In-depth proteomic analysis of carp (Cyprinus carpio L) spermatozoa

The Zebrafish Sperm Proteome

One of the key processes that forms the basis of fertilisation is the tight interaction between sperm and egg. Both sperm and egg proteomes are known to evolve and diverge rapidly even between closely related species. Understanding the sperm proteome therefore provides key insights into the proteins that underpin the mechanisms involved during fertilisation and the fusion between sperm and egg, and how they can differ across individuals of the same species. Despite being a commonly used model organism for reproductive research, little is currently understood about the zebrafish Danio rerio sperm proteome. We performed nanoLC-MS/MS proteomics analysis after off-line sample fractionation with six pooled samples containing sperm from ten males each. We confidently identified 5410 proteins, from which a total of 3900 GeneIDs were generated leading to 1720 Gene Ontology terms.

Genetic improvement and genomic resources of important cyprinid species: status and future perspectives for sustainable production

Cyprinid species are the most cultured aquatic species around the world in terms of quantity and total value. They account for 25% of global aquaculture production and significantly contribute to fulfilling the demand for fish food. The aquaculture of these species is facing severe concerns in terms of seed quality, rising feed costs, disease outbreaks, introgression of exotic species, environmental impacts, and anthropogenic activities. Numerous researchers have explored biological issues and potential methods to enhance cyprinid aquaculture. Selective breeding is extensively employed in cyprinid species to enhance specific traits like growth and disease resistance. In this context, we have discussed the efforts made to improve important cyprinid aquaculture practices through genetic and genomic approaches. The recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies and genomic tools have revolutionized the understanding of biological research. The generation of a complete genome and other genomic resources in cyprinid species has significantly strengthened molecular-level investigations into disease resistance, growth, reproduction, and adaptation to changing environments. We conducted a comprehensive review of genomic research in important cyprinid species, encompassing genome, transcriptome, proteome, metagenome, epigenome, etc. This review reveals that considerable data has been generated for cyprinid species. However, the seamless integration of this valuable data into genetic selection programs has yet to be achieved. In the upcoming years, genomic techniques, gene transfer, genome editing tools are expected to bring a paradigm shift in sustainable cyprinid aquaculture production. The comprehensive information presented here will offer insights for the cyprinid aquaculture research community.

Cryopreservation effects on a viable sperm sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) subpopulation obtained by a Percoll density gradient method

In many fish species, sperm cryopreservation has deleterious effects and leads to a significant decrease in spermatozoa viability. However, the effect of cryopreservation on sperm cells that survive this process and are still viable is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to compare the viability and proteomes of fresh and cryopreserved sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) sperm samples before and after live-dead cell separation using Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Both fresh and cryopreserved sperm samples were divided into two groups (with or without application of Percoll separation). At each step of the experiment, sperm quality was evaluated by video microscopy combined with integrated computer-assisted sperm analysis software and flow cytometry for live-dead sperm viability analysis. Sperm motility and the percentage of live cells were reduced in the cryopreserved group compared to the fresh group from 89% to 33% for percentage of motility and from 96% to 70% for live cells. Straight line velocity and linearity of track were significantly lower in cryopreserved samples than in those separated by Percoll before and after cryopreservation. However, the percentages of motile and live spermatozoa were higher than 90% in samples subjected to Percoll separation. Proteomic analysis of spermatozoa by two-dimensional differences in-gel electrophoresis coupled with matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry revealed that 20 protein spot abundances underwent significant changes in cryopreserved samples compared to fresh ones. However, only one protein spot was significantly altered when samples before and after cryopreservation followed by Percoll separation were compared. Thus, the results of this study show that cryopreservation leads to minimal proteomic changes in the spermatozoa population, retaining high motility and viability parameters. The results also suggest that global differences in protein profiles between unselected fresh and cryopreserved samples are mainly due to protein loss or changes in the lethal and sublethal damaged cell subpopulations.