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Genetic Factors Affecting Sperm Chromatin Structure. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:1-28. [PMID: 31301043 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa genome has unique features that make it a fascinating field of investigation: first, because, with oocyte genome, it can be transmitted generation after generation; second, because of genetic shuffling during meiosis, each spermatozoon is virtually unique in terms of genetic content, with consequences for species evolution; and finally, because its chromatin organization is very different from that of somatic cells or oocytes, as it is not based on nucleosomes but on nucleoprotamines which confer a higher order of packaging. Histone-to-protamine transition involves many actors, such as regulators of spermatid gene expression, components of the nuclear envelop, histone-modifying enzymes and readers, chaperones, histone variants, transition proteins, protamines, and certainly many more to be discovered.In this book chapter, we will present what is currently known about sperm chromatin structure and how it is established during spermiogenesis, with the aim to list the genetic factors that regulate its organization.
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Bao J, Bedford MT. Epigenetic regulation of the histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis. Reproduction 2016; 151:R55-70. [PMID: 26850883 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, male germ cells differentiate from haploid round spermatids to flagella-containing motile sperm in a process called spermiogenesis. This process is distinct from somatic cell differentiation in that the majority of the core histones are replaced sequentially, first by transition proteins and then by protamines, facilitating chromatin hyper-compaction. This histone-to-protamine transition process represents an excellent model for the investigation of how epigenetic regulators interact with each other to remodel chromatin architecture. Although early work in the field highlighted the critical roles of testis-specific transcription factors in controlling the haploid-specific developmental program, recent studies underscore the essential functions of epigenetic players involved in the dramatic genome remodeling that takes place during wholesale histone replacement. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how epigenetic players, such as histone variants and histone writers/readers/erasers, rewire the haploid spermatid genome to facilitate histone substitution by protamines in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Bao
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular CarcinogenesisThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas, USA
| | - Mark T Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular CarcinogenesisThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas, USA
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Mapping of post-translational modifications of spermatid-specific linker histone H1-like protein, HILS1. J Proteomics 2015; 128:218-30. [PMID: 26257145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian spermiogenesis, haploid round spermatids undergo dramatic biochemical and morphological changes and transform into motile mature spermatozoa. A majority of the histones are replaced by transition proteins during mid-spermiogenesis and later replaced by protamines, which occupy the sperm chromatin. In mammals, 11 linker histone H1 subtypes have been reported. Among them, H1t, HILS1, and H1T2 are uniquely expressed in testis, with the expression of HILS1 and H1T2 restricted to spermiogenesis. However, there is a lack of knowledge about linker histone role in the nuclear reorganization during mammalian spermiogenesis. Here, we report a method for separation of endogenous HILS1 protein from other rat testis linker histones by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and identification of 15 novel post-translational modifications of HILS1, which include lysine acetylation and serine/threonine/tyrosine phosphorylation sites. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrate the presence of linker histone HILS1 and HILS1Y78p during different steps of spermiogenesis from early elongating to condensing spermatids.
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Gupta N, Madapura MP, Bhat UA, Rao MRS. Mapping of Post-translational Modifications of Transition Proteins, TP1 and TP2, and Identification of Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 4 and Lysine Methyltransferase 7 as Methyltransferase for TP2. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:12101-22. [PMID: 25818198 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.620443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In a unique global chromatin remodeling process during mammalian spermiogenesis, 90% of the nucleosomal histones are replaced by testis-specific transition proteins, TP1, TP2, and TP4. These proteins are further substituted by sperm-specific protamines, P1 and P2, to form a highly condensed sperm chromatin. In spermatozoa, a small proportion of chromatin, which ranges from 1 to 10% in mammals, retains the nucleosomal architecture and is implicated to play a role in transgenerational inheritance. However, there is still no mechanistic understanding of the interaction of chromatin machinery with histones and transition proteins, which facilitate this selective histone replacement from chromatin. Here, we report the identification of 16 and 19 novel post-translational modifications on rat endogenous transition proteins, TP1 and TP2, respectively, by mass spectrometry. By in vitro assays and mutational analysis, we demonstrate that protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT4 (CARM1) methylates TP2 at Arg(71), Arg(75), and Arg(92) residues, and lysine methyltransferase KMT7 (Set9) methylates TP2 at Lys(88) and Lys(91) residues. Further studies with modification-specific antibodies that recognize TP2K88me1 and TP2R92me1 modifications showed that they appear in elongating to condensing spermatids and predominantly associated with the chromatin-bound TP2. This work establishes the repertoire of post-translational modifications that occur on TP1 and TP2, which may play a significant role in various chromatin-templated events during spermiogenesis and in the establishment of the sperm epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Gupta
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
| | - M Pradeepa Madapura
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
| | - U Anayat Bhat
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
| | - M R Satyanarayana Rao
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
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Xu K, Qi H. Sperm-specific AKAP3 is a dual-specificity anchoring protein that interacts with both protein kinase a regulatory subunits via conserved N-terminal amphipathic peptides. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:595-607. [PMID: 24687590 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) plays important regulatory roles during mouse spermatogenesis. PKA-mediated signaling has been shown to regulate gene expression, chromatin condensation, capacitation, and motility during sperm development and behavior, although how PKA is regulated in spatiotemporal manners during spermatogenesis is not fully understood. In the present study, we found that PKA subunit isoforms are expressed and localized differently in meiotic and post-meiotic mouse spermatogenic cells. Regulatory subunit I alpha (RIα) is expressed in spermatocytes and round spermatids, where it is localized diffusely throughout the cytoplasm of cells. During late spermiogenesis, RIα abundance gradually decreases. On the other hand, RIIα is expressed constantly throughout meiotic and post-meiotic stages, and is associated with cytoskeletal structures. Among several A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) expressed in the testis, sperm-specific AKAP3 can be found in the cytoplasm of elongating spermatids and interacts with RIα, as demonstrated by both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In mature sperm, AKAP3 is exclusively found in the principal piece of the flagellum, coincident with only RIIα. Mutagenesis experiments further showed that the preferential interactions of AKAP3 with PKA regulatory subunits are mediated by two highly conserved amphipathic peptides located in the N-terminal region of AKAP3. Thus, AKAP3 is a dual-specificity molecule that modulates PKA isotypes in a spatiotemporal manner during mouse spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaibiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Chauvigné F, Zapater C, Gasol JM, Cerdà J. Germ-line activation of the luteinizing hormone receptor directly drives spermiogenesis in a nonmammalian vertebrate. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:1427-32. [PMID: 24474769 PMCID: PMC3910593 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1317838111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In both mammals and teleosts, the differentiation of postmeiotic spermatids to spermatozoa (spermiogenesis) is thought to be indirectly controlled by the luteinizing hormone (LH) acting through the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) to stimulate androgen secretion in the interstitial Leydig cells. However, a more direct, nonsteroidal role of LH mediating the spermiogenic pathway remains unclear. Using a flatfish with semicystic spermatogenesis, in which spermatids are released into the seminiferous lobule lumen (SLL), where they develop into spermatozoa without direct contact with the supporting Sertoli cells, we show that haploid spermatids express the homolog of the tetrapod LHCGR (Lhcgrba). Both native Lh and intramuscularly injected His-tagged recombinant Lh (rLh) are immunodetected bound to the Lhcgrba of free spermatids in the SLL, showing that circulating gonadotropin can reach the intratubular compartment. In vitro incubation of flatfish spermatids isolated from the SLL with rLh specifically promotes their differentiation into spermatozoa, whereas recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and steroid hormones are ineffective. Using a repertoire of molecular markers and inhibitors, we find that the Lh-Lhcgrba induction of spermiogenesis is mediated through a cAMP/PKA signaling pathway that initiates the transcription of genes potentially involved in the function of spermatozoa. We further show that Lhcgrba expression in germ cells also occurs in distantly related fishes, suggesting this feature is likely conserved in teleosts regardless of the type of germ cell development. These data reveal a role of LH in vertebrate germ cells, whereby a Lhcgrba-activated signaling cascade in haploid spermatids directs gene expression and the progression of spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Chauvigné
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) and
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cinta Zapater
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) and
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M. Gasol
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Cerdà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) and
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Cacciola G, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Estrogens and spermiogenesis: new insights from type 1 cannabinoid receptor knockout mice. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:501350. [PMID: 24324492 PMCID: PMC3845505 DOI: 10.1155/2013/501350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex mechanism which allows the production of male gametes; it consists of mitotic, meiotic, and differentiation phases. Spermiogenesis is the terminal differentiation process during which haploid round spermatids undergo several biochemical and morphological changes, including extensive remodelling of chromatin and nuclear shape. Spermiogenesis is under control of endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors, like gonadotropins and testosterone. More recently, emerging pieces of evidence are suggesting that, among these factors, estrogens may have a role. To date, this is a matter of debate and concern because of the agonistic and antagonistic estrogenic effects that environmental chemicals may have on animal and human with damaging outcome on fertility. In this review, we summarize data which fuel this debate, with a particular attention to our recent results, obtained using type 1 cannabinoid receptor knockout male mice as animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cacciola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
- *Riccardo Pierantoni:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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8
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Dhar S, Thota A, Rao MRS. Insights into role of bromodomain, testis-specific (Brdt) in acetylated histone H4-dependent chromatin remodeling in mammalian spermiogenesis. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:6387-405. [PMID: 22215678 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.288167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermiogenesis is of considerable biological interest especially due to the unique chromatin remodeling events that take place during spermatid maturation. Here, we have studied the expression of chromatin remodeling factors in different spermatogenic stages and narrowed it down to bromodomain, testis-specific (Brdt) as a key molecule participating in chromatin remodeling during rat spermiogenesis. Our immunocytochemistry experiments reveal that Brdt colocalizes with acetylated H4 in elongating spermatids. Remodeling assays showed an acetylation-dependent but ATP-independent chromatin reorganization property of Brdt in haploid round spermatids. Furthermore, Brdt interacts with Smarce1, a member of the SWI/SNF family. We have studied the genomic organization of smarce1 and identified that it has two splice variants expressed during spermatogenesis. The N terminus of Brdt is involved in the recognition of Smarce1 as well as in the reorganization of hyperacetylated round spermatid chromatin. Interestingly, the interaction between Smarce1 and Brdt increases dramatically upon histone hyperacetylation both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our results indicate this interaction to be a vital step in the chromatin remodeling process during mammalian spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Dhar
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India
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Dehnugara T, Dhar S, Rao MRS. An in vitro, short-term culture method for mammalian haploid round spermatids amenable for molecular manipulation. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 79:19-30. [PMID: 21953649 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Extensive chromatin remodeling is a characteristic feature of mammalian spermiogenesis. To date, methods for the molecular manipulation of haploid spermatids are not available as there is a lack of a well-established culture system. Biochemical experiments and knockout studies reveal only the final outcome; studying the incremental details of the intricate mechanisms involved is still a challenge. We have established an in vitro culture system for pure haploid round spermatids isolated from rat testes that can be maintained with good viability for up to 72 hr. Changes in cell morphology and flagellar growth were also studied in the cultured spermatids. Further, we have demonstrated that upon treatment of cells with specific histone deacetylase inhibitors, sodium butyrate and trichostatin A, there is an increase in the hyperacetylation status of histone H4, mimicking an important event characteristic of histone replacement process that occurs during later stages of spermiogenesis. We have also tried various methods for introducing DNA and protein into these round spermatids in culture, and report that while DNA transfection is still a challenging task, protein transfection could be achieved using Chariot™ peptide as a transfection reagent. Thus, the method described here sets a stage to study the molecular roles of spermatid-specific proteins and chromatin remodelers in the cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushna Dehnugara
- Chromatin Biology Lab, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, India
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11
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 2: changes in spermatid organelles associated with development of spermatozoa. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:279-319. [PMID: 19941292 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is a long process whereby haploid spermatids derived from the meiotic divisions of spermatocytes undergo metamorphosis into spermatozoa. It is subdivided into distinct steps with 19 being identified in rats, 16 in mouse and 8 in humans. Spermiogenesis extends over 22.7 days in rats and 21.6 days in humans. In this part, we review several key events that take place during the development of spermatids from a structural and functional point of view. During early spermiogenesis, the Golgi apparatus forms the acrosome, a lysosome-like membrane bound organelle involved in fertilization. The endoplasmic reticulum undergoes several topographical and structural modifications including the formation of the radial body and annulate lamellae. The chromatoid body is fully developed and undergoes structural and functional modifications at this time. It is suspected to be involved in RNA storing and processing. The shape of the spermatid head undergoes extensive structural changes that are species-specific, and the nuclear chromatin becomes compacted to accommodate the stream-lined appearance of the sperm head. Microtubules become organized to form a curtain or manchette that associates with spermatids at specific steps of their development. It is involved in maintenance of the sperm head shape and trafficking of proteins in the spermatid cytoplasm. During spermiogenesis, many genes/proteins have been implicated in the diverse dynamic events occurring at this time of development of germ cells and the absence of some of these have been shown to result in subfertility or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
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Pradeepa MM, Nikhil G, Hari Kishore A, Bharath GN, Kundu TK, Rao MRS. Acetylation of transition protein 2 (TP2) by KAT3B (p300) alters its DNA condensation property and interaction with putative histone chaperone NPM3. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:29956-67. [PMID: 19710011 PMCID: PMC2785624 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.052043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Revised: 08/25/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The hallmark of mammalian spermiogenesis is the dramatic chromatin remodeling process wherein the nucleosomal histones are replaced by the transition proteins TP1, TP2, and TP4. Subsequently these transition proteins are replaced by the protamines P1 and P2. Hyperacetylation of histone H4 is linked to their replacement by transition proteins. Here we report that TP2 is acetylated in vivo as detected by anti-acetylated lysine antibody and mass spectrometric analysis. Further, recombinant TP2 is acetylated in vitro by acetyltransferase KAT3B (p300) more efficiently than by KAT2B (PCAF). In vivo p300 was demonstrated to acetylate TP2. p300 acetylates TP2 in its C-terminal domain, which is highly basic in nature and possesses chromatin-condensing properties. Mass spectrometric analysis showed that p300 acetylates four lysine residues in the C-terminal domain of TP2. Acetylation of TP2 by p300 leads to significant reduction in its DNA condensation property as studied by circular dichroism and atomic force microscopy analysis. TP2 also interacts with a putative histone chaperone, NPM3, wherein expression is elevated in haploid spermatids. Interestingly, acetylation of TP2 impedes its interaction with NPM3. Thus, acetylation of TP2 adds a new dimension to its role in the dynamic reorganization of chromatin during mammalian spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madapura M. Pradeepa
- From the Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P. O., Bangalore 560064, India and
| | - Gupta Nikhil
- From the Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P. O., Bangalore 560064, India and
| | - Annavarapu Hari Kishore
- From the Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P. O., Bangalore 560064, India and
| | - Giriyapura N. Bharath
- From the Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P. O., Bangalore 560064, India and
| | - Tapas K. Kundu
- From the Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P. O., Bangalore 560064, India and
| | - Manchanahalli R. Satyanarayana Rao
- From the Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P. O., Bangalore 560064, India and
- the Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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Nicholas CR, Chavez SL, Baker VL, Reijo Pera RA. Instructing an embryonic stem cell-derived oocyte fate: lessons from endogenous oogenesis. Endocr Rev 2009; 30:264-83. [PMID: 19366753 PMCID: PMC2726843 DOI: 10.1210/er.2008-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Female reproductive potential is limited in the majority of species due to oocyte depletion. Because functional human oocytes are restricted in number and accessibility, a robust system to differentiate oocytes from stem cells would enable a thorough investigation of the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors affecting human oocyte development. Also, the differentiation of functional oocytes from stem cells may permit the success of human somatic cell nuclear transfer for reprogramming studies and for the production of patient-specific embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Thus, ESC-derived oocytes could ultimately help to restore fertility in women. Here, we review endogenous and ESC-derived oocyte development, and we discuss the potential and challenges for differentiating functional oocytes from ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory R Nicholas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.
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Rose KL, Li A, Zalenskaya I, Zhang Y, Unni E, Hodgson KC, Yu Y, Shabanowitz J, Meistrich ML, Hunt DF, Ausió J. C-terminal phosphorylation of murine testis-specific histone H1t in elongating spermatids. J Proteome Res 2008; 7:4070-8. [PMID: 18698803 DOI: 10.1021/pr8003908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies gave differing results as to whether the testis-specific histone H1t was phosphorylated during rodent spermatogenesis. We show here that histones extracted from germ cell populations enriched with spermatids at different stages of development in rat testes reveal an electrophoretic shift in the position of H1t to slower mobilities in elongating spermatids as compared to that from preceding stages. Alkaline phosphatase treatment and radioactive labeling with (32)P demonstrated that the electrophoretic shift is due to phosphorylation. Mass spectrometric analysis of histone H1t purified from sexually mature mice and rat testes confirmed the occurrence of singly, doubly, and triply phosphorylated species, with phosphorylation sites predominantly found at the C-terminal end of the molecule. Furthermore, using collision-activated dissociation (CAD) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD), we have been able to identify the major phosphorylation sites. These include a new, previously unidentified putative H1t-specific cdc2 phosphorylation site in linker histones. The presence of phosphorylation at the C-terminal end of H1t and the timing of its appearance suggest that this post-translational modification is involved in the reduction of H1t binding strength to DNA. It is proposed that this could participate in the opening of the chromatin fiber in preparation for histone displacement by transition proteins in the next phase of spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie L Rose
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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15
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D'Occhio MJ, Hengstberger KJ, Johnston SD. Biology of sperm chromatin structure and relationship to male fertility and embryonic survival. Anim Reprod Sci 2007; 101:1-17. [PMID: 17303352 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2007.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2006] [Revised: 01/02/2007] [Accepted: 01/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic mortality in mammals is typically thought to result from 'female factor' infertility. There is growing evidence, however, that the status of sperm chromatin (DNA) at the time of fertilisation can also influence embryonic survival. During the final stages of spermatogenesis (spermiogenesis) a number of unique biochemical, morphological and physiological processes take place that are associated with marked changes in the structure of sperm chromatin. In early stages of spermatogenesis, sperm DNA is associated with histone nucleoproteins and structured into classical nucleosome core particles similar to other somatic cells. As spermiogenesis proceeds, the histone nucleoproteins are replaced by transition proteins which are subsequently replaced by protamines. At the completion of spermiogenesis the chromatin of mature sperm has a toroidal structure that is tightly compacted and resistant to denaturation. The compaction is necessary to protect sperm chromatin during transit through the epididymis and female reproductive tract. Disruption to chromatin remodelling during spermiogenesis results in chromatin that is susceptible to denaturation. Inappropriate chromatin structure has been shown in a number of mammalian species to be related to male infertility, and specifically the failure of embryonic development. A range of techniques are available to assess chromatin status in sperm but arguably the most informative is the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). The SCSA is a flow cytometric assay that uses the metachromatic properties of acridine orange to measure the susceptibility of sperm chromatin to acid-induced denaturation. A relationship has been demonstrated, primarily in men, between the SCSA outcome and the probability of continued embryonic development and the establishment of pregnancy after fertilisation. The contribution of sperm chromatin instability to reproductive wastage in both natural mating and assisted reproduction warrants further investigation as it may prove valuable as a means of decreasing the incidence of embryonic mortality. In this regard, it is possible that 'male factor' infertility may emerge as an even more important component in embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J D'Occhio
- School of Animal Studies, Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia.
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Krishnamoorthy T, Chen X, Govin J, Cheung WL, Dorsey J, Schindler K, Winter E, Allis CD, Guacci V, Khochbin S, Fuller MT, Berger SL. Phosphorylation of histone H4 Ser1 regulates sporulation in yeast and is conserved in fly and mouse spermatogenesis. Genes Dev 2006; 20:2580-92. [PMID: 16980586 PMCID: PMC1578680 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1457006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a highly regulated process wherein a diploid cell gives rise to four haploid gametes. In this study we show that histone H4 Ser1 is phosphorylated (H4 S1ph) during sporulation, starting from mid-sporulation and persisting to germination, and is temporally distinct from earlier meiosis-linked H3 S10ph involved in chromosome condensation. A histone H4 S1A substitution mutant forms aberrant spores and has reduced sporulation efficiency. Deletion of sporulation-specific yeast Sps1, a member of the Ste20 family of kinases, nearly abolishes the sporulation-associated H4 S1ph modification. H4 S1ph may promote chromatin compaction, since deletion of SPS1 increases accessibility to antibody immunoprecipitation; furthermore, either deletion of Sps1 or an H4 S1A substitution results in increased DNA volume in nuclei within spores. We find H4 S1ph present during Drosophila melanogaster and mouse spermatogenesis, and similar to yeast, this modification extends late into sperm differentiation relative to H3 S10ph. Thus, H4 S1ph may be an evolutionarily ancient histone modification to mark the genome for gamete-associated packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanuja Krishnamoorthy
- Gene Expression and Regulation Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Burton KA, McDermott DA, Wilkes D, Poulsen MN, Nolan MA, Goldstein M, Basson CT, McKnight GS. Haploinsufficiency at the protein kinase A RI alpha gene locus leads to fertility defects in male mice and men. Mol Endocrinol 2006; 20:2504-13. [PMID: 16728532 PMCID: PMC1850980 DOI: 10.1210/me.2006-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Carney complex (CNC) is a familial multiple neoplasia syndrome characterized by spotty skin pigmentation, cardiac and cutaneous myxomas, and endocrine tumors. CNC is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is transmitted with greater frequency by women vs. men. Nearly two thirds of CNC patients are heterozygous for inactivating mutations in the gene encoding the protein kinase A (PKA) type I alpha regulatory subunit (RI alpha), PRKAR1. We report here that male mice heterozygous for the Prkar1a gene have severely reduced fertility. Sperm from Prkar1a heterozygous mice are morphologically abnormal and reduced in number. Genetic rescue experiments reveal that this phenotype results from elevated PKA catalytic activity in germ cells as early as the pachytene stage of spermatogenesis. Consistent with this defect in the male mutant mice, sperm from CNC patients heterozygous for PRKAR1A mutations were also found to be morphologically aberrant and decreased in number. We conclude that unregulated PKA activity in male meiotic or postmeiotic germ cells leads to structural defects in mature sperm and results in reduced fertility in mice and humans, contributing to the strikingly reduced transmission of PRKAR1A inactivating mutations by male patients with CNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Burton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 357750, Seattle, WA 98195-7750, USA
| | - Deborah A. McDermott
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Greenberg Division of Cardiology, Dept. of Medicine
| | - David Wilkes
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Greenberg Division of Cardiology, Dept. of Medicine
| | - Melissa N. Poulsen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 357750, Seattle, WA 98195-7750, USA
| | - Michael A. Nolan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 357750, Seattle, WA 98195-7750, USA
| | - Marc Goldstein
- Dept. of Reproductive Medicine and Urology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 525 E. 68th Street, New York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Craig T. Basson
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Greenberg Division of Cardiology, Dept. of Medicine
| | - G. Stanley McKnight
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 357750, Seattle, WA 98195-7750, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to: G.S.M. Ph: (206) 616-4237, Fax: (206) 616-4230,
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Spiridonov NA, Wong L, Zerfas PM, Starost MF, Pack SD, Paweletz CP, Johnson GR. Identification and characterization of SSTK, a serine/threonine protein kinase essential for male fertility. Mol Cell Biol 2005; 25:4250-61. [PMID: 15870294 PMCID: PMC1087724 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.25.10.4250-4261.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we describe and characterize a small serine/threonine kinase (SSTK) which consists solely of the N- and C-lobes of a protein kinase catalytic domain. SSTK protein is highly conserved among mammals, and no close homologues were found in the genomes of nonmammalian organisms. SSTK specifically interacts with HSP90-1beta, HSC70, and HSP70 proteins, and this association appears to be required for SSTK kinase activity. The SSTK transcript was most abundant in human and mouse testes but was also detected in all human tissues tested. In the mouse testis, SSTK protein was localized to the heads of elongating spermatids. Targeted deletion of the SSTK gene in mice resulted in male sterility due to profound impairment in motility and morphology of spermatozoa. A defect in DNA condensation in SSTK null mutants occurred in elongating spermatids at a step in spermiogenesis coincident with chromatin displacement of histones by transition proteins. SSTK phosphorylated histones H1, H2A, H2AX, and H3 but not H2B or H4 or transition protein 1 in vitro. These results demonstrate that SSTK is required for proper postmeiotic chromatin remodeling and male fertility. Abnormal sperm chromatin condensation is common in sterile men, and our results may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying certain human infertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay A Spiridonov
- Division of Therapeutic Proteins, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, HFD-122, Bldg. 29A, Rm. 3B-20, 8800 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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Kimmins S, Sassone-Corsi P. Chromatin remodelling and epigenetic features of germ cells. Nature 2005; 434:583-9. [PMID: 15800613 DOI: 10.1038/nature03368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells have the unique capacity to start a new life upon fertilization. They are generated during a sex-specific differentiation programme called gametogenesis. Maturation of germ cells is characterized by an impressive degree of cellular restructuring and gene regulation that involves remarkable genomic reorganization. These events are finely tuned, but are also susceptible to the introduction of various types of error. Because stable genetic transmission to future generations is essential for life, understanding the control of these processes has far-reaching implications for human health and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, B.P. 10142, 67404 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France
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Dadoune JP, Siffroi JP, Alfonsi MF. Transcription in haploid male germ cells. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2004; 237:1-56. [PMID: 15380665 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(04)37001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Major modifications in chromatin organization occur in spermatid nuclei, resulting in a high degree of DNA packaging within the spermatozoon head. However, before arrest of transcription during midspermiogenesis, high levels of mRNA are found in round spermatids. Some transcripts are the product of genes expressed ubiquitously, whereas some are generated from male germ cell-specific gene homologs of somatic cell genes. Others are transcript variants derived from genes with expression regulated in a testis-specific fashion. The haploid genome of spermatids also initiates the transcription of testis-specific genes. Various general transcription factors, distinct promoter elements, and specific transcription factors are involved in transcriptional regulation. After meiosis, spermatids are genetically but not phenotypically different, because of transcript and protein sharing through cytoplasmic bridges connecting spermatids of the same generation. Interestingly, different types of mRNAs accumulate in the sperm cell nucleus, raising the question of their origin and of a possible role after fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Dadoune
- Laboratoire de Cytologie et Histologie, Centre Universitaire des Saints-Pères, 75270 Paris, France
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Ullas KS, Rao MRS. Phosphorylation of rat spermatidal protein TP2 by sperm-specific protein kinase A and modulation of its transport into the haploid nucleus. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:52673-80. [PMID: 14514679 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m308365200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transition protein 2 (TP2), which is expressed during stages 12-15 of mammalian spermiogenesis, has been shown to undergo phosphorylation immediately after its synthesis. We reported earlier that TP2 is phosphorylated in vitro at threonine 101 and serine 109 by the salt extract of sonication-resistant (elongating and elongated) spermatid nuclei and the protein kinase phosphorylating TP2 was identified to be protein kinase A (PKA). We now report that the cytosol from haploid spermatids but not from premeiotic germ cells is able to phosphorylate recombinant TP2 in vitro at threonine 101 and serine 109. The kinase present in the haploid spermatid cytosol that phosphorylates TP2 has been identified to be the sperm-specific isoform of protein kinase A (Cs-PKA). Reverse transcription-PCR analysis indicated that Cs-PKA was present in the haploid spermatids and absent from premeiotic germ cells. The rat Cs-PKA transcript was amplified and sequenced using the isoform-specific primers. The sequence of rat Cs-PKA at the N terminus differs from mouse and human by one amino acid. Western blot analysis using specific anti-Calpha1 antibodies revealed that Calpha1-PKA is absent in haploid spermatid cytosol. We have also established an in vitro nuclear transport assay for the haploid round spermatids. Using this assay, we have found that the cytoplasmic factors and ATP are absolutely essential for translocation of TP2 into the nucleus. Phosphorylation was found to positively modulate the NLS dependent import of TP2 into the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kolthur S Ullas
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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Zheng J, Li Z, Wu A, Zhou H, Bai H, Song Y. The structural transition of DNA-Tris(1,10-phenanthroline) cobalt(III) complexes in ethanol-water solution. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 299:910-5. [PMID: 12470666 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)02737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The interaction of DNA with Tris(1,10-phenanthroline) cobalt(III) was studied by means of atomic force microscopy. Changes in the morphologies of DNA complex in the presence of ethanol may well indicate the crucial role of electrostatic force in causing DNA condensation. With the increase of the concentration of ethanol, electrostatic interaction is enhanced corresponding to a lower dielectric constant. Counterions condense along the sugar phosphate backbone of DNA when epsilon is lowered and the phosphate charge density can thus be neutralized to the level of DNA condensation. Electroanalytical measurement of DNA condensed with Co(phen)(3)(3+) in ethanol solution indicated that intercalating reaction remains existing. According to both the microscopic and spectroscopic results, it can be found that no secondary structure transition occurs upon DNA condensing. B-A conformation transition takes place at more than 60% ethanol solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China
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Abstract
Two transition proteins, TP1 and TP2, participate in the repackaging of the spermatid genome early in mammalian spermiogenesis, coincident with the first detectable changes in chromatin condensation. Using an optical trap and a two-channel flow cell to move single DNA molecules into buffer containing protein, we have measured the rates of DNA condensation and decondensation induced by the binding of Syrian hamster transition proteins TP1 and TP2 and protamines P1 and P2. The results show that both transition proteins condense free DNA, with rates similar to those of protamine 1 and 2. DNA molecules condensed with TP1 were significantly less stable than DNA condensed by protamine or by TP2. Experiments conducted with a peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 25 residues of TP2 showed that this domain is responsible for condensing DNA. Experiments conducted with two fragments of TP1 containing arginine and lysine residues demonstrated that DNA binding by TP1 must involve more than these basic sequences. Zinc facilitated the condensation of DNA by P2 but not by TP2. The dissociation rates of TP2 and P2 from DNA were not affected by the addition of zinc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Brewer
- Electronics Engineering Technologies Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, USA.
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Abstract
Most of our knowledge of transcriptional regulation comes from studies in somatic cells. However, increasing evidence reveals that gene regulation mechanisms are different in haploid germ cells. A number of highly specialized strategies operate during spermatogenesis. These include a unique chromatin reorganization program and the use of distinct promoter elements and specific transcription factors. Deciphering the rules governing transcriptional control during spermatogenesis will provide valuable insights of biomedical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Sassone-Corsi
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, B. P. 10142, 67404 Illkirch, Strasbourg, France.
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