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Kodzik N, Ciereszko A, Szczepkowska B, Malinowska A, Dietrich MA. Comparative proteomic analysis of the ovarian fluid and eggs of Siberian sturgeon. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:451. [PMID: 38714919 PMCID: PMC11077782 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sturgeon species are living fossils that exhibit unique reproductive characteristics, and elucidation of the molecular processes governing the formation and quality of sturgeon eggs is crucial. However, comprehensive data on the protein composition of sturgeon ovarian fluid (OF) and eggs and their functional significance are lacking. To address this knowledge gap, the aim of the present study was to conduct a comprehensive comparative proteomic analysis of Siberian sturgeon OF and eggs using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS A total of 617 proteins were identified in OF, and 565 proteins were identified in eggs. A total of 772 proteins showed differential abundance. Among the differentially abundant proteins, 365 were more abundant in OFs, while 407 were more abundant in eggs. We identified 339 proteins unique to OFs and 287 proteins specific to eggs, and further investigated the top 10 most abundant proteins in each. The functional annotation of the OF proteins highlighted their predominant association with immune system processes, including the complement and coagulation cascade, neutrophil and leukocyte-mediated immunity, cholesterol metabolism, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Analysis of egg proteins revealed enrichment in metabolic pathways, such as oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism, and protein ubiquitination and translation. OF-specific proteins included extracellular matrix and secretory vesicles, and eggs were enriched in proteins localized to mitochondria and ribosome components. CONCLUSIONS This study presents the first comprehensive characterization of the protein composition of sturgeon OF and eggs and elucidates their distinct functional roles. These findings advance our understanding of sturgeon reproduction, OF-egg signaling and the origin of OF proteins. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange Consortium with the dataset identifier PXD044168 to ensure accessibility for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kodzik
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn, 10-748, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ciereszko
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn, 10-748, Poland
| | - Bożena Szczepkowska
- Department of Sturgeon Fish Breeding, Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn, Pozezdrze, Pieczarki, 11-610, Poland
| | - Agata Malinowska
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5a, Warsaw, Warszawa, 02-106, Poland
| | - Mariola Aleksandra Dietrich
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, Olsztyn, 10-748, Poland.
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2
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Elofsson A, Han L, Bianchi E, Wright GJ, Jovine L. Deep learning insights into the architecture of the mammalian egg-sperm fusion synapse. eLife 2024; 13:RP93131. [PMID: 38666763 PMCID: PMC11052572 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A crucial event in sexual reproduction is when haploid sperm and egg fuse to form a new diploid organism at fertilization. In mammals, direct interaction between egg JUNO and sperm IZUMO1 mediates gamete membrane adhesion, yet their role in fusion remains enigmatic. We used AlphaFold to predict the structure of other extracellular proteins essential for fertilization to determine if they could form a complex that may mediate fusion. We first identified TMEM81, whose gene is expressed by mouse and human spermatids, as a protein having structural homologies with both IZUMO1 and another sperm molecule essential for gamete fusion, SPACA6. Using a set of proteins known to be important for fertilization and TMEM81, we then systematically searched for predicted binary interactions using an unguided approach and identified a pentameric complex involving sperm IZUMO1, SPACA6, TMEM81 and egg JUNO, CD9. This complex is structurally consistent with both the expected topology on opposing gamete membranes and the location of predicted N-glycans not modeled by AlphaFold-Multimer, suggesting that its components could organize into a synapse-like assembly at the point of fusion. Finally, the structural modeling approach described here could be more generally useful to gain insights into transient protein complexes difficult to detect experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Elofsson
- Science for Life Laboratory and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm UniversitySolnaSweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Enrica Bianchi
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of YorkYorkUnited Kingdom
| | - Gavin J Wright
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of YorkYorkUnited Kingdom
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
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3
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Noguchi Y, Onodera Y, Miyamoto T, Maruoka M, Kosako H, Suzuki J. In vivo CRISPR screening directly targeting testicular cells. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100510. [PMID: 38447574 PMCID: PMC10943590 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 short guide RNA (sgRNA) library screening is a powerful approach to understand the molecular mechanisms of biological phenomena. However, its in vivo application is currently limited. Here, we developed our previously established in vitro revival screening method into an in vivo one to identify factors involved in spermatogenesis integrity by utilizing sperm capacitation as an indicator. By introducing an sgRNA library into testicular cells, we successfully pinpointed the retinal degeneration 3 (Rd3) gene as a significant factor in spermatogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis highlighted the high expression of Rd3 in round spermatids, and proteomics analysis indicated that Rd3 interacts with mitochondria. To search for cell-type-specific signaling pathways based on scRNA-seq and proteomics analyses, we developed a computational tool, Hub-Explorer. Through this, we discovered that Rd3 modulates oxidative stress by regulating mitochondrial distribution upon ciliogenesis induction. Collectively, our screening system provides a valuable in vivo approach to decipher molecular mechanisms in biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Noguchi
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Konoe-cho, Yoshida, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Onodera
- Global Center for Biomedical Science and Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Hokkaido University, N15W7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Yamaguchi University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masahiro Maruoka
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Center for Integrated Biosystems, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hidetaka Kosako
- Division of Cell Signaling, Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Jun Suzuki
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Konoe-cho, Yoshida, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Center for Integrated Biosystems, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.
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4
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Fujihara Y, Miyata H, Abbasi F, Larasati T, Nozawa K, Yu Z, Ikawa M, Matzuk MM. Tex46 knockout male mice are sterile secondary to sperm head malformations and failure to penetrate through the zona pellucida. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae108. [PMID: 38516277 PMCID: PMC10957234 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Each year, infertility affects 15% of couples worldwide, with 50% of cases attributed to men. It is assumed that sperm head shape is important for sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) penetration but research has yet to elucidate why. We generated testis expressed 46 (Tex46) knockout mice to investigate the essential roles of TEX46 in mammalian reproduction. We used RT-PCR to demonstrate that Tex46 was expressed exclusively in the male reproductive tract in mice and humans. We created Tex46-/- mice using the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and analyzed their fertility. Tex46 null spermatozoa underwent further evaluation using computer-assisted sperm analysis, light microscopy, and ultrastructural microscopy. We used immunoblot analysis to elucidate relationships between TEX46 and other acrosome biogenesis-related proteins. Mouse and human TEX46 are testis-enriched and encode a transmembrane protein which is conserved from amphibians to mammals. Loss of the mouse TEX46 protein causes male sterility primarily due to abnormal sperm head formation and secondary effects on sperm motility. Tex46 null spermatozoa morphologically lack the typical hooked sperm head appearance and fail to penetrate through the ZP. Electron microscopy of the testicular germ cells reveals malformation of the acrosomal cap, with misshapen sperm head tips and the appearance of a gap between the acrosome head and the nucleus. TEX46 is essential for sperm head formation, sperm penetration through the ZP, and male fertility in mice, and is a putative contraceptive target in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Department of Advanced Medical Technologies, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka 564-8565, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ferheen Abbasi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Tamara Larasati
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Department of Advanced Medical Technologies, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka 564-8565, Japan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Lorenzo-Orts L, Strobl M, Steinmetz B, Leesch F, Pribitzer C, Roehsner J, Schutzbier M, Dürnberger G, Pauli A. eIF4E1b is a non-canonical eIF4E protecting maternal dormant mRNAs. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:404-427. [PMID: 38177902 PMCID: PMC10883267 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-023-00006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal mRNAs are essential for protein synthesis during oogenesis and early embryogenesis. To adapt translation to specific needs during development, maternal mRNAs are translationally repressed by shortening the polyA tails. While mRNA deadenylation is associated with decapping and degradation in somatic cells, maternal mRNAs with short polyA tails are stable. Here we report that the germline-specific eIF4E paralog, eIF4E1b, is essential for zebrafish oogenesis. eIF4E1b localizes to P-bodies in zebrafish embryos and binds to mRNAs with reported short or no polyA tails, including histone mRNAs. Loss of eIF4E1b results in reduced histone mRNA levels in early gonads, consistent with a role in mRNA storage. Using mouse and human eIF4E1Bs (in vitro) and zebrafish eIF4E1b (in vivo), we show that unlike canonical eIF4Es, eIF4E1b does not interact with eIF4G to initiate translation. Instead, eIF4E1b interacts with the translational repressor eIF4ENIF1, which is required for eIF4E1b localization to P-bodies. Our study is consistent with an important role of eIF4E1b in regulating mRNA dormancy and provides new insights into fundamental post-transcriptional regulatory principles governing early vertebrate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lorenzo-Orts
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marcus Strobl
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Steinmetz
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Friederike Leesch
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Pribitzer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Roehsner
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Schutzbier
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Dürnberger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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6
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Diawara M, Martin LJ. Regulatory mechanisms of SoxD transcription factors and their influences on male fertility. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100823. [PMID: 37979495 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100823] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Members of the SRY-related box (SOX) subfamily D (SoxD) of transcription factors are well conserved among vertebrate species and play important roles in different stages of male reproductive development. In mammals, the SoxD subfamily contains three members: SOX5, SOX6 and SOX13. Here, we describe their implications in testicular development and spermatogenesis, contributing to fertility. We also cover the mechanisms of action of SoxD transcription factors in gene regulation throughout male development. The specificity of activation of target genes by SoxD members depends, in part, on their post-translational modifications and interactions with other partners. Sperm production in adult males requires the coordination in the regulation of gene expression by different members of the SoxD subfamily of transcription factors in the testis. Specifically, the regulation of genes promoting adequate spermatogenesis by SoxD members is discussed in comparison between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariama Diawara
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Luc J Martin
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada.
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7
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Alagundagi DB, Ghate SD, Shetty P, Gollapalli P, Shetty P, Patil P. Integrated molecular-network analysis reveals infertility-associated key genes and transcription factors in the non-obstructive azoospermia. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 288:183-190. [PMID: 37549510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.07.023] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive health problem with complex causes. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is characterized by failure of spermatogenesis, leading to the absence of spermatozoa in ejaculates. The molecular mechanism underlying the NOA is still not well understood. OBJECTIVES This study aims to identify the key genes involved in male infertility that could be a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of azoospermia. STUDY DESIGN The microarray expression profiles dataset GSE45885 and GSE45887 were downloaded from the NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed for male infertility-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the GEO2R tool. The common DEGs between the two datasets were combined and their protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Cytoscape to reveal the hub genes by topology and module analysis. In addition, transcription factors (TFs) and protein kinases regulating the hub genes were identified using the X2K tool. Then, the expression of the hub genes was validated by analyzing the GSE190752 microarray dataset. Further, the PPI network was screened for biological roles and enriched pathways using DAVID software. RESULTS About 256 DEGs associated with NOA were identified and constructed the PPI network to find the infertility-associated proteins. The biological processes linked with these proteins were spermatogenesis, cell differentiation, flagellated sperm motility, and spermatid development. The topology and module analysis of the infertility-associated protein network identified the hub genes TEX38, FAM71F, PRR30, FAM166A, LYZL6, TPPP2, ARMC12, SPACA4, and FAM205A, which were found to be upregulated in the non-obstructive azoospermia. In addition, a total of 23 transcription factors and 3 protein kinases that are regulating these key hub genes were identified. Further these hub genes expression was validated using the microarray data and found that their expression was increased in the testicular biopsies obtained from NOA subjects, compared to healthy individuals. CONCLUSION The identified key genes and its associated transcription factors are known to regulate the infertility-related processes in the non-obstructive azoospermia. Also, the clinical sample-based microarray data validation for the expression of these key hub genes indicates their potentiality to develop them as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhananjay B Alagundagi
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Sudeep D Ghate
- Center for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Prasannakumar Shetty
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justice K S Hegde Charitable Hospital, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Pavan Gollapalli
- Center for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Praveenkumar Shetty
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India; Department of Biochemistry, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
| | - Prakash Patil
- Central Research Laboratory, K S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru 575018, Karnataka, India.
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8
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Gert KRB, Panser K, Surm J, Steinmetz BS, Schleiffer A, Jovine L, Moran Y, Kondrashov F, Pauli A. Divergent molecular signatures in fish Bouncer proteins define cross-fertilization boundaries. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3506. [PMID: 37316475 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39317-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular compatibility between gametes is a prerequisite for successful fertilization. As long as a sperm and egg can recognize and bind each other via their surface proteins, gamete fusion may occur even between members of separate species, resulting in hybrids that can impact speciation. The egg membrane protein Bouncer confers species specificity to gamete interactions between medaka and zebrafish, preventing their cross-fertilization. Here, we leverage this specificity to uncover distinct amino acid residues and N-glycosylation patterns that differentially influence the function of medaka and zebrafish Bouncer and contribute to cross-species incompatibility. Curiously, in contrast to the specificity observed for medaka and zebrafish Bouncer, seahorse and fugu Bouncer are compatible with both zebrafish and medaka sperm, in line with the pervasive purifying selection that dominates Bouncer's evolution. The Bouncer-sperm interaction is therefore the product of seemingly opposing evolutionary forces that, for some species, restrict fertilization to closely related fish, and for others, allow broad gamete compatibility that enables hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista R B Gert
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Panser
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim Surm
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Benjamin S Steinmetz
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Schleiffer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Fyodor Kondrashov
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
- Evolutionary and Synthetic Biology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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9
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Chen L, Song J, Zhang J, Luo Z, Chen X, Zhou C, Shen X. Spermatogenic cell-specific SPACA4 is essential for efficient sperm-zona pellucida binding in vitro. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1204017. [PMID: 37377732 PMCID: PMC10291262 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1204017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a complex and highly regulated process that involves a series of molecular interactions between sperm and oocytes. However, the mechanisms of proteins involved in human fertilization, such as that of testis-specific SPACA4, remain poorly understood. Here we demonstrated that SPACA4 is a spermatogenic cell-specific protein. SPACA4 is expressed during spermatogenesis, upregulated in early-stage spermatids, and downregulated in elongating spermatids. SPACA4 is an intracellular protein that locates in the acrosome and is lost during the acrosome reaction. Incubation with antibodies against SPACA4 inhibited the binding of spermatozoa to zona pellucida. SPACA4 protein expression levels across different semen parameters were similar but varied significantly among patients. A prospective clinical study found no association between SPACA4 protein levels and fertilization or cleavage rates. Thus, the study suggests a novel function for SPACA4 in human fertilization in a non-dose-dependent manner. However, a larger clinical trial is required to evaluate the potential use of sperm SPACA4 protein levels to predict fertilization potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junli Song
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinglei Zhang
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zicong Luo
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuren Chen
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Shen
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Zhang W, Jiang A, Yu H, Dong B. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Functionally Segmented Intestine in Tunicate Ascidian. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6270. [PMID: 37047242 PMCID: PMC10094616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate intestinal system consists of separate segments that remarkably differ in morphology and function. However, the origin of intestinal segmentation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the segmentation of the intestine in a tunicate ascidian species, Ciona savignyi, by performing RNA sequencing. The gene expression profiles showed that the whole intestine was separated into three segments. Digestion, ion transport and signal transduction, and immune-related pathway genes were enriched in the proximal, middle, and distal parts of the intestine, respectively, implying that digestion, absorption, and immune function appear to be regional specializations in the ascidian intestine. We further performed a multi-species comparison analysis and found that the Ciona intestine showed a similar gene expression pattern to vertebrates, indicating tunicates and vertebrates might share the conserved intestinal functions. Intriguingly, vertebrate pancreatic homologous genes were expressed in the digestive segment of the Ciona intestine, suggesting that the proximal intestine might play the part of pancreatic functions in C. savignyi. Our results demonstrate that the tunicate intestine can be functionally separated into three distinct segments, which are comparable to the corresponding regions of the vertebrate intestinal system, offering insights into the functional evolution of the digestive system in chordates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Fang Zongxi Center, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - An Jiang
- Fang Zongxi Center, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Haiyan Yu
- Fang Zongxi Center, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Bo Dong
- Fang Zongxi Center, MoE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laoshan Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
- MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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11
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Transcriptional Analysis of the Endostyle Reveals Pharyngeal Organ Functions in Ascidian. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020245. [PMID: 36829522 PMCID: PMC9953650 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The endostyle is a pharyngeal organ with an opening groove and cilia in invertebrate chordates (amphioxus and ascidian) and cyclostomate (lamprey), serving as a filter-feeding tract and thyroid-secreting location. Emerging evidence implies its complex cellular composition and potentially versatile functions. Multiple cell types in the endostyle have been thought to be progenitors of complex organs in advanced vertebrates. To describe the expression profile and the potential functions, bulk RNA sequencing on the endostyle in ascidian Styela clava was conducted and distinct markers were selected by multileveled comparative analysis. Transcriptional data assay and qRT-PCR-verified results showed the regional expression patterns of Hox genes in the longitudinal axis. Organ-specific markers of the endostyle was proposed by comparing expression with the main organs of the ascidian. A cross-species transcriptional profile projection between the endostyle and organs from Danio rerio and Homo sapiens indicates a robust homogenous relationship to the thyroid and digestive system of the endostyle. The high similarity between the endostyle and the head kidney in zebrafish/the bone marrow in human implies uniquely profound functions of the pharyngeal organ in proto-vertebrates. Our result revealed that the transcriptional profile of the human parathyroid gland was similar to the ascidian endostyle, indicating the evolutionary origin of vertebrate hormone secretion organs.
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12
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Maniates KA, Singson A. Where are all the egg genes? Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1107312. [PMID: 36819103 PMCID: PMC9936096 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1107312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Complementary forward and reverse genetic approaches in several model systems have resulted in a recent burst of fertilization gene discovery. The number of genetically validated gamete surface molecules have more than doubled in the last few years. All the genetically validated sperm fertilization genes encode transmembrane or secreted molecules. Curiously, the discovery of genes that encode oocyte molecules have fallen behind that of sperm genes. This review discusses potential experimental biases and inherent biological reasons that could slow egg fertilization gene discovery. Finally, we shed light on current strategies to identify genes that may result in further identification of egg fertilization genes.
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13
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Leesch F, Lorenzo-Orts L, Pribitzer C, Grishkovskaya I, Roehsner J, Chugunova A, Matzinger M, Roitinger E, Belačić K, Kandolf S, Lin TY, Mechtler K, Meinhart A, Haselbach D, Pauli A. A molecular network of conserved factors keeps ribosomes dormant in the egg. Nature 2023; 613:712-720. [PMID: 36653451 PMCID: PMC7614339 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05623-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomes are produced in large quantities during oogenesis and are stored in the egg. However, the egg and early embryo are translationally repressed1-4. Here, using mass spectrometry and cryo-electron microscopy analyses of ribosomes isolated from zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Xenopus laevis eggs and embryos, we provide molecular evidence that ribosomes transition from a dormant state to an active state during the first hours of embryogenesis. Dormant ribosomes are associated with four conserved factors that form two modules, consisting of Habp4-eEF2 and death associated protein 1b (Dap1b) or Dap in complex with eIF5a. Both modules occupy functionally important sites and act together to stabilize ribosomes and repress translation. Dap1b (also known as Dapl1 in mammals) is a newly discovered translational inhibitor that stably inserts into the polypeptide exit tunnel. Addition of recombinant zebrafish Dap1b protein is sufficient to block translation and reconstitute the dormant egg ribosome state in a mammalian translation extract in vitro. Thus, a developmentally programmed, conserved ribosome state has a key role in ribosome storage and translational repression in the egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Leesch
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Lorenzo-Orts
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
| | - Carina Pribitzer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Irina Grishkovskaya
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Roehsner
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anastasia Chugunova
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuel Matzinger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Roitinger
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Katarina Belačić
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Kandolf
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Tzi-Yang Lin
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Mechtler
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Meinhart
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - David Haselbach
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria.
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14
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Lu Y, Ikawa M. Eukaryotic fertilization and gamete fusion at a glance. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs260296. [PMID: 36416181 PMCID: PMC10658792 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In sexually reproducing organisms, the genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next via the merger of male and female gametes. Gamete fusion is a two-step process involving membrane recognition and apposition through ligand-receptor interactions and lipid mixing mediated by fusion proteins. HAP2 (also known as GCS1) is a bona fide gamete fusogen in flowering plants and protists. In vertebrates, a multitude of surface proteins have been demonstrated to be pivotal for sperm-egg fusion, yet none of them exhibit typical fusogenic features. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we summarize recent advances in the mechanistic understanding of gamete fusion in eukaryotes, with a particular focus on mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Lu
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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15
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Vance TDR, Yip P, Jiménez E, Li S, Gawol D, Byrnes J, Usón I, Ziyyat A, Lee JE. SPACA6 ectodomain structure reveals a conserved superfamily of gamete fusion-associated proteins. Commun Biol 2022; 5:984. [PMID: 36115925 PMCID: PMC9482655 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03883-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SPACA6 is a sperm-expressed surface protein that is critical for gamete fusion during mammalian sexual reproduction. Despite this fundamental role, little is known about how SPACA6 specifically functions. We elucidated the crystal structure of the SPACA6 ectodomain at 2.2-Å resolution, revealing a two-domain protein containing a four-helix bundle and Ig-like β-sandwich connected via a quasi-flexible linker. This structure is reminiscent of IZUMO1, another gamete fusion-associated protein, making SPACA6 and IZUMO1 founding members of a superfamily of fertilization-associated proteins, herein dubbed the IST superfamily. The IST superfamily is defined structurally by its distorted four-helix bundle and a pair of disulfide-bonded CXXC motifs. A structure-based search of the AlphaFold human proteome identified more protein members to this superfamily; remarkably, many of these proteins are linked to gamete fusion. The SPACA6 structure and its connection to other IST-superfamily members provide a missing link in our knowledge of mammalian gamete fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D R Vance
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Yip
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elisabet Jiménez
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Diana Gawol
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Byrnes
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA
| | - Isabel Usón
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
- Service d'Histologie, d'Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Jeffrey E Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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16
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Lin X, Liu F, Meng K, Liu H, Zhao Y, Chen Y, Hu W, Luo D. Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Sex-Specific Alternative Splicing Events in Zebrafish Gonads. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091441. [PMID: 36143477 PMCID: PMC9501657 DOI: 10.3390/life12091441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is an important way of regulating gene functions in eukaryotes. Several key genes involved in sex determination and gonadal differentiation, such as nr5a1 and ddx4, have sex-biased transcripts between males and females, suggesting a potential regulatory role of alternative splicing in gonads. Currently, the sex-specific alternative splicing events and genes have not been comprehensively studied at the genome-wide level in zebrafish. In this study, through global splicing analysis on three independent sets of RNA-seq data from matched zebrafish testes and ovaries, we identified 120 differentially spliced genes shared by the three datasets, most of which haven’t been reported before. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the GO terms of mRNA processing, mRNA metabolism and microtubule-based process were strongly enriched. The testis- and ovary-biased alternative splicing genes were identified, and part of them (tp53bp1, tpx2, mapre1a, kif2c, and ncoa5) were further validated by RT-PCR. Sequence characteristics analysis suggested that the lengths, GC contents, and splice site strengths of the alternative exons or introns may have different influences in different types of alternative splicing events. Interestingly, we identified an unexpected high proportion (over 70%) of non-frameshift exon-skipping events, suggesting that in these cases the two protein isoforms derived from alternative splicing may both have functions. Furthermore, as a representative example, we found that the alternative splicing of ncoa5 causes the loss of a conserved RRM domain in the short transcript predominantly produced in testes. Our study discovers novel sex-specific alternative splicing events and genes with high reliabilities in zebrafish testes and ovaries, which would provide attractive targets for follow-up studies to reveal the biological significances of alternative splicing events and genes in sex determination and gonadal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (D.L.)
| | - Kaifeng Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hairong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuanli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Daji Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhanjiang), Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (D.L.)
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17
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Live imaging-based assay for visualising species-specific interactions in gamete adhesion molecules. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9609. [PMID: 35688940 PMCID: PMC9187738 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13547-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful gamete fusion requires species-specific membrane adhesion. However, the interaction of adhesion molecules in gametes is difficult to study in real time through low-throughput microscopic observation. Therefore, we developed a live imaging-based adhesion molecule (LIAM) assay to study gamete adhesion molecule interactions in cultured cells. First, we modified a fusion assay previously established for fusogens introduced into cultured cells, and confirmed that our live imaging technique could visualise cell-cell fusion in the modified fusion assay. Next, instead of fusogen, we introduced adhesion molecules including a mammalian gamete adhesion molecule pair, IZUMO1 and JUNO, and detected their temporal accumulation at the contact interfaces of adjacent cells. Accumulated IZUMO1 or JUNO was partly translocated to the opposite cells as discrete spots; the mutation in amino acids required for their interaction impaired accumulation and translocation. By using the LIAM assay, we investigated the species specificity of IZUMO1 and JUNO of mouse, human, hamster, and pig in all combinations. IZUMO1 and JUNO accumulation and translocation were observed in conspecific, and some interspecific, combinations, suggesting potentially interchangeable combinations of IZUMO1 and JUNO from different species.
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18
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Noda T, Blaha A, Fujihara Y, Gert KR, Emori C, Deneke VE, Oura S, Panser K, Lu Y, Berent S, Kodani M, Cabrera-Quio LE, Pauli A, Ikawa M. Sperm membrane proteins DCST1 and DCST2 are required for sperm-egg interaction in mice and fish. Commun Biol 2022; 5:332. [PMID: 35393517 PMCID: PMC8989947 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03289-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of sperm-egg fusion is critical for successful fertilization, yet the underlying mechanisms that regulate these steps have remained unclear in vertebrates. Here, we show that both mouse and zebrafish DCST1 and DCST2 are necessary in sperm to fertilize the egg, similar to their orthologs SPE-42 and SPE-49 in C. elegans and Sneaky in D. melanogaster. Mouse Dcst1 and Dcst2 single knockout (KO) sperm are able to undergo the acrosome reaction and show normal relocalization of IZUMO1, an essential factor for sperm-egg fusion, to the equatorial segment. While both single KO sperm can bind to the oolemma, they show the fusion defect, resulting that Dcst1 KO males become almost sterile and Dcst2 KO males become sterile. Similar to mice, zebrafish dcst1 KO males are subfertile and dcst2 and dcst1/2 double KO males are sterile. Zebrafish dcst1/2 KO sperm are motile and can approach the egg, but are defective in binding to the oolemma. Furthermore, we find that DCST1 and DCST2 interact with each other and are interdependent. These data demonstrate that DCST1/2 are essential for male fertility in two vertebrate species, highlighting their crucial role as conserved factors in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8555, Japan
| | - Andreas Blaha
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 6-1 Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - Krista R Gert
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Victoria E Deneke
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Seiya Oura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Karin Panser
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sara Berent
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mayo Kodani
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Luis Enrique Cabrera-Quio
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Vienna, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan.
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19
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Wilburn DB, Kunkel CL, Feldhoff RC, Feldhoff PW, Searle BC. Recurrent Co-Option and Recombination of Cytokine and Three Finger Proteins in Multiple Reproductive Tissues Throughout Salamander Evolution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:828947. [PMID: 35281090 PMCID: PMC8904931 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.828947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive proteins evolve at unparalleled rates, resulting in tremendous diversity of both molecular composition and biochemical function between gametes of different taxonomic clades. To date, the proteomic composition of amphibian gametes is largely a molecular mystery, particularly for Urodeles (salamanders and newts) for which few genomic-scale resources exist. In this study, we provide the first detailed molecular characterization of gametes from two salamander species (Plethodon shermani and Desmognathus ocoee) that are models of reproductive behavior. Long-read PacBio transcriptome sequencing of testis and ovary of both species revealed sex-specific expression of many genes common to vertebrate gametes, including a similar expression profile to the egg coat genes of Xenopus oocytes. In contrast to broad conservation of oocyte genes, major testis transcripts included paralogs of salamander-specific courtship pheromones (PRF, PMF, and SPF) that were confirmed as major sperm proteins by mass spectrometry proteomics. Sperm-specific paralogs of PMF and SPF are likely the most abundant secreted proteins in P. shermani and D. ocoee, respectively. In contrast, sperm PRF lacks a signal peptide and may be expressed in cytoplasm. PRF pheromone genes evolved independently multiple times by repeated gene duplication of sperm PRF genes with signal peptides recovered through recombination with PMF genes. Phylogenetic analysis of courtship pheromones and their sperm paralogs support that each protein family evolved for these two reproductive contexts at distinct evolutionary time points between 17 and 360 million years ago. Our combined phylogenetic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of plethodontid reproductive tissues support that the recurrent co-option and recombination of TFPs and cytokine-like proteins have been a novel driving force throughout salamander evolution and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien B. Wilburn
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Damien B. Wilburn,
| | - Christy L. Kunkel
- Department of Biology, John Carroll University, Cleveland Heights, OH, United States
| | - Richard C. Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Pamela W. Feldhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Brian C. Searle
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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20
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Rivera AM, Swanson WJ. The Importance of Gene Duplication and Domain Repeat Expansion for the Function and Evolution of Fertilization Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827454. [PMID: 35155436 PMCID: PMC8830517 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of gene duplication followed by gene loss or evolution of new functions has been studied extensively, yet the role gene duplication plays in the function and evolution of fertilization proteins is underappreciated. Gene duplication is observed in many fertilization protein families including Izumo, DCST, ZP, and the TFP superfamily. Molecules mediating fertilization are part of larger gene families expressed in a variety of tissues, but gene duplication followed by structural modifications has often facilitated their cooption into a fertilization function. Repeat expansions of functional domains within a gene also provide opportunities for the evolution of novel fertilization protein. ZP proteins with domain repeat expansions are linked to species-specificity in fertilization and TFP proteins that experienced domain duplications were coopted into a novel sperm function. This review outlines the importance of gene duplications and repeat domain expansions in the evolution of fertilization proteins.
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21
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Binner MI, Kogan A, Panser K, Schleiffer A, Deneke VE, Pauli A. The Sperm Protein Spaca6 is Essential for Fertilization in Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:806982. [PMID: 35047514 PMCID: PMC8762341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.806982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a key process in all sexually reproducing species, yet the molecular mechanisms that underlie this event remain unclear. To date, only a few proteins have been shown to be essential for sperm-egg binding and fusion in mice, and only some are conserved across vertebrates. One of these conserved, testis-expressed factors is SPACA6, yet its function has not been investigated outside of mammals. Here we show that zebrafish spaca6 encodes for a sperm membrane protein which is essential for fertilization. Zebrafish spaca6 knockout males are sterile. Furthermore, Spaca6-deficient sperm have normal morphology, are motile, and can approach the egg, but fail to bind to the egg and therefore cannot complete fertilization. Interestingly, sperm lacking Spaca6 have decreased levels of another essential and conserved sperm fertility factor, Dcst2, revealing a previously unknown dependence of Dcst2 expression on Spaca6. Together, our results show that zebrafish Spaca6 regulates Dcst2 levels and is required for binding between the sperm membrane and the oolemma. This is in contrast to murine sperm lacking SPACA6, which was reported to be able to bind but unable to fuse with oocytes. These findings demonstrate that Spaca6 is essential for zebrafish fertilization and is a conserved sperm factor in vertebrate reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Victoria E. Deneke
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, Vienna, Austria
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Same gene, opposite sexes: Sex-specific divergent expression of a gene required for vertebrate fertilization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2116001118. [PMID: 34642252 PMCID: PMC8545453 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2116001118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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