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Chang WC, Li SH, Tsai PS. Seminal Vesicle-Derived Exosomes for the Regulation of Sperm Activity. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39287631 DOI: 10.1007/102_2024_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
The seminal vesicle contributes to a large extent of the semen volume and composition. Removal of seminal vesicle or lack of seminal vesicle proteins leads to decreased fertility. Seminal plasma proteome revealed that seminal fluid contained a wide diversity of proteins. Many of them are known to modulate sperm capacitation and serve as capacitation inhibitors or decapacitation factors. Despite identifying secretory vesicles from the male reproductive tract, such as epididymosomes or prostasomes, isolation, identification, and characterization of seminal vesicle-derived exosomes are still unknown. This chapter aims to review the current understanding of the function of seminal vesicles on sperm physiology and male reproduction and provide ultracentrifugation-based isolation protocols for the isolation of seminal vesicle exosomes. Moreover, via proteomic analysis and functional categorization, a total of 726 proteins IDs were identified in the purified seminal vesicle exosomes fraction. Preliminary data showed seminal vesicle-derived exosomes inhibited sperm capacitation; however, more studies will be needed to reveal other functional involvements of seminal vesicle-derived exosomes on the sperm physiology and, more importantly, how these exosomes interact with sperm membrane to achieve their biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chao Chang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hsiang Li
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui, Taiwan.
- MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Shiue Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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2
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Wang K, Jiao H, Cheng X, Zhang L, Zhang S, Liu G, Meng F, Zhan F, Yang F. Proteomic Analysis of Differences in the Freezability of Porcine Sperm Identifies α-Amylase As a Key Protein. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:2641-2650. [PMID: 38906844 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00367] [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] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
To investigate the mechanisms underlying the differences in the freezability of boar semen, Yorkshire boars with freezing-tolerant semen (YT, n = 3), Yorkshire boars with freezing-sensitive semen (YS, n = 3), Landrace boars with freezing-tolerant semen (LT, n = 3), and Landrace boars with freezing-sensitive semen (LS, n = 3) were selected for this study. Their sperm was subjected to protein extraction, followed by data-independent acquisition proteomics and functional bioinformatics analysis. A total of 3042 proteins were identified, of which 2810 were quantified. Some key KEGG pathways were enriched, such as starch and sucrose metabolism, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, mineral absorption, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and the necroptosis pathways. Through PRM verification, we found that several proteins, such as α-amylase and epididymal sperm-binding protein 1, can be used as molecular markers of the freezing resistance of boar semen. Furthermore, we found that the addition of α-amylase to cryoprotective extender could significantly improve the post-thaw motility and quality of boar semen. In summary, this study revealed some molecular markers and potential molecular pathways contributing to the high or low freezability of boar sperm, identifying α-amylase as a key protein. This study is valuable for optimizing boar semen cryopreservation technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Hang Jiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xinrui Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Lige Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Songyuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Gang Liu
- National Animal Husbandry Station, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fei Meng
- National Animal Husbandry Station, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fengting Zhan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Feng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
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Sánchez-Rivera UÁ, Cruz-Cano NB, Medrano A, Álvarez-Rodríguez C, Martínez-Torres M. Sperm Incubation in Biggers-Whitten-Whittingham Medium Induces Capacitation-Related Changes in the Lizard Sceloporus torquatus. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1388. [PMID: 38731392 PMCID: PMC11083041 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091388] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm capacitation involves biochemical and physiological changes that enable sperm to fertilize the oocyte. It can be induced in vitro under controlled conditions that simulate the environment of the oviduct. While extensively studied in mammals, its approach in lizards remains absent. Understanding the mechanisms that ensure reproduction is essential for advancing the implementation of assisted reproductive technologies in this group. We aimed to perform a sperm analysis to determine if capacitation-related changes were induced after incubation with capacitating media. Fifteen males of Sceloporus torquatus were collected during the early stage of the reproductive season. The sperm were isolated from the seminal plasma and then diluted up to a volume of 150 μL using BWW medium to incubate with 5% CO2 at 30 °C for a maximum duration of 3 h. A fraction was retrieved hourly for ongoing sperm assessment. The sperm analysis included assessments of its motility, viability, the capacitation status using the chlortetracycline (CTC) assay, and the acrosome integrity with the lectin binding assay to detect changes during incubation. We found that total motility was maintained up to 2 h post incubation, after which it decreased. However, sperm viability remained constant. From that moment on, we observed a transition to a deeper and less symmetrical flagellar bending in many spermatozoa. The CTC assay indicated a reduction in the percentage of sperm showing the full (F) pattern and an increase in those exhibiting the capacitated (B) and reactive (RA) patterns, accompanied by an elevation in the percentage of damaged acrosomes as revealed by the lectin binding assay. In mammals, these changes are often associated with sperm capacitation. Our observations support the notion that this process may also occur in saurian. While sperm analysis is a valuable method for assessing certain functional changes, additional approaches are required to validate this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uriel Ángel Sánchez-Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (N.B.C.-C.)
- Laboratorio de Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54714, Mexico;
- Posgrado en Ciencias de la Producción y de la Salud Animal, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Norma Berenice Cruz-Cano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (N.B.C.-C.)
| | - Alfredo Medrano
- Laboratorio de Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54714, Mexico;
| | - Carmen Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (N.B.C.-C.)
| | - Martín Martínez-Torres
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 54090, Mexico; (N.B.C.-C.)
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Ramírez-Agámez L, Hernández-Avilés C, Ortíz I, Love CC, Varner DD, Hinrichs K. Lactate as the sole energy substrate induces spontaneous acrosome reaction in viable stallion spermatozoa. Andrology 2024; 12:459-471. [PMID: 37300872 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13479] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine spermatozoa appear to differ from spermatozoa of other species in using oxidative phosphorylation preferentially over glycolysis. However, there is little information regarding effects of different energy sources on measured parameters in equine spermatozoa. OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of three individual energy substrates, glucose, pyruvate, and lactate, on motion characteristics, membrane integrity, and acrosomal status of stallion spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS Freshly ejaculated stallion spermatozoa were incubated with combinations of glucose (5 mm), pyruvate (10 mm), and lactate (10 mm) for 0.5 to 4 h. Response to calcium ionophore A23187 (5 μm) was used to evaluate capacitation status. Motility was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis, and plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity were evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Incubation with lactate alone for 2 h increased acrosomal sensitivity to A23187. Notably, incubation with lactate alone for 4 h induced a significant spontaneous increase in acrosome-reacted, membrane-intact (viable) spermatozoa, to approximately 50% of the live population, whereas no increase was seen with incubation in glucose or pyruvate alone. This acrosomal effect was observed in spermatozoa incubated at physiological pH as well as under alkaline conditions (medium pH approximately 8.5). Sperm motility declined concomitantly with the increase in acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. Sperm motility was significantly higher in pyruvate-only medium than in glucose or lactate. The addition of pyruvate to lactate-containing medium increased sperm motility but reduced the proportion of live acrosome-reacted spermatozoa in a dose-dependent fashion. DISCUSSION This is the first study to demonstrate that incubation with a specific energy substrate, lactate, is associated with spontaneous acrosome reaction in spermatozoa. The proportion of live, acrosome-reacted spermatozoa obtained is among the highest reported for equine spermatozoa. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the delicate control of key sperm functions, and may serve as a basis to increase our understanding of stallion sperm physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Ramírez-Agámez
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Isabel Ortíz
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Katrin Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
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Xu Z, Xie Y, Wu C, Gu T, Zhang X, Yang J, Yang H, Zheng E, Huang S, Xu Z, Li Z, Cai G, Liu D, Hong L, Wu Z. The effects of boar seminal plasma extracellular vesicles on sperm fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 213:79-89. [PMID: 37816296 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.026] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant in body fluid and are critical in cell interaction. Seminal plasma contains numerous EVs which affecting sperm function via transferring regulatory cargoes to the sperm. However, the mechanism of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SP-EVs) is still not clear. The present study aimed to isolate the boar SP-EVs and explore its potential function, then identify the key protein involved in SP-EVs and sperms interaction, and elucidate mechanism of SP-EVs protein on sperms. Here, we successfully isolated and concentrated boar SP-EVs, the SP-EVs showed a typical vesicle structure under transmission electron microscopy, most of their diameters range between 50 and 200 nm and express EVs biomarkers CD9 and CD63. We proved that SP-EVs could inhibit sperm acrosome reaction and in vitro fertility. Through a data-independent acquisition analysis of protein profiles of noncapacitated sperms, normal capacitated sperms and SP-EVs treated capacitated sperms, we identified that EZRIN was one of the active proteins that participated in SP-EVs and sperms interaction. Furthermore, we tested that the inhibition of EZRIN could promote boar sperm fertility, which is in consistence with the function of SP-EVs. The results may facilitate future research of SP-EVs on sperm function and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqian Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471023, Henan, China
| | - Yanshe Xie
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Changhua Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Gu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, 527400, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Sixiu Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, Guangdong, China; Wens Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, 527400, Guangdong, China.
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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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Keller A, Kerns K. Sperm capacitation as a predictor of boar fertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:594-600. [PMID: 37306038 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of a boar's fertility level has great economic importance for sow herds. After standard sperm morphology and motility metrics are met, approximately 25% of boars have less than 80% conception rates. Due in part to the many factors involved in the fertilization process, a multifactorial model incorporating multiple relevant sperm physiology factors will likely lead to increased understanding of boar fertility. Here we review the current literature on boar sperm capacitation as a predictor of boar fertility. While limited, several studies have provided correlations between the percentage of sperm in an ejaculate that are capable of undergoing sperm capacitation in a chemically defined media and artificial insemination field fertility as well as proteome and other methods. Work summarized here underscores the need for further understanding of boar fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Keller
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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8
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Analysis of differential proteins between non-capacitated and capacitated boar sperm and verification of the effect of phosphofructokinase on capacitation. Theriogenology 2023; 199:19-29. [PMID: 36682265 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.038] [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: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze the differences in the proteins in non-capacitated and capacitated boar sperm and to identify the functions of the differential proteins and key capacitation proteins of boar sperm before and after capacitation. Transwell chambers were used to separate capacitated sperm proteins using a unique polycarbonate membrane. Meanwhile, isotopic tags for relative and absolute quantification combined with LC‒MS/MS analysis were used for quantitative determination of differential proteins. Through the comparative analysis of different databases, 475 different proteins were identified in non-capacitated sperm and capacitated sperm, of which 303 were significantly upregulated and 172 were significantly downregulated. These differentially-expressed proteins are mainly involved in redox processes, cell biosynthesis processes and cell aromatic compound metabolism biological processes. They also participate in the signaling pathways of phosphorylation, ketone synthesis and degradation, most of which interact to varying degrees. Among these differentially-expressed proteins, phosphofructokinase attracted our attention as a potential capacitated protein. We further verified that phosphofructokinase can promote boar sperm capacitation by immunoblotting.
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Taraschi A, Cimini C, Colosimo A, Ramal-Sanchez M, Valbonetti L, Bernabò N, Barboni B. An interactive analysis of the mouse oviductal miRNA profiles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1015360. [PMID: 36340025 PMCID: PMC9627480 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1015360] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding molecules that control several cellular functions and act as negative post-transcriptional regulators of the mRNA. While their implication in several biological functions is already known, an important role as regulators of different physiological and pathological processes in fertilization and embryo development is currently emerging. Indeed, miRNAs have been found in the oviductal fluid packaged within the extracellular vesicles, which might act as natural nanoshuttles by transporting lipids, proteins, RNA molecules and miRNAs from the oviduct to the gametes or embryos. Here, an exhaustive bibliography search was carried out, followed by the construction of a computational model based on the networks theory in an attempt to recreate and elucidate the pathways potentially activated by the oviductal miRNA. The omics data published to date were gathered to create the Oviductal MiRNome, in which the miRNA target genes and their interactions are represented by using stringApp and the Network analyzer from Cytoscape 3.7.2. Then, the hyperlinked nodes were identified to investigate the pathways in which they are involved using the gene ontology enrichment analysis. To study the phenotypical effects after the removal of key genes on the reproductive system and embryo, knockout mouse lines for every protein-coding gene were investigated by using the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium database. The creation of the Oviductal MiRNome revealed the presence of important genes and their interactions within the network. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the hyperlinked nodes are involved in fundamental cellular functions, both structural and regulatory/signaling, suggesting their implication in fertilization and early embryo development. This fact was as well evidenced by the effects of the gene deletion in KO mice on the reproductive system and embryo development. The present study highlights the importance of studying the miRNA profiles and their enormous potential as tools to improve the assisted reproductive techniques currently used in human and animal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Taraschi
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell’Abruzzo e Del Molise “G. Caporale”, Teramo, Italy
| | - Costanza Cimini
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Ramal-Sanchez
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNR-IBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Nicola Bernabò,
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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10
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Zahmel J, Skalborg Simonsen K, Stagegaard J, Palma-Vera SE, Jewgenow K. Current State of In Vitro Embryo Production in African Lion (Panthera leo). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111424. [PMID: 35681888 PMCID: PMC9179812 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last 30–40 years, in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) of domestic cat oocytes have been established as part of the panel of assisted reproduction technologies. As a representative of wild felids, the African lion is not yet considered endangered. Nevertheless, the zoo population management of the African lion itself as well as other closely related felids would benefit from the establishment of an IVF system. Here, we aimed to investigate the transferability of domestic cat IVF technology to the African lion. From the ovaries of 42 lionesses aged between 0.75 and 15 years, a total of 933 IVF-suitable oocytes were retrieved and subjected to IVM and IVF. The overall maturation rate was 40.6% and 18.9% of these oocytes cleaved after fertilization, respectively. Embryos were generated by intracytoplasmic sperm cell injection as well as co-culture with epididymal sperm. Improvements in the model system also led to an improved outcome with in vitro produced embryos in the lion. Compared to domestic cats, the transportation of gonads to a specialized laboratory was time-consuming and influenced oocyte quality negatively. In conclusion, the domestic cat IVF system is adoptable for the African lion, although success rates are still lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Zahmel
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (S.E.P.-V.); (K.J.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - Sergio Eliseo Palma-Vera
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (S.E.P.-V.); (K.J.)
| | - Katarina Jewgenow
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany; (S.E.P.-V.); (K.J.)
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11
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Vickram S, Rohini K, Anbarasu K, Dey N, Jeyanthi P, Thanigaivel S, Issac PK, Arockiaraj J. Semenogelin, a coagulum macromolecule monitoring factor involved in the first step of fertilization: A prospective review. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 209:951-962. [PMID: 35447263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Human male infertility affects approximately 1/10 couples worldwide, and its prevalence is found more in developed countries. Along with sperm cells, the secretions of the prostate, seminal vesicle and epididymis plays a major role in proper fertilization. Many studies have proven the functions of seminal vesicle secretions, especially semenogelin protein, as an optimiser for fertilization. Semenogelin provides the structural components for coagulum formation after ejaculation. It binds with eppin and is found to have major functions like motility of sperm, transporting the sperm safely in the immune rich female reproductive tract until the sperm cells reach the egg intact. The capacitation process is essential for proper fertilization and semenogelin involved in mediating capacitation in time. Also, it has control of events towards the first step in the fertilization process. It is a Zn ions binding protein, and Zn ions act as a cofactor that helps in the proper motility of sperm cells. Therefore, any imbalance in protein that automatically affect sperm physiology and fertility status. This review sheds a comprehensive and critical view on the significant functions of semenogelin in fertilization. This review can open up advanced proteomics research on semenogelin towards unravelling molecular mechanisms in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundaram Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karunakaran Rohini
- Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Semeling, Bedong 08100, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Krishnan Anbarasu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nibedita Dey
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Palanivelu Jeyanthi
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 062, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sundaram Thanigaivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Issac
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Chennai 602 105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603 203 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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12
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Bicarbonate-Triggered In Vitro Capacitation of Boar Spermatozoa Conveys an Increased Relative Abundance of the Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Cation (TRPC) Channels 3, 4, 6 and 7 and of CatSper-γ Subunit mRNA Transcripts. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12081012. [PMID: 35454259 PMCID: PMC9031844 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081012] [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: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The detection of sub-fertile boars has been a difficult task, and despite their prevalence being low, its impact is very significant because it implies economic drawbacks for artificial insemination (AI) centers and farms. Unfortunately, some crucial reproductive processes fall beyond the routine analysis performed in the porcine model, such as sperm capacitation, which is a necessary event for fertilization. A synergistic action of bicarbonate (HCO3−) with calcium (Ca2+) is needed to achieve capacitation. The transport of Ca2+ is mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We quantified mRNA transcripts of different subunits of CatSper (β, γ and δ) and TRPC (1, 3, 4, 6 and 7) before and after in vitro capacitation by HCO3− ions. Our results showed that in vitro capacitation using HCO3− increases the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all subunits of Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1, which were significantly reduced. More studies are needed to elucidate the specific roles of the TRPC channels at a physiological and functional level. Abstract Sperm capacitation is a stepwise complex biochemical process towards fertilization. It includes a crucial early calcium (Ca2+) transport mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We studied the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts changes of the CatSper β, γ and δ subunits and TRPC-channels 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 in pig spermatozoa, after triggering in vitro capacitation by bicarbonate ions at levels present in vivo at the fertilization site. For this purpose, we analyzedfive5 ejaculate pools (from three fertile adult boars) before (control-fresh samples) and after in vitro exposure to capacitation conditions (37 mM NaHCO3, 2.25 mM CaCl2, 2 mM caffeine, 0.5% bovine serum albumin and 310 mM lactose) at 38 °C, 5% CO2 for 30 min. In vitro capacitation using bicarbonate elicits an increase in the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all studied Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1 (significantly reduced). These findings open new avenues of research to identify the specific role of each channel in boar sperm capacitation and elucidate the physiological meaning of the changes on sperm mRNA cargo.
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13
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Exogenous Albumin Is Crucial for Pig Sperm to Elicit In Vitro Capacitation Whereas Bicarbonate Only Modulates Its Efficiency. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111105. [PMID: 34827098 PMCID: PMC8615011 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In this work, we addressed if the presence of exogenous bicarbonate required for pig sperm capacitation, which is a necessary step to acquire fertilizing ability. While sperm incubated in media without BSA or BSA/bicarbonate did not achieve in vitro capacitation, those incubated with BSA reached that status under any bicarbonate concentration, even when bicarbonate was absent. Interestingly, there were differences related to the concentration of bicarbonate, since sperm incubated in media with BSA and with no bicarbonate or 5 mM bicarbonate showed lower overall efficiency in achieving in vitro capacitation than those incubated in the presence of BSA and higher concentration of bicarbonate. Additionally, at the end of the experiment, sperm incubated in the presence of BSA and 38 mM bicarbonate showed lower motility and plasma membrane integrity than those incubated in media with BSA and lower concentrations of bicarbonate. In conclusion, BSA is crucial in for pig sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation and trigger the subsequent progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis. In contrast, although exogenous bicarbonate does not appear to be indispensable, it shortens the time needed to reach that capacitated status. Abstract This work sought to address whether the presence of exogenous bicarbonate is required for pig sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation and further progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis. For this purpose, sperm were either incubated in a standard in vitro capacitation medium or a similar medium with different concentrations of bicarbonate (either 0 mM, 5 mM, 15 mM or 38 mM) and BSA (either 0 mg/mL or 5 mg/mL). The achievement of in vitro capacitation and progesterone-induced acrosomal exocytosis was tested through the analysis of sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and lipid disorder, acrosome exocytosis, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondria membrane potential, O2 consumption rate and the activities of both glycogen synthase kinase 3 alpha (GSK3α) and protein kinase A (PKA). While sperm incubated in media without BSA or BSA/bicarbonate, they did not achieve in vitro capacitation; those incubated in media with BSA achieved the capacitated status under any bicarbonate concentration, even when bicarbonate was absent. Moreover, there were differences related to the concentration of bicarbonate, since sperm incubated in media with BSA and with no bicarbonate or 5 mM bicarbonate showed lower overall efficiency in achieving in vitro capacitation than those incubated in the presence of BSA and 15 mM or 38 mM bicarbonate. Additionally, at the end of the experiment, sperm incubated in the presence of BSA and 38 mM bicarbonate showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower values of motility and plasma membrane integrity than those incubated in media with BSA and lower concentrations of bicarbonate. In conclusion, BSA is instrumental for pig sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation and trigger the subsequent progesterone-induced acrosome exocytosis. Furthermore, while exogenous bicarbonate does not seem to be essential to launch sperm capacitation, it does modulate its efficiency.
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14
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Sajeevadathan M, Pettitt MJ, Buhr MM. Are isoforms of capacitating Na + K + -ATPase localized to sperm head rafts? Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:731-743. [PMID: 34658111 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Capacitation begins in the sperm head plasma membrane (HPM). Membrane rafts could house signaling molecules, but although these specialized microdomains have been microscopically visualized in sperm heads, rafts have been isolated for study only from homogenized whole sperm or tails, never purified HPM. Sodium/potassium ATPase (Na+ K+ -ATPase) is a membrane-bound signaling protein that induces capacitation in bull sperm in response to the steroid hormone ouabain, and its subunit isoforms α1, α3, β1, β2, and β3 are known in HPM. This study hypothesized that rafts exist in the HPM of bull sperm, with Na+ K+ -ATPase subunit isoforms preferentially localized there. Western immunoblotting (WB) of HPM from fresh, uncapacitated bull sperm (n = 7 ejaculates), and detergent-resistant membranes isolated by density gradient centrifugation from this HPM, contained the raft-marker protein Flotillin-1; the non-raft fraction did not. HPM, raft, and non-raft contained all known Na+ K+ -ATPase isoforms including, for the first time, the previously unknown α2 isoform. Quantification (ImageQuant Software) found α3 and β1 were relatively dominant isoforms in the HPM raft. WB profiles of raft isoforms differed significantly from HPM and non-raft profiles, with unique banding patterns and amounts, hinting that the capacitation signaling in the now-identified HPM rafts may depend on unique sequences within the isoform structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrudhula Sajeevadathan
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.,Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Murray J Pettitt
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.,Prairie Swine Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Mary M Buhr
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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15
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Liu Y, Zhang C, Wang S, Hu Y, Jing J, Ye L, Jing R, Ding Z. Dependence of sperm structural and functional integrity on testicular calcineurin isoform PPP3R2 expression. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 12:515-529. [PMID: 31900494 PMCID: PMC7493031 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
After leaving the testis, mammalian sperm undergo a sequential maturation process in the epididymis followed by capacitation during their movement through the female reproductive tract. These phenotypic changes are associated with modification of protein phosphorylation and membrane remodeling, which is requisite for sperm to acquire forward motility and induce fertilization. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying sperm maturation and capacitation are still not fully understood. Herein, we show that PPP3R2, a testis-specific regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 3 (an isoform of calcineurin in the testis), is essential for sperm maturation and capacitation. Knockout of Ppp3r2 in mice leads to male sterility due to sperm motility impairment and morphological defects. One very noteworthy change includes increases in sperm membrane stiffness. Moreover, PPP3R2 regulates sperm maturation and capacitation via (i) modulation of membrane diffusion barrier function at the annulus and (ii) facilitation of cholesterol efflux during sperm capacitation. Taken together, PPP3R2 plays a critical role in modulating cholesterol efflux and mediating the dynamic control of membrane remodeling during sperm maturation and capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chujun Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shiyao Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yanqin Hu
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jia Jing
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Luyao Ye
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ran Jing
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhide Ding
- Department of Histology, Embryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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16
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Sáez-Espinosa P, Huerta-Retamal N, Robles-Gómez L, Avilés M, Aizpurua J, Velasco I, Romero A, Gómez-Torres MJ. Influence of in vitro capacitation time on structural and functional human sperm parameters. Asian J Androl 2021; 22:447-453. [PMID: 31621655 PMCID: PMC7523607 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_104_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A cascade of dramatic physiological events is linked to the sperm acrosome reaction and binding to the oocyte's zona pellucida during human sperm capacitation. However, structural and functional sperm changes during capacitation currently remain poorly defined. Here, we performed a multibiomarker approach based on the utilization of sperm concentration, motility, viability, morphology, acrosome reaction, tyrosine phosphorylation, DNA fragmentation, and lectin-binding sites to analyze the impact caused by swim-up selection times (uncapacitated, 1 h capacitated, and 4 h capacitated) on sperm function and structure in normozoospermic samples. We found that a 4 h swim-up capacitation increased sperm quality, because a large number of cells with normal morphology and lower DNA fragmentation rates were recovered. Furthermore, the long-term capacitation induced a higher percentage of cells with tyrosine phosphorylation of the principal piece as well as a redistribution of lectin-binding sites. Overall, the multivariate biomarkers analyzed showed a less variable distribution on spermatozoa recovered after 4 h capacitation than that with the shorter capacitation time. These findings stress the importance of capacitation time as a relevant factor in sperm quality with potential biological reproductive implications both for basic research and in assisted reproduction techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Alicante 03080, Spain.,FISABIO - University Hospital of San Juan de Alicante, Service of Gynecology and Obstetrics, San Juan de Alicante 03550, Spain
| | - Natalia Huerta-Retamal
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Alicante 03080, Spain
| | - Laura Robles-Gómez
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Alicante 03080, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- IVF Spain, Reproductive Medicine, Alicante 03540, Spain
| | - Irene Velasco
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Alicante 03080, Spain.,University Hospital of San Juan de Alicante, Service of Gynecology and Obstetrics, San Juan de Alicante 03550, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Alicante 03080, Spain
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Alicante, Alicante 03080, Spain.,Human Fertility Cathedra, University of Alicante, Alicante 03080, Spain
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17
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Lacalle E, Núñez A, Fernández-Alegre E, Crespo-Félez I, Domínguez JC, Alonso ME, González-Urdiales R, Martínez-Pastor F. Cold-Shock Test Is a Practical Method for Selecting Boar Ejaculates Yielding Appropriate Seminal Plasma for Post-Thawing Supplementation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030871. [PMID: 33803834 PMCID: PMC8003138 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The pig industry routinely uses artificial insemination with refrigerated semen. Cryopreserved semen has many advantages, but it is not widely used, partly because of unreliable results. The supplementation with seminal plasma (SP) could improve these results, but this fluid also presents variability. We evaluated if a simple cold-shock test (CST) could allow to easily identify the most suitable ejaculates for obtaining SP. Therefore, we tested 63 ejaculates, obtaining SP from the 4 showing higher quality (SPr, cold-shock-resistant) and lower quality (SPs, cold-shock-sensitive) after the CST. SPs and SPr pools supplemented thawed semen (20% SP) from six different boars, incubating at 37 °C and analyzing at times 0, 2, and 4 h. SPr was able to improve post-thawing sperm motility while maintaining viability. SPs had a similar but lower effect. SP in general seemed to stimulate sperm physiology, however decreasing membrane stability, acrosomal integrity, and disulfide bridges in the chromatin. This study supports the suitability of SP for improving thawed semen, with CST-selected ejaculates as preferable for this aim. Artificial insemination trials with thawed semen supplemented with SPr and SPs must validate the practical application of CST. Abstract Artificial insemination (AI) with cryopreserved semen is still unreliable for extensive pig industry application. Adding seminal plasma (SP) could improve post-thawing quality, but its suitability could vary. We applied a simple cold-shock test (CST, 5 min at 0 °C) on neat semen for classifying ejaculates (n = 63) as resistant or sensitive, obtaining two SP pools (CST-resistant: SPr, sensitive: SPs). Subsequently, frozen/thawed spermatozoa from six boars were incubated (37 °C) in MR-A® extender (control), 20% SPr, or 20% SPs, and analyzed at 0, 2, and 4 h. SP improved total and progressive motility, with a higher effect for SPr and STR (p < 0.05), decreasing kinematic parameters VCL and VAP, ALH, and BCF. Sperm viability was unaffected. SP increased apoptotic and membrane disorder ratios, and acrosomal damage, not affecting the chromatin structure (DNA fragmentation and immaturity by SCSA), protamination (CMA3), or disulfide levels (mBBr). However, the proportion of spermatozoa with elevated free thiols (disulfide bridges reduction) significantly increased. Results support a stimulatory role of SP on thawed semen, with additional benefits from SPr. The effect of SP and especially SPr after AI should be tested since CST could be a practical test for selecting suitable ejaculates in AI centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estíbaliz Lacalle
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (A.N.); (I.C.-F.); (J.C.D.)
| | - Andrea Núñez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (A.N.); (I.C.-F.); (J.C.D.)
| | | | - Itxaso Crespo-Félez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (A.N.); (I.C.-F.); (J.C.D.)
- Topigs Norsvin España SLU (AIM Ibérica), 24225 León, Spain;
| | - Juan Carlos Domínguez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (A.N.); (I.C.-F.); (J.C.D.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Marta Elena Alonso
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain;
| | | | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.L.); (A.N.); (I.C.-F.); (J.C.D.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-987-291-491
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18
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Ligands and Receptors Involved in the Sperm-Zona Pellucida Interactions in Mammals. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010133. [PMID: 33445482 PMCID: PMC7827414 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction, involving the binding of sperm surface ligands to complementary carbohydrates of ZP, is the first direct gamete contact event crucial for subsequent gamete fusion and successful fertilization in mammals. It is a complex process mediated by the coordinated engagement of multiple ZP receptors forming high-molecular-weight (HMW) protein complexes at the acrosomal region of the sperm surface. The present article aims to review the current understanding of sperm-ZP binding in the four most studied mammalian models, i.e., murine, porcine, bovine, and human, and summarizes the candidate ZP receptors with established ZP affinity, including their origins and the mechanisms of ZP binding. Further, it compares and contrasts the ZP structure and carbohydrate composition in the aforementioned model organisms. The comprehensive understanding of sperm-ZP interaction mechanisms is critical for the diagnosis of infertility and thus becomes an integral part of assisted reproductive therapies/technologies.
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Gómez-Torres MJ, Robles-Gómez L, Huerta-Retamal N, Sáez-Espinosa P, Avilés M, Aizpurua J, Romero A. FE-SEM Characterization of α-Mannose Density and Surface Mapping Changes in Human Sperm Head During In Vitro Capacitation. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:1220-1225. [PMID: 33121558 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620024630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation includes the reorganization of plasma membrane components and the outstanding modification of the glycocalyx. The α-mannose presence and location during in vitro capacitation have been commonly described in human spermatozoa using Concanavalin A (Con A) lectin. However, it is still unclear to date how in vitro capacitation time affects the α-mannose residues and their topographic spatial distribution on sperm membrane. Here, we characterized the α-mannose density and specific membrane domain locations before and after in vitro capacitation (1–4 h) using high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Results showed that α-mannose residues were present preferably on the acrosome domains for all physiological conditions. Uncapacitated sperm comparatively exhibits significant highest labeling densities of α-mannose residues. In addition, as in vitro capacitation takes place, significant and progressive decreasing of sugar residues was combined with their relocation mostly affecting acrosomal domain apical areas. Our findings reveal that combined approach using FE-SEM and gold nanoparticle topographical mapping offers new human sperm biomolecular and structural details during capacitation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Gómez-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Laura Robles-Gómez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
| | - Natalia Huerta-Retamal
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia e IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- IVF Spain, Reproductive Medicine, Alicante, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
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20
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Chang YC, Yu JF, Wang TE, Chin SC, Wei YS, Chen TY, Tsai PS. Investigation of epididymal proteins and general sperm membrane characteristics of Formosan pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla). BMC ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-020-00064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Formosan Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla) is one of the three subspecies of Chinese pangolins, it is also an isolated sub-species naturally habitat in Taiwan. Despite earlier report on successful breeding of Sunda (Manis javanica) pangolin, breeding of Formosan pangolins in zoo captive populations is still challenging due to unknown reproductive characterizations of this species in both male and female populations.
Results
We characterized for the first time, reproductive tract of male Formosan pangolin. We showed pangolin epididymis was a collagen-enriched organ with apparent segmented sub-regions similar to other mammals. However, unlike most mammals exhibited two V-ATPase subunits, Formosan pangolin exhibited only V-ATPase subunit 2. This specific V-ATPase subunit extended its cellular localization throughout the cytoplasm of epididymal clear cells, suggesting pH regulation of luminal microenvironment might be different from other mammals. Electron micrographs showed rod-shaped pangolin sperm cells with multi-lamellar membrane structure at the sperm head. Similar to well-defined capacitation and acrosome reaction membrane changes in other mammals, we reported three distinct patterns (homogenous, punctuated and faded) of pangolin sperm head membrane changes. The concurrent increase in phosphotyrosine protein expression detected at the sperm mid-piece/tail and the emergence of punctuated membrane aggregates likely representing three sperm activation stages, namely inactivated, capacitated and acrosome reacted status of pangolin sperm.
Conclusion
By revealing unique epididymal V-ATPase distribution and sperm membrane dynamics in Formosan pangolin, we would understand better the fundamental aspects of reproduction parameters of Formosan pangolin.
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21
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Denisenko VY, Kuzmina TI. Intracytoplasmic Calcium Transduction in Bos taurus Spermatozoa during Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420040037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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22
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Lan R, Xin M, Hao Z, You S, Xu Y, Wu J, Dang L, Zhang X, Sun S. Biological Functions and Large-Scale Profiling of Protein Glycosylation in Human Semen. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:3877-3889. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rongxia Lan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Xin
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Vodnany 38925, Czech Republic
| | - Zhifang Hao
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan You
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Yintai Xu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Jingyu Wu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Liuyi Dang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- The Medical Genetics Centre, Xi 'an People's Hospital (Xi 'an Fourth Hospital), Xi’an Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710004, P. R. China
| | - Shisheng Sun
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
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23
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Padidar K, Vahidi E, Sabbaghian M, Behmanesh A, Shams R. Identification of miRNAs and the target genes related to male infertility and smoking using bioinformatics approaches. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:291-300. [DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1786172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimiya Padidar
- Department of molecular genetics, Faculty of basic sciences and advanced technologies in biology, University of science and culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of genetics, reproductive biomedicine research center, Royan institute for reproductive biomedicine, ACECR, TEhran, Iran
| | - Elham Vahidi
- Department of molecular genetics, Faculty of basic sciences and advanced technologies in biology, University of science and culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of genetics, reproductive biomedicine research center, Royan institute for reproductive biomedicine, ACECR, TEhran, Iran
| | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran
| | - Ali Behmanesh
- Student Research Committee, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshanak Shams
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Centre, Shafa Orthopaedic Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Salgado-Lucio ML, Ramírez-Ramírez D, Jorge-Cruz CY, Roa-Espitia AL, Hernández-González EO. FAK regulates actin polymerization during sperm capacitation via the ERK2/GEF-H1/RhoA signaling pathway. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs239186. [PMID: 32107290 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.239186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin polymerization is a crucial process during sperm capacitation. We have recently described the participation of FAK during actin polymerization in guinea pig spermatozoa. However, the mechanism by which FAK mediates these processes is unknown. Our previous data have shown that MAPK1 (hereafter referred to as ERK2) is activated during the first minutes of capacitation, and inhibition of ERK2 blocked actin polymerization and the acrosome reaction. In this current study, we found that FAK is involved in ERK2 activation - as FAK was phosphorylated at tyrosine residue 925 and bound to Grb2 - and that inhibition of FAK results in a significant decrease of ERK2 activation. We also confirmed the presence of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (ARHGEF2, hereafter referred to as GEF-H1), which is able to associate with RhoA during capacitation. RhoA activation and its participation in actin polymerization were also analyzed. Inhibition of FAK or ERK1/2 impeded GEF-H1 phosphorylation, RhoA activation, and the association between GEF-H1 and RhoA. Finally, we observed the presence of fibronectin on the sperm surface, its role in sperm-sperm interaction as well as participation of β-integrin in the activation of ERK2. Our results show that the signaling pathway downstream of fibronectin, via integrin, FAK, Grb2, MEK1/2, ERK2, GEF-H1 and RhoA regulates the actin polymerization associated with spermatozoa capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Salgado-Lucio
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Danelia Ramírez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Coral Y Jorge-Cruz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Ana L Roa-Espitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Enrique O Hernández-González
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
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25
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Pitnick S, Wolfner MF, Dorus S. Post-ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS). Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:365-392. [PMID: 31737992 PMCID: PMC7643048 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm must spend a minimum period of time within a female reproductive tract to achieve the capacity to fertilize oocytes. This phenomenon, termed sperm 'capacitation', was discovered nearly seven decades ago and opened a window into the complexities of sperm-female interaction. Capacitation is most commonly used to refer to a specific combination of processes that are believed to be widespread in mammals and includes modifications to the sperm plasma membrane, elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP levels, induction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, hyperactivation of motility, and, eventually, the acrosome reaction. Capacitation is only one example of post-ejaculatory modifications to sperm (PEMS) that are widespread throughout the animal kingdom. Although PEMS are less well studied in non-mammalian taxa, they likely represent the rule rather than the exception in species with internal fertilization. These PEMS are diverse in form and collectively represent the outcome of selection fashioning complex maturational trajectories of sperm that include multiple, sequential phenotypes that are specialized for stage-specific functionality within the female. In many cases, PEMS are critical for sperm to migrate successfully through the female reproductive tract, survive a protracted period of storage, reach the site of fertilization and/or achieve the capacity to fertilize eggs. We predict that PEMS will exhibit widespread phenotypic plasticity mediated by sperm-female interactions. The successful execution of PEMS thus has important implications for variation in fitness and the operation of post-copulatory sexual selection. Furthermore, it may provide a widespread mechanism of reproductive isolation and the maintenance of species boundaries. Despite their possible ubiquity and importance, the investigation of PEMS has been largely descriptive, lacking any phylogenetic consideration with regard to divergence, and there have been no theoretical or empirical investigations of their evolutionary significance. Here, we (i) clarify PEMS-related nomenclature; (ii) address the evolutionary origin, maintenance and divergence in PEMS in the context of the protracted life history of sperm and the complex, selective environment of the female reproductive tract; (iii) describe taxonomically widespread types of PEMS: sperm activation, chemotaxis and the dissociation of sperm conjugates; (iv) review the occurence of PEMS throughout the animal kingdom; (v) consider alternative hypotheses for the adaptive value of PEMS; (vi) speculate on the evolutionary implications of PEMS for genomic architecture, sexual selection, and reproductive isolation; and (vii) suggest fruitful directions for future functional and evolutionary analyses of PEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Pitnick
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syacuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Mariana F. Wolfner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Steve Dorus
- Department of Biology, Center for Reproductive Evolution, Syacuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
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26
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Zigo M, Maňásková-Postlerová P, Zuidema D, Kerns K, Jonáková V, Tůmová L, Bubeníčková F, Sutovsky P. Porcine model for the study of sperm capacitation, fertilization and male fertility. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 380:237-262. [PMID: 32140927 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03181-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization remains a poorly understood event with the vast majority of studies done in the mouse model. The purpose of this review is to revise the current knowledge about semen deposition, sperm transport, sperm capacitation, gamete interactions and early embryonic development with a focus on the porcine model as a relevant, alternative model organism to humans. The review provides a thorough overview of post-ejaculation events inside the sow's reproductive tract including comparisons with humans and implications for human fertilization and assisted reproductive therapy (ART). Porcine methodology for sperm handling, preservation, in vitro capacitation, oocyte in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection that are routinely used in pig research laboratories can be successfully translated into ART to treat human infertility. Last, but not least, new knowledge about mitochondrial inheritance in the pig can provide an insight into human mitochondrial diseases and new knowledge on polyspermy defense mechanisms could contribute to the development of new male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Pavla Maňásková-Postlerová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dalen Zuidema
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Věra Jonáková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Tůmová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filipa Bubeníčková
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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27
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Roca J, Perez-Patiño C, Barranco I, Padilla LC, Martínez EA, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Parrilla I. Proteomics in fresh and preserved pig semen: Recent achievements and future challenges. Theriogenology 2020; 150:41-47. [PMID: 32088031 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins in semen, either in spermatozoa (SPZ) or seminal plasma (SP), are directly involved in molecular processes and biological pathways regulating sperm function, including fertilizing ability. Therefore, semen proteins are candidates of choice for biomarkers discovery for fertility and for sperm (dys)function. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics has opened up a new era for characterizing and quantifying the protein profile of SP and SPZ, as well as for unveiling the complex protein interactions involved in the activation of sperm functionality. This article overviews existing literature on MS-based proteomics regarding porcine semen, with a specific focus on the potential practical application of the results achieved so far. The weaknesses of current studies and the perspectives for future research in MS-based pig semen proteomics are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
| | - Cristina Perez-Patiño
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, 17003, Spain
| | - Lorena C Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | | | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, 30100, Spain
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28
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Liu X, Liu G, Zhu P, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhang W, Wang W, Li N, Wang X, Zhang C, Liu J, Shen X, Liu F. Characterization of seminal plasma proteomic alterations associated with the IVF and rescue-ICSI pregnancy in assisted reproduction. Andrology 2019; 8:407-420. [PMID: 31364287 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seminal plasma is a promising diagnostic fluid for male infertility. In assisted reproduction, the seminal plasma-based characteristics of normozoospermic men achieving successful clinical pregnancy through rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection after in vitro fertilization failure remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To identify potential seminal plasma proteins to contribute to a new understanding of unexplained male factor infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS An approach with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification labeling coupled with liquid chromatography matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry was applied to investigate differentially expressed proteins in the seminal plasma of a rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection pregnancy group versus an in vitro fertilization pregnancy group of normozoospermic men. RESULT(S) The present work revealed seventy-three differentially expressed seminal plasma proteins between the in vitro fertilization and rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection groups. Forty-five proteins were upregulated, and 28 proteins were downregulated in the rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection group compared with the in vitro fertilization group. Bioinformatics analyses showed that these altered proteins were involved in various functions, including the kallikrein-related proteolytic cascade, immune response, and heparin binding. Furthermore, the validity of the proteomic results was verified by Western blot analysis of the proteins (lactoferrin [LTF], fibronectin [FN1], creatine kinase B type [CKB], kallikrein-2 [KLK2], aminopeptidase N [ANPEP], extracellular matrix protein 1 [ECM1], glycodelin [PAEP], alpha-1-antitrypsin [SERPINA1], and semenogelin-1 [SEMG1]) and immunofluorescence. Moreover, 16% of the seminal plasma proteins identified in the present work have not been reported in previous studies. DISCUSSION This panel of altered seminal plasma proteins associated with unexplained male factor infertility might have clinical relevance and may be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of idiopathic infertility in in vitro fertilization. CONCLUSIONS Our work not only provides a new complementary high-confidence dataset of seminal plasma proteins but also shines new light onto the molecular characteristics of seminal plasma from normozoospermic men with different assisted reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - G Liu
- Reproductive Center, Tianjin Aiwei Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - P Zhu
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Y Wang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - J Wang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - W Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - W Wang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - N Li
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - X Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - C Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - J Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - X Shen
- Reproductive Center, Beijing BaoDao Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - F Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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29
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Pini T, de Graaf SP, Druart X, Tsikis G, Labas V, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Gadella BM, Leahy T. Binder of Sperm Proteins 1 and 5 have contrasting effects on the capacitation of ram spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:765-775. [PMID: 29415221 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Binder of Sperm Proteins (BSPs) are the most abundant seminal plasma protein family in the ram and bull. They have been extensively studied in the bull but less is known about their function in ovine seminal plasma and current knowledge suggests that BSPs may have different effects in these two species. In the bull, they facilitate capacitation and destabilize the sperm membrane during in vitro handling, whereas in the ram, they appear to stabilize the sperm membrane and prevent cryopreservation-induced capacitation-like changes. Further investigation into the effects of BSPs on ram spermatozoa under capacitating conditions is required to further clarify their physiological roles in the ram. We investigated the effects of Binder of Sperm Proteins 1 and 5 on epididymal ram spermatozoa in conditions of low, moderate, and high cAMP. BSPs had minimal effects on sperm function in low-cAMP conditions, but caused significant changes under cAMP upregulation. BSP1 stabilized the membrane and qualitatively reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation, but significantly increased cholesterol efflux and induced spontaneous acrosome reactions. BSP5 slightly increased spontaneous acrosome reactions and caused sperm necrosis. However, BSP5 had minimal effects on membrane lipid order and cholesterol efflux and did not inhibit protein tyrosine phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that under maximal cAMP upregulation, BSP1 affected ram spermatozoa in a manner comparable to bull spermatozoa, while BSP5 did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Pini
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xavier Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Francais du Cheval et de L'Equitation, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Francais du Cheval et de L'Equitation, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valerie Labas
- Plate-forme de Chirurgie et Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement, Pôle d'Analyse et d'Imagerie des Biomolécules, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ana Paula Teixeira-Gomes
- Plate-forme de Chirurgie et Imagerie pour la Recherche et l'Enseignement, Pôle d'Analyse et d'Imagerie des Biomolécules, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Barend M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health and Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Leahy
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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30
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Massa E, Prez G, Zumoffen C, Morente C, Ghersevich S. S100 A9 is expressed and secreted by the oviduct epithelium, interacts with gametes and affects parameters of human sperm capacitation in vitro. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:17662-17676. [PMID: 31131471 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Our previous findings demonstrate that some oviductal secretion proteins bind to gametes and affect sperm physiology and gamete interaction. One of these proteins possesses an estimated molecular weight of 14 kDa. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify this 14 kDa protein, to localize it in the human oviduct, to detect gamete binding sites for the protein, and to evaluate its effects on sperm capacitation parameters and gamete interaction. Explants from the human oviductal tissues of premenopausal women were cultured in the presence of [35 S]-Methionine-proteins ([35S]-Met-proteins). De novo synthesized secreted [35 S]-Met-proteins were isolated from the culture media by affinity chromatography using their sperm membrane binding ability and analysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry peptide sequencing, human S100 A9 was identified as one of the isolated proteins from the 14 kDa protein band. S100 A9 was detected in oviduct epithelium and oviduct secretion using immunohistochemistry and a Western blot. S100 A9 binding to human oocytes and spermatozoa was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence. The acrosome reaction (AR) affected S100 A9 ability to bind sperm cells. The presence of S100 A9 significantly increased both the induced AR and the sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation, with respect to controls. However, the protein did not affect sperm-zona pellucida interaction. Results indicate that S100 A9 is present in the human oviduct and that it modulates parameters of sperm capacitation in vitro. Hence, the protein might contribute to the regulation of the reproductive process in the oviductal microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Massa
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gastón Prez
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carlos Zumoffen
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carlos Morente
- Biological Laboratory, Area of Reproduction, PROAR-Assisted Reproduction Program of Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sergio Ghersevich
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
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31
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The proteome of frozen-thawed pig spermatozoa is dependent on the ejaculate fraction source. Sci Rep 2019; 9:705. [PMID: 30679492 PMCID: PMC6345957 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36624-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The preservation of sperm functional parameters and fertility post-cryopreservation largely varies in the porcine, a species with a fractionated ejaculate. Although intrinsic individual differences have primarily been linked to this variation, differences in protein abundance among frozen-thawed (FT)-spermatozoa are far more relevant. This study, performed in two experiments, looked for proteomic quantitative differences between FT-sperm samples differing in post-thaw viability, motility, apoptosis, membrane lipid peroxidation and nuclear DNA fragmentation. The spermatozoa were either derived from the sperm-rich ejaculate fraction (SRF) or the entire ejaculate (Experiment 1) or from the first 10 mL of the SRF, the remaining SRF and the post-SRF (Experiment 2). Quantitative sperm proteomic differences were analysed using a LC-ESI-MS/MS-based SWATH approach. In Experiment 1, FT-spermatozoa from the SRF showed better preservation parameters than those from the entire ejaculate, with 26 Sus scrofa proteins with functional sperm relevance showing relative quantitative differences (FC ≥ 1.5) between sperm sources. In Experiment 2, FT-spermatozoa from the first 10 mL of the SRF and the remaining SRF were qualitatively better than those from the post-SRF, and 187 proteins showed relative quantitative differences among the three ejaculate sources. The results indicate that quantitative proteome differences are linked to sperm cryosurvival.
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32
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Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Cronin S, Donnellan E, Fair S. Progesterone induces the release of bull spermatozoa from oviductal epithelial cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1463-1472. [DOI: 10.1071/rd18316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism that causes the detachment of spermatozoa from the oviductal reservoir around the time of ovulation remains to be elucidated. Because the cumulus cells of the bovine oocyte are known to secrete progesterone (P4), and P4 has been shown to act upon cation channels of spermatozoa (CatSper) in human spermatozoa, it was hypothesised that P4 could induce hyperactivation due to an influx of extracellular calcium, and this would facilitate detachment of spermatozoa from oviductal epithelial cells. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of action of P4 in the release of spermatozoa from bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOEC). Initial dose–response assessments on sperm hyperactivation determined the optimum concentration of P4 (10 nM), mibefradil (a non-specific Ca2+ channel antagonist; 5µM), NNC 55-0396 dihydrochloride (NNC; a CatSper antagonist; 2µM), mifepristone (a classical and membrane P4 receptor antagonist; 400nM) and AG205 (a membrane P4 receptor antagonist; 10μM). BOEC explants were incubated with frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa for 30min, following which loosely bound spermatozoa were removed. Two experiments were completed. In Experiment 1, BOECs were treated for 30min with either no treatment, P4, NNC, mibefradil, P4+mibefradil, P4+NNC, P4+mibefradil+NNC or P4+EGTA. In Experiment 2, BOECs were treated for 30min with either no treatment, P4, mifepristone, AG205, mifepristone+AG205, P4+mifepristone, P4+AG205 or P4+mifepristone+AG205. The number of spermatozoa remaining bound per millimetre squared of BOEC explant was determined. Progesterone stimulated the release of bound spermatozoa from BOEC explants, whereas NNC, mibefradil and EGTA inhibited this release. The release of spermatozoa by P4 was inhibited in the presence of both mifepristone and AG205, whereas the combination of both had the greatest inhibitory action on P4 release of spermatozoa. These findings suggest the presence of a P4 membrane receptor on bovine spermatozoa and that P4-induced release of spermatozoa from BOECs is likely mediated by extracellular Ca2+.
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Harayama H. Flagellar hyperactivation of bull and boar spermatozoa. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:442-448. [PMID: 30377397 PMCID: PMC6194283 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, flagellar hyperactivation is indispensable to sperm fertilization with oocytes in vivo, although there are species differences in regulatory mechanisms for this event. In this study, I reviewed researches regarding hyperactivation of bull and boar spermatozoa, in comparison with those of spermatozoa from other species. METHODS Recent publications regarding sperm hyperactivation were collected and summarized. RESULTS MAIN FINDINGS In bull and boar spermatozoa, there are two types of hyperactivation "full-type hyperactivation and nonfull-type hyperactivation" which are equivalent to anti-hock hyperactivation and pro-hock hyperactivation of mouse spermatozoa, respectively, on the basis of the flagellar parts exhibiting asymmetrical beating. Full-type hyperactivation is initiated in response to a rapid increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in the connecting/middle and principal pieces by the mobilization of this divalent ion from extracellular space and internal store through cation channels. Regulatory molecules for the increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in the connecting/middle pieces are probably different from those in the principal pieces. CONCLUSION I have proposed a hypothesis on the regulation of full-type hyperactivation by the distinct signaling cascades leading to the increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ between the connecting/middle and principal pieces of bull and boar spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Harayama
- Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural ScienceKobe UniversityKobeJapan
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Pini T, Leahy T, Paul de Graaf S. Seminal plasma and cryopreservation alter ram sperm surface carbohydrates and interactions with neutrophils. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:689-702. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa deposited vaginally must navigate the physical, chemical and immune barriers of the cervix to reach the site of fertilisation. Characteristics that favour successful cervical transit remain largely unknown beyond the obvious factors of motility and viability. Epididymal and cryopreserved ram spermatozoa demonstrate poor cervical transit, for unknown reasons. We hypothesised that seminal plasma exposure and cryopreservation alter the surface sugars of these sperm populations and, consequently, their interaction with immune cells, both potential factors for successful cervical transit. The carbohydrate profiles of epididymal, ejaculated and frozen–thawed ram spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry and western blotting using lectins for galactose, sialic acid, N-acetylglucosamine and mannose. Seminal plasma exposure and cryopreservation caused significant changes to the relative amounts of surface sugars detected by flow cytometry and lectin blotting. Immune cell interaction was characterised using a neutrophil-binding assay. Seminal plasma acted as a robust protective mechanism, limiting binding of spermatozoa, whereas the media used for cryopreservation caused a significant disruption to opsonin-mediated binding. We were unable to demonstrate a link between changes to surface sugars and neutrophil susceptibility. Seminal plasma and cryopreservation clearly alter the sperm glycocalyx, as well as the interaction of spermatozoa with immune cells.
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Gadella BM. Reproductive tract modifications of the boar sperm surface. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:822-831. [PMID: 28452082 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The sperm cell has a unique, polarized, and segregated surface that is modified extensively by the changing environments in both the male and the female reproductive tracts. The sperm cannot refresh its surface, as protein translation and membrane recycling by intracellular vesicular transport have ceased upon its maturation. So, how is the sperm surface modified in the reproductive tracts and how do these processes affect fertilization? This review traces these modifications as boar sperm travels from their liberation from the Sertoli cell into the lumen of seminiferous tubules of the testis to the site of fertilization in the ampulla of the oviduct in the sow, via an artificial insemination route. The effect of sperm dilution for artificial insemination, as well as more extensive sperm processing for in vitro fertilization, cryopreservation, or sex sorting, are also discussed with respect to how these procedures affect sperm surface organization and fertilization capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart M Gadella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Farm Animal Health and Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Calpain inhibition prevents flotillin re-ordering and Src family activation during capacitation. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 369:395-412. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2591-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Harayama H, Minami K, Kishida K, Noda T. Protein biomarkers for male artificial insemination subfertility in bovine spermatozoa. Reprod Med Biol 2017; 16:89-98. [PMID: 29259456 PMCID: PMC5661804 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although artificial insemination (AI) technique is an established biotechnology for bovine reproduction, the results of AI (conception rates) have a tendency to decline gradually. To our annoyance, moreover, AI‐subfertile bulls have been occasionally found in the AI centers. To resolve these serious problems, it is necessary to control the sperm quality more strictly by the examinations of sperm molecules. Methods We reviewed a number of recent articles regarding potentials of bovine sperm proteins as the biomarkers for bull AI‐subfertility and also showed our unpublished supplemental data on the bull AI‐subfertility associated proteins. Main findings Bull AI‐subfertility is caused by the deficiency or dysfunctions of various molecules including regulatory proteins of ATP synthesis, acrosomal proteins, nuclear proteins, capacitation‐related proteins and seminal plasma proteins. Conclusion In order to control the bovine sperm quality more strictly by the molecular examinations, it is necessary to select suitable sperm protein biomarkers for the male reproductive problems which happen in the AI centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Harayama
- Division of Animal Science Department of Bioresource Science Graduate School of Agricultural Science Kobe University Kobe Japan
| | - Kenta Minami
- Division of Animal Science Department of Bioresource Science Graduate School of Agricultural Science Kobe University Kobe Japan
| | - Kazumi Kishida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Shiga University of Medical Science Otsu Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases Osaka University Suita Osaka Japan
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Vicente-Carrillo A, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Rodríguez-Martínez H. The CatSper channel modulates boar sperm motility during capacitation. Reprod Biol 2017; 17:69-78. [PMID: 28077244 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) comprises four transmembrane subunits specifically expressed in human, equine, murine and ovine spermatozoa, apparently implicated in capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosome exocytosis. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry showed hereby that CatSper subunits are also present in boar spermatozoa, primarily over the sperm neck, tail and cytoplasmic droplets; albeit CatSper -1 presented in addition some distribution over the membrane of the acrosome and CatSper -2 and -4 over the membrane of the post-acrosome. The role of the Catsper channel in boar spermatozoa was investigated by extending the spermatozoa in media containing different calcium (Ca2+) availability and exposure to the capacitation-trigger bicarbonate, to progesterone or CatSper inhibitors (Mibefradil and NNC 55-0396), separately or sequentially, at physiological and toxicological doses. Extracellular Ca2+ availability, combined with bicarbonate exposure (capacitation-inducing conditions) decreased sperm motility, similarly to when spermatozoa incubated in capacitation-inducing conditions was exposed to Mibefradil and NNC 55-0396. Exposure of these spermatozoa to progesterone did not cause significant changes in sperm motility and nor did it revert its decrease induced by CatSper antagonists. In conclusion, the CatSper channel regulates sperm motility during porcine capacitation-related events in vitro.
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