here, using whole-exome sequencing, we identified deleterious variants of X-linked SSX1 in six unrelated men with asthenoteratozoospermia. SSX1 is a PSG expressed predominantly in the testis, and the SSX family evolutionarily expanded independently in rodents and primates. As the mouse model could not be used for studying SSX1, we used a non-human primate model and tree shrews, which are phylogenetically similar to primates, to knock down (KD) Ssx1 expression in the testes. Consistent with the phenotype observed in humans, both Ssx1-KD models exhibited a reduced sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology. Further, RNA sequencing indicated that Ssx1 deficiency influenced multiple biological processes during spermatogenesis. Collectively, our experimental observations in humans and cynomolgus monkey and tree shrew models highlight the crucial role of SSX1 in spermatogenesis. Notably, three of the five couples who underwent intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection treatment achieved a successful pregnancy. This study provides important guidance for genetic counseling and clinical diagnosis and, significantly, describes the approaches for elucidating the functions of testis-enriched PSGs in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Si
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Shixiong Tian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chencheng Yao
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Maosen Ye
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Zixue Zhou
- Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhua Ma
- National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Qiwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Hexige Saiyin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Liqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Bingbing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yiling Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Qingpeng Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Hong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zhixi Su
- Singlera Genomics (Shanghai) Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Andrology, Center for Men's Health, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Gang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, and KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; National Resource Center for Non-Human Primates, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Grenoble, France; CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Identification of sex-specific splicing via comparative transcriptome analysis of gonads from sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2023; 45:101031. [PMID: 36371882 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.101031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is an essential post-transcriptional regulation mechanism for sex differentiation and gonadal development, which has rarely been reported in marine invertebrates. Sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) is an economically important marine benthic echinoderm with a potential XX/XY sex determination mechanism, whose molecular mechanism in the gonadal differentiation has not been clearly understood. In this study, we analyzed available RNA-seq datasets of male and female gonads to explore if AS mechanism exerts an essential function in sex differentiation and gonadal development of A. japonicus. In our results, a total of 20,338 AS events from 7219 alternatively spliced genes, and 189 sexually differential alternative splicing (DAS) events from 156 genes were identified in gonadal transcriptome of sea cucumber. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that these DAS genes were significantly enriched in spermatogenesis-related GO terms. Maximal Clique Centrality (MCC) was then applied for protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to search for protein interactions and hub DAS gene. Among all DAS genes, we identified 10 DAS genes closely related to spermatogenesis and (or) sperm motility and a hub gene dnah1. Thus, this study revealed that alternative isoforms were generated from certain genes in female and male gonads through alternative splicing, which may provide direct evidence that alternative splicing mechanisms participate in female and male gonads. These results suggested a novel perspective for explaining the molecular mechanisms underlying gonadal differentiation between male and female sea cucumbers.
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Mirshahvaladi S, Topraggaleh TR, Bucak MN, Rahimizadeh P, Shahverdi A. Quantitative proteomics of sperm tail in asthenozoospermic patients: exploring the molecular pathways affecting sperm motility. Cell Tissue Res 2023:10.1007/s00441-023-03744-y. [PMID: 36847810 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia, characterized by low sperm motility, is one of the most common causes of male infertility. While many intrinsic and extrinsic factors are involved in the etiology of asthenozoospermia, the molecular basis of this condition remains unclear. Since sperm motility results from a complex flagellar structure, an in-depth proteomic analysis of the sperm tail can uncover mechanisms underlying asthenozoospermia. This study quantified the proteomic profile of 40 asthenozoospermic sperm tails and 40 controls using TMT-LC-MS/MS. Overall, 2140 proteins were identified and quantified where 156 proteins have not been described earlier in sperm tail. There were 409 differentially expressed proteins (250 upregulated and 159 downregulated) in asthenozoospermia which by far is the highest number reported earlier. Further, bioinformatics analysis revealed several biological processes, including mitochondrial-related energy production, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), citric acid cycle (CAC), cytoskeleton, stress response, and protein metabolism altered in asthenozoospermic sperm tail samples. Collectively, our findings reveal the importance of mitochondrial energy production and induced stress response as potential mechanisms involved in the loss of sperm motility in asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahab Mirshahvaladi
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tohid Rezaei Topraggaleh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Mustafa Numan Bucak
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Pegah Rahimizadeh
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Division of Experimental Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Diop N, Dieng M, Sy M, Gueye MV, Diallo AS, Dieye M, Ndiade A, Ngom AI, Diatta AL, Faye O. Contribution to a better analysis of spermatic and ultrasound testicular parameters in the follow-up of male infertility at the Histology Embryology Cytogenetic Laboratory of Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD). Morphologie 2023:S1286-0115(23)00025-5. [PMID: 36842934 DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Senegal, marital infertility is a real problem for society. We undertook the study of this subject to make an analysis of the spermatic parameters of the infertile Senegalese man and to better understand the impact of testicular morphological anomalies on male fertility. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study of 100 infertile patients followed at the Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetics laboratory of UCAD in Dakar, during the year 2020. Sperm parameters, presence of varicocele, and testicular volume were evaluated in our patients. RESULTS/DISCUSSION The mean age of the patients was 35.17±8.7 years. A history of sexually transmitted infections was found in 57% of patients. The mean duration of infertility was 5.67±3.2 years. The mean sperm count was 14,871,230/ml±4,950,000. Necrospermia was the most frequent abnormality found (60%), followed by asthenospermia (51%). The high rate of necrospermia could be explained by the high frequency of sexually transmitted infections. Other abnormalities were oligospermia (48%, including 09% cryptospermia), azoospermia (19%), teratospermia (19%), and hypospermia (13%). The predominance of azoospermia and oligospermia should prompt a search for a genetic predisposition in these subjects. The mean testicular volume was 10.3±4.9 cc on the right and 9.5±4.8 cc on the left. A single or bilateral varicocele was found in 43% of subjects. Patients with azoospermia and teratospermia were associated with testicular hypotrophy with a significant value (p=0.04). CONCLUSION Overall, the senegalese man consulting for infertility is a young adult, married for an average of 5 years. Necrospermia is the most frequently found anomaly. The severity of both qualitative and quantitative abnormalities should lead to a systematic search for a genetic origin. The etiological research of infertile patients must be done within a multidisciplinary framework to propose better management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Diop
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal.
| | - M Dieng
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - M Sy
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - M V Gueye
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - A S Diallo
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - M Dieye
- Thiaroye psychiatric hospital, Dakar, Senegal
| | - A Ndiade
- Laboratory of histology-embryology-cytology-cytogenetics and reproductive biology of Alioune Diop University, Bambey, Senegal
| | - A I Ngom
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - A L Diatta
- Laboratory of histology-embryology-cytology-cytogenetics and reproductive biology of the Assane SECK University, Ziguinchor, Senegal
| | - O Faye
- Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetic Laboratory, Department of Biology and Functional Explorations, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal; Laboratory of clinical cytology, cytogenetics, biology of reproduction and human development, Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Dakar, Senegal
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50
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Akkad N, Kodgule R, Duncavage EJ, Mehta-Shah N, Spencer DH, Watkins M, Shirai C, Myckatyn TM. Evaluation of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma With Whole Exome and Genome Sequencing. Aesthet Surg J 2023; 43:318-328. [PMID: 36351182 DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjac282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare malignancy originating from the periprosthetic capsule of a textured, most often macrotextured, breast implant. Identified in women whose indications for breast implants can be either aesthetic or reconstructive, the genomic underpinnings of this disease are only beginning to be elucidated. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the exomes, and in some cases the entire genome, of patients with BIA-ALCL. Specific attention was paid to copy number alterations, chromosomal translocations, and other genomic abnormalities overrepresented in patients with BIA-ALCL. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed on 6 patients, and whole-genome sequencing on 3 patients, with the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencer. Data were analyzed with the Illumina DRAGEN Bio-IT Platform and the ChromoSeq pipeline. The Pathseq Genome Analysis Toolkit pipeline was used to detect the presence of microbial genomes in the sequenced samples. RESULTS Two cases with STAT3 mutations and 2 cases with NRAS mutations were noted. A critically deleted 7-Mb region was identified at the 11q22.3 region of chromosome 11, and multiple nonrecurrent chromosomal rearrangements were identified by whole-genome sequencing. Recurrent gene-level rearrangements, however, were not identified. None of the samples showed evidence of potential microbial pathogens. CONCLUSIONS Although no recurrent mutations were identified, this study identified mutations in genes not previously reported with BIA-ALCL or other forms of ALCL. Furthermore, not previously reported with BIA-ALCL, 11q22.3 deletions were consistent across whole-genome sequencing cases and present in some exomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Akkad
- Resident of internal medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Marcus Watkins
- Research coordinator of medical oncology, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Cara Shirai
- Instructor of pathology and immunology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Terence M Myckatyn
- Professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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