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Zarepoor M, Nazari A, Pourmasumi S. Impact of vitamin D supplementation as COVID-19 vaccine adjuvant on sperm parameters and sex hormones in men with idiopathic infertility: Two separate pre-post studies. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2024; 51:125-134. [PMID: 38263587 PMCID: PMC11140254 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.06464] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vitamin D deficiency is a major problem for human health worldwide. The mechanisms of vitamin D in the male reproductive system are unknown. After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines were developed, doubts were raised about their possible effects on male fertility. Based on vitamin D's function in the immune system, its potential role as an adjuvant for COVID-19 vaccines is intriguing. The aims of this study were to assess the effects of vitamin D first on sperm parameters and sex hormones, and then as an immune adjuvant on sperm parameters and sex hormones after study participants had received their second doses of COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS Phase 1 (before the COVID-19 pandemic) included 72 men with idiopathic infertility, and phase 2 had 64 participants who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Both groups were instructed to take 50,000 IU of vitamin D twice monthly for 3 months. Sperm parameters and sex hormones were assessed pre- and post-supplementation. RESULTS Regular vitamin D intake for 3 months significantly increased the participants' vitamin D levels (p=0.0001). Both phases showed a positive correlation between vitamin D intake and sperm parameters. Vaccination had no negative effects on sperm parameters and sex hormones. Vitamin D was associated with follicle-stimulating hormone (p=0.02) and testosterone (p=0.0001) in phase 2 after treatment. CONCLUSION Our results support vitamin D supplementation as an immune adjunct to COVID-19 vaccination for improving sperm parameters and hormone levels. COVID-19 vaccination is not harmful for male fertility potential, and vitamin D is an effective factor for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Zarepoor
- Clinical Research Development Unit (CRDU), Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Alireza Nazari
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Soheila Pourmasumi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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Balestrini PA, Sulzyk V, Jabloñski M, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, González SN, Ferreira JJ, Gómez-Elías MD, Pomata P, Luque GM, Krapf D, Cuasnicu PS, Santi CM, Buffone MG. Membrane potential hyperpolarization: a critical factor in acrosomal exocytosis and fertilization in sperm within the female reproductive tract. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1386980. [PMID: 38803392 PMCID: PMC11128623 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1386980] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization of the membrane potential (Em), a phenomenon regulated by SLO3 channels, stands as a central feature in sperm capacitation-a crucial process conferring upon sperm the ability to fertilize the oocyte. In vitro studies demonstrated that Em hyperpolarization plays a pivotal role in facilitating the mechanisms necessary for the development of hyperactivated motility (HA) and acrosomal exocytosis (AE) occurrence. Nevertheless, the physiological significance of sperm Em within the female reproductive tract remains unexplored. As an approach to this question, we studied sperm migration and AE incidence within the oviduct in the absence of Em hyperpolarization using a novel mouse model established by crossbreeding of SLO3 knock-out (KO) mice with EGFP/DsRed2 mice. Sperm from this model displays impaired HA and AE in vitro. Interestingly, examination of the female reproductive tract shows that SLO3 KO sperm can reach the ampulla, mirroring the quantity of sperm observed in wild-type (WT) counterparts, supporting that the HA needed to reach the fertilization site is not affected. However, a noteworthy distinction emerges-unlike WT sperm, the majority of SLO3 KO sperm arrive at the ampulla with their acrosomes still intact. Of the few SLO3 KO sperm that do manage to reach the oocytes within this location, fertilization does not occur, as indicated by the absence of sperm pronuclei in the MII-oocytes recovered post-mating. In vitro, SLO3 KO sperm fail to penetrate the ZP and fuse with the oocytes. Collectively, these results underscore the vital role of Em hyperpolarization in AE and fertilization within their physiological context, while also revealing that Em is not a prerequisite for the development of the HA motility, essential for sperm migration through the female tract to the ampulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Sulzyk
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liza J. Schiavi-Ehrenhaus
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soledad N. González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan J. Ferreira
- Department of OB/GYN, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Matías D. Gómez-Elías
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Pomata
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M. Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas–Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patricia S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of OB/GYN, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Morabbi A, Karimian M. Trace and essential elements as vital components to improve the performance of the male reproductive system: Implications in cell signaling pathways. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127403. [PMID: 38340548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Successful male fertilization requires the main processes such as normal spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction. The progress of these processes depends on some endogenous and exogenous factors. So, the optimal level of ions and essential and rare elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, calcium, and so on in various types of cells of the reproductive system could affect conception and male fertility rates. The function of trace elements in the male reproductive system could be exerted through some cellular and molecular processes, such as the management of active oxygen species, involvement in the action of membrane channels, regulation of enzyme activity, regulation of gene expression and hormone levels, and modulation of signaling cascades. In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the role of trace elements in improving male reproductive performance. Also, special attention is paid to the cellular aspects and the involved molecular signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Morabbi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
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4
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Lee KH, Hwang JY. Ca 2+ homeostasis and male fertility: a target for a new male contraceptive system. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2024; 28:171-183. [PMID: 38686363 PMCID: PMC11057403 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2024.2345647] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ is a key secondary messenger that determines sperm motility patterns. Mammalian sperm undergo capacitation, a process to acquire fertilizing ability, in the female reproductive tract. Capacitated sperm change their flagellar waveform to develop hyperactivated motility, which is crucial for successful sperm navigation to the eggs and fertilization. The sperm-specific channel, CATSPER, and an ATPase transporter, PMCA4, serve as major paths for Ca2+ influx and efflux, respectively, in sperm. The ionic paths coordinate Ca2+ homeostasis in the sperm, and their loss-of-function impairs sperm motility, to cause male infertility. In this review, we summarize the physiological significance of these two Ca2+ gates and suggest their potential applications in novel male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ha Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
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5
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He Y, Wang B, Huang J, Zhang D, Yuan Y. Environmental pollutants and male infertility: Effects on CatSper. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116341. [PMID: 38653022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Infertility is a growing health concern among many couples worldwide. Men account for half of infertility cases. CatSper, a sperm-specific Ca2+ channel, is expressed on the cell membrane of mammalian sperm. CatSper plays an important role in male fertility because it facilitates the entry of Ca2+ necessary for the rapid change in sperm motility, thereby allowing it to navigate the hurdles of the female reproductive tract and successfully locate the egg. Many pollutants present in the environment have been shown to affect the functions of CatSper and sperm, which is a matter of capital importance to understanding and solving male infertility issues. Environmental pollutants can act as partial agonists or inhibitors of CatSper or exhibit a synergistic effect. In this article, we briefly describe the structure, functions, and regulatory mechanisms of CatSper, and discuss the body of literature covering the effects of environmental pollutants on CatSper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin He
- Nanchang University Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Binhui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
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6
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Liang M, Ji N, Song J, Kang H, Zeng X. Flagellar pH homeostasis mediated by Na+/H+ exchangers regulates human sperm functions through coupling with CatSper and KSper activation. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:674-688. [PMID: 38366201 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae020] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Whether and how do Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) regulate the physiological functions of human sperm? SUMMARY ANSWER NHE-mediated flagellar intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis facilitates the activation of the pH-sensitive, sperm-specific Ca2+ channel (CatSper) and the sperm-specific K+ channel (KSper), which subsequently modulate sperm motility, hyperactivation, flagellar tyrosine phosphorylation, and the progesterone (P4)-induced acrosome reaction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm pHi alkalization is an essential prerequisite for the acquisition of sperm-fertilizing capacity. Different sperm functions are strictly controlled by particular pHi regulatory mechanisms. NHEs are suggested to modulate sperm H+ efflux. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a laboratory study that used samples from >50 sperm donors over a period of 1 year. To evaluate NHE action on human sperm function, 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride (DMA), a highly selective inhibitor of NHEs, was utilized. All experiments were repeated at least five times using different individual sperm samples or cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS By utilizing the pH fluorescent indicator pHrodo Red-AM, we detected alterations in single-cell pHi value in human sperm. The currents of CatSper and KSper in human sperm were recorded by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Changes in population and single-cell Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of human sperm loaded with Fluo 4-AM were measured. Membrane potential (Vm) and population pHi were quantitatively examined by a multimode plate reader after sperm were loaded with 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide and 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein, acetoxymethyl ester, respectively. Sperm motility parameters were assessed by a computer-assisted semen analysis system. Tyrosine phosphorylation was determined by immunofluorescence, and sperm acrosome reaction was evaluated by Pisum sativum agglutinin-FITC staining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE DMA-induced NHEs inhibition severely acidified the human sperm flagellar pHi from 7.20 ± 0.04 to 6.38 ± 0.12 (mean ± SEM), while the effect of DMA on acrosomal pHi was less obvious (from 5.90 ± 0.13 to 5.57 ± 0.12, mean ± SEM). The whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that NHE inhibition remarkably suppressed alkalization-induced activation of CatSper and KSper. As a consequence, impairment of [Ca2+]i homeostasis and Vm maintenance were detected in the presence of DMA. During the capacitation process, pre-treatment with DMA for 2 h potently decreased sperm pHi, which in turn decreased sperm motility and kinetic parameters. Sperm capacitation-associated functions, including hyperactivation, tyrosine phosphorylation, and P4-induced acrosome reaction, were also compromised by NHE inhibition. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was an in vitro study. Caution should be taken when extrapolating these results to in vivo applications. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study revealed that NHEs are important physiological regulators for human CatSper and KSper, which are indispensable for human sperm fertility, suggesting that malfunction of NHEs could be an underlying mechanism for the pathogenesis of male infertility. FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32271167 and 81871202 to X.Z.), Jiangsu Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Plan (JSSCRC20211543 to X.Z.), the Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province (No. BE2022765 to X.Z.), the Society and livelihood Project of Nantong City (No. MS22022087 to X.Z.), and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20220608 to H.K.). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Nanxi Ji
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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7
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Yan R, Zhang P, Shen S, Zeng Y, Wang T, Chen Z, Ma W, Feng J, Suo C, Zhang T, Wei H, Jiang Z, Chen R, Li ST, Zhong X, Jia W, Sun L, Cang C, Zhang H, Gao P. Carnosine regulation of intracellular pH homeostasis promotes lysosome-dependent tumor immunoevasion. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:483-495. [PMID: 38177283 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01719-3] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells and surrounding immune cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, leading to an acidic tumor microenvironment. However, it is unclear how tumor cells adapt to this acidic stress during tumor progression. Here we show that carnosine, a mobile buffering metabolite that accumulates under hypoxia in tumor cells, regulates intracellular pH homeostasis and drives lysosome-dependent tumor immune evasion. A previously unrecognized isoform of carnosine synthase, CARNS2, promotes carnosine synthesis under hypoxia. Carnosine maintains intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis by functioning as a mobile proton carrier to accelerate cytosolic H+ mobility and release, which in turn controls lysosomal subcellular distribution, acidification and activity. Furthermore, by maintaining lysosomal activity, carnosine facilitates nuclear transcription factor X-box binding 1 (NFX1) degradation, triggering galectin-9 and T-cell-mediated immune escape and tumorigenesis. These findings indicate an unconventional mechanism for pHi regulation in cancer cells and demonstrate how lysosome contributes to immune evasion, thus providing a basis for development of combined therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma that exploit disrupted pHi homeostasis with immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghui Yan
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Pinggen Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Insitute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Shengqi Shen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaolin Chen
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenhao Ma
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Junru Feng
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Caixia Suo
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoran Wei
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zetan Jiang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Ting Li
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuying Zhong
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Jia
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Linchong Sun
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunlei Cang
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huafeng Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Insitute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Ping Gao
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Pardyak L, Liszewska E, Judycka S, Machcińska-Zielińska S, Karol H, Dietrich MA, Gojło E, Arent Z, Bilińska B, Rusco G, Iaffaldano N, Ciereszko A, Słowińska M. Liquid semen storage-induced alteration in the protein composition of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2024; 216:69-81. [PMID: 38159387 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.026] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Liquid storage of turkey semen without the loss of fertilizing ability is of practical interest to the poultry industry. However, fertility rates from liquid-stored turkey semen decline within a few hours. A clear cause of the decline in spermatozoa quality remains unidentified. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to monitor the dynamics of proteomic changes in spermatozoa during 48 h of liquid storage by 2-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. A total of 57 protein spots were differentially expressed between fresh and stored spermatozoa; 42 spots were more and 15 were less abundant after 48 h of semen storage. Raw proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD043050. The selected differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were validated by western blotting and localized in specific spermatozoa structures by immunofluorescence, such as the head (acrosin and tubulin α), midpiece (acrosin, aconitate hydratase 2, and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) and tail (tubulin α). Most of the DEPs that changed in response to liquid storage were related to flagellum-dependent cell motility, energy derivation through oxidation of organic compounds and induction of fertilization, suggesting the complexity of the processes leading to the decrease in stored semen quality. The damaging effect of liquid storage on spermatozoa flagellum manifested as more microtubule proteins, such as tubulins and tektins, most likely formed by posttranslational modifications, tubulin α relocation from the tail to the sperm head, which appeared after 48 h of semen storage, and decreases in fibrous shelf proteins at the same time. Motility could be affected by dysregulation of Ca2+-binding proteins and disturbances in energy metabolism in spermatozoa flagellum. Regarding sperm mitochondria, DEPs involved in energy derivation through the oxidation of organic compounds indicated disturbances in fatty acid beta oxidation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle as possible reasons for energy deficiency during liquid storage. Disturbances in acrosin and 1-phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate phosphodiesterase zeta may be involved in rapid declines in the fertility potential of stored turkey spermatozoa. These results showed the complexity of the processes leading to a decrease in stored semen quality and broadened knowledge of the detrimental effects of liquid storage on turkey spermatozoa physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pardyak
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-248, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Liszewska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Sylwia Judycka
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Sylwia Machcińska-Zielińska
- Department of Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Halina Karol
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mariola A Dietrich
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Gojło
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Arent
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 30-248, Kraków, Poland
| | - Barbara Bilińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Giusy Rusco
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, CB, Italy
| | - Nicolaia Iaffaldano
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, 86100, Campobasso, CB, Italy
| | - Andrzej Ciereszko
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mariola Słowińska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
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Antonouli S, Di Nisio V, Messini C, Samara M, Salumets A, Daponte A, Anifandis G. Sperm plasma membrane ion transporters and male fertility potential: A perspective under the prism of cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2024; 114:104845. [PMID: 38184269 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.104845] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular calcium homeostasis plays a crucial role in spermatozoa by regulating physiological functions associated with sperm quality and male fertility potential. Intracellular calcium fine balance in the sperm cytoplasm is strictly dependent on sperm surface channels including the CatSper channel. CatSpers' role is to ensure the influx of extracellular calcium, while intracellular pH alkalinization serves as a stimulus for the activation of several channels, including CatSper. Overall, the generation of intracellular calcium spikes through CatSper is essential for fertilization-related processes, such as sperm hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, egg chemotaxis, and zona pellucida penetration. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that disruption in the close interaction among ions, pH, and CatSper could impair male fertility potential. In contemporary times, the growing reliance on Medically Assisted Reproduction procedures underscores the impact of cryopreservation on gametes. In fact, a large body of literature raises concerns about the cryo-damages provoked by the freeze-thawing processes, that can affect the plasma membrane integrity, thus the structure of pivotal ion channels, and the fine regulation of both intracellular calcium and pH. This review aims to provide an overview of the importance of the CatSper channel in sperm quality and further fertilization potential. Additionally, it addresses the emerging issue of cryopreservation's impact on the functionality of this sperm channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Christina Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - Maria Samara
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
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10
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Relovska S, Wang H, Zhang X, Fernández-Tussy P, Jeong KJ, Choi J, Suárez Y, McDonald JG, Fernández-Hernando C, Chung JJ. DHCR24-mediated sterol homeostasis during spermatogenesis is required for sperm mitochondrial sheath formation and impacts male fertility over time. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.21.572851. [PMID: 38187697 PMCID: PMC10769317 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Desmosterol and cholesterol are essential lipid components of the sperm plasma membrane. Cholesterol efflux is required for capacitation, a process through which sperm acquire fertilizing ability. In this study, using a transgenic mouse model overexpressing 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24), an enzyme in the sterol biosynthesis pathway responsible for the conversion of desmosterol to cholesterol, we show that disruption of sterol homeostasis during spermatogenesis led to defective sperm morphology characterized by incomplete mitochondrial packing in the midpiece, reduced sperm count and motility, and a decline in male fertility with increasing paternal age, without changes in body fat composition. Sperm depleted of desmosterol exhibit inefficiency in the acrosome reaction, metabolic dysfunction, and an inability to fertilize the egg. These findings provide molecular insights into sterol homeostasis for sperm capacitation and its impact on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Relovska
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Xinbo Zhang
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Pablo Fernández-Tussy
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Kyung Jo Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yajaira Suárez
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jeffrey G. McDonald
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Center for Human Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Carlos Fernández-Hernando
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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11
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Hwang JY. Analysis of Ca 2+-mediated sperm motility to evaluate the functional normality of the sperm-specific Ca 2+ channel, CatSper. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1284988. [PMID: 38385023 PMCID: PMC10879342 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1284988] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ is a key secondary messenger that modulates sperm motility by tuning flagellar movement in various species. The sperm-specific Ca2+ channel, CatSper, is a primary Ca2+ gate that is essential for male fertility in mammals. CatSper-mediated Ca2+ signaling enables sperm to develop hyperactivated motility and fertilize the eggs in the female tract. Therefore, altered CatSper function compromises the entry of Ca2+ into the sperm, followed by impairing hyperactivation and male fertility. However, methods to evaluate the function of the CatSper channel are limited to patch clamping and functional imaging using Ca2+ dye. Previous studies have revealed that various parameters for sperm motility are highly correlated with intracellular Ca2+ levels in mouse. Here, I cover a step-by-step protocol to analyze the change in Ca2+-mediated sperm motility by using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) to evaluate the functional normality of the CatSper channel in sperm. This approach analyzes sperm motility parameters during intracellular Ca2+ chelation followed by in vitro capacitation to recover intracellular Ca2+ via the activated CatSper channel. Thus, this Ca2+-handling method is handy and could be broadly applied in reproductive biology labs and clinics that have CASA equipment to examine the functional normality of the CatSper channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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12
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Gardner CC, Abele JA, Winkler TJ, Reckers CN, Anas SA, James PF. Common as well as unique methylation-sensitive DNA regulatory elements in three mammalian SLC9C1 genes. Gene 2024; 893:147897. [PMID: 37832806 PMCID: PMC10841394 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147897] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The SLC9C1 gene (which encodes the NHE10 protein) is essential for male fertility in both mice and humans, however the epigenetic mechanisms regulating its testis/sperm-specific gene expression have yet to be studied. Here we identify and characterize DNA regulatory elements of the SLC9C1 gene across three mammalian species: mouse, rat, and human. First, in silico analysis of these mammalian SLC9C1 genes identified a CpG island located upstream of the transcription start site in the same relative position in all three genes. Further analysis reveals that this CpG island behaves differently, with respect to gene regulatory activity, in the mouse SLC9C1 gene than it does in the rat and human SLC9C1 gene. The mouse SLC9C1 CpG island displays strong promoter activity by itself and seems to have a stronger gene regulatory effect than either the rat or human SLC9C1 CpG islands. While the function of the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island may be divergent across the three studied species, it appears that the promoters of these three mammalian SLC9C1 genes share similar DNA methylation-sensitive regulatory mechanisms. All three SLC9C1 promoter regions are differentially methylated in lung and testis, being more hypermethylated in lung relative to the testis, and DNA sequence alignments provide strong evidence of primary sequence conservation. Luciferase assays reveal that in vitro methylation of constructs containing different elements of the three SLC9C1 genes largely exhibit methylation-sensitive promoter activity (reduced promoter activity when methylated) in both HEK 293 and GC-1spg cells. In total, our data suggest that the DNA methylation-sensitive elements of the mouse, rat, and human SLC9C1 promoters are largely conserved, while the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island common to all three species seems to perform a different function in mouse than it does in rat and human. This work provides evidence that while homologous genes can all be regulated by DNA methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanisms, the location of the specific cis-regulatory elements responsible for this regulation can differ across species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason A Abele
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | | | | | - Sydney A Anas
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Paul F James
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA.
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13
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Dai P, Chen C, Yu J, Ma C, Zhang X. New insights into sperm physiology regulation: Enlightenment from G-protein-coupled receptors. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38225815 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13593] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-protein-coupled receptors are critical in many physiological and pathological processes in various organs. Serving as the control panel for sensing extracellular stimuli, G-protein-coupled receptors recognise various ligands, including light, temperature, odours, pheromones, hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, etc. Most recently, G-protein-coupled receptors residing in spermatozoa have been found to be indispensable for sperm function. OBJECTIVE Here, we have summarised cutting-edge findings on the functional mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptors that are known to be associated with sperm functions and the activation of their downstream effectors, providing new insights into the roles of G-protein-coupled receptors in sperm physiology. RESULTS Emerging studies hint that alterations in G-protein-coupled receptors could affect sperm function, implicating their role in fertility, but solid evidence needs to be continuing excavated with various means. Several members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, including olfactory receptors, opsins, orphan G-protein-coupled receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 4, CC chemokine receptor 5 and CC chemokine receptor 6 as well as their downstream effector β-arrestins, etc., were suggested to be essential for sperm motility, capacitation, thermotaxis, chemotaxis, Ca2+ influx through CatSper channel and fertilisation capacity. CONCLUSION The present review provides a comprehensive overview of studies describing G-protein-coupled receptors and their potential action in sperm function. We also present a critical discussion of these issues, and a possible framework for future investigations on the diverse ligands, biological functions and cell signalling of G-protein-coupled receptors in spermatozoa. Here, the G-protein-coupled receptors and their related G proteins that specifically were identified in spermatozoa were summarised, and provided references valuable for further illumination, despite the evidence that is not overwhelming in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Dai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Jingyan Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chaoye Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
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14
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Young S, Schiffer C, Wagner A, Patz J, Potapenko A, Herrmann L, Nordhoff V, Pock T, Krallmann C, Stallmeyer B, Röpke A, Kierzek M, Biagioni C, Wang T, Haalck L, Deuster D, Hansen JN, Wachten D, Risse B, Behre HM, Schlatt S, Kliesch S, Tüttelmann F, Brenker C, Strünker T. Human fertilization in vivo and in vitro requires the CatSper channel to initiate sperm hyperactivation. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173564. [PMID: 38165034 PMCID: PMC10760960 DOI: 10.1172/jci173564] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The infertility of many couples rests on an enigmatic dysfunction of the man's sperm. To gain insight into the underlying pathomechanisms, we assessed the function of the sperm-specific multisubunit CatSper-channel complex in the sperm of almost 2,300 men undergoing a fertility workup, using a simple motility-based test. We identified a group of men with normal semen parameters but defective CatSper function. These men or couples failed to conceive naturally and upon medically assisted reproduction via intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was, ultimately, required to conceive a child. We revealed that the defective CatSper function was caused by variations in CATSPER genes. Moreover, we unveiled that CatSper-deficient human sperm were unable to undergo hyperactive motility and, therefore, failed to penetrate the egg coat. Thus, our study provides the experimental evidence that sperm hyperactivation is required for human fertilization, explaining the infertility of CatSper-deficient men and the need of ICSI for medically assisted reproduction. Finally, our study also revealed that defective CatSper function and ensuing failure to hyperactivate represents the most common cause of unexplained male infertility known thus far and that this sperm channelopathy can readily be diagnosed, enabling future evidence-based treatment of affected couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Young
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Schiffer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alice Wagner
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics
| | - Jannika Patz
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anton Potapenko
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Leonie Herrmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Nordhoff
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tim Pock
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Krallmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Michelina Kierzek
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CiM-IMPRS Graduate School
| | - Cristina Biagioni
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tao Wang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lars Haalck
- Institute of Geoinformatics, Computer Vision and Machine Learning Systems, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Deuster
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pedaudiology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan N. Hansen
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin Risse
- Institute of Geoinformatics, Computer Vision and Machine Learning Systems, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Computer Science Department, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hermann M. Behre
- UKM Fertility Centre, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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15
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Hwang JY, Chai P, Nawaz S, Choi J, Lopez-Giraldez F, Hussain S, Bilguvar K, Mane S, Lifton RP, Ahmad W, Zhang K, Chung JJ. LRRC23 truncation impairs radial spoke 3 head assembly and sperm motility underlying male infertility. eLife 2023; 12:RP90095. [PMID: 38091523 PMCID: PMC10721216 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90095] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Radial spokes (RS) are T-shaped multiprotein complexes on the axonemal microtubules. Repeated RS1, RS2, and RS3 couple the central pair to modulate ciliary and flagellar motility. Despite the cell type specificity of RS3 substructures, their molecular components remain largely unknown. Here, we report that a leucine-rich repeat-containing protein, LRRC23, is an RS3 head component essential for its head assembly and flagellar motility in mammalian spermatozoa. From infertile male patients with defective sperm motility, we identified a splice site variant of LRRC23. A mutant mouse model mimicking this variant produces a truncated LRRC23 at the C-terminus that fails to localize to the sperm tail, causing male infertility due to defective sperm motility. LRRC23 was previously proposed to be an ortholog of the RS stalk protein RSP15. However, we found that purified recombinant LRRC23 interacts with an RS head protein RSPH9, which is abolished by the C-terminal truncation. Evolutionary and structural comparison also shows that LRRC34, not LRRC23, is the RSP15 ortholog. Cryo-electron tomography clearly revealed that the absence of the RS3 head and the sperm-specific RS2-RS3 bridge structure in LRRC23 mutant spermatozoa. Our study provides new insights into the structure and function of RS3 in mammalian spermatozoa and the molecular pathogenicity of LRRC23 underlying reduced sperm motility in infertile human males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National UniversityBusanRepublic of Korea
| | - Pengxin Chai
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Shoaib Nawaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of BiologicalSciences, Quaid-i-Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Genetics, YaleSchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | | | - Shabir Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Kaya Bilguvar
- Department of Genetics, YaleSchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Yale Center forGenome Analysis, Yale UniversityWest HavenUnited States
| | - Shrikant Mane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Richard P Lifton
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of BiologicalSciences, Quaid-i-Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
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16
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Kijima T, Kurokawa D, Sasakura Y, Ogasawara M, Aratake S, Yoshida K, Yoshida M. CatSper mediates not only chemotactic behavior but also the motility of ascidian sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1136537. [PMID: 38020915 PMCID: PMC10652287 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1136537] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Sperm motility, including chemotactic behavior, is regulated by changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+. In particular, in mammals, CatSper is the only functional Ca2+ channel in the sperm, and mice deficient in the genes comprising the pore region of the Ca2+ channel are infertile due to the inhibition of sperm hyperactivation. CatSper is also thought to be involved in sea urchin chemotaxis. In contrast, in ascidian Ciona intestinalis, SAAF, a sperm attractant, interacts with Ca2+/ATPase, a Ca2+ pump. Although the existence of CatSper genes has been reported, it is not clear whether CatSper is a functional Ca2+ channel in sperm. Results: We showed that CatSper is present in the sperm flagella of C. intestinalis as in mammalian species, although a small level of gene expression was found in other tissues. The spermatozoa of CatSper3 KO animals were significantly less motile, and some motile sperms did not show any chemotactic behavior. These results suggest that CatSper plays an important role in ascidians and mammals, and is involved in spermatogenesis and basic motility mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiga Kijima
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kurokawa
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Japan
| | - Michio Ogasawara
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoe Aratake
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Toin University of Yokohama, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
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17
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Gardner CC, James PF. Na +/H + Exchangers (NHEs) in Mammalian Sperm: Essential Contributors to Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14981. [PMID: 37834431 PMCID: PMC10573352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914981] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are known to be important regulators of pH in multiple intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells. Sperm function is especially dependent on changes in pH and thus it has been postulated that NHEs play important roles in regulating the intracellular pH of these cells. For example, in order to achieve fertilization, mature sperm must maintain a basal pH in the male reproductive tract and then alkalize in response to specific signals in the female reproductive tract during the capacitation process. Eight NHE isoforms are expressed in mammalian testis/sperm: NHE1, NHE3, NHE5, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, NHE10, and NHE11. These NHE isoforms are expressed at varying times during spermatogenesis and localize to different subcellular structures in developing and mature sperm where they contribute to multiple aspects of sperm physiology and male fertility including proper sperm development/morphogenesis, motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. Previous work has provided evidence for NHE3, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, and NHE10 being critical for male fertility in mice and NHE10 has recently been shown to be essential for male fertility in humans. In this article we review what is known about each NHE isoform expressed in mammalian sperm and discuss the physiological significance of each NHE isoform with respect to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul F. James
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA;
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18
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Pacheco RI, Cristo MI, Anjo SI, Silva AF, Sousa MI, Tavares RS, Sousa AP, Almeida Santos T, Moura-Ramos M, Caramelo F, Manadas B, Ramalho-Santos J, Amaral SG. New Insights on Sperm Function in Male Infertility of Unknown Origin: A Multimodal Approach. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1462. [PMID: 37892144 PMCID: PMC10605211 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101462] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The global trend of rising (male) infertility is concerning, and the unidentifiable causes in half of the cases, the so-called unknown origin male infertility (UOMI), demands a better understanding and assessment of both external/internal factors and mechanisms potentially involved. In this work, it was our aim to obtain new insight on UOMI, specifically on idiopathic (ID) and Unexplained male infertility (UMI), relying on a detailed evaluation of the male gamete, including functional, metabolic and proteomic aspects. For this purpose, 1114 semen samples, from males in couples seeking infertility treatment, were collected at the Reproductive Medicine Unit from the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), from July 2018-July 2022. Based on the couples' clinical data, seminal/hormonal analysis, and strict eligibility criteria, samples were categorized in 3 groups, control (CTRL), ID and UMI. Lifestyle factors and anxiety/depression symptoms were assessed via survey. Sperm samples were evaluated functionally, mitochondrially and using proteomics. The results of Assisted Reproduction Techniques were assessed whenever available. According to our results, ID patients presented the worst sperm functional profile, while UMI patients were similar to controls. The proteomic analysis revealed 145 differentially expressed proteins, 8 of which were specifically altered in ID and UMI samples. Acrosin (ACRO) and sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 4 (SACA4) were downregulated in ID patients while laminin subunit beta-2 (LAMB2), mannose 6-phosphate isomerase (MPI), ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase liver type (PFKAL), STAR domain-containing protein 10 (STA10), serotransferrin (TRFE) and exportin-2 (XPO2) were downregulated in UMI patients. Using random forest analysis, SACA4 and LAMB2 were identified as the sperm proteins with a higher chance of distinguishing ID and UMI patients, and their function and expression variation were in accordance with the functional results. No alterations were observed in terms of lifestyle and psychological factors among the 3 groups. These findings obtained in an experimental setting based on 3 well-defined groups of subjects, might help to validate new biomarkers for unknown origin male infertility (ID and UMI) that, in the future, can be used to improve diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita I. Pacheco
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria I. Cristo
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra I. Anjo
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andreia F. Silva
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Sousa
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renata S. Tavares
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Sousa
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Eugin Coimbra, Rua Filipe Hodart 12, 3000-185 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida Santos
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Eugin Coimbra, Rua Filipe Hodart 12, 3000-185 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Moura-Ramos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Eugin Coimbra, Rua Filipe Hodart 12, 3000-185 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Bruno Manadas
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Gomes Amaral
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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Huang X, Miyata H, Wang H, Mori G, Iida-Norita R, Ikawa M, Percudani R, Chung JJ. A CUG-initiated CATSPERθ functions in the CatSper channel assembly and serves as a checkpoint for flagellar trafficking. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304409120. [PMID: 37725640 PMCID: PMC10523455 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304409120] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium signaling is critical for successful fertilization. In spermatozoa, calcium influx into the sperm flagella mediated by the sperm-specific CatSper calcium channel is necessary for hyperactivated motility and male fertility. CatSper is a macromolecular complex and is repeatedly arranged in zigzag rows within four linear nanodomains along the sperm flagella. Here, we report that the Tmem249-encoded transmembrane (TM) domain-containing protein, CATSPERθ is essential for the CatSper channel assembly during sperm tail formation. CATSPERθ facilitates the channel assembly by serving as a scaffold for a pore-forming subunit CATSPER4. CATSPERθ is specifically localized at the interface of a CatSper dimer and can self-interact, suggesting its potential role in CatSper dimer formation. Male mice lacking CATSPERθ are infertile because the sperm lack the entire CatSper channel from sperm flagella, rendering sperm unable to hyperactivate, regardless of their normal expression in the testis. In contrast, genetic abrogation of any of the other CatSper TM subunits results in loss of CATSPERθ protein in the spermatid cells during spermatogenesis. CATSPERθ might act as a checkpoint for the properly assembled CatSper channel complex to traffic to sperm flagella. This study provides insights into the CatSper channel assembly and elucidates the physiological role of CATSPERθ in sperm motility and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita565-0871, Japan
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Giulia Mori
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Rie Iida-Norita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita565-0871, Japan
| | - Riccardo Percudani
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
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20
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Benko F, Urminská D, Ďuračka M, Tvrdá E. Signaling Roleplay between Ion Channels during Mammalian Sperm Capacitation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2519. [PMID: 37760960 PMCID: PMC10525812 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092519] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to accomplish their primary goal, mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a series of physiological, biochemical, and functional changes crucial for the acquisition of fertilization ability. Spermatozoa are highly polarized cells, which must swiftly respond to ionic changes on their passage through the female reproductive tract, and which are necessary for male gametes to acquire their functional competence. This review summarizes the current knowledge about specific ion channels and transporters located in the mammalian sperm plasma membrane, which are intricately involved in the initiation of changes within the ionic milieu of the sperm cell, leading to variations in the sperm membrane potential, membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization, changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction and sperm-egg fusion. We also discuss the functionality of selected ion channels in male reproductive health and/or disease since these may become promising targets for clinical management of infertility in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Benko
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Dana Urminská
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
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21
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Vicente-Carrillo A, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Rodriguez-Martinez H. The Cation/Calcium Channel of Sperm (CatSper): A Common Role Played Despite Inter-Species Variation? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13750. [PMID: 37762052 PMCID: PMC10531172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The main cation/calcium channel of spermatozoa (CatSper), first identified in 2001, has been thoroughly studied to elucidate its composition and function, while its distribution among species and sperm sources is yet incomplete. CatSper is composed of several subunits that build a pore-forming calcium channel, mainly activated in vivo in ejaculated sperm cells by intracellular alkalinization and progesterone, as suggested by the in vitro examinations. The CatSper channel relevance is dual: to maintain sperm homeostasis (alongside the plethora of membrane channels present) as well as being involved in pre-fertilization events, such as sperm capacitation, hyperactivation of sperm motility and the acrosome reaction, with remarkable species differences. Interestingly, the observed variations in CatSper localization in the plasma membrane seem to depend on the source of the sperm cells explored (i.e., epididymal or ejaculated, immature or mature, processed or not), the method used for examination and, particularly, on the specificity of the antibodies employed. In addition, despite multiple findings showing the relevance of CatSper in fertilization, few studies have studied CatSper as a biomarker to fine-tune diagnosis of sub-fertility in livestock or even consider its potential to control fertilization in plague animals, a more ethically defensible strategy than implicating CatSper to pharmacologically modify male-related fertility control in humans, pets or wild animals. This review describes inter- and intra-species differences in the localization, structure and function of the CatSper channel, calling for caution when considering its potential manipulation for fertility control or improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Vicente-Carrillo
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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22
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Grahn E, Kaufmann SV, Askarova M, Ninov M, Welp LM, Berger TK, Urlaub H, Kaupp UB. Control of intracellular pH and bicarbonate by CO 2 diffusion into human sperm. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5395. [PMID: 37669933 PMCID: PMC10480191 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40855-0] [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: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The reaction of CO2 with H2O to form bicarbonate (HCO3-) and H+ controls sperm motility and fertilization via HCO3--stimulated cAMP synthesis. A complex network of signaling proteins participates in this reaction. Here, we identify key players that regulate intracellular pH (pHi) and HCO3- in human sperm by quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) and kinetic patch-clamp fluorometry. The resting pHi is set by amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange. The sperm-specific putative Na+/H+ exchanger SLC9C1, unlike its sea urchin homologue, is not gated by voltage or cAMP. Transporters and channels implied in HCO3- transport are not detected, and may be present at copy numbers < 10 molecules/sperm cell. Instead, HCO3- is produced by diffusion of CO2 into cells and readjustment of the CO2/HCO3-/H+ equilibrium. The proton channel Hv1 may serve as a unidirectional valve that blunts the acidification ensuing from HCO3- synthesis. This work provides a new framework for the study of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Grahn
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Svenja V Kaufmann
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Malika Askarova
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Momchil Ninov
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luisa M Welp
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas K Berger
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Deutschhausstrasse 1-2, 35037, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence, Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - U Benjamin Kaupp
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany.
- Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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23
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Mariani NAP, Silva JV, Fardilha M, Silva EJR. Advances in non-hormonal male contraception targeting sperm motility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:545-569. [PMID: 37141450 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad008] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high rates of unintended pregnancy and the ever-growing world population impose health, economic, social, and environmental threats to countries. Expanding contraceptive options, including male methods, are urgently needed to tackle these global challenges. Male contraception is limited to condoms and vasectomy, which are unsuitable for many couples. Thus, novel male contraceptive methods may reduce unintended pregnancies, meet the contraceptive needs of couples, and foster gender equality in carrying the contraceptive burden. In this regard, the spermatozoon emerges as a source of druggable targets for on-demand, non-hormonal male contraception based on disrupting sperm motility or fertilization. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A better understanding of the molecules governing sperm motility can lead to innovative approaches toward safe and effective male contraceptives. This review discusses cutting-edge knowledge on sperm-specific targets for male contraception, focusing on those with crucial roles in sperm motility. We also highlight challenges and opportunities in male contraceptive drug development targeting spermatozoa. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the following keywords: 'spermatozoa', 'sperm motility', 'male contraception', and 'drug targets' in combination with other related terms to the field. Publications until January 2023 written in English were considered. OUTCOMES Efforts for developing non-hormonal strategies for male contraception resulted in the identification of candidates specifically expressed or enriched in spermatozoa, including enzymes (PP1γ2, GAPDHS, and sAC), ion channels (CatSper and KSper), transmembrane transporters (sNHE, SLC26A8, and ATP1A4), and surface proteins (EPPIN). These targets are usually located in the sperm flagellum. Their indispensable roles in sperm motility and male fertility were confirmed by genetic or immunological approaches using animal models and gene mutations associated with male infertility due to sperm defects in humans. Their druggability was demonstrated by the identification of drug-like small organic ligands displaying spermiostatic activity in preclinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A wide range of sperm-associated proteins has arisen as key regulators of sperm motility, providing compelling druggable candidates for male contraception. Nevertheless, no pharmacological agent has reached clinical developmental stages. One reason is the slow progress in translating the preclinical and drug discovery findings into a drug-like candidate adequate for clinical development. Thus, intense collaboration among academia, private sectors, governments, and regulatory agencies will be crucial to combine expertise for the development of male contraceptives targeting sperm function by (i) improving target structural characterization and the design of highly selective ligands, (ii) conducting long-term preclinical safety, efficacy, and reversibility evaluation, and (iii) establishing rigorous guidelines and endpoints for clinical trials and regulatory evaluation, thus allowing their testing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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24
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Hwang JY, Chai P, Nawaz S, Choi J, Lopez-Giraldez F, Hussain S, Bilguvar K, Mane S, Lifton RP, Ahmad W, Zhang K, Chung JJ. LRRC23 truncation impairs radial spoke 3 head assembly and sperm motility underlying male infertility. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.25.530050. [PMID: 36865175 PMCID: PMC9980178 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.25.530050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Radial spokes (RS) are T-shaped multiprotein complexes on the axonemal microtubules. Repeated RS1, RS2, and RS3 couple the central pair to modulate ciliary and flagellar motility. Despite the cell type specificity of RS3 substructures, their molecular components remain largely unknown. Here, we report that a leucine-rich repeat-containing protein, LRRC23, is an RS3 head component essential for its head assembly and flagellar motility in mammalian spermatozoa. From infertile male patients with defective sperm motility, we identified a splice site variant of LRRC23. A mutant mouse model mimicking this variant produces a truncated LRRC23 at the C-terminus that fails to localize to the sperm tail, causing male infertility due to defective sperm motility. LRRC23 was previously proposed to be an ortholog of the RS stalk protein RSP15. However, we found that purified recombinant LRRC23 interacts with an RS head protein RSPH9, which is abolished by the C-terminal truncation. Evolutionary and structural comparison also shows that LRRC34, not LRRC23, is the RSP15 ortholog. Cryo-electron tomography clearly revealed that the absence of the RS3 head and the sperm-specific RS2-RS3 bridge structure in LRRC23 mutant spermatozoa. Our study provides new insights into the structure and function of RS3 in mammalian spermatozoa and the molecular pathogenicity of LRRC23 underlying reduced sperm motility in infertile human males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
- Present address, Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan, South Korea, 43241
| | - Pengxin Chai
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
| | - Shoaib Nawaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Present address, Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar, 26999
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea, 02841
| | | | - Shabir Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Present address, Clinical and Molecular Metabolism Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, 00250
| | - Kaya Bilguvar
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale University, West Haven, CT, 06516
| | - Shrikant Mane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea, 02841
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale University, West Haven, CT, 06516
| | - Richard P. Lifton
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
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25
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Gardner CC, Abele JA, Winkler TJ, Reckers CN, Anas SA, James PF. Common as well as unique methylation-sensitive DNA regulatory elements in three mammalian SLC9C1 genes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555319. [PMID: 37693488 PMCID: PMC10491193 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The SLC9C1 gene (which encodes the NHE10 protein) is essential for male fertility in both mice and humans, however the epigenetic mechanisms regulating its testis/sperm-specific gene expression have yet to be studied. Here we identify and characterize DNA regulatory elements of the SLC9C1 gene across three mammalian species: mouse, rat, and human. First, in silico analysis of these mammalian SLC9C1 genes identified a CpG island located upstream of the transcription start site in the same relative position in all three genes. Further analysis reveals that this CpG island behaves differently, with respect to gene regulatory activity, in the mouse SLC9C1 gene than it does in the rat and human SLC9C1 gene. The mouse SLC9C1 CpG island displays strong promoter activity by itself and seems to have a stronger gene regulatory effect than either the rat or human SLC9C1 CpG islands. While the function of the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island may be divergent across the three studied species, it appears that the promoters of these three mammalian SLC9C1 genes share similar DNA methylation-sensitive regulatory mechanisms. All three SLC9C1 promoter regions are differentially methylated in lung and testis, being more hypermethylated in lung relative to the testis, and DNA sequence alignments provide strong evidence of primary sequence conservation. Luciferase assays reveal that in vitro methylation of constructs containing different elements of the three SLC9C1 genes largely exhibit methylation-sensitive promoter activity (reduced promoter activity when methylated) in both HEK 293 and GC-1spg cells. In total, our data suggest that the DNA methylation-sensitive elements of the mouse, rat, and human SLC9C1 promoters are largely conserved, while the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island common to all three species seems to perform a different function in mouse than it does in rat and human. This work provides evidence that while homologous genes can all be regulated by DNA methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanisms, the location of the specific cis-regulatory elements responsible for this regulation can differ across species.
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26
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Andretta RR, de Castro LS, de Carvalho RC, Moura JACD, Fraietta R, Okada FK, Bertolla RP. Understanding the impact of varicocele on sperm capacitation. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:229-238. [PMID: 37169221 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between the seminal sample quality of men with varicocele and sperm capacitation. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING Academic hospital. PATIENT(S) Seventy-six men (19 control and 57 with varicocele) were analyzed. INTERVENTION(S) Semen samples were submitted to a discontinuous density gradient for sperm selection. Sperm capacitation was induced using a human tubal fluid medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) After capacitation induction, the sperm were assessed by capacitation state, computer-assisted sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, acrosome reaction, and intracellular oxidative stress. RESULT(S) The capacitation period increased sperm motility, showing an increase in the average path velocity and a decrease in the straightness compared with sperm before capacitation (paired analysis). After capacitation, the rate of capacitated sperm, motility, and mitochondrial activity showed differences between groups (control and varicocele). The varicocele group showed lower mitochondrial activity and capacitation than the control group. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in the other variables evaluated. CONCLUSION(S) Varicocele men showed less viable sperm and mitochondrial activity than control men after capacitation sperm. The induction of capacitation altered motility by increasing path velocity and decreasing straightness in all of the studied groups, evidencing the occurrence of hyperactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhayza Roberta Andretta
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia Signori de Castro
- Laboratory of Spermatozoa Biology, Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Cristina de Carvalho
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Renato Fraietta
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fatima Kazue Okada
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Human Reproduction Section, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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27
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Wehrli L, Galdadas I, Voirol L, Smieško M, Cambet Y, Jaquet V, Guerrier S, Gervasio FL, Nef S, Rahban R. The action of physiological and synthetic steroids on the calcium channel CatSper in human sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1221578. [PMID: 37547474 PMCID: PMC10397409 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1221578] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm-specific channel CatSper (cation channel of sperm) controls the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and plays an essential role in sperm function. It is mainly activated by the steroid progesterone (P4) but is also promiscuously activated by a wide range of synthetic and physiological compounds. These compounds include diverse steroids whose action on the channel is so far still controversial. To investigate the effect of these compounds on CatSper and sperm function, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to measure changes in [Ca2+]i in human sperm and screened 1,280 approved and off-patent drugs including 90 steroids from the Prestwick chemical library. More than half of the steroids tested (53%) induced an increase in [Ca2+]i and reduced the P4-induced Ca2+ influx in human sperm in a dose-dependent manner. Ten of the most potent steroids (activating and P4-inhibiting) were selected for a detailed analysis of their action on CatSper and their ability to act on sperm acrosome reaction (AR) and penetration in viscous media. We found that these steroids show an inhibitory effect on P4 but not on prostaglandin E1-induced CatSper activation, suggesting that they compete for the same binding site as P4. Pregnenolone, dydrogesterone, epiandrosterone, nandrolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (DHEA) were found to activate CatSper at physiologically relevant concentrations within the nanomolar range. Like P4, most tested steroids did not significantly affect the AR while stanozolol and estropipate slightly increased sperm penetration into viscous medium. Furthermore, using a hybrid approach integrating pharmacophore analysis and statistical modelling, we were able to screen in silico for steroids that can activate the channel and define the physicochemical and structural properties required for a steroid to exhibit agonist activity against CatSper. Overall, our results indicate that not only physiological but also synthetic steroids can modulate the activity of CatSper with varying potency and if bound to CatSper prior to P4, could impair the timely CatSper activation necessary for proper fertilization to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Wehrli
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Galdadas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lionel Voirol
- Research Center for Statistics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin Smieško
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yves Cambet
- Readers, Assay Development and Screening Unit (READS Unit), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Jaquet
- Readers, Assay Development and Screening Unit (READS Unit), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Guerrier
- Research Center for Statistics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Luigi Gervasio
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rita Rahban
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
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28
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Cong S, Zhang J, Pan F, Pan L, Zhang A, Ma J. Research progress on ion channels and their molecular regulatory mechanisms in the human sperm flagellum. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23052. [PMID: 37352114 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300756r] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The ion channels in sperm tail play an important role in triggering key physiological reactions, e.g., progressive motility, hyperactivation, required for successful fertilization. Among them, CatSper and KSper have been shown to be important ion channels for the transport of Ca2+ and K+ . Moreover, the voltage-gated proton channel Hv1, the sperm-specific sodium-hydrogen exchanger (sNHE), the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), members of the temperature-sensitive TRP channel family, and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) are also found in the flagellum. This review focuses on the latest advances in ion channels located at the flagellum, describes how they affect sperm physiological function, and summarizes some primary mutual regulation mechanism between ion channels, including PH, membrane potential, and cAMP. These ion channels may be promising targets for clinical application in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Cong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Feng Pan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Lianjun Pan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Aixia Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jiehua Ma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
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29
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Wang X, Lin DH, Yan Y, Wang AH, Liao J, Meng Q, Yang WQ, Zuo H, Hua MM, Zhang F, Zhu H, Zhou H, Huang TY, He R, Li G, Tan YQ, Shi HJ, Gou LT, Li D, Wu L, Zheng Y, Fu XD, Li J, Liu R, Li GH, Liu MF. The PIWI-specific insertion module helps load longer piRNAs for translational activation essential for male fertility. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023:10.1007/s11427-023-2390-5. [PMID: 37335463 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PIWI-clade proteins harness piRNAs of 24-33 nt in length. Of great puzzles are how PIWI-clade proteins incorporate piRNAs of different sizes and whether the size matters to PIWI/piRNA function. Here we report that a PIWI-Ins module unique in PIWI-clade proteins helps define the length of piRNAs. Deletion of PIWI-Ins in Miwi shifts MIWI to load with shorter piRNAs and causes spermiogenic failure in mice, demonstrating the functional importance of this regulatory module. Mechanistically, we show that longer piRNAs provide additional complementarity to target mRNAs, thereby enhancing the assembly of the MIWI/eIF3f/HuR super-complex for translational activation. Importantly, we identify a c.1108C>T (p.R370W) mutation of HIWI (human PIWIL1) in infertile men and demonstrate in Miwi knock-in mice that this genetic mutation impairs male fertility by altering the property of PIWI-Ins in selecting longer piRNAs. These findings reveal a critical role of PIWI-Ins-ensured longer piRNAs in fine-tuning MIWI/piRNA targeting capacity, proven essential for spermatid development and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Di-Hang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yue Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - An-Hui Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jiaoyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qian Meng
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wen-Qing Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Heng Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Min-Min Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fengjuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tian-Yu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Rui He
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Guangyong Li
- Department of Urology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, College of Basic of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, China
| | - Hui-Juan Shi
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lan-Tao Gou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Dangsheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ligang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yonggang Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xiang-Dong Fu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Rujuan Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Guo-Hui Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Design, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Mo-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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30
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Hwang JY, Chung JJ. CatSper Calcium Channels: 20 Years On. Physiology (Bethesda) 2023; 38:0. [PMID: 36512352 PMCID: PMC10085559 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00028.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The flagellar-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper is the predominant Ca2+ entry site in mammalian sperm. CatSper-mediated Ca2+ signaling affects nearly every event that regulates sperm to acquire fertilizing capability. In this review, we summarize some of the main findings from 20 years of CatSper research and highlight recent progress and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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31
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Dembech E, Malatesta M, De Rito C, Mori G, Cavazzini D, Secchi A, Morandin F, Percudani R. Identification of hidden associations among eukaryotic genes through statistical analysis of coevolutionary transitions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2218329120. [PMID: 37043529 PMCID: PMC10120013 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2218329120] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Coevolution at the gene level, as reflected by correlated events of gene loss or gain, can be revealed by phylogenetic profile analysis. The optimal method and metric for comparing phylogenetic profiles, especially in eukaryotic genomes, are not yet established. Here, we describe a procedure suitable for large-scale analysis, which can reveal coevolution based on the assessment of the statistical significance of correlated presence/absence transitions between gene pairs. This metric can identify coevolution in profiles with low overall similarities and is not affected by similarities lacking coevolutionary information. We applied the procedure to a large collection of 60,912 orthologous gene groups (orthogroups) in 1,264 eukaryotic genomes extracted from OrthoDB. We found significant cotransition scores for 7,825 orthogroups associated in 2,401 coevolving modules linking known and unknown genes in protein complexes and biological pathways. To demonstrate the ability of the method to predict hidden gene associations, we validated through experiments the involvement of vertebrate malate synthase-like genes in the conversion of (S)-ureidoglycolate into glyoxylate and urea, the last step of purine catabolism. This identification explains the presence of glyoxylate cycle genes in metazoa and suggests an anaplerotic role of purine degradation in early eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dembech
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Marco Malatesta
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Carlo De Rito
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Giulia Mori
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Davide Cavazzini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Andrea Secchi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Francesco Morandin
- Department of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Riccardo Percudani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
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32
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Pinto FM, Odriozola A, Candenas L, Subirán N. The Role of Sperm Membrane Potential and Ion Channels in Regulating Sperm Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6995. [PMID: 37108159 PMCID: PMC10138380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086995] [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: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last seventy years, studies on mammalian sperm cells have demonstrated the essential role of capacitation, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction in the acquisition of fertilization ability. These studies revealed the important biochemical and physiological changes that sperm undergo in their travel throughout the female genital tract, including changes in membrane fluidity, the activation of soluble adenylate cyclase, increases in intracellular pH and Ca2+ and the development of motility. Sperm are highly polarized cells, with a resting membrane potential of about -40 mV, which must rapidly adapt to the ionic changes occurring through the sperm membrane. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the relationship between variations in the sperm potential membrane, including depolarization and hyperpolarization, and their correlation with changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction, a calcium-dependent exocytosis process. We also review the functionality of different ion channels that are present in spermatozoa in order to understand their association with human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M. Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Ainize Odriozola
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Nerea Subirán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
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33
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Huang X, Miyata H, Wang H, Mori G, Iida-Norita R, Ikawa M, Percudani R, Chung JJ. A CUG-initiated CATSPERθ functions in the CatSper channel assembly and serves as a checkpoint for flagellar trafficking. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.532952. [PMID: 36993167 PMCID: PMC10055175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.532952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Calcium signaling is critical for successful fertilization. In spermatozoa, calcium influx into the sperm flagella mediated by the sperm specific CatSper calcium channel is necessary for hyperactivated motility and male fertility. CatSper is a macromolecular complex and is repeatedly arranged in zigzag rows within four linear nanodomains along the sperm flagella. Here, we report that the Tmem249 -encoded transmembrane domain containing protein, CATSPERθ, is essential for the CatSper channel assembly during sperm tail formation. CATSPERθ facilitates the channel assembly by serving as a scaffold for a pore forming subunit CATSPER4. CATSPERθ is specifically localized at the interface of a CatSper dimer and can self-interact, suggesting its potential role in CatSper dimer formation. Male mice lacking CATSPERθ are infertile because the sperm lack the entire CatSper channel from sperm flagella, rendering sperm unable to hyperactivate, regardless of their normal expression in the testis. In contrast, genetic abrogation of any of the other CatSper transmembrane subunits results in loss of CATSPERθ protein in the spermatid cells during spermatogenesis. CATSPERθ might acts as a checkpoint for the properly assembled CatSper channel complex to traffic to sperm flagella. This study provides insights into the CatSper channel assembly and elucidates the physiological role of CATSPERθ in sperm motility and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Giulia Mori
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Rie Iida-Norita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Riccardo Percudani
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
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34
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Abd El-Emam MM, Ray MN, Ozono M, Kogure K. Heat stress disrupts spermatogenesis via modulation of sperm-specific calcium channels in rats. J Therm Biol 2023; 112:103465. [PMID: 36796910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103465] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Heat is a detrimental environmental stressor that disrupts spermatogenesis and results in male infertility. Previous investigations have shown that heat stress reduces the motility, number, and fertilization ability of living spermatozoa. Sperm hyperactivation, capacitation, acrosomal reaction, and chemotaxis towards the ova are regulated by the cation channel of sperm (CatSper). This sperm-specific ion channel triggers the influx of calcium ions into sperm cells. The aim of this study in rats was to investigate whether heat treatment affected the expression levels of CatSper-1 and -2, together with the sperm parameters, testicular histology and weight. The rats were exposed to heat stress for 6 days and the cauda epididymis and testis were collected 1, 14, and 35 days after heat treatment to measure sperm parameters, gene and protein expression, testicular weight, and histology. Interestingly, we found that heat treatment caused a notable downregulation of CatSper-1 and -2 expression at all three time points. In addition, there were significant reductions in sperm motility and number and an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm at 1 and 14 days, with cessation of sperm production at 35 days. Furthermore, expression of the steroidogenesis regulator, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) was upregulated in the 1-, 14- and 35-day samples. Heat treatment also upregulated the expression of the apoptosis regulator, BCL2-associated X protein (BAX), decreased testicular weight, and altered testicular histology. Therefore, our data showed for the first time that heat stress downregulated CatSper-1 and -2 in the rat testis, and that this may be a mechanism involved in heat stress-induced impairment of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahran Mohamed Abd El-Emam
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Shomachi, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, El-Shohada, Moawwad, Qesm Awel AZ, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Manobendro Nath Ray
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Shomachi, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Mizune Ozono
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Shomachi, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kogure
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-78-1 Shomachi, Tokushima, 770-8505, Japan.
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35
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Spawning-Induced pH Increase Activates Sperm Attraction and Fertilization Abilities in Eggs of the Ascidian, Phallusia philippinensis and Ciona intestinalis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032666. [PMID: 36768985 PMCID: PMC9917126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032666] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In Phlebobranchiata ascidians, oocytes and spermatozoa are stored in the oviduct and spermiduct, respectively, until spawning occurs. Gametes in the gonoducts are mature and fertilizable; however, it was found that the gametes of the ascidians Phallusia philippinensis and Ciona intestinalis could not undergo fertilization in the gonoductal fluids. The body fluids of the ascidians, especially in the gonoducts, were much more acidic (pH 5.5-6.8) than seawater (pH 8.2), and the fertilization rate was low under such acidic conditions. Hence, we examined the effect of pH on gametes. Pre-incubation of gonoductal eggs at pH 8.2 prior to insemination increased fertilization rates, even when insemination was performed under low pH conditions. Furthermore, an increase in ambient pH induced an increase in the intracellular pH of the eggs. It was also found that an increase in ambient pH triggered the release of sperm attractants from the egg and is therefore necessary for sperm chemotaxis. Hence, acidic conditions in the gonoductal fluids keep the gametes, especially eggs, infertile, and the release of eggs into seawater upon spawning induces an increase in ambient pH, which enables egg fertilization.
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Luque GM, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, Jabloñski M, Balestrini PA, Novero AG, Torres NI, Osycka-Salut CE, Darszon A, Krapf D, Buffone MG. High-throughput screening method for discovering CatSper inhibitors using membrane depolarization caused by external calcium chelation and fluorescent cell barcoding. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1010306. [PMID: 36743410 PMCID: PMC9892719 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1010306] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The exclusive expression of CatSper in sperm and its critical role in sperm function makes this channel an attractive target for contraception. The strategy of blocking CatSper as a male, non-hormonal contraceptive has not been fully explored due to the lack of robust screening methods to discover novel and specific inhibitors. The reason for this lack of appropriate methodology is the structural and functional complexity of this channel. We have developed a high-throughput method to screen drugs with the capacity to block CatSper in mammalian sperm. The assay is based on removing external free divalent cations by chelation, inducing CatSper to efficiently conduct monovalent cations. Since Na+ is highly concentrated in the extracellular milieu, a sudden influx depolarizes the cell. Using CatSper1 KO sperm we demonstrated that this depolarization depends on CatSper function. A membrane potential (Em) assay was combined with fluorescent cell barcoding (FCB), enabling higher throughput flow cytometry based on unique fluorescent signatures of different sperm samples. These differentially labeled samples incubated in distinct experimental conditions can be combined into one tube for simultaneous acquisition. In this way, acquisition times are highly reduced, which is essential to perform larger screening experiments for drug discovery using live cells. Altogether, a simple strategy for assessing CatSper was validated, and this assay was used to develop a high-throughput drug screening for new CatSper blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina M. Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina,*Correspondence: Guillermina M. Luque, ; Mariano G. Buffone,
| | | | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A. Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia G. Novero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nicolás I. Torres
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia E. Osycka-Salut
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina,*Correspondence: Guillermina M. Luque, ; Mariano G. Buffone,
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Alkaline Dilution Alters Sperm Motility in Dairy Goat by Affecting sAC/cAMP/PKA Pathway Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021771. [PMID: 36675287 PMCID: PMC9863640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021771] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In dairy goat farming, increasing the female kid rate is beneficial to milk production and is, therefore, economically beneficial to farms. Our previous study demonstrated that alkaline incubation enriched the concentration of X-chromosome-bearing sperm; however, the mechanism by which pH affects the motility of X-chromosome-bearing sperm remains unclear. In this study, we explored this mechanism by incubating dairy goat sperm in alkaline dilutions, examining the pattern of changes in sperm internal pH and Ca2+ concentrations and investigating the role of the sAC/cAMP/PKA pathway in influencing sperm motility. The results showed that adding a calcium channel inhibitor during incubation resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in the proportion of spermatozoa with forward motility, and the sperm sAC protein activity was positively correlated with the calcium ion concentration (r = 0.9972). The total motility activity, proportion of forward motility, and proportion of X-chromosome-bearing sperm decreased (p < 0.05) when cAMP/PKA protease activity was inhibited. Meanwhile, the enrichment of X-chromosome-bearing sperm by pH did not affect the sperm capacitation state. These results indicate that alkaline dilution incubation reduces Ca2+ entry into X-sperm and the motility was slowed down through the sAC/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, providing a theoretical foundation for further optimization of the sex control method.
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Kaneda Y, Miyata H, Shimada K, Oura S, Ikawa M. Testis-specific proteins, TSNAXIP1 and 1700010I14RIK, are important for sperm motility and male fertility in mice. Andrology 2023. [PMID: 36598146 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13378] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TSN (translin), also called testis brain RNA-binding protein, binds to TSNAX (translin-associated factor X) and is suggested to play diverse roles, such as RNA metabolism and DNA damage response. TSNAXIP1 (Translin-associated factor X-interacting protein 1) was identified as a TSNAX-interacting protein using a yeast two-hybrid system, but its function in vivo was unknown. OBJECTIVE To reveal the function of TSNAXIP1 in vivo in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS We generated Tsnaxip1 knockout mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and analyzed their fertility and sperm motility. Further, we generated 1700010I14Rik knockout mice, because 1700010I14RIK is also predominantly expressed in testes and contains the same Pfam (protein families) domain as TSNAXIP1. RESULTS Reduced male fertility and impaired sperm motility with asymmetric flagellar waveforms were observed in not only Tsnaxip1 but also 1700010I14Rik knockout mice. Unlike Tsn knockout mice, no abnormalities were found in testicular sections of either Tsnaxip1 or 1700010I14Rik knockout mice. Furthermore, TSNAXIP1 was detected in the sperm tail and fractionated with axonemal proteins. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Unlike the TSN-TSNAX complex, whose disruption causes abnormal vacuoles in mouse testes, TSNAXIP1 and 1700010I14RIK may play roles in regulating sperm flagellar beating patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kaneda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keisuke Shimada
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Seiya Oura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Yunaini L, Erlina L, Fadilah F, Pujianto DA. In silico docking analysis of beta-defensin 20 against cation channel sperm-associated protein 1-4 to predict its role in the sperm maturation. Asian J Androl 2023; 25:528-532. [PMID: 36571327 PMCID: PMC10411257 DOI: 10.4103/aja2022103] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-defensin 20 (DEFB20) is widely expressed in the epididymis with gene features involved in epididymal sperm maturation. However, the action mechanism and function of DEFB20 in sperm maturation are still unclear. One of the important roles of beta-defensin is the ion channel activity. The cation channel sperm-associated protein (CatSper) alpha is an ion channel protein found on the sperm surface. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between DEFB20 and CatSper1-4 protein in relation to the sperm maturation process. Protein sequences were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Protein modeling and validation were carried out by using the Robetta modeling server and the Ramachandran plot method. Rosetta web server was used for the docking analysis. The results revealed a natural interaction between DEFB20 and CatSper1-4. The interaction occurred at the cation channel (close to the casein kinase II), ion transport protein, and kinase c phosphorylation of the CatSper1-4 active site. The DEFB20 region interacting with CatSper2-4 was the beta-defensin domain, while with CatSper1 was the non-beta-defensin domain. Based on the analysis, DEFB20 may interact with CatSper α subunits, particularly CatsSper1, to affect ion channel activity during sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luluk Yunaini
- Doctoral Program for Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Linda Erlina
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Fadilah Fadilah
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
- Bioinformatics Core Facilities, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Ari Pujianto
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
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Prajapati P, Kane S, McBrinn RC, Dean MS, Martins da Silva SJ, Brown SG. Elevated and Sustained Intracellular Calcium Signalling Is Necessary for Efficacious Induction of the Human Sperm Acrosome Reaction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911253. [PMID: 36232560 PMCID: PMC9570455 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone and prostaglandin E1 are postulated to trigger the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR). However, their reported efficacy is very variable which likely, in part, reflects the plethora of experimental conditions and methodologies used to detect this physiologically relevant event. The purpose of this study was to develop an assay for the robust induction and objective measurement of the complete AR. Sperm from healthy volunteers or patients undertaking IVF were treated with a variety of ligands (progesterone, prostaglandin E1 or NH4Cl, alone or in combinations). AR, motility and intracellular calcium measurements were measured using flow cytometry, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fluorimetry, respectively. The AR was significantly increased by the simultaneous application of progesterone, prostaglandin E1 and NH4Cl, following an elevated and sustained intracellular calcium concentration. However, we observed notable inter- and intra-donor sample heterogeneity of the AR induction. When studying the patient samples, we found no relationship between the IVF fertilization rate and the AR. We conclude that progesterone and prostaglandin E1 alone do not significantly increase the percentage of live acrosome-reacted sperm. This assay has utility for drug discovery and sperm toxicology studies but is not predictive for IVF success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Prajapati
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Shruti Kane
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
| | | | - Morven S. Dean
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Sarah J. Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Sean G. Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
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Peña FJ, O'Flaherty C, Ortiz Rodríguez JM, Martín Cano FE, Gaitskell-Phillips G, Gil MC, Ortega Ferrusola C. The Stallion Spermatozoa: A Valuable Model to Help Understand the Interplay Between Metabolism and Redox (De)regulation in Sperm Cells. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:521-537. [PMID: 35180830 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Proper functionality of the spermatozoa depends on the tight regulation of their redox status; at the same time these cells are highly energy demanding and in the energetic metabolism, principally in the electron transport chain in the mitochondria, reactive oxygen species are continuously produced, in addition to that observed in the Krebs cycle and during the β-oxidation of fatty acids. Recent Advances: In addition, in glycolysis, elimination of phosphate groups from glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate results in the byproducts glyoxal (G) and methylglyoxal (MG); these products are 2-oxoaldehydes. The presence of adjacent carbonyl groups makes them strong electrophiles that react with nucleophiles in proteins, lipids, and DNA, forming advanced glycation end products. Critical Issues: This mechanism is behind subfertility in diabetic patients; in the animal breeding industry, commercial extenders for stallion semen contain a supraphysiological concentration of glucose that promotes MG production, constituting a potential model of interest. Future Directions: Increasing our knowledge of sperm metabolism and its interactions with redox regulation may improve current sperm technologies in use, and shall provide new clues to understanding infertility in males. Moreover, stallion spermatozoa due to its accessibility, intense metabolism, and suitability for proteomics/metabolomic studies may constitute a suitable model for studying regulation of metabolism and interactions between metabolism and redox homeostasis. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 521-537.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristian O'Flaherty
- Urology Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - José M Ortiz Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco E Martín Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María C Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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42
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lncRNA 1700101O22Rik and NONMMUG030480.1 Are Not Essential for Spermatogenesis in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158627. [PMID: 35955762 PMCID: PMC9369125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many testis-specific lncRNAs are highly expressed in late spermatogenesis, especially in spermiogenesis. However, their functions and the underlying mechanisms in male fertility are largely unknown. Here, we screened two highly expressed lncRNAs, 1700101O22Rik (O22Rik) and NONMMUG030480.1 (NM480) in testes, to investigate the roles in spermatogenesis using lncRNA knockout (KO) mouse generated by CRISPER/Cas9 technology. Both testis-specific lncRNAs were mainly expressed from secondary spermatocytes to round spermatids, suggesting that they might be involved in spermiogenesis. Phenotypic analysis showed that the deletion of O22Rik or NM480 did not affect the development of testis and epididymis or spermatogenesis. These results were confirmed in both young and middle-aged male mice. In addition, there was no significant difference in sperm morphology and other parameters including concentration and motility between wild type (WT) and KO mice. Fertility tests showed that litter size was significantly lower in O22Rik KO mice compared with WT controls. Although O22Rik did not exert dramatic roles in spermatogenesis, on molecular levels, its surrounding gene expression was disturbed significantly. Gm32773 was decreased; however, Gm32828 was increased in KO mice. In conclusion, lncRNA O22Rik and NM480 are not individually essential for spermatogenesis in mice.
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43
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Dou Q, Turanov AA, Mariotti M, Hwang JY, Wang H, Lee SG, Paulo JA, Yim SH, Gygi SP, Chung JJ, Gladyshev VN. Selenoprotein TXNRD3 supports male fertility via the redox regulation of spermatogenesis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102183. [PMID: 35753352 PMCID: PMC9352919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxin/glutathione reductase (TXNRD3) is a selenoprotein composed of thioredoxin reductase and glutaredoxin domains. This NADPH-dependent thiol oxidoreductase evolved through gene duplication within the Txnrd family, is expressed in the testes, and can reduce both thioredoxin and glutathione in vitro; however, the function of this enzyme remains unknown. To characterize the function of TXNRD3 in vivo, we generated a strain of mice bearing deletion of Txnrd3 gene. We show that these Txnrd3 knockout mice are viable and without discernable gross phenotypes, and also that TXNRD3 deficiency leads to fertility impairment in male mice. We found that Txnrd3 knockout animals exhibited a lower fertilization rate in vitro, a sperm movement phenotype, and an altered thiol redox status in sperm cells. Proteomic analyses further revealed a broad range of substrates reduced by TXNRD3 during sperm maturation, presumably as a part of sperm quality control. Taken together, these results show that TXNRD3 plays a critical role in male reproduction via the thiol redox control of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Dou
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anton A Turanov
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marco Mariotti
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sang-Goo Lee
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sun Hee Yim
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
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44
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Forero-Forero A, López-Ramírez S, Felix R, Hernández-Sánchez J, Tesoro-Cruz E, Orozco-Suárez S, Murbartián J, Soria-Castro E, Olivares A, Bekker-Méndez C, Paredes-Cervantes V, Oviedo N. Down Regulation of Catsper1 Expression by Calmodulin Inhibitor (Calmidazolium): Possible Implications for Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158070. [PMID: 35897646 PMCID: PMC9331981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The CatSper channel localizes exclusively in the flagella of sperm cells. The Catsper1 protein, together with three pore units, is essential for the CatSper Channel formation, which produces flagellum hyperactivation and confers sperm fertility. Catsper1 expression is dependent on Sox transcription factors, which can recognize in vitro at least three Sox binding sites on the promoter. Sox transcription factors have calmodulin-binding domains for nuclear importation. Calmodulin (CaM) is affected by the specific inhibitor calmidazolium (CMZ), which prevents the nuclear transport of Sox factors. In this work, we assess the regulation of the Catsper1 promoter in vivo by Sox factors in the murine testis and evaluate the effects of the inhibitor calmidazolium on the expression of the Casper genes, and the motility and fertility of the sperm. Catsper1 promoter has significant transcriptional activity in vivo; on the contrary, three Sox site mutants in the Catsper1 promoter reduced transcriptional activity in the testis. CaM inhibition affects Sox factor nuclear transport and has notable implications in the expression and production of Catsper1, as well as in the motility and fertility capability of sperm. The molecular mechanism described here might conform to the basis of a male contraceptive strategy acting at the transcriptional level by affecting the production of the CatSper channel, a fundamental piece of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Forero-Forero
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Departamento de Biología Celular, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico; (A.F.-F.); (R.F.)
| | - Stephany López-Ramírez
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital General de Zona Núm. 68, Ecatepec 55400, Mexico;
| | - Ricardo Felix
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Departamento de Biología Celular, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico; (A.F.-F.); (R.F.)
| | - Javier Hernández-Sánchez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico;
| | - Emiliano Tesoro-Cruz
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Ciudad de México 02990, Mexico; (E.T.-C.); (C.B.-M.); (V.P.-C.)
| | - Sandra Orozco-Suárez
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Centro Médico Nacional siglo XXI, Hospital de Especialidades, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Ciudad de México 06720, Mexico;
| | - Janet Murbartián
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Sede sur, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Ciudad de México 14330, Mexico;
| | - Elizabeth Soria-Castro
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chavéz”, Departamento de Biomedicina Cardiovascular, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico;
| | - Aleida Olivares
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia No. 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Medicina Reproductiva, Ciudad de México 01090, Mexico;
| | - Carolina Bekker-Méndez
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Ciudad de México 02990, Mexico; (E.T.-C.); (C.B.-M.); (V.P.-C.)
| | - Vladimir Paredes-Cervantes
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Ciudad de México 02990, Mexico; (E.T.-C.); (C.B.-M.); (V.P.-C.)
| | - Norma Oviedo
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Ciudad de México 02990, Mexico; (E.T.-C.); (C.B.-M.); (V.P.-C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-5557821088 (ext. 24315)
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45
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A receptor-channel trio conducts Ca 2+ signalling for pollen tube reception. Nature 2022; 607:534-539. [PMID: 35794475 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04923-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Precise signalling between pollen tubes and synergid cells in the ovule initiates fertilization in flowering plants1. Contact of the pollen tube with the ovule triggers calcium spiking in the synergids2,3 that induces pollen tube rupture and sperm release. This process, termed pollen tube reception, entails the action of three synergid-expressed proteins in Arabidopsis: FERONIA (FER), a receptor-like kinase; LORELEI (LRE), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein; and NORTIA (NTA), a transmembrane protein of unknown function4-6. Genetic analyses have placed these three proteins in the same pathway; however, it remains unknown how they work together to enable synergid-pollen tube communication. Here we identify two pollen-tube-derived small peptides7 that belong to the rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) family8 as ligands for the FER-LRE co-receptor, which in turn recruits NTA to the plasma membrane. NTA functions as a calmodulin-gated calcium channel required for calcium spiking in the synergid. We also reconstitute the biochemical pathway in which FER-LRE perceives pollen-tube-derived peptides to activate the NTA calcium channel and initiate calcium spiking, a second messenger for pollen tube reception. The FER-LRE-NTA trio therefore forms a previously unanticipated receptor-channel complex in the female cell to recognize male signals and trigger the fertilization process.
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Gao DD, Lan CF, Cao XN, Chen L, Lei TL, Peng L, Xu JW, Qiu ZE, Wang LL, Sun Q, Huang ZY, Zhu YX, Zhou WL, Zhang YL. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor promotes acrosome reaction via regulation of Ca2+ signaling in mouse sperm. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1026-1034. [PMID: 35774023 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), a seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor, mediates the rapid pre-genomic signaling actions of estrogen and derivatives thereof. The expression of GPER is extensive in mammal male reproductive system. However, the functional role of GPER in mouse sperm has not yet been well recognized. This study revealed that GPER was expressed at the acrosome and the mid-flagellum of the mouse sperm. The endogenous GPER ligand 17β-estradiol and the selective GPER agonist G1 increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in mouse sperm, which could be abolished by G15, an antagonist of GPER. In addition, the G1-stimulated Ca2+ response was attenuated by interference with the phospholipase C (PLC) signaling pathways or by blocking the cation sperm channel (CatSper). Chlortetracycline staining assay showed that the activation of GPER increased the incidence of acrosome-reacted sperm. Conclusively, GPER was located at the acrosome and mid-flagellum of the mouse sperm. Activation of GPER triggered the elevation of [Ca2+]i through PLC-dependent Ca2+ mobilization and CatSper-mediated Ca2+ influx, which promoted the acrosome reaction in mouse sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Dong Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chong-Feng Lan
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Nian Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tian-Lun Lei
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lei Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Wen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo-Er Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Long-Long Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Qing Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Yang Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Xin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Liang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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3D structure and in situ arrangements of CatSper channel in the sperm flagellum. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3439. [PMID: 35715406 PMCID: PMC9205950 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm calcium channel CatSper plays a central role in successful fertilization as a primary Ca2+ gateway. Here, we applied cryo-electron tomography to visualize the higher-order organization of the native CatSper complex in intact mammalian sperm. The repeating CatSper units form long zigzag-rows along mouse and human sperm flagella. Above each tetrameric channel pore, most of the extracellular domains form a canopy that interconnects to a zigzag-shaped roof. Murine CatSper contains an additional wing-structure connected to the tetrameric channel. The intracellular domains link two neighboring channels to a diagonal array, suggesting a dimer formation. Fitting of an atomic model of isolated monomeric CatSper to the in situ map reveals supramolecular interactions and assembly of the CatSper complex. Loss of EFCAB9-CATSPERζ alters the architecture and interactions of the channels, resulting in fragmentation and misalignment of the zigzag-rows and disruption of flagellar movement in Efcab9−/− sperm. This work offers unique insights into the structural basis for understanding CatSper regulation of sperm motility. Sperm motility and male fertility requires function of the CatSper calcium channels. Here, using cryo-electron tomography, authors visualize the native in-cell 3D structure and higher-order organization of the CatSper as long zigzag rows along the sperm tail.
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M, Bonet S, Pinart E. A Review on the Role of Bicarbonate and Proton Transporters during Sperm Capacitation in Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116333. [PMID: 35683013 PMCID: PMC9180951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkalinization of sperm cytosol is essential for plasma membrane hyperpolarization, hyperactivation of motility, and acrosomal exocytosis during sperm capacitation in mammals. The plasma membrane of sperm cells contains different ion channels implicated in the increase of internal pH (pHi) by favoring either bicarbonate entrance or proton efflux. Bicarbonate transporters belong to the solute carrier families 4 (SLC4) and 26 (SLC26) and are currently grouped into Na+/HCO3− transporters and Cl−/HCO3− exchangers. Na+/HCO3− transporters are reported to be essential for the initial and fast entrance of HCO3− that triggers sperm capacitation, whereas Cl−/HCO3− exchangers are responsible for the sustained HCO3− entrance which orchestrates the sequence of changes associated with sperm capacitation. Proton efflux is required for the fast alkalinization of capacitated sperm cells and the activation of pH-dependent proteins; according to the species, this transport can be mediated by Na+/H+ exchangers (NHE) belonging to the SLC9 family and/or voltage-gated proton channels (HVCN1). Herein, we discuss the involvement of each of these channels in sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (M.Y.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-972-419-514
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Wang H, Dou Q, Jeong KJ, Choi J, Gladyshev VN, Chung JJ. Redox regulation by TXNRD3 during epididymal maturation underlies capacitation-associated mitochondrial activity and sperm motility in mice. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102077. [PMID: 35643315 PMCID: PMC9218152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During epididymal transit, redox remodeling protects mammalian spermatozoa, preparing them for survival in the subsequent journey to fertilization. However, molecular mechanisms of redox regulation in sperm development and maturation remain largely elusive. In this study, we report that thioredoxin-glutathione reductase (TXNRD3), a thioredoxin reductase family member particularly abundant in elongating spermatids at the site of mitochondrial sheath formation, regulates redox homeostasis to support male fertility. Using Txnrd3-/- mice, our biochemical, ultrastructural, and live cell imaging analyses revealed impairments in sperm morphology and motility under conditions of TXNRD3 deficiency. We find that mitochondria develop more defined cristae during capacitation in wildtype sperm. Furthermore, we show that absence of TXNRD3 alters thiol redox status in both the head and tail during sperm maturation and capacitation, resulting in defective mitochondrial ultrastructure and activity under capacitating conditions. These findings provide insights into molecular mechanisms of redox homeostasis and bioenergetics during sperm maturation, capacitation, and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Qianhui Dou
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kyung Jo Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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Kim JH, Chae MR, Wijerathne TD, Cooray AD, Kim CY, Lee SW, Lee KP. In vitro assessment of Prunus japonica seed extract on human spermatozoa hypermotility and intracellular alkalization. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14471. [PMID: 35590125 DOI: 10.1111/and.14471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prunus japonica var. nakaii is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat various conditions; however, it has not been investigated for treating male infertility. In this study, we investigated the in vitro effects of the ethanolic extract of P. japonica seeds on human sperm motility and identified its mechanism of action. Eleven male volunteers were selected, and the effects of the extract on human spermatozoa were assessed through a computer-assisted semen analysis. The P. japonica seed extract increased the percentage of total and progressive motility of spermatozoa. To understand the mechanism of action, we monitored intracellular alkalization using flow cytometry and obtained electrophysiological recordings of human voltage-gated proton channels hHv1 that were overexpressed in HEK-293 cells. The extract shifted the activation curves in a concentration-dependent manner. Two major constituents of the extract, linoleic acid and oleic acid, exhibited proton channel activity. Our in vitro experiments suggested that P. japonica seed extract could be potentially used to rescue sperm motility in idiopathic infertility patients via pharmacological modulation of the proton channels during capacitation. Therefore, our results indicate the therapeutic potential of P. japonica seed extract for treating male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Mee Ree Chae
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tharaka Darshana Wijerathne
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Akila Dushyantha Cooray
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Chul Young Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Sung Won Lee
- Department of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyu Pil Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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