1
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Zhang H, Yang M, Zhang J, Li L, Guan T, Liu J, Gong X, Yang F, Shen S, Liu M, Han Y. The putative protein kinase Stk36 is essential for ciliogenesis and CSF flow by associating with Ulk4. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23138. [PMID: 37584603 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300481r] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Motile cilia lining on the ependymal cells are crucial for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and its dysfunction is often associated with hydrocephalus. Unc51-like-kinase 4 (Ulk4) was previously linked to CSF flow and motile ciliogenesis in mice, as the hypomorph mutant of Ulk4 (Ulk4tm1a/tm1a ) developed hydrocephalic phenotype resulted from defective ciliogenesis and disturbed ciliary motility, while the underling mechanism is largely obscure. Here, we report that serine/threonine kinase 36 (STK36), a paralog of ULK4, directly interacts with ULK4 and this was demonstrated by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) in yeast and coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays in HEK293T cells, respectively. The interaction region was confined to their respective N-terminal kinase domain. The hypomorph mutant of Stk36 (Stk36tmE4-/- ) also developed progressive hydrocephalus postnatally and dysfunctional CSF flow, with multiple defects of motile cilia, including reduced ciliary number, disorganized ciliary orientation, defected axonemal structure and inconsistent base body (BB) orientation. Stk36tmE4-/- also disturbed the expression of Foxj1 transcription factor and a range of other ciliogenesis-related genes. All these morphological changes, motile cilia defects and transcriptional dysregulation in the Stk36tmE4-/- are practically copied from that in Ulk4tm1a/tm1a mice. Taken together, we conclude that both Stk36 and Ulk4 are crucial for CSF flow, they cooperate by direct binding with their kinase domain to regulate the Foxj1 transcription factor pathways for ciliogenesis and cilia function, not limited to CSF flow. The underlying molecular mechanism probably conserved in evolution and could be extended to other metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongye Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Meimei Yang
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Li Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tianyuan Guan
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xuanwei Gong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Children's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Min Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yongfeng Han
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
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2
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McCoy CJ, Paupelin-Vaucelle H, Gorilak P, Beneke T, Varga V, Gluenz E. ULK4 and Fused/STK36 interact to mediate assembly of a motile flagellum. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar66. [PMID: 36989043 PMCID: PMC10295485 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-06-0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Unc-51-like kinase (ULK) family serine-threonine protein kinase homologues have been linked to the function of motile cilia in diverse species. Mutations in Fused/STK36 and ULK4 in mice resulted in hydrocephalus and other phenotypes consistent with ciliary defects. How either protein contributes to the assembly and function of motile cilia is not well understood. Here we studied the phenotypes of ULK4 and Fused gene knockout (KO) mutants in the flagellated protist Leishmania mexicana. Both KO mutants exhibited a variety of structural defects of the flagellum cytoskeleton. Biochemical approaches indicate spatial proximity of these proteins and indicate a direct interaction between the N-terminus of LmxULK4 and LmxFused. Both proteins display a dispersed localization throughout the cell body and flagellum, with enrichment near the flagellar base and tip. The stable expression of LmxULK4 was dependent on the presence of LmxFused. Fused/STK36 was previously shown to localize to mammalian motile cilia, and we demonstrate here that ULK4 also localizes to the motile cilia in mouse ependymal cells. Taken together these data suggest a model where the pseudokinase ULK4 is a positive regulator of the kinase Fused/ STK36 in a pathway required for stable assembly of motile cilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciaran J. McCoy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peter Gorilak
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Tom Beneke
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir Varga
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Gluenz
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, United Kingdom
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3
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Zhu H, Wen Z, Zhang A, Liu D, Wang H, Cheng Y, Yang X, Xiao Y, Li J, Sun D, Wu B, Gao J. RhoGDIα regulates spermatogenesis through Rac1/cofilin/F-actin signaling. Commun Biol 2023; 6:214. [PMID: 36823181 PMCID: PMC9950379 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04579-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an extremely complex process, and any obstruction can cause male infertility. RhoGDIα has been identified as a risk of male sterility. In this study, we generate RhoGDIα knockout mice, and find that the males have severely low fertility. The testes from RhoGDIα-/- mice are smaller than that in WT mice. The numbers of spermatogonia and spermatocytes are decreased in RhoGDIα-/- testis. Spermatogenesis is compromised, and spermatocyte meiosis is arrested at zygotene stage in RhoGDIα-/- mice. Acrosome dysplasia is also observed in sperms of the mutant mice. At the molecular level, RhoGDIα deficiency activate the LIMK/cofilin signaling pathway, inhibiting F-actin depolymerization, impairing testis and inducing low fertility in mouse. In addition, the treatment of RhoGDIα-/- mice with Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 alleviate testis injury and improve sperm quality by inhibiting the LIMK/cofilin/F-actin pathway during spermatogenesis. Together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized RhoGDIα/Rac1/F-actin-dependent mechanism involved in spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Zongzhuang Wen
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Dongyue Liu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Yin Cheng
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Xing Yang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Jianyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Daqing Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250013, China.
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Jiangang Gao
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China.
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4
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Hoyer-Fender S. Development of the Connecting Piece in ODF1-Deficient Mouse Spermatids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810280. [PMID: 36142191 PMCID: PMC9499666 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
ODF1 is a major protein of the accessory fibres of the mammalian sperm tail. In addition, ODF1 is found in the connecting piece, a complex structure located at the posterior end of the nucleus that connects the sperm head and tail. The tight coupling of the sperm head and tail is critical for the progressive motility of the sperm to reach the oocyte for fertilisation. The depletion of ODF1 by homologous recombination in mice led to male infertility. Although sperm tails were present in the epididymis, no intact spermatozoa were found. Instead, the depletion of ODF1 resulted in sperm decapitation, suggesting that ODF1 is essential for the formation of the coupling apparatus and the tight linkage of the sperm head and tail. However, the development of the linkage complex in the absence of ODF1 has never been investigated. Here, I analysed the fine structure of the developing connecting piece by transmission electron microscopy. I show that the connecting piece develops as in wild-type spermatids. Structural abnormalities were not observed when ODF1 was absent. Thus, ODF1 is dispensable for the development of the connecting piece. However, the decapitation of ODF1-deficient spermatozoa indicates that the heads and tails of the spermatozoa are not linked, so that they separate when force is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Hoyer-Fender
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology-Developmental Biology, GZMB, Ernst-Caspari-Haus, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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5
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Yao M, Qu H, Han Y, Cheng CY, Xiao X. Kinesins in Mammalian Spermatogenesis and Germ Cell Transport. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:837542. [PMID: 35547823 PMCID: PMC9083010 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.837542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian testes, the apical cytoplasm of each Sertoli cell holds up to several dozens of germ cells, especially spermatids that are transported up and down the seminiferous epithelium. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) established by neighboring Sertoli cells in the basal compartment restructures on a regular basis to allow preleptotene/leptotene spermatocytes to pass through. The timely transfer of germ cells and other cellular organelles such as residual bodies, phagosomes, and lysosomes across the epithelium to facilitate spermatogenesis is important and requires the microtubule-based cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells. Kinesins, a superfamily of the microtubule-dependent motor proteins, are abundantly and preferentially expressed in the testis, but their functions are poorly understood. This review summarizes recent findings on kinesins in mammalian spermatogenesis, highlighting their potential role in germ cell traversing through the BTB and the remodeling of Sertoli cell-spermatid junctions to advance spermatid transport. The possibility of kinesins acting as a mediator and/or synchronizer for cell cycle progression, germ cell transit, and junctional rearrangement and turnover is also discussed. We mostly cover findings in rodents, but we also make special remarks regarding humans. We anticipate that this information will provide a framework for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Yao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Haoyang Qu
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yating Han
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Center for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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6
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Hiradate Y, Harima R, Yanai R, Hara K, Nagasawa K, Osada M, Kobayashi T, Matsuyama M, Kanno S, Yasui A, Tanemura K. Loss of
Axdnd1
causes sterility due to impaired spermatid differentiation in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12452. [PMID: 35386379 PMCID: PMC8968163 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12452] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Spermiogenesis, the process of deformation of sperm head morphology and flagella formation, is a phenomenon unique to sperm. Axonemal dynein light chain proteins are localized to sperm flagella and are known to be involved in sperm motility. Here, we focused on the gene axonemal dynein light chain domain containing 1 (Axdnd1) with the aim to determine the function of its protein product AXDND1. Methods To elucidate the role of AXDND1 in spermatogenesis, we generated Axdnd1 knockout (KO) mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The generated mice were subjected to fertility tests and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Result The Axdnd1 KO mouse exhibited sterility caused by impaired spermiogenesis during the elongation step as well as abnormal nuclear shaping and manchette, which are essential for spermiogenesis. Moreover, AXDND1 showed enriched testicular expression and was localized from the mid‐pachytene spermatocytes to the early spermatids. Conclusion Axdnd1 is essential for spermatogenesis in the mouse testes. These findings improve our understanding of spermiogenesis and related defects. According to a recent report, deleterious heterozygous mutations in AXDND1 were found in non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Therefore, Axdnd1 KO mice could be used as a model system for NOA, which will greatly contribute to future NOA treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hiradate
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Ryua Harima
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Rin Yanai
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Kazue Nagasawa
- Laboratory of Aquacultural Biology Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Makoto Osada
- Laboratory of Aquacultural Biology Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Tomoe Kobayashi
- Division of Molecular Genetics Shigei Medical Research Institute Okayama Japan
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- Division of Molecular Genetics Shigei Medical Research Institute Okayama Japan
| | - Shin‐ichiro Kanno
- Division of Dynamic Proteome and IDAC Fellow Research Group for DNA Repair and Dynamic Proteome Institute of Development Aging and Cancer (IDAC) Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Akira Yasui
- Division of Dynamic Proteome and IDAC Fellow Research Group for DNA Repair and Dynamic Proteome Institute of Development Aging and Cancer (IDAC) Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
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7
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MEIG1 determines the manchette localization of IFT20 and IFT88, two intraflagellar transport components in male germ cells. Dev Biol 2022; 485:50-60. [PMID: 35257720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sperm flagella formation is a complex process that requires cargo transport systems to deliver structural proteins for sperm flagella assembly. Two cargo transport systems, the intramanchette transport (IMT) and intraflagellar transport (IFT), have been shown to play critical roles in spermatogenesis and sperm flagella formation. IMT exists only in elongating spermatids, while IFT is responsible for delivering cargo proteins in the developing cilia/flagella. Our laboratory discovered that mouse meiosis expressed gene 1 (MEIG1), a gene essential for sperm flagella formation, is present in the manchette of elongating spermatids. IFT complex components, IFT20 and IFT88, are also present in the manchette of the elongating spermatids. Given that the three proteins have the same localization in elongating spermatids and are essential for normal spermatogenesis and sperm flagella formation, we hypothesize that they are in the same complex, which is supported by co-immunoprecipitation assay using mouse testis extracts. In the Meig1 knockout mice, neither IFT20 nor IFT88 was present in the manchette in the elongating spermatids even though their localizations were normal in spermatocytes and round spermatids. However, MEIG1 was still present in the manchette in elongating spermatids of the conditional Ift20 knockout mice. In the sucrose gradient assay, both IFT20 and IFT88 proteins drifted from higher density fractions to lighter ones in the Meig1 knockout mice. MEIG1 distribution was not changed in the conditional Ift20 knockout mice. Finally, testicular IFT20 and IFT88 protein and mRNA levels were significantly reduced in Meig1 knockout mice. Our data suggests that MEIG1 is a key protein in determining the manchette localization of certain IFT components, including IFT20 and IFT88, in male germ cells.
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8
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Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm bauplan and function and underlying processes of sperm formation and selection. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:7-60. [PMID: 33880962 PMCID: PMC8812575 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated and polarized cell, with two main structures: the head, containing a haploid nucleus and the acrosomal exocytotic granule, and the flagellum, which generates energy and propels the cell; both structures are connected by the neck. The sperm's main aim is to participate in fertilization, thus activating development. Despite this common bauplan and function, there is an enormous diversity in structure and performance of sperm cells. For example, mammalian spermatozoa may exhibit several head patterns and overall sperm lengths ranging from ∼30 to 350 µm. Mechanisms of transport in the female tract, preparation for fertilization, and recognition of and interaction with the oocyte also show considerable variation. There has been much interest in understanding the origin of this diversity, both in evolutionary terms and in relation to mechanisms underlying sperm differentiation in the testis. Here, relationships between sperm bauplan and function are examined at two levels: first, by analyzing the selective forces that drive changes in sperm structure and physiology to understand the adaptive values of this variation and impact on male reproductive success and second, by examining cellular and molecular mechanisms of sperm formation in the testis that may explain how differentiation can give rise to such a wide array of sperm forms and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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9
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Tapia Contreras C, Hoyer-Fender S. The Transformation of the Centrosome into the Basal Body: Similarities and Dissimilarities between Somatic and Male Germ Cells and Their Relevance for Male Fertility. Cells 2021; 10:2266. [PMID: 34571916 PMCID: PMC8471410 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is essential for the transport of the genetic material toward the oocyte and thus the transmission of the genetic information to the next generation. During the haploid phase of spermatogenesis, i.e., spermiogenesis, a morphological and molecular restructuring of the male germ cell, the round spermatid, takes place that includes the silencing and compaction of the nucleus, the formation of the acrosomal vesicle from the Golgi apparatus, the formation of the sperm tail, and, finally, the shedding of excessive cytoplasm. Sperm tail formation starts in the round spermatid stage when the pair of centrioles moves toward the posterior pole of the nucleus. The sperm tail, eventually, becomes located opposed to the acrosomal vesicle, which develops at the anterior pole of the nucleus. The centriole pair tightly attaches to the nucleus, forming a nuclear membrane indentation. An articular structure is formed around the centriole pair known as the connecting piece, situated in the neck region and linking the sperm head to the tail, also named the head-to-tail coupling apparatus or, in short, HTCA. Finally, the sperm tail grows out from the distal centriole that is now transformed into the basal body of the flagellum. However, a centriole pair is found in nearly all cells of the body. In somatic cells, it accumulates a large mass of proteins, the pericentriolar material (PCM), that together constitute the centrosome, which is the main microtubule-organizing center of the cell, essential not only for the structuring of the cytoskeleton and the overall cellular organization but also for mitotic spindle formation and chromosome segregation. However, in post-mitotic (G1 or G0) cells, the centrosome is transformed into the basal body. In this case, one of the centrioles, which is always the oldest or mother centriole, grows the axoneme of a cilium. Most cells of the body carry a single cilium known as the primary cilium that serves as an antenna sensing the cell's environment. Besides, specialized cells develop multiple motile cilia differing in substructure from the immotile primary cilia that are essential in moving fluids or cargos over the cellular surface. Impairment of cilia formation causes numerous severe syndromes that are collectively subsumed as ciliopathies. This comparative overview serves to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of basal body formation, their similarities, and dissimilarities, in somatic versus male germ cells, by discussing the involved proteins/genes and their expression, localization, and function. The review, thus, aimed to provide a deeper knowledge of the molecular players that is essential for the expansion of clinical diagnostics and treatment of male fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sigrid Hoyer-Fender
- Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology-Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
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10
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Wu B, Gao H, Liu C, Li W. The coupling apparatus of the sperm head and tail†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:988-998. [PMID: 31995163 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A strong sperm head-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA) is needed to ensure the integrity of spermatozoa during their fierce competition to fertilize the egg. A lot of HTCA-specific components have evolved to strengthen the attachment of the tail to the implantation fossa at the sperm head. Defects in HTCA formation lead to acephalic spermatozoa syndrome and pathologies of some male infertility. Recent studies have provided insights into the pathogenic molecular mechanisms of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Here, we summarize the proteins involved in sperm neck development and focus on their roles in the formation of HTCA. In addition, we discuss the fine structures of the sperm neck in different species from an evolutionary view, highlighting the potential conservative mechanism of HTCA formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hui Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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11
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Azhar M, Altaf S, Uddin I, Cheng J, Wu L, Tong X, Qin W, Bao J. Towards Post-Meiotic Sperm Production: Genetic Insight into Human Infertility from Mouse Models. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2487-2503. [PMID: 34326689 PMCID: PMC8315030 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Declined quality and quantity of sperm is currently the major cause of patients suffering from infertility. Male germ cell development is spatiotemporally regulated throughout the whole developmental process. While it has been known that exogenous factors, such as environmental exposure, diet and lifestyle, et al, play causative roles in male infertility, recent progress has revealed abundant genetic mutations tightly associated with defective male germline development. In mammals, male germ cells undergo dramatic morphological change (i.e., nuclear condensation) and chromatin remodeling during post-meiotic haploid germline development, a process termed spermiogenesis; However, the molecular machinery players and functional mechanisms have yet to be identified. To date, accumulated evidence suggests that disruption in any step of haploid germline development is likely manifested as fertility issues with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, aberrant sperm morphology or combined. With the continually declined cost of next-generation sequencing and recent progress of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, growing studies have revealed a vast number of disease-causing genetic variants associated with spermiogenic defects in both mice and humans, along with mechanistic insights partially attained and validated through genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). In this review, we mainly summarize genes that are functional at post-meiotic stage. Identification and characterization of deleterious genetic variants should aid in our understanding of germline development, and thereby further improve the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Saba Altaf
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Islam Uddin
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Jinbao Cheng
- The 901th hospital of Joint logistics support Force of PLA, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
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12
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Xiong W, Shen C, Wang Z. The molecular mechanisms underlying acrosome biogenesis elucidated by gene-manipulated mice. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:789-807. [PMID: 34131698 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction requires the fusion of two gametes in a multistep and multifactorial process termed fertilization. One of the main steps that ensures successful fertilization is acrosome reaction. The acrosome, a special kind of organelle with a cap-like structure that covers the anterior portion of sperm head, plays a key role in the process. Acrosome biogenesis begins with the initial stage of spermatid development, and it is typically divided into four successive phases: the Golgi phase, cap phase, acrosome phase, and maturation phase. The run smoothly of above processes needs an active and specific coordination between the all kinds of organelles (endoplasmic reticulum, trans-golgi network and nucleus) and cytoplasmic structures (acroplaxome and manchette). During the past two decades, an increasingly genes have been discovered to be involved in modulating acrosome formation. Most of these proteins interact with each other and show a complicated molecular regulatory mechanism to facilitate the occurrence of this event. This Review focuses on the progresses of studying acrosome biogenesis using gene-manipulated mice and highlights an emerging molecular basis of mammalian acrosome formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Ho UY, Feng CWA, Yeap YY, Bain AL, Wei Z, Shohayeb B, Reichelt ME, Homer H, Khanna KK, Bowles J, Ng DCH. WDR62 is required for centriole duplication in spermatogenesis and manchette removal in spermiogenesis. Commun Biol 2021; 4:645. [PMID: 34059773 PMCID: PMC8167107 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02171-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
WDR62 is a scaffold protein involved in centriole duplication and spindle assembly during mitosis. Mutations in WDR62 can cause primary microcephaly and premature ovarian insufficiency. We have generated a genetrap mouse model deficient in WDR62 and characterised the developmental effects of WDR62 deficiency during meiosis in the testis. We have found that WDR62 deficiency leads to centriole underduplication in the spermatocytes due to reduced or delayed CEP63 accumulation in the pericentriolar matrix. This resulted in prolonged metaphase that led to apoptosis. Round spermatids that inherited a pair of centrioles progressed through spermiogenesis, however, manchette removal was delayed in WDR62 deficient spermatids due to delayed Katanin p80 accumulation in the manchette, thus producing misshapen spermatid heads with elongated manchettes. In mice, WDR62 deficiency resembles oligoasthenoteratospermia, a common form of subfertility in men that is characterised by low sperm counts, poor motility and abnormal morphology. Therefore, proper WDR62 function is necessary for timely spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis during male reproduction. Uda Ho et al find that loss of centriolar scaffold protein WDR62 in mouse testis leads to defects in spermatogenesis. They find that WDR62 deficiency leads to centriole underduplication in spermatocytes and delayed manchette removal in spermatids due to delayed Katanin p80 accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uda Y Ho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Chun-Wei Allen Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yvonne Y Yeap
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Amanda L Bain
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Zhe Wei
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Belal Shohayeb
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Melissa E Reichelt
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hayden Homer
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kum Kum Khanna
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dominic C H Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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14
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Pleuger C, Lehti MS, Dunleavy JE, Fietz D, O'Bryan MK. Haploid male germ cells-the Grand Central Station of protein transport. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:474-500. [PMID: 32318721 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise movement of proteins and vesicles is an essential ability for all eukaryotic cells. Nowhere is this more evident than during the remarkable transformation that occurs in spermiogenesis-the transformation of haploid round spermatids into sperm. These transformations are critically dependent upon both the microtubule and the actin cytoskeleton, and defects in these processes are thought to underpin a significant percentage of human male infertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review is aimed at summarising and synthesising the current state of knowledge around protein/vesicle transport during haploid male germ cell development and identifying knowledge gaps and challenges for future research. To achieve this, we summarise the key discoveries related to protein transport using the mouse as a model system. Where relevant, we anchored these insights to knowledge in the field of human spermiogenesis and the causality of human male infertility. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies published in English were identified using PubMed using a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review-protein/vesicle transport, intra-flagellar transport, intra-manchette transport, Golgi, acrosome, manchette, axoneme, outer dense fibres and fibrous sheath. Searches were not restricted to a particular time frame or species although the emphasis within the review is on mammalian spermiogenesis. OUTCOMES Spermiogenesis is the final phase of sperm development. It results in the transformation of a round cell into a highly polarised sperm with the capacity for fertility. It is critically dependent on the cytoskeleton and its ability to transport protein complexes and vesicles over long distances and often between distinct cytoplasmic compartments. The development of the acrosome covering the sperm head, the sperm tail within the ciliary lobe, the manchette and its role in sperm head shaping and protein transport into the tail, and the assembly of mitochondria into the mid-piece of sperm, may all be viewed as a series of overlapping and interconnected train tracks. Defects in this redistribution network lead to male infertility characterised by abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and/or abnormal sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and are likely to be causal of, or contribute to, a significant percentage of human male infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A greater understanding of the mechanisms of protein transport in spermiogenesis offers the potential to precisely diagnose cases of male infertility and to forecast implications for children conceived using gametes containing these mutations. The manipulation of these processes will offer opportunities for male-based contraceptive development. Further, as increasingly evidenced in the literature, we believe that the continuous and spatiotemporally restrained nature of spermiogenesis provides an outstanding model system to identify, and de-code, cytoskeletal elements and transport mechanisms of relevance to multiple tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Pleuger
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Mari S Lehti
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | | | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
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15
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Teves ME, Roldan ERS, Krapf D, Strauss III JF, Bhagat V, Sapao P. Sperm Differentiation: The Role of Trafficking of Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3702. [PMID: 32456358 PMCID: PMC7279445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm differentiation encompasses a complex sequence of morphological changes that takes place in the seminiferous epithelium. In this process, haploid round spermatids undergo substantial structural and functional alterations, resulting in highly polarized sperm. Hallmark changes during the differentiation process include the formation of new organelles, chromatin condensation and nuclear shaping, elimination of residual cytoplasm, and assembly of the sperm flagella. To achieve these transformations, spermatids have unique mechanisms for protein trafficking that operate in a coordinated fashion. Microtubules and filaments of actin are the main tracks used to facilitate the transport mechanisms, assisted by motor and non-motor proteins, for delivery of vesicular and non-vesicular cargos to specific sites. This review integrates recent findings regarding the role of protein trafficking in sperm differentiation. Although a complete characterization of the interactome of proteins involved in these temporal and spatial processes is not yet known, we propose a model based on the current literature as a framework for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA 23298, USA;
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006-Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Jerome F. Strauss III
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA 23298, USA;
| | - Virali Bhagat
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA 23298, USA;
| | - Paulene Sapao
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA, 23298, USA;
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16
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Crapster JA, Rack PG, Hellmann ZJ, Le AD, Adams CM, Leib RD, Elias JE, Perrino J, Behr B, Li Y, Lin J, Zeng H, Chen JK. HIPK4 is essential for murine spermiogenesis. eLife 2020; 9:e50209. [PMID: 32163033 PMCID: PMC7067585 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermiogenesis is a remarkable cellular transformation, during which round spermatids elongate into chromatin-condensed spermatozoa. The signaling pathways that coordinate this process are not well understood, and we demonstrate here that homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 4 (HIPK4) is essential for spermiogenesis and male fertility in mice. HIPK4 is predominantly expressed in round and early elongating spermatids, and Hipk4 knockout males are sterile, exhibiting phenotypes consistent with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Hipk4 mutant sperm have reduced oocyte binding and are incompetent for in vitro fertilization, but they can still produce viable offspring via intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Optical and electron microscopy of HIPK4-null male germ cells reveals defects in the filamentous actin (F-actin)-scaffolded acroplaxome during spermatid elongation and abnormal head morphologies in mature spermatozoa. We further observe that HIPK4 overexpression induces branched F-actin structures in cultured fibroblasts and that HIPK4 deficiency alters the subcellular distribution of an F-actin capping protein in the testis, supporting a role for this kinase in cytoskeleton remodeling. Our findings establish HIPK4 as an essential regulator of sperm head shaping and potential target for male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Aaron Crapster
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Paul G Rack
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Zane J Hellmann
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Austen D Le
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Christopher M Adams
- Stanford University Mass Spectrometry, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Ryan D Leib
- Stanford University Mass Spectrometry, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Joshua E Elias
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - John Perrino
- Cell Science Imaging Facility, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Barry Behr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Yanfeng Li
- Transgenic, Knockout, and Tumor Model Center, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Jennifer Lin
- Transgenic, Knockout, and Tumor Model Center, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Hong Zeng
- Transgenic, Knockout, and Tumor Model Center, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - James K Chen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
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17
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Ali A, Mistry BV, Ahmed HA, Abdulla R, Amer HA, Prince A, Alazami AM, Alkuraya FS, Assiri A. Deletion of DDB1- and CUL4- associated factor-17 (Dcaf17) gene causes spermatogenesis defects and male infertility in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9202. [PMID: 29907856 PMCID: PMC6003934 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27379-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
DDB1– and CUL4–associated factor 17 (Dcaf17) is a member of DCAF family genes that encode substrate receptor proteins for Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases, which play critical roles in many cellular processes. To unravel the function of DCAF17, we performed expression profiling of Dcaf17 in different tissues of wild type mouse by qRT-PCR and generated Dcaf17 knockout mice by gene targeting. Expression profiling of Dcaf17 showed highest expression in testis. Analyses of Dcaf17 transcripts during post-natal development of testis at different ages displayed gradual increase in Dcaf17 mRNA levels with the age. Although Dcaf17 disruption did not have any effect on female fertility, Dcaf17 deletion led to male infertility due to abnormal sperm development. The Dcaf17−/− mice produced low number of sperm with abnormal shape and significantly low motility. Histological examination of the Dcaf17−/− testis revealed impaired spermatogenesis with presence of vacuoles and sloughed cells in the seminiferous tubules. Disruption of Dcaf17 caused asymmetric acrosome capping, impaired nuclear compaction and abnormal round spermatid to elongated spermatid transition. For the first time, these data indicate that DCAF17 is essential for spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Ali
- Comparative Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavesh V Mistry
- Comparative Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala A Ahmed
- Comparative Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan Abdulla
- Comparative Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan A Amer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Abdelbary Prince
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Anas M Alazami
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Assiri
- Comparative Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia. .,College of Medicine, AlFaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
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18
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Wang S, Wang S, Li H, Li X, Xie M, Wen J, Li M, Long T. Effect of aromatase inhibitor letrozole on the proliferation of spermatogonia by regulating the MAPK pathway. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:5269-5274. [PMID: 29805545 PMCID: PMC5958651 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole was investigated. It promotes the proliferation of spermatogonia by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Six different concentrations were selected for letrozole in order to incubate mouse spermatogonia [GC-1 spermatogonia (spg)] for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to observe the effect of letrozole on the proliferation of GC-1 spg cells, and the effect was further verified by cell plate clone formation assay. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect the effects of letrozole on MAPK signaling pathways [Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1)/c-Myc], proliferation indexes [Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)]. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining was used to study the effects of letrozole and MAPK signaling pathways on cell proliferation. The results of CCK-8 showed that the proliferation rate of GC-1 spg cells was improved. Study results also revealed a significant increase in letrozole concentration along with the time of action. The results of plate clone formation assay further indicated that letrozole could significantly promote the proliferation capacity of GC-1 spg cells (p<0.05). The results of RT-PCR and western blot analysis confirmed letrozole significantly activated the expression of Ras/ERK1/c-Myc in the classical MAPK pathway. A significant increase was noted in the protein levels of Ki-67 and PCNA (p<0.05). By contrast, inhibition of the MAPK pathway resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of the above indexes (p<0.05). The number of BrdU cells in the letrozole group was also higher than that of the control group, while the number of BrdU-stained cells in the letrozole + MAPK inhibition group showed a significant decrease in comparison to the letrozole group. In conclusion, letrozole activated the MAPK signaling pathway and promoted the proliferation of mouse spermatogonia GC-1 spg cells. The present study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of letrozole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunde Wang
- Department of Andrology, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing 404000, P.R. China
| | - Shuhong Wang
- Department of Andrology, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing 404000, P.R. China
| | - Hang Li
- Department of Andrology, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing 404000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Andrology, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing 404000, P.R. China
| | - Menglin Xie
- Department of Andrology, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing 404000, P.R. China
| | - Jiayu Wen
- Department of Andrology, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing 404000, P.R. China
| | - Meicai Li
- Department of Andrology, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing 404000, P.R. China
| | - Tengbo Long
- Department of Andrology, Chongqing Three Gorges Central Hospital, Chongqing 404000, P.R. China
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19
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Wei YL, Yang WX. The acroframosome-acroplaxome-manchette axis may function in sperm head shaping and male fertility. Gene 2018; 660:28-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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20
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Yang K, Adham IM, Meinhardt A, Hoyer-Fender S. Ultra-structure of the sperm head-to-tail linkage complex in the absence of the spermatid-specific LINC component SPAG4. Histochem Cell Biol 2018; 150:49-59. [PMID: 29663073 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-018-1668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Tight connection between sperm head and tail is crucial for the transport of the male genome and fertilization. The linkage complex, the sperm head-to-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA), originates from the centrosome and anchors to the nuclear membrane. In contrast to its ultra-structural organization, which is already well known for decades, its protein composition largely still awaits future deciphering. SUN-domain proteins are essential components of a complex that links the cytoskeleton to the peripheral nucleoskeleton, which is the nuclear lamina. Here, we studied the impact of the SUN protein SPAG4/SUN4 on the formation of the HTCA. SPAG4/SUN4 is specifically expressed in haploid male germ cells showing a polarized distribution towards the posterior pole in late spermatids that corresponds to the tail attachment site. SPAG4-deficient male mice are infertile with compromised manchette formation and malformed sperm heads. Nonetheless, sperm tails are present demonstrating dispensability of a proper manchette for their formation. Ultra-structural analyses revealed that the development of the sperm head-to-tail linkage complex in the absence of SPAG4 resembles that in the wild type. However, in SPAG4-deficient sperm, the attachment site is diminished with obvious lateral detachment of the HTCA from the nucleus. Our results thus indicate that SPAG4, albeit not essential for the formation of the HTCA per se, is, nevertheless, required for tightening the sperm head-to-tail anchorage by provoking the correct attachment of the lateral parts of the basal plate to the implantation fossa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kefei Yang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, GZMB, Ernst-Caspari-Haus, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ibrahim M Adham
- Department of Human Genetics, University Medicine, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Heinrich-Düker-Weg 12, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Aulweg 123, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sigrid Hoyer-Fender
- Department of Developmental Biology, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, GZMB, Ernst-Caspari-Haus, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 11, Göttingen, Germany.
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21
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KIFC1 is essential for acrosome formation and nuclear shaping during spermiogenesis in the lobster Procambarus clarkii. Oncotarget 2018; 8:36082-36098. [PMID: 28415605 PMCID: PMC5482640 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to study the function of kinesin-14 motor protein KIFC1 during spermatogenesis of Procambarus clarkii, the full length of kifc1 was cloned from testes cDNA using Rapid-Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE). The deduced KIFC1 protein sequence showed the highest similarity between Procambarus clarkii and Eriocheir senensis (similarity rate as 64%). According to the results of in situ hybridization (ISH), the kifc1 mRNA was gathered in the acrosome location above nucleus in the mid- and late-stage spermatids. Immunofluorescence results were partly consistent with the ISH in middle spermatids, while in the late spermatids the KIFC1 was distributed around the nucleus which had large deformation and formed four to six nuclear arms. In the mature sperm, KIFC1 and microtubules were distributed around the sperm, playing a role in maintaining the sperm morphology and normal function. Overexpression of P. clarkii kifc1 in GC1 cells for 24 hours resulted in disorganization of microtubules which changed the cell morphology from circular and spherical into fusiform. In addition, the overexpression also resulted in triple centrosomes during mitosis which eventually led to cell apoptosis. RNAi experiments showed that decreased KIFC1 protein levels resulted in total inhibition of spermatogenesis, with only mature sperm found in the RNAi-testis, implying an indispensable role of KIFC1 during P. clarkii spermiogenesis.
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Chen H, Zhu Y, Zhu Z, Zhi E, Lu K, Wang X, Liu F, Li Z, Xia W. Detection of heterozygous mutation in hook microtubule-tethering protein 1 in three patients with decapitated and decaudated spermatozoa syndrome. J Med Genet 2018; 55:150-157. [PMID: 29330334 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2016-104404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of intramanchette transport is crucial to the transformation of sperm tail and the nuclear condensation during spermiogenesis. Although few dysfunctional proteins could result in abnormal junction between the head and tail of spermatozoon, little is known about the genetic cues in this process. OBJECTIVE Based on patients with severe decapitated and decaudated spermatozoa (DDS) syndrome, the study aimed to validate whether new mutation exists on their Hook microtubule-tethering protein 1 (HOOK1) genes and follow their results of assisted reproduction treatment (ART). METHODS 7 severe teratozoospermia patients with DDS (proportion >95%) and three relative members in one pedigree were collected to sequence the whole genomic DNA. The fertilisation rates (FRs) of these patients were followed. Morphological observation and interspecies intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) assays were applied. RESULTS A novel missense mutation of A to G (p.Q286R) in patients with DDS (n=3/7) was found in the HOOK1 gene, which was inherited from the mother in one patient. This variant was absent in 160 fertile population-matched control individuals. Morphological observation showed that almost all the DDS broke into decaudated heads and headless tails at the implantation fossa or the basal plate. The clinical studies indicated that the mutation might cause reduced FRs on both ART (FR=18.07%) and interspecies ICSI (FR=16.98%). CONCLUSIONS An unreported mutation in HOOK1 gene was identified, which might be responsible to some patients with DDS. Further studies need to uncover the molecular mechanism of spermiogenesis for genomic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixing Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai, China.,Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhu
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zijue Zhu
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Keming Lu
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai, China.,Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai, China.,Department of Andrology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiliang Xia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai, China
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23
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Lehti MS, Sironen A. Formation and function of sperm tail structures in association with sperm motility defects†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:522-536. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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24
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Lehti MS, Zhang FP, Kotaja N, Sironen A. SPEF2 functions in microtubule-mediated transport in elongating spermatids to ensure proper male germ cell differentiation. Development 2017; 144:2683-2693. [PMID: 28619825 DOI: 10.1242/dev.152108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sperm differentiation requires specific protein transport for correct sperm tail formation and head shaping. A transient microtubular structure, the manchette, appears around the differentiating spermatid head and serves as a platform for protein transport to the growing tail. Sperm flagellar 2 (SPEF2) is known to be essential for sperm tail development. In this study we investigated the function of SPEF2 during spermatogenesis using a male germ cell-specific Spef2 knockout mouse model. In addition to defects in sperm tail development, we observed a duplication of the basal body and failure in manchette migration resulting in an abnormal head shape. We identified cytoplasmic dynein 1 and GOLGA3 as novel interaction partners for SPEF2. SPEF2 and dynein 1 colocalize in the manchette and the inhibition of dynein 1 disrupts the localization of SPEF2 to the manchette. Furthermore, the transport of a known SPEF2-binding protein, IFT20, from the Golgi complex to the manchette was delayed in the absence of SPEF2. These data indicate a possible novel role of SPEF2 as a linker protein for dynein 1-mediated cargo transport along microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari S Lehti
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Green Technology, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Noora Kotaja
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Anu Sironen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Green Technology, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland
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25
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du Plessis L, Soley JT. Sperm head shaping in ratites: New insights, yet more questions. Tissue Cell 2016; 48:605-615. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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26
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The control of male fertility by spermatid-specific factors: searching for contraceptive targets from spermatozoon's head to tail. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2472. [PMID: 27831554 PMCID: PMC5260884 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility due to abnormal spermatozoa has been reported in both animals and humans, but its pathogenic causes, including genetic abnormalities, remain largely unknown. On the other hand, contraceptive options for men are limited, and a specific, reversible and safe method of male contraception has been a long-standing quest in medicine. Some progress has recently been made in exploring the effects of spermatid-specifical genetic factors in controlling male fertility. A comprehensive search of PubMed for articles and reviews published in English before July 2016 was carried out using the search terms 'spermiogenesis failure', 'globozoospermia', 'spermatid-specific', 'acrosome', 'infertile', 'manchette', 'sperm connecting piece', 'sperm annulus', 'sperm ADAMs', 'flagellar abnormalities', 'sperm motility loss', 'sperm ion exchanger' and 'contraceptive targets'. Importantly, we have opted to focus on articles regarding spermatid-specific factors. Genetic studies to define the structure and physiology of sperm have shown that spermatozoa appear to be one of the most promising contraceptive targets. Here we summarize how these spermatid-specific factors regulate spermiogenesis and categorize them according to their localization and function from spermatid head to tail (e.g., acrosome, manchette, head-tail conjunction, annulus, principal piece of tail). In addition, we emphatically introduce small-molecule contraceptives, such as BRDT and PPP3CC/PPP3R2, which are currently being developed to target spermatogenic-specific proteins. We suggest that blocking the differentiation of haploid germ cells, which rarely affects early spermatogenic cell types and the testicular microenvironment, is a better choice than spermatogenic-specific proteins. The studies described here provide valuable information regarding the genetic and molecular defects causing male mouse infertility to improve our understanding of the importance of spermatid-specific factors in controlling fertility. Although a male contraceptive 'pill' is still many years away, research into the production of new small-molecule contraceptives targeting spermatid-specific proteins is the right avenue.
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27
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Lehti MS, Sironen A. Formation and function of the manchette and flagellum during spermatogenesis. Reproduction 2016; 151:R43-54. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The last phase of spermatogenesis involves spermatid elongation (spermiogenesis), where the nucleus is remodeled by chromatin condensation, the excess cytoplasm is removed and the acrosome and sperm tail are formed. Protein transport during spermatid elongation is required for correct formation of the sperm tail and acrosome and shaping of the head. Two microtubular-based protein delivery platforms transport proteins to the developing head and tail: the manchette and the sperm tail axoneme. The manchette is a transient skirt-like structure surrounding the elongating spermatid head and is only present during spermatid elongation. In this review, we consider current understanding of the assembly, disassembly and function of the manchette and the roles of these processes in spermatid head shaping and sperm tail formation. Recent studies have shown that at least some of the structural proteins of the sperm tail are transported through the intra-manchette transport to the basal body at the base of the developing sperm tail and through the intra-flagellar transport to the construction site in the flagellum. This review focuses on the microtubule-based mechanisms involved and the consequences of their disruption in spermatid elongation.
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28
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Yao PL, Chen L, Hess RA, Müller R, Gonzalez FJ, Peters JM. Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor-D (PPARD) Coordinates Mouse Spermatogenesis by Modulating Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK)-dependent Signaling. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:23416-31. [PMID: 26242735 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.664508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ppard(-/-) mice exhibit smaller litter size compared with Ppard(+/+) mice. To determine whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-D (PPARD) could possibly influence this phenotype, the role of PPARD in testicular biology was examined. Atrophic testes and testicular degeneration were observed in Ppard(-/-) mice compared with Ppard(+/+) mice, indicating that PPARD modulates spermatogenesis. Higher expression of p27 and decreased expression of proliferating cellular nuclear antigen in Sertoli cells were observed in Ppard(+/+) mice as compared with Ppard(-/-) mice, and these were associated with decreased Sertoli cell number in Ppard(+/+) mice. Cyclin D1 and cyclin D2 expression was lower in Ppard(+/+) as compared with Ppard(-/-) mice. Ligand activation of PPARD inhibited proliferation of a mouse Sertoli cell line, TM4, and an inverse agonist of PPARD (DG172) rescued this effect. Temporal inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation by PPARD in the testis was observed in Ppard(+/+) mice and was associated with decreased serum follicle-stimulating hormone and higher claudin-11 expression along the blood-testis barrier. PPARD-dependent ERK activation also altered expression of claudin-11, p27, cyclin D1, and cyclin D2 in TM4 cells, causing inhibition of cell proliferation, maturation, and formation of tight junctions in Sertoli cells, thus confirming a requirement for PPARD in accurate Sertoli cell function. Combined, these results reveal for the first time that PPARD regulates spermatogenesis by modulating the function of Sertoli cells during early testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Li Yao
- From the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802,
| | - LiPing Chen
- From the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Rex A Hess
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61802
| | - Rolf Müller
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Center for Tumor and Immunobiology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Strasse 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany, and
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, NCI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Jeffrey M Peters
- From the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and The Center of Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802,
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29
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Moretti E, Collodel G, Mazzi L, Russo I, Giurisato E. Ultrastructural study of spermatogenesis in KSR2 deficient mice. Transgenic Res 2015; 24:741-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s11248-015-9886-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Li W, Tang W, Teves ME, Zhang Z, Zhang L, Li H, Archer KJ, Peterson DL, Williams DC, Strauss JF, Zhang Z. A MEIG1/PACRG complex in the manchette is essential for building the sperm flagella. Development 2015; 142:921-30. [PMID: 25715396 PMCID: PMC4352978 DOI: 10.1242/dev.119834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A key event in the process of spermiogenesis is the formation of the flagella, which enables sperm to reach eggs for fertilization. Yeast two-hybrid studies revealed that meiosis-expressed gene 1 (MEIG1) and Parkin co-regulated gene (PACRG) interact, and that sperm-associated antigen 16, which encodes an axoneme central apparatus protein, is also a binding partner of MEIG1. In spermatocytes of wild-type mice, MEIG1 is expressed in the whole germ cell bodies, but the protein migrates to the manchette, a unique structure at the base of elongating spermatid that directs formation of the flagella. In the elongating spermatids of wild-type mice, PACRG colocalizes with α-tubulin, a marker for the manchette, whereas this localization was not changed in the few remaining elongating spermatids of Meig1-deficient mice. In addition, MEIG1 no longer localizes to the manchette in the remaining elongating spermatids of Pacrg-deficient mice, indicating that PACRG recruits MEIG1 to the manchette. PACRG is not stable in mammalian cells, but can be stabilized by MEIG1 or by inhibition of proteasome function. SPAG16L is present in the spermatocyte cytoplasm of wild-type mice, and in the manchette of elongating spermatids, but in the Meig1 or Pacrg-deficient mice, SPAG16L no longer localizes to the manchette. By contrast, MEIG1 and PACRG are still present in the manchette of Spag16L-deficient mice, indicating that SPAG16L is a downstream partner of these two proteins. Together, our studies demonstrate that MEIG1/PACRG forms a complex in the manchette and that this complex is necessary to transport cargos, such as SPAG16L, to build the sperm flagella. Summary: In the manchette, a structure at the base of the elongating spermatid, the proteins MEIG1 and PACRG act in a complex to control cargo transport and direct formation of the flagellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Waixing Tang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria E Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Zhengang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, China
| | - Hongfei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Kellie J Archer
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Darrell L Peterson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - David C Williams
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, China Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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31
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O'Donnell L. Mechanisms of spermiogenesis and spermiation and how they are disturbed. SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 4:e979623. [PMID: 26413397 DOI: 10.4161/21565562.2014.979623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Haploid round spermatids undergo a remarkable transformation during spermiogenesis. The nucleus polarizes to one side of the cell as the nucleus condenses and elongates, and the microtubule-based manchette sculpts the nucleus into its species-specific head shape. The assembly of the central component of the sperm flagellum, known as the axoneme, begins early in spermiogenesis, and is followed by the assembly of secondary structures needed for normal flagella. The final remodelling of the mature elongated spermatid occurs during spermiation, when the spermatids line up along the luminal edge, shed their residual cytoplasm and are ultimately released into the lumen. Defects in spermiogenesis and spermiation are manifested as low sperm number, abnormal sperm morphology and poor motility and are commonly observed during reproductive toxicant administration, as well as in genetically modified mouse models of male infertility. This chapter summarizes the major physiological processes and the most commonly observed defects in spermiogenesis and spermiation, to aid in the diagnosis of the potential mechanisms that could be perturbed by experimental manipulation such as reproductive toxicant administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O'Donnell
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research ; Clayton, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology; Monash University ; Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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