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Houston BJ, Merriner DJ, Stathatos GG, Nguyen JH, O'Connor AE, Lopes AM, Conrad DF, Baker M, Dunleavy JE, O'Bryan MK. Genetic mutation of Cep76 results in male infertility due to abnormal sperm tail composition. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302452. [PMID: 38570187 PMCID: PMC10992998 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition zone is a specialised gate at the base of cilia/flagella, which separates the ciliary compartment from the cytoplasm and strictly regulates protein entry. We identified a potential new regulator of the male germ cell transition zone, CEP76. We demonstrated that CEP76 was involved in the selective entry and incorporation of key proteins required for sperm function and fertility into the ciliary compartment and ultimately the sperm tail. In the mutant, sperm tails were shorter and immotile as a consequence of deficits in essential sperm motility proteins including DNAH2 and AKAP4, which accumulated at the sperm neck in the mutant. Severe annulus, fibrous sheath, and outer dense fibre abnormalities were also detected in sperm lacking CEP76. Finally, we identified that CEP76 dictates annulus positioning and structure. This study suggests CEP76 as a male germ cell transition zone protein and adds further evidence to the hypothesis that the spermatid transition zone and annulus are part of the same functional structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J Houston
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - G Gemma Stathatos
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joseph H Nguyen
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology & Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Mark Baker
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Jessica Em Dunleavy
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- https://ror.org/01ej9dk98 School of BioSciences and Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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2
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Ji YH, Wang LM, Zhang FX, Hou HZ, Luo ZR, Xue Q, Shi MM, Jiao Y, Cui D, He DL, Xue W, Wen YQ, Tang QS, Zhang B. Cascading effects of hypobaric hypoxia on the testis: insights from a single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1282119. [PMID: 38033870 PMCID: PMC10684926 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1282119] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Most mammals tolerate exposure to hypobaric hypoxia poorly as it may affect multiple regulatory mechanisms and inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis, limit tissue vascularization, and disrupt the acid-base equilibrium. Here, we quantified the functional state of germ cell development and demonstrated the interaction between the germ and somatic cells via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). The present study elucidated the regulatory effects of hypobaric hypoxia exposure on germ cell formation and sperm differentiation by applying enrichment analysis to genomic regions. Hypobaric hypoxia downregulates the genes controlling granule secretion and organic matter biosynthesis, upregulates tektin 1 (TEKT1) and kinesin family member 2C (KIF2C), and downregulates 60S ribosomal protein 11 (RPL11) and cilia- and flagella-associated protein 206 (CFAP206). Our research indicated that prosaposin-G protein-coupled receptor 37 (PSAP-GPR37) ligands mediate the damage to supporting cells caused by hypobaric hypoxic exposure. The present work revealed that hypoxia injures peritubular myoid (PTM) cells and spermatocytes in the S phase. It also showed that elongating spermatids promote maturation toward the G2 phase and increase their functional reserve for sperm-egg binding. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for future investigations on prophylactic and therapeutic approaches toward protecting the reproductive system against the harmful effects of hypobaric hypoxic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hua Ji
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Lin-Meng Wang
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Fu-Xun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Hao-Zhong Hou
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhi-Rong Luo
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Qi Xue
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Man-Man Shi
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Yong Jiao
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Dong Cui
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Da-Li He
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Yu-qi Wen
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Sheng Tang
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
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3
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Liu S, Bian YC, Wang WL, Liu TJ, Zhang T, Chang Y, Xiao R, Zhang CL. Identification of hub genes associated with spermatogenesis by bioinformatics analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18435. [PMID: 37891374 PMCID: PMC10611713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45620-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process related to male infertility. Till now, the critical genes and specific mechanisms have not been elucidated clearly. Our objective was to determine the hub genes that play a crucial role in spermatogenesis by analyzing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) present in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) compared to OA and normal samples using bioinformatics analysis. Four datasets, namely GSE45885, GSE45887, GSE9210 and GSE145467 were used. Functional enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs. Hub genes were identified based on protein-protein interactions between DEGs. The expression of the hub genes was further examined in the testicular germ cell tumors from the TCGA by the GEPIA and validated by qRT-PCR in the testes of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute orchitis mice with impaired spermatogenesis. A total of 203 DEGs including 34 up-regulated and 169 down-regulated were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed DEGs were mainly involved in microtubule motility, the process of cell growth and protein transport. PRM2, TEKT2, FSCN3, UBQLN3, SPATS1 and GTSF1L were identified and validated as hub genes for spermatogenesis. Three of them (PRM2, FSCN3 and TEKT2) were significantly down-regulated in the testicular germ cell tumors and their methylation levels were associated with the pathogenesis. In summary, the hub genes identified may be related to spermatogenesis and may act as potential therapeutic targets for NOA and testicular germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan-Chao Bian
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wan-Lun Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tong-Jia Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yue Chang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rui Xiao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Chuan-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
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Nishie T, Ohta Y, Shirai E, Higaki S, Shimozawa N, Narita K, Kawaguchi K, Tanaka H, Mori C, Tanaka T, Hirabayashi M, Suemori H, Kurisaki A, Tooyama I, Asano S, Takeda S, Takada T. Identification of TEKTIN1-expressing multiciliated cells during spontaneous differentiation of non-human primate embryonic stem cells. Genes Cells 2023. [PMID: 37186436 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Tektins are a group of microtubule-stabilizing proteins necessary for cilia and flagella assembly. TEKTIN1 (TEKT1) is used as a sperm marker for monitoring germ cell differentiation in embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Although upregulation of TEKT1 has been reported during spontaneous differentiation of ES and iPS cells, it is unclear which cells express TEKT1. To identify TEKT1-expressing cells, we established an ES cell line derived from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), which expresses Venus controlled by the TEKT1 promoter. Venus expression was detected at 5 weeks of differentiation on the surface of the embryoid body (EB), and it gradually increased with the concomitant formation of a leash-like structure at the EB periphery. Motile cilia were observed on the surface of the Venus-positive leash-like structure after 8 weeks of differentiation. The expression of cilia markers as well as TEKT1-5 and 9 + 2 microtubule structures, which are characteristic of motile cilia, were detected in Venus-positive cells. These results demonstrated that TEKT1-expressing cells are multiciliated epithelial-like cells that form a leash-like structure during the spontaneous differentiation of ES and iPS cells. These findings will provide a new research strategy for studying cilia biology, including ciliogenesis and ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Nishie
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Yoshio Ohta
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Emi Shirai
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shogo Higaki
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Shimozawa
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keishi Narita
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kotoku Kawaguchi
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chika Mori
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Taiga Tanaka
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Suemori
- Center for Human ES Cell Research, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Kurisaki
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan
| | - Ikuo Tooyama
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Center and Medical Innovation Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shinji Asano
- Department of Molecular Physiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Sén Takeda
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
- Department of Anatomy, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuyuki Takada
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
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5
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Yao B, An K, Kang Y, Tan Y, Zhang D, Su J. Reproductive Suppression Caused by Spermatogenic Arrest: Transcriptomic Evidence from a Non-Social Animal. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054611. [PMID: 36902039 PMCID: PMC10003443 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive suppression is an adaptive strategy in animal reproduction. The mechanism of reproductive suppression has been studied in social animals, providing an essential basis for understanding the maintenance and development of population stability. However, little is known about it in solitary animals. The plateau zokor is a dominant, subterranean, solitary rodent in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, the mechanism of reproductive suppression in this animal is unknown. We perform morphological, hormonal, and transcriptomic assays on the testes of male plateau zokors in breeders, in non-breeders, and in the non-breeding season. We found that the testes of non-breeders are smaller in weight and have lower serum testosterone levels than those of breeders, and the mRNA expression levels of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and its transcription factors are significantly higher in non-breeder testes. Genes related to spermatogenesis are significantly downregulated in both meiotic and post-meiotic stages in non-breeders. Genes related to the meiotic cell cycle, spermatogenesis, flagellated sperm motility, fertilization, and sperm capacitation are significantly downregulated in non-breeders. Our data suggest that high levels of AMH may lead to low levels of testosterone, resulting in delayed testicular development, and physiological reproductive suppression in plateau zokor. This study enriches our understanding of reproductive suppression in solitary mammals and provides a basis for the optimization of managing this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Yao
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Kang An
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Degang Zhang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence:
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Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of the Testis of Ciona intestinalis Reveals the Dynamic Transcriptional Profile of Spermatogenesis in Protochordates. Cells 2022; 11:cells11243978. [PMID: 36552742 PMCID: PMC9776925 DOI: 10.3390/cells11243978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and continuous process of germ-cell differentiation. This complex process is regulated by many factors, of which gene regulation in spermatogenic cells plays a decisive role. Spermatogenesis has been widely studied in vertebrates, but little is known about spermatogenesis in protochordates. Here, for the first time, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on 6832 germ cells from the testis of adult Ciona intestinalis. We identified six germ cell populations and revealed dynamic gene expression as well as transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis. In particular, we identified four spermatocyte subtypes and key genes involved in meiosis in C. intestinalis. There were remarkable similarities and differences in gene expression during spermatogenesis between C. intestinalis and two other vertebrates (Chinese tongue sole and human). We identified many spermatogenic-cell-specific genes with functions that need to be verified. These findings will help to further improve research on spermatogenesis in chordates.
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Zhang X, Zheng R, Liang C, Liu H, Zhang X, Ma Y, Liu M, Zhang W, Yang Y, Liu M, Jiang C, Ren Q, Wang Y, Chen S, Yang Y, Shen Y. Loss-of-function mutations in CEP78 cause male infertility in humans and mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn0968. [PMID: 36206347 PMCID: PMC9544341 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn0968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Centrosomal protein dysfunction might cause ciliopathies. However, the role of centrosomal proteins in male infertility remains poorly defined. Here, we identified a pathogenic splicing mutation in CEP78 in male infertile patients with severely reduced sperm number and motility, and the typical multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella phenotype. We further created Cep78 knockout mice, which showed an extremely low sperm count, completely aberrant sperm morphology, and approximately null sperm motility. The infertility of the patients and knockout mice could not be rescued by an intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Mechanistically, CEP78 might regulate USP16 expression, which further stabilizes Tektin levels via the ubiquitination pathway. Cep78 knockout mice also exhibited impairments in retina and outer hair cells of the cochlea. Collectively, our findings identified nonfunctional CEP78 as an indispensable factor contributing to male infertility and revealed a role for this gene in regulating retinal and outer hair cell function in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haotian Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yongyi Ma
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400000, China
| | - Mohan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qingjia Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Suren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Comparative Proteomic Analyses of Poorly Motile Swamp Buffalo Spermatozoa Reveal Low Energy Metabolism and Deficiencies in Motility-Related Proteins. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131706. [PMID: 35804605 PMCID: PMC9264820 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of mammalian sperm motility is a main indicator of epididymal sperm maturation and helps ensure fertilization. Poor sperm motility will prevent sperm cells from reaching the fertilization site, resulting in fertilization failure. To investigate the proteomic profiling of normal and poorly motile buffalo spermatozoa, a strategy applying liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry combined with tandem mass targeting was used. As a result, 145 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in poorly motile spermatozoa (fold change > 1.5), including 52 upregulated and 93 downregulated proteins. The upregulated DEPs were mainly involved in morphogenesis and regulation of cell differentiation. The downregulated DEPs were involved with transport, oxidation-reduction, sperm motility, regulation of cAMP metabolism and regulation of DNA methylation. The mRNA and protein levels of PRM1 and AKAP3 were lower in poorly motile spermatozoa, while the expressions of SDC2, TEKT3 and IDH1 were not correlated with motility, indicating that their protein changes were affected by transcription or translation. Such changes in the expression of these proteins suggest that the formation of poorly motile buffalo spermatozoa reflects a low efficiency of energy metabolism, decreases in sperm protamine proteins, deficiencies in motility-related proteins, and variations in tail structural proteins. Such proteins could be biomarkers of poorly motile spermatozoa. These results illustrate some of the molecular mechanisms associated with poorly motile spermatozoa and provide clues for finding molecular markers of these pathways.
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Sukhan ZP, Hossen S, Cho Y, Lee WK, Kho KH. Hdh-Tektin-4 Regulates Motility of Fresh and Cryopreserved Sperm in Pacific Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:870743. [PMID: 35547812 PMCID: PMC9081794 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.870743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As structural components of sperm, tektins are thought to play a fundamental role in sperm flagellar motility. In this study, Tektin-4 (Hdh-TEKT4) gene was successfully cloned and characterized from the testis tissue in Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai. The full-length cDNA of Hdh-TEKT4 was 1,983 bp, with a coding region of 1,350 bp encoding 51.83 kDa putative protein of 449 deduced amino acids. Hdh-TEKT4 contains a tektin domain including a nonapeptide signature motif (RPGVDLCRD). Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that Hdh-TEKT4 localized in the spermatids of Pacific abalone testis. qRT-PCR analysis showed that Hdh-TEKT4 was predominantly expressed in testis tissues. Hdh-TEKT4 mRNA expression was upregulated during the fully mature testicular developmental stage in both seasonal development and EAT exposed abalone. Furthermore, mRNA expression of Hdh-TEKT4 was significantly higher in sperm with higher motility than in sperm with lower motility during peak breeding season, induced spawning activity stages, and after cryopreservation in different cryoprotectants. Taken together, these results indicate that the expression of Hdh-TEKT4 in Pacific abalone sperm might have a positive correlation with sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Parvez Sukhan
- Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
| | - Shaharior Hossen
- Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
| | - Yusin Cho
- Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
| | - Won Kyo Lee
- Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
| | - Kang Hee Kho
- Department of Fisheries Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
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10
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Li S, Wang Q, Huang L, Fan S, Li T, Shu Y, Zhang C, Zhou Y, Liu Q, Luo K, Tao M, Liu S. miR-199-5p regulates spermiogenesis at the posttranscriptional level via targeting Tekt1 in allotriploid crucian carp. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:44. [PMID: 35418106 PMCID: PMC9009052 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00693-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm abnormalities are one of the primary factors leading to male sterility, but their pathogenesis is still unclear. Although miRNAs are suggested to exert important roles in the regulation of spermatogenesis at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels, little is currently known regarding the regulation of sperm flagella assembly by microRNAs (miRNAs). The role of miRNAs in the development of sperm abnormalities in sterile triploid fish has not been studied. RESULTS In this study, we found that miR-199-5p was widely expressed in all detected tissues of different-ploidy crucian carp. As one of the testis-specific candidate markers, Tekt1 was predominantly expressed in the testis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses showed that the expression trend of miR-199-5p was exactly opposite to that of Tekt1. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified a putative miR-199-5p binding site in the Tekt1 mRNA. We further identified Tekt1 as a target of miR-199-5p using luciferase reporter assay. Finally, we confirmed that miR-199-5p was necessary for sperm flagellar assembly and spermatogenesis in vivo via intraperitoneal injection of miR-199-5p antagomir or agomir in diploid red crucian carp. Moreover, miR-199-5p gain-of-function could lead to spermatids apoptosis and abnormal spermatozoa structure, which is similar to that of allotriploid crucian carp. CONCLUSIONS Our studies suggested that abnormally elevated miR-199-5p inhibited the sperm flagella formation in spermiogenesis by negatively regulating the expression of Tekt1, thereby causing sperm abnormalities of male allotriploid crucian carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Qiubei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Lu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Siyu Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Yuqing Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Chun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
| | - Yi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
| | - Qingfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Kaikun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Min Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China.
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China. .,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China.
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11
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Yogo K. Molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm head and tail in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12466. [PMID: 35619659 PMCID: PMC9126569 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spermatozoon has a complex molecular apparatus necessary for fertilization in its head and flagellum. Recently, numerous genes that are needed to construct the molecular apparatus of spermatozoa have been identified through the analysis of genetically modified mice. Methods Based on the literature information, the molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm heads and flagella in mice was summarized. Main findings (Results) The molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking and intraflagellar transport in acrosome and flagellum formation were listed. With the development of cryo‐electron tomography and mass spectrometry techniques, the details of the axonemal structure are becoming clearer. The fine structure and the proteins needed to form the central apparatus, outer and inner dynein arms, nexin‐dynein regulatory complex, and radial spokes were described. The important components of the formation of the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, outer dense fiber, and the annulus were also described. The similarities and differences between sperm flagella and Chlamydomonas flagella/somatic cell cilia were also discussed. Conclusion The molecular mechanism of formation of the sperm head and flagellum has been clarified using the mouse as a model. These studies will help to better understand the diversity of sperm morphology and the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Yogo
- Department of Applied Life Sciences Faculty of Agriculture Shizuoka University Shizuoka Japan
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12
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Downregulation of KIF2C and TEKT2 is associated with male infertility and testicular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:22898-22911. [PMID: 34591790 PMCID: PMC8544317 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Genetic factors are important in spermatogenesis and fertility maintenance, and are potentially significant biomarkers for the early detection of infertility. However, further understanding of these biological processes is required. Methods: In the present study, we sought to identify associated genes by reanalyzing separate studies from Gene Expression Omnibus datasets (GSE45885, GSE45887 and GSE9210) and validation datasets (GSE4797, 145467, 108886, 6872). The differential genes were used the limma package in R language. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed by the clusterprofier package. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed by the STRING database. The interaction between mRNA and TF was predicted by miRWalk web. At last, The Cancer Genome Atlas data were used to identify hub gene expression levels in GEPIA web. Results: The results showed that 27 shared genes associated with spermatogenesis. We effectively screen out two genes (KIF2C and TEKT2) and both validated by GSE4797, 145467, 108886 and 6872. Among 27 shared genes, KIF2C and TEKT2 both down-regulated in spermatogenesis. The network of TF-miRNA-target gene was established, we found KIF2C-miRNAs (has-miR-3154, 6075, 6760-5p, 1251-5p, 186-sp)-TFs (EP300, SP1) might work in spermatogenesis. Conclusions: Our study might help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms in spermatogenesis and provide diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics targets.
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13
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Botman O, Hibaoui Y, Giudice MG, Ambroise J, Creppe C, Feki A, Wyns C. Modeling Klinefelter Syndrome Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Reveals Impaired Germ Cell Differentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:567454. [PMID: 33117798 PMCID: PMC7575714 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.567454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS), with an incidence between 1/600 and 1/1,000, is the main genetic cause of male infertility. Due to the lack of an accurate study model, the detailed pathogenic mechanisms by which this X chromosome aneuploidy leads to KS features remain unknown. Here, we report the generation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from a patient with KS: 47XXY-iPSCs. In order to compare the potentials of both 47XXY-iPSCs and 46XY-iPSCs to differentiate into the germ cell lineage, we developed a directed differentiation protocol by testing different combinations of factors including bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), retinoic acid (RA) and stem cell factor (SCF) for 42 days. Importantly, we found a reduced ability of 47XXY-iPSCs to differentiate into germ cells when compared to 46XY-iPSCs. In particular, upon germ cell differentiation of 47XXY-iPSCs, we found a reduced proportion of cells positive for BOLL, a protein required for germ cell development and spermatogenesis, as well as a reduced proportion of cells positive for MAGEA4, a spermatogonia marker. This reduced ability to generate germ cells was not associated with a decrease of proliferation of 47XXY-iPSC-derived cells but rather with an increase of cell death upon germ cell differentiation as revealed by an increase of LDH release and of capase-3 expression in 47XXY-iPSC-derived cells. Our study supports the idea that 47XXY-iPSCs provides an excellent in vitro model to unravel the pathophysiology and to design potential treatments for KS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Botman
- Gynecology Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Youssef Hibaoui
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Fribourgeois (HFR) Fribourg, Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Maria G Giudice
- Gynecology Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Ambroise
- Center for Applied Molecular Technologies (CTMA), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catherine Creppe
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-Signal Transduction, C.H.U. Sart Tilman, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anis Feki
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Fribourgeois (HFR) Fribourg, Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Christine Wyns
- Gynecology Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Ziloochi Kashani M, Bagher Z, Asgari HR, Najafi M, Koruji M, Mehraein F. Differentiation of neonate mouse spermatogonial stem cells on three-dimensional agar/polyvinyl alcohol nanofiber scaffold. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2020; 66:202-215. [PMID: 32138551 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2020.1725927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Electrospun nanofiber matrices sufficiently mimic the structural morphology of natural extracellular matrix. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of agar/polyvinyl alcohol nanofiber (PVA) scaffold on the proliferation efficiency and differentiation potential of neonate mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SCCs). Testicular cells were isolated from testes of 40 mouse pups and were seeded in: 1) 2D cell culture plates in the absence (2D/-GF) or presence (2D/+GF) of growth factors and 2) onto agar/PVA scaffold in the absence (3D/-GF) or presence (3D/+GF) of growth factors. The cells were subsequently cultured for 4 weeks. First 2 weeks were dedicated to proliferative phase, whereas the next 2 weeks emphasized the differentiation phase. The identity of the SCCs was investigated at different time-points by flow cytometry and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses against the germ cell markers, including PLZF, Id-4, Gfrα-1, Tekt-1, and Sycp-3. After 2 weeks of culture, the 3D/+GF group showed the highest percentage of PLZF-positive cells among culture systems (P < 0.05). The expression levels of pre-meiotic markers (Id-4 and Gfrα-1) decreased significantly in all groups, particularly in 3D/+GF group after 28 days of culture. Additionally, the cells in the 3D/+GF group displayed the highest expression of meiotic (Sycp-3) and post-meiotic markers (Tekt-1) 14 days after differentiation induction. Seemingly, the combination of the agar/PVA scaffold and growth factor-supplemented medium synergistically increased the differentiation rate of mouse SSCs into meiotic and post-meiotic cells. Thus, agar/PVA nanofiber scaffolds may have the potential for applications in the restoration of infertility, especially in azoospermic males. ABBREVIATIONS 2D: two dimentional; 3D: three dimentional; bFGF: basic fibroblast growth factor; BMP-4: bone morphogenetic protein 4; DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium; ECM: extracellular matrix; FCS: fetal calf serum; FTIR: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy; GDNF: glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor; GF: growth factors; Gfrα-1, GDNF family co-receptor α1; Id-4, Inhibitor of DNA Binding 4; MTT: methylthiazoltetrazolium; PLZF: promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger; PVA: polyvinyl alcohol; qRT-PCR: quantitative reverse transcription PCR; RA: retinoic acid; SACS: soft agar culture system; SD: standard deviation; SEM: scanning electron microscope; SSCs: spermatogonial stem cells; Sycp-3, Synaptonemal complex protein 3; Tekt-1, Tektin 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ziloochi Kashani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Bagher
- ENT and Head & Neck Research Center and Department, the Five Senses Institute, Hazrat Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Asgari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Najafi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Mehraein
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran.,Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
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15
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Wu S, Mipam T, Xu C, Zhao W, Shah MA, Yi C, Luo H, Cai X, Zhong J. Testis transcriptome profiling identified genes involved in spermatogenic arrest of cattleyak. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229503. [PMID: 32092127 PMCID: PMC7039509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cattleyak are the hybrid offspring between cattle and yak and combine yak hardiness with cattle productivity. Much attempt has been made to examine the mechanisms of male sterility caused by spermatogenic arrest, but yet there is no research systematically and precisely elucidated testis gene expression profiling between cattleyak and yak. Methods To explore the higher resolution comparative transcriptome map between the testes of yak and cattleyak, and further analyze the mRNA expression dynamics of spermatogenic arrest in cattleyak. We characterized the comparative transcriptome profile from the testes of yak and cattleyak using high-throughput sequencing. Then we used quantitative analysis to validate several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in testicular tissue and spermatogenic cells. Results Testis transcriptome profiling identified 6477 DEGs (2919 upregulated and 3558 downregulated) between cattleyak and yak. Further analysis revealed that the marker genes and apoptosis regulatory genes for undifferentiated spermatogonia were upregulated, while the genes for differentiation maintenance were downregulated in cattleyak. A majority of DEGs associated with mitotic checkpoint, and cell cycle progression were downregulated in cattleyak during spermatogonial mitosis. Furthermore, almost all DEGs related to synaptonemal complex assembly, and meiotic progression presented no sign of expression in cattleyak. Even worse, dozens of genes involved in acrosome formation, and flagellar development were dominantly downregulated in cattleyak. Conclusion DEGs indicated that spermatogenic arrest of cattleyak may originate from the differentiation stage of spermatogonial stem cells and be aggravated during spermatogonial mitosis and spermatocyte meiosis, which contributes to the scarcely presented sperms in cattleyak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - TserangDonko Mipam
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuanfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Mujahid Ali Shah
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanping Yi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Luo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JZ)
| | - Jincheng Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Sichuan Province and Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (JZ)
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16
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Alshawa E, Laqqan M, Montenarh M, Hammadeh ME. Influence of cryopreservation on the CATSPER2 and TEKT2 expression levels and protein levels in human spermatozoa. Toxicol Rep 2019; 6:819-824. [PMID: 31463202 PMCID: PMC6706526 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation process could lead to a reduction in the expression levels of the CATSPER2 and TEKT2 gene in human spermatozoa. The cryopreservation process could lead to a down-regulation in the expression of CATSPER2 and TEKT2 gene in human spermatozoa. The cryopreservation process could lead to a reduction in the level of CatSper 2 and Tektin 2 protein in human spermatozoa. The CatSper 2 and Tektin 2 may be used as markers to explain the causes of motility loss in the spermatozoa after the cryopreservation process.
This study designed to assess the expression level of CATSPER2 and TEKT2 and to evaluate the levels of CatSper2 and Tektin2 proteins in human spermatozoa before and after cryopreservation. One hundred and twenty semen samples were included in this study. All the samples were subjected to qPCR and Western blot analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in the expression levels of CATSPER2 and TEKT2 in the cryopreserved compared to the fresh samples (P = 0.0039 and P = 0.0166, respectively), and the results showed down-regulation in the expression level of CATSPER2 and TEKT2 genes between the study groups. Moreover, the protein levels of the CatSper2 and Tektin2 were lower in cryopreserved samples compared to fresh samples (P = 0.0001). In conclusion, the reduction in the proteins level and expression level of the CATSPER2 and TEKT2 in cryopreserved samples could be used as an indicator of sperm motility loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiman Alshawa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Mohammed Laqqan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Montenarh
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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17
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Sohail S, Tariq K, Zheng W, Ali MW, Peng W, Raza MF, Zhang H. RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Tssk1 and Tektin1 Genes Impair Male Fertility in Bactrocera dorsalis. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10060164. [PMID: 31185651 PMCID: PMC6627857 DOI: 10.3390/insects10060164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The genetic-based sterile insect technique (SIT) is an effective and environmentally safe strategy to diminish populations of agricultural and horticultural insect pests. Functional characterization of genes related to male fertility can enhance the genetic-based SIT. Tssk1 has been involved to control male fertility in both mammals and insects. Moreover, Tektin1 has also been revealed to influence male fertility in both human and mammals. These findings suggested that Tssk1 and Tektin1 identified from Bactrocera dorsalis could be required for male fertility in B. dorsalis. In this study, expression profiles of these two genes were studied at different developmental stages and in various tissues of adult males. Remarkably, it was found that Tssk1 and Tektin1 were highly expressed in the testis of mature adult males of B. dorsalis. Furthermore, Tssk1 and Tektin1 genes were downregulated by using the RNA interference (RNAi) method. Fertility assays including egg laying, hatching, and spermatozoa count were also performed to investigate male fertility of B. dorsalis. Results showed that knockdown of Tssk1 and Tektin1 caused male sterility up to 58.99% and 64.49%, respectively. As expected, the total numbers of spermatozoa were also significantly reduced by 65.83% and 73.9%, respectively. These results suggested that male sterility was happened wing to the low number of spermatozoa. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Tssk1 and Tektin1 are the novel agents that could be used to enhance the genetic-based SIT, or their double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can be used as biopesticides to control the population of B. dorsalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summar Sohail
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Kaleem Tariq
- Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23200, Pakistan.
| | - Weiwei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Muhammad Waqar Ali
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Wei Peng
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Muhammad Fahim Raza
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, China-Australia Joint Research Centre for Horticultural and Urban Pests, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China.
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18
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Ryan R, Failler M, Reilly ML, Garfa-Traore M, Delous M, Filhol E, Reboul T, Bole-Feysot C, Nitschké P, Baudouin V, Amselem S, Escudier E, Legendre M, Benmerah A, Saunier S. Functional characterization of tektin-1 in motile cilia and evidence for TEKT1 as a new candidate gene for motile ciliopathies. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:266-282. [PMID: 29121203 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A child presenting with Mainzer-Saldino syndrome (MZSDS), characterized by renal, retinal and skeletal involvements, was also diagnosed with lung infections and airway ciliary dyskinesia. These manifestations suggested dysfunction of both primary and motile cilia, respectively. Targeted exome sequencing identified biallelic mutations in WDR19, encoding an IFT-A subunit previously associated with MZSDS-related chondrodysplasia, Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia and cranioectodermal dysplasia, linked to primary cilia dysfunction, and in TEKT1 which encodes tektin-1 an uncharacterized member of the tektin family, mutations of which may cause ciliary dyskinesia. Tektin-1 localizes at the centrosome in cycling cells, at basal bodies of both primary and motile cilia and to the axoneme of motile cilia in airway cells. The identified mutations impaired these localizations. In addition, airway cells from the affected individual showed severe motility defects without major ultrastructural changes. Knockdown of tekt1 in zebrafish resulted in phenotypes consistent with a function for tektin-1 in ciliary motility, which was confirmed by live imaging. Finally, experiments in the zebrafish also revealed a synergistic effect of tekt1 and wdr19. Altogether, our data show genetic interactions between WDR19 and TEKT1 likely contributing to the overall clinical phenotype observed in the affected individual and provide strong evidence for TEKT1 as a new candidate gene for primary ciliary dyskinesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ryan
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, 75015 Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Marion Failler
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, 75015 Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Madeline Louise Reilly
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, 75015 Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France.,Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Meriem Garfa-Traore
- Cell Imaging Platform, INSERM US24 Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Marion Delous
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, 75015 Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Emilie Filhol
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, 75015 Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Thérèse Reboul
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, 75015 Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Christine Bole-Feysot
- Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France.,Bioinformatics Core Facility, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Patrick Nitschké
- Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France.,INSERM UMR-1163, Genomic Core Facility, 75015 Paris, France
| | | | - Serge Amselem
- UMR-S 933, INSERM, Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6, Paris, France.,Service de Génétique et Embryologie Médicales, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Estelle Escudier
- UMR-S 933, INSERM, Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6, Paris, France.,Service de Génétique et Embryologie Médicales, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Marie Legendre
- UMR-S 933, INSERM, Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6, Paris, France.,Service de Génétique et Embryologie Médicales, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Benmerah
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, 75015 Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Saunier
- INSERM UMR 1163, Laboratory of Hereditary Kidney Diseases, 75015 Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, Paris Descartes - Sorbonne Paris Cité University, 75015 Paris, France
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19
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Budamagunta MS, Guo F, Sun N, Shibata B, FitzGerald PG, Voss JC, Hess JF. Production of recombinant human tektin 1, 2, and 4 and in vitro assembly of human tektin 1. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2017; 75:3-11. [PMID: 29108134 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Proteins predicted to be composed of large stretches of coiled-coil structure have often proven difficult to crystallize for structural determination. We have successfully applied EPR spectroscopic techniques to the study of the structure and assembly of full-length human vimentin assembled into native 11 nm filaments, in physiologic solution, circumventing the limitations of crystallizing shorter peptide sequences. Tektins are a small family of highly alpha helical filamentous proteins found in the doublet microtubules of cilia and related structures. Tektins exhibit several similarities to intermediate filaments (IFs): moderate molecular weight, highly alpha helical, hypothesized to be coiled-coil, and homo- and heteromeric assembly into long smooth filaments. In this report, we show the application of IF research methodologies to the study of tektin structure and assembly. To begin in vitro studies, expression constructs for human tektins 1, 2, and 4 were synthesized. Recombinant tektins were produced in E. coli and purified by chromatography. Preparations of tektin 1 successfully formed filaments. The recombinant human tektin 1 was used to produce antibodies which recognized an antigen in mouse testes, most likely present in sperm flagella. Finally, we report the creation of seven mutants to analyze predictions of coiled-coil structure in the rod 1A domain of tektin 1. Although this region is predicted to be coiled-coil, our EPR analysis does not reflect the parallel, in register, coiled-coil structure as demonstrated in vimentin and kinesin. These results document that tektin can be successfully expressed and assembled in vitro, and that SDSL EPR techniques can be used for structural analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Budamagunta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616
| | - F Guo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California, 95616
| | - N Sun
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616
| | - B Shibata
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616
| | - P G FitzGerald
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616
| | - J C Voss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616
| | - J F Hess
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, 95616
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20
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Jan SZ, Vormer TL, Jongejan A, Röling MD, Silber SJ, de Rooij DG, Hamer G, Repping S, van Pelt AMM. Unraveling transcriptome dynamics in human spermatogenesis. Development 2017; 144:3659-3673. [PMID: 28935708 PMCID: PMC5675447 DOI: 10.1242/dev.152413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic developmental process that includes stem cell proliferation and differentiation, meiotic cell divisions and extreme chromatin condensation. Although studied in mice, the molecular control of human spermatogenesis is largely unknown. Here, we developed a protocol that enables next-generation sequencing of RNA obtained from pools of 500 individually laser-capture microdissected cells of specific germ cell subtypes from fixed human testis samples. Transcriptomic analyses of these successive germ cell subtypes reveals dynamic transcription of over 4000 genes during human spermatogenesis. At the same time, many of the genes encoding for well-established meiotic and post-meiotic proteins are already present in the pre-meiotic phase. Furthermore, we found significant cell type-specific expression of post-transcriptional regulators, including expression of 110 RNA-binding proteins and 137 long non-coding RNAs, most of them previously not linked to spermatogenesis. Together, these data suggest that the transcriptome of precursor cells already contains the genes necessary for cellular differentiation and that timely translation controlled by post-transcriptional regulators is crucial for normal development. These established transcriptomes provide a reference catalog for further detailed studies on human spermatogenesis and spermatogenic failure. Highlighted Article: Using laser capture microscopy, a comprehensive transcriptomic dataset of well-defined and distinct germ cell subtypes based on morphology and localization in the human testis is generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Z Jan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tinke L Vormer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael D Röling
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sherman J Silber
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,The Infertility Center of St. Louis, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dirk G de Rooij
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Research Institute Reproduction and Development, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Fattahi A, Latifi Z, Ghasemnejad T, Nejabati HR, Nouri M. Insights into in vitro spermatogenesis in mammals: Past, present, future. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:560-575. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Fattahi
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Zeinab Latifi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Tohid Ghasemnejad
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Nejabati
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
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22
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Tsukamoto M, Hiyama E, Hirotani K, Gotoh T, Inai T, Iida H. Translocation of Tektin 3 to the equatorial segment of heads in bull spermatozoa exposed to dibutyryl cAMP and calyculin A. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 84:30-43. [PMID: 27883267 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Tektins (TEKTs) are filamentous proteins associated with microtubules in cilia, flagella, basal bodies, and centrioles. Five TEKTs (TEKT1, -2, -3, -4, and -5) have been identified as components of mammalian sperm flagella. We previously reported that TKET1 and -3 are also present in the heads of rodent spermatozoa. The present study clearly demonstrates that TEKT2 is present at the acrosome cap whereas TEKT3 resides just beneath the plasma membrane of the post-acrosomal region of sperm heads in unactivated bull spermatozoa, and builds on the distributional differences of TEKT1, -2, and -3 on sperm heads. We also discovered that hyperactivation of bull spermatozoa by cell-permeable cAMP and calyculin A, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, promoted translocation of TEKT3 from the post-acrosomal region to the equatorial segment in sperm heads, and that TEKT3 accumulated at the equatorial segment is lost upon acrosome reaction. Thus, translocation of TEKT3 to the equatorial segment may be a capacitation- or hyperactivation-associated phenomenon in bull spermatozoa. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 30-43, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Tsukamoto
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Erina Hiyama
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Karen Hirotani
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Gotoh
- Kuju Agriculture Research Center, Kyushu University, Oita, Japan
| | - Tetsuichiro Inai
- Department of Morphological Biology, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Iida
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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23
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Linck RW, Chemes H, Albertini DF. The axoneme: the propulsive engine of spermatozoa and cilia and associated ciliopathies leading to infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:141-56. [PMID: 26825807 PMCID: PMC4759005 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Linck
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Hector Chemes
- Center for Research in Endocrinology, National Research Council, CEDIE-CONICET, Endocrinology Division, Buenos Aires Children's Hospital, Gallo 1330, C1425SEFD, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - David F Albertini
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA. .,The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, USA.
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24
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Meta-Analysis of Microarray Data of Rainbow Trout Fry Gonad Differentiation Modulated by Ethynylestradiol. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135799. [PMID: 26379055 PMCID: PMC4574709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differentiation in fish is a highly labile process easily reversed by the use of exogenous hormonal treatment and has led to environmental concerns since low doses of estrogenic molecules can adversely impact fish reproduction. The goal of this study was to identify pathways altered by treatment with ethynylestradiol (EE2) in developing fish and to find new target genes to be tested further for their possible role in male-to-female sex transdifferentiation. To this end, we have successfully adapted a previously developed bioinformatics workflow to a meta-analysis of two datasets studying sex reversal following exposure to EE2 in juvenile rainbow trout. The meta-analysis consisted of retrieving the intersection of the top gene lists generated for both datasets, performed at different levels of stringency. The intersecting gene lists, enriched in true positive differentially expressed genes (DEGs), were subjected to over-representation analysis (ORA) which allowed identifying several statistically significant enriched pathways altered by EE2 treatment and several new candidate pathways, such as progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and PPAR signalling. Moreover, several relevant key genes potentially implicated in the early transdifferentiation process were selected. Altogether, the results show that EE2 has a great effect on gene expression in juvenile rainbow trout. The feminization process seems to result from the altered transcription of genes implicated in normal female gonad differentiation, resulting in expression similar to that observed in normal females (i.e. the repression of key testicular markers cyp17a1, cyp11b, tbx1), as well as from other genes (including transcription factors) that respond specifically to the EE2 treatment. The results also showed that the bioinformatics workflow can be applied to different types of microarray platforms and could be generalized to (eco)toxicogenomics studies for environmental risk assessment purposes.
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25
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Identification and characterization of a bovine sperm acrosomal matrix protein and its mechanism of interaction with acrosomal hydrolases. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 410:11-23. [PMID: 26268136 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2534-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization, the union of male and female gametes to create offspring, is an intricate biological process dependent upon several biochemical and physiological events. Our understanding of the functions of protein constituents of the outer acrosomal membrane-associated matrix complex (OMC) is limited. A highly purified OMC fraction isolated from bovine cauda sperm heads comprised 54, 50, 45, and 38-19 kDa polypeptides. The objective of this study is to identify and characterize the 45 kDa (OMC45) polypeptide, to define its role in binding acrosomal hydrolases, and to examine the fate of OMC45 polypeptide during the acrosome reaction. We isolated OMC45 polypeptide from the high-pH insoluble fraction of OMC. Proteomic analysis of OMC45 by MALDI-TOF-TOF yielded eight peptides that matched the NCBI database sequence of Tektin 3 (TEKT3). Triton X-100-permeabilized cauda sperm exhibited intense staining of the acrosomal segment with anti-OMC45 and anti-TEKT3. The OMC45 polypeptide was solubilized by radio-immunoprecipitation assay buffer extraction. The solubilized fraction was subjected to immunoprecipitation analysis. The OMC45 polypeptide was recovered in the anti-OMC45 immunoprecipitation pellet. An identical blot stained with anti-TEKT3 exhibited the presence of TEKT3 polypeptide in the anti-OMC45 pellet. Our immunofluorescence and biochemical studies confirm the proteomics identification of OMC45 polypeptide and that it exhibits a sequence similarity to TEKT3. OMC45 glycoprotein possesses both N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides. Deglycosylated OMC45 revealed a significant reduction in both acrosin and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGA) binding in comparison with acrosin and NAGA binding to a native OMC45 polypeptide, demonstrating the important role of oligosaccharides in hydrolase binding. OMC45 polypeptide is not released during the acrosome reaction but remains in the particulate cell subfraction, associated with the hybrid membrane complex.
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26
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Chirault M, Lucas C, Goubault M, Chevrier C, Bressac C, Lécureuil C. A combined approach to heat stress effect on male fertility in Nasonia vitripennis: from the physiological consequences on spermatogenesis to the reproductive adjustment of females mated with stressed males. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120656. [PMID: 25807005 PMCID: PMC4373853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, several studies have shown a decline in reproductive success in males in both humans and wildlife. Research on male fertility has largely focused on vertebrates, although invertebrates constitute the vast majority of terrestrial biodiversity. The reduction of their reproductive capacities due to environmental stresses can have strong negative ecological impacts, and also dramatic consequences on world food production if it affects the reproductive success of biological control agents, such as parasitic wasps used to control crop pests. Here Nasonia vitripennis, a parasitic wasp of various fly species, was studied to test the effects of 24h-heat stress applied during the first pupal stage on male fertility. Results showed that only primary spermatocytes were present at the first pupal stage in all cysts of the testes. Heat stress caused a delay in spermatogenesis during development and a significant decrease in sperm stock at emergence. Females mated with these heat-stressed males showed a reduce sperm count stored in their spermatheca. Females did not appear to distinguish heat-stressed from control males and did not remate more frequently to compensate for the lack of sperm transferred. As a result, females mated with heat-stressed males produced a suboptimal lifetime offspring sex ratio compared to those mated with control males. This could further impact the population dynamics of this species. N. vitripennis appears to be an interesting biological model to study the mechanisms of subfertility and its consequence on female reproductive strategies and provides new research perspectives in both invertebrates and vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlène Chirault
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, Université François-Rabelais / CNRS, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, Tours, France
| | - Christophe Lucas
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, Université François-Rabelais / CNRS, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, Tours, France
| | - Marlène Goubault
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, Université François-Rabelais / CNRS, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, Tours, France
| | - Claude Chevrier
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, Université François-Rabelais / CNRS, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, Tours, France
| | - Christophe Bressac
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, Université François-Rabelais / CNRS, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, Tours, France
| | - Charlotte Lécureuil
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR 7261, Université François-Rabelais / CNRS, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, Tours, France
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27
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Linck R, Fu X, Lin J, Ouch C, Schefter A, Steffen W, Warren P, Nicastro D. Insights into the structure and function of ciliary and flagellar doublet microtubules: tektins, Ca2+-binding proteins, and stable protofilaments. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:17427-44. [PMID: 24794867 PMCID: PMC4067180 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.568949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia and flagella are conserved, motile, and sensory cell organelles involved in signal transduction and human disease. Their scaffold consists of a 9-fold array of remarkably stable doublet microtubules (DMTs), along which motor proteins transmit force for ciliary motility and intraflagellar transport. DMTs possess Ribbons of three to four hyper-stable protofilaments whose location, organization, and specialized functions have been elusive. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the distribution and structural arrangements of Ribbon proteins from sea urchin sperm flagella, using quantitative immunobiochemistry, proteomics, immuno-cryo-electron microscopy, and tomography. Isolated Ribbons contain acetylated α-tubulin, β-tubulin, conserved protein Rib45, >95% of the axonemal tektins, and >95% of the calcium-binding proteins, Rib74 and Rib85.5, whose human homologues are related to the cause of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. DMTs contain only one type of Ribbon, corresponding to protofilaments A11-12-13-1 of the A-tubule. Rib74 and Rib85.5 are associated with the Ribbon in the lumen of the A-tubule. Ribbons contain a single ∼5-nm wide filament, composed of equimolar tektins A, B, and C, which interact with the nexin-dynein regulatory complex. A summary of findings is presented, and the functions of Ribbon proteins are discussed in terms of the assembly and stability of DMTs, ciliary motility, and other microtubule systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Linck
- From the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455,
| | - Xiaofeng Fu
- the Biology Department and Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, and
| | - Jianfeng Lin
- the Biology Department and Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, and
| | - Christna Ouch
- From the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Alexandra Schefter
- From the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Walter Steffen
- the Institute of Molecular and Cell Physiology, Medical School, Hannover, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Warren
- the Biology Department and Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, and
| | - Daniela Nicastro
- the Biology Department and Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, and
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28
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Oiki S, Hiyama E, Gotoh T, Iida H. Localization of Tektin 1 at Both Acrosome and Flagella of Mouse and Bull Spermatozoa. Zoolog Sci 2014; 31:101-7. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.31.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sayoko Oiki
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Higashiku Hakozaki 6-10-1, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Erina Hiyama
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Higashiku Hakozaki 6-10-1, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Takafumi Gotoh
- Kuju Agriculture Research Center, Kyushu University, Oita 878-0201, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Iida
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Higashiku Hakozaki 6-10-1, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
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29
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Yamaguchi A, Kaneko T, Inai T, Iida H. Molecular cloning and subcellular localization of Tektin2-binding protein 1 (Ccdc 172) in rat spermatozoa. J Histochem Cytochem 2014; 62:286-97. [PMID: 24394471 DOI: 10.1369/0022155413520607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tektins (TEKTs) are composed of a family of filament-forming proteins localized in cilia and flagella. Five types of mammalian TEKTs have been reported, all of which have been verified to be present in sperm flagella. TEKT2, which is indispensable for sperm structure, mobility, and fertilization, was present at the periphery of the outer dense fiber (ODF) in the sperm flagella. By yeast two-hybrid screening, we intended to isolate flagellar proteins that could interact with TEKT2, which resulted in the isolation of novel two genes from the mouse testis library, referred as a TEKT2-binding protein 1 (TEKT2BP1) and -protein 2 (TEKT2BP2). In this study, we characterized TEKT2BP1, which is registered as a coiled-coil domain-containing protein 172 (Ccdc172) in the latest database. RT-PCR analysis indicated that TEKT2BP1 was predominantly expressed in rat testis and that its expression was increased after 3 weeks of postnatal development. Immunocytochemical studies discovered that TEKT2BP1 localized in the middle piece of rat spermatozoa, predominantly concentrated at the mitochondria sheath of the flagella. We hypothesize that the TEKT2-TEKT2BP1 complex might be involved in the structural linkage between the ODF and mitochondria in the middle piece of the sperm flagella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airi Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan (AY,TK,HI)
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30
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The anterior gradient homolog 3 (AGR3) gene is associated with differentiation and survival in ovarian cancer. Am J Surg Pathol 2011; 35:904-12. [PMID: 21451362 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0b013e318212ae22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Low-grade (LG) serous ovarian carcinoma is believed to arise from serous borderline ovarian tumors; yet the progression from serous borderline tumors to LG serous ovarian carcinoma remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes between the 2 groups. Expression profiles were generated from 6 human ovarian surface epithelia, 8 serous borderline ovarian tumors (SBOTs), 13 LG serous ovarian carcinomas, and 24 high-grade (HG) serous ovarian carcinomas. The anterior gradient homolog 3 (AGR3) gene was found to be highly upregulated in serous borderline ovarian tumors. This finding was validated by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Anti-AGR3 immunohistochemistry was performed on an additional 56 LG and 103 HG tissues, and the results were correlated with clinical data. Expression profiling determined that 1254 genes were differentially expressed (P<0.005) among SBOT, LG, and HG tumors. SBOTs exhibited robust positive staining for AGR3, with a lower percentage of tumor cells stained in LG and HG. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that AGR3 expression was limited to ciliated cells. Tumor samples with a high percentage (>10%) of AGR3 positively stained tumor cells were associated with improved longer median survival in both the LG (P=0.013) and HG (P=0.008) serous ovarian carcinoma groups. The progression of SBOT to LG serous ovarian carcinoma may involve the dedifferentiation of ciliated cells. AGR3 could serve as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with LG and HG serous ovarian carcinomas.
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31
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Takiguchi H, Murayama E, Kaneko T, Kurio H, Toshimori K, Iida H. Characterization and subcellular localization of Tektin 3 in rat spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:611-20. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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32
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Inaba K. Sperm flagella: comparative and phylogenetic perspectives of protein components. Mol Hum Reprod 2011; 17:524-38. [PMID: 21586547 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gar034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is necessary for the transport of male DNA to eggs in species with both external and internal fertilization. Flagella comprise several proteins for generating and regulating motility. Central cytoskeletal structures called axonemes have been well conserved through evolution. In mammalian sperm flagella, two accessory structures (outer dense fiber and the fibrous sheath) surround the axoneme. The axonemal bend movement is based on the active sliding of axonemal doublet microtubules by the molecular motor dynein, which is divided into outer and inner arm dyneins according to positioning on the doublet microtubule. Outer and inner arm dyneins play different roles in the production and regulation of flagellar motility. Several regulatory mechanisms are known for both dyneins, which are important in motility activation and chemotaxis at fertilization. Although dynein itself has certain properties that contribute to the formation and propagation of flagellar bending, other axonemal structures-specifically, the radial spoke/central pair apparatus-have essential roles in the regulation of flagellar bending. Recent genetic and proteomic studies have explored several new components of axonemes and shed light on the generation and regulation of sperm motility during fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Inaba
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan.
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Shimasaki S, Yamamoto E, Murayama E, Kurio H, Kaneko T, Shibata Y, Inai T, Iida H. Subcellular localization of Tektin2 in rat sperm flagellum. Zoolog Sci 2010; 27:755-61. [PMID: 20822404 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.27.755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tektins are evolutionarily conserved filament-forming proteins localized in flagella and cilia, and have been reported to be involved in the stability and structural complexity of axonemal microtubules. Five mammalian Tektins (Tektin1-5) have been reported. Of these, Tektin2 (TEKT2) has been found to be required for normal flagellum structure and function. Tekt2-null sperm display flagellum bending and reduced motility, probably due to disruption of the dynein inner arm. However, the subcellular localization of TEKT2 in spermatozoa has not been clarified at the ultrastructural level. To elucidate the molecular localization of TEKT2 in flagella of rat spermatozoa, we performed confocal laser scanning microscopy, extraction of flagella followed by immunoblot analysis, and immunogold electron microscopy. Extraction of sperm flagella by SDS-EDTA resulted in complete extraction of axonemal tubulins, while TEKT2 was only partially released from flagella, suggesting that TEKT2 might be present in the peri-axonemal component, not directly associated with axonemal tubulins. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopy revealed that TEKT2 is associated with the surface of outer dense fibers (ODFs). TEKT2 may function as an ODF-affiliated molecule required for flagellum stability and sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Shimasaki
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Higashiku Hakozaki, Fukuoka, Japan
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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 3: developmental changes in spermatid flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet and interaction of sperm with the zona pellucida and egg plasma membrane. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:320-63. [PMID: 19941287 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis constitutes the steps involved in the metamorphosis of spermatids into spermatozoa. It involves modification of several organelles in addition to the formation of several structures including the flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet. The flagellum is composed of a neck region and middle, principal, and end pieces. The axoneme composed of nine outer microtubular doublets circularly arranged to form a cylinder around a central pair of microtubules is present throughout the flagellum. The middle and principal pieces each contain specific components such as the mitochondrial sheath and fibrous sheath, respectively, while outer dense fibers are common to both. A plethora of proteins are constituents of each of these structures, with each playing key roles in functions related to the fertility of spermatozoa. At the end of spermiogenesis, a portion of spermatid cytoplasm remains associated with the released spermatozoa, referred to as the cytoplasmic droplet. The latter has as its main feature Golgi saccules, which appear to modify the plasma membrane of spermatozoa as they move down the epididymal duct and hence may be partly involved in male gamete maturation. The end product of spermatogenesis is highly streamlined and motile spermatozoa having a condensed nucleus equipped with an acrosome. Spermatozoa move through the female reproductive tract and eventually penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the egg plasma membrane. Many proteins have been implicated in the process of fertilization as well as a plethora of proteins involved in the development of spermatids and sperm, and these are high lighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
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Kaneko T, Murayama E, Kurio H, Yamaguchi A, Iida H. Characterization of Spetex-1, a new component of satellite fibrils associated with outer dense fibers in the middle piece of rodent sperm flagella. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:363-72. [PMID: 20108326 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Spetex-1, which has been isolated by differential display as a haploid spermatid-specific gene, encodes a protein with two coiled-coil motifs located in the middle piece of flagella in rodent spermatozoa. The middle piece of flagella is composed of axoneme and peri-axonemal elements including outer dense fibers (ODFs) and satellite fibrils. Pre-embedding immunoelectron microscopy clearly demonstrated that Spetex-1 is located at satellite fibrils associated with ODFs in the middle piece of flagella of rat spermatozoa. Extraction of Spetex-1 from spermatozoa by SDS or urea required dithiothreitol, suggesting crosslinking by disulfide bond is involved in the assembly of satellite fibrils containing Spetex-1. We identified putative Spetex-1 orthologs in many animal species, and both cysteine residues and coiled-coil motifs were well conserved in mammalian orthologs of Spetex-1. When Spetex-1 was co-transfected into COS-7 cells with myc-tagged Tektin4, another filamentous protein associated with ODFs, the two molecules were co-localized in various sizes of aggregates in the cells. These data suggested that Spetex-1, a new component of satellite fibrils, might be involved in the structural stability of the sperm flagellar middle piece and functions in co-operation with Tektin4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takane Kaneko
- Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Cao W, Ijiri TW, Huang AP, Gerton GL. Characterization of a novel tektin member, TEKT5, in mouse sperm. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 32:55-69. [PMID: 20378928 DOI: 10.2164/jandrol.109.009456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Tektins are important components of flagella. Alterations in the expression of or mutations in mouse tektins are correlated with defective sperm motility, a cause of male infertility. Our proteomic studies of flagellar accessory structures previously identified a novel tektin, TEKT5, whose function is unknown. To understand the role of TEKT5 in mouse sperm, we characterized the expression of the mouse Tekt5 gene and the presence of TEKT5 in spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa. A complete cDNA encoding the Tekt5 transcript was assembled following reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends and predicted that TEKT5 is a 62 730-dalton protein with an unusual, long C-terminus. Tekt5 mRNA was highly expressed during late stages of spermiogenesis. Among examined tissues, Tekt5 mRNA was present only in testis and brain, and quantitative RT-PCR showed that the expression level of mRNA in testis was 6.8-fold higher than that in brain. At the protein level, TEKT5 was present in sperm and was enriched in the accessory structures of flagella. Immunofluorescence confirmed that TEKT5 was localized throughout the sperm tail in flagellar accessory structures. The expression pattern suggests that TEKT5 plays an important role in flagella formation during spermiogenesis as well as being implicated in sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlei Cao
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 421 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
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Roy A, Lin YN, Agno JE, DeMayo FJ, Matzuk MM. Tektin 3 is required for progressive sperm motility in mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:453-9. [PMID: 18951373 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Tektins are evolutionarily conserved flagellar (and ciliary) filamentous proteins present in the axoneme and peri-axonemal structures in diverse metazoan species. We have previously shown that tektin 3 (TEKT3) and tektin 4 (TEKT4) are male germ cell-enriched proteins, and that TEKT4 is essential for coordinated and progressive sperm motility in mice. Here we report that male mice null for TEKT3 produce sperm with reduced motility (47.2% motility) and forward progression, and increased flagellar structural bending defects. Male TEKT3-null mice however maintain normal fertility in two different genetic backgrounds tested, in contrast to TEKT4-null mice. Furthermore, male mice null for both TEKT3 and TEKT4 show subfertility on a mixed B6;129 genetic background, significantly different from either single knockouts, suggesting partial nonredundant roles for these two proteins in sperm physiology. Our results suggest that tektins are potential candidate genes for nonsyndromic asthenozoospermia in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angshumoy Roy
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Yan W. Male infertility caused by spermiogenic defects: lessons from gene knockouts. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 306:24-32. [PMID: 19481682 PMCID: PMC5438260 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Revised: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/06/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis refers to the process by which postmeiotic spermatids differentiate into elongated spermatids and eventually spermatozoa. During spermiogenesis, round spermatids undergo dynamic morphologic changes, which include nuclear condensation and elongation, formation of flagella and acrosome, reorganization of organelles and elimination of cytoplasm upon spermiation. This cellular differentiation process is unique to male haploid germ cells, which may explain why approximately half of the testis-specific genes are exclusively expressed in spermiogenesis. The spermiogenesis-specific expression implies that these genes contribute to either structural or functional aspects of future sperm. Many such genes have been inactivated in mice and some of these gene knockout mice display male infertility due to nonfunctional sperm which display no or various degrees of structural abnormalities. Since the majority of these spermiogenesis-specific genes are highly conserved between mice and humans, findings from knockout mouse studies may be applicable to human infertility. Here, I briefly review some of these spermatid-specific gene knockouts. The mouse studies strongly suggest that sperm quality rather than quantity is a better indicator of male fertility and novel assays should be developed to determine sperm functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA.
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Kossack N, Meneses J, Shefi S, Nguyen HN, Chavez S, Nicholas C, Gromoll J, Turek PJ, Reijo-Pera RA. Isolation and characterization of pluripotent human spermatogonial stem cell-derived cells. Stem Cells 2009; 27:138-49. [PMID: 18927477 PMCID: PMC2729695 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2008-0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Several reports have documented the derivation of pluripotent cells (multipotent germline stem cells) from spermatogonial stem cells obtained from the adult mouse testis. These spermatogonia-derived stem cells express embryonic stem cell markers and differentiate to the three primary germ layers, as well as the germline. Data indicate that derivation may involve reprogramming of endogenous spermatogonia in culture. Here, we report the derivation of human multipotent germline stem cells (hMGSCs) from a testis biopsy. The cells express distinct markers of pluripotency, form embryoid bodies that contain derivatives of all three germ layers, maintain a normal XY karyotype, are hypomethylated at the H19 locus, and express high levels of telomerase. Teratoma assays indicate the presence of human cells 8 weeks post-transplantation but limited teratoma formation. Thus, these data suggest the potential to derive pluripotent cells from human testis biopsies but indicate a need for novel strategies to optimize hMGSC culture conditions and reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kossack
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304-5542, USA
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Yamauchi K, Hasegawa K, Chuma S, Nakatsuji N, Suemori H. In vitro germ cell differentiation from cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5338. [PMID: 19399191 PMCID: PMC2671468 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can differentiate into female and male germ cells in vitro. Primate ES cells can also differentiate into immature germ cells in vitro. However, little is known about the differentiation markers and culture conditions for in vitro germ cell differentiation from ES cells in primates. Monkey ES cells are thus considered to be a useful model to study primate gametogenesis in vitro. Therefore, in order to obtain further information on germ cell differentiation from primate ES cells, this study examined the ability of cynomolgus monkey ES cells to differentiate into germ cells in vitro. Methods and Findings To explore the differentiation markers for detecting germ cells differentiated from ES cells, the expression of various germ cell marker genes was examined in tissues and ES cells of the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). VASA is a valuable gene for the detection of germ cells differentiated from ES cells. An increase of VASA expression was observed when differentiation was induced in ES cells via embryoid body (EB) formation. In addition, the expression of other germ cell markers, such as NANOS and PIWIL1 genes, was also up-regulated as the EB differentiation progressed. Immunocytochemistry identified the cells expressing stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA) 1, OCT-4, and VASA proteins in the EBs. These cells were detected in the peripheral region of the EBs as specific cell populations, such as SSEA1-positive, OCT-4-positive cells, OCT-4-positive, VASA-positive cells, and OCT-4-negative, VASA-positive cells. Thereafter, the effect of mouse gonadal cell-conditioned medium and growth factors on germ cell differentiation from monkey ES cells was examined, and this revealed that the addition of BMP4 to differentiating ES cells increased the expression of SCP1, a meiotic marker gene. Conclusion VASA is a valuable gene for the detection of germ cells differentiated from ES cells in monkeys, and the identification and characterization of germ cells derived from ES cells are possible by using reported germ cell markers in vivo, including SSEA1, OCT-4, and VASA, in vitro as well as in vivo. These findings are thus considered to help elucidate the germ cell developmental process in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Yamauchi
- Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Research Center, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kouichi Hasegawa
- Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Research Center, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Chuma
- Department of Development and Differentiation, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Norio Nakatsuji
- Department of Development and Differentiation, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Suemori
- Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Research Center, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Kubo A, Yuba-Kubo A, Tsukita S, Tsukita S, Amagai M. Sentan: a novel specific component of the apical structure of vertebrate motile cilia. Mol Biol Cell 2008; 19:5338-46. [PMID: 18829862 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e08-07-0691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory and oviductal cilia have specific apical structures characterized by a narrowed distal portion and a ciliary crown. These structures are conserved among vertebrates that have air respiration systems; however, the molecular components of these structures have not been defined, and their functions are unknown. To identify the molecular component(s) of the cilia apical structure, we screened EST libraries to identify gene(s) that are exclusively expressed in ciliated tissues, are transcriptionally up-regulated during in vitro ciliogenesis, and are not expressed in testis (because sperm flagella have no such apical structures). One of the identified gene products, named sentan, was localized to the distal tip region of motile cilia. Using anti-sentan polyclonal antibodies and electron microscopy, sentan was shown to localize exclusively to the bridging structure between the cell membrane and peripheral singlet microtubules, which specifically exists in the narrowed distal portion of cilia. Exogenously expressed sentan showed affinity for the membrane protrusions, and a protein-lipid binding assay revealed that sentan bound to phosphatidylserine. These findings suggest that sentan is the first molecular component of the ciliary tip to bridge the cell membrane and peripheral singlet microtubules, making the distal portion of the cilia narrow and stiff to allow for better airway clearance or ovum transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiharu Kubo
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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Abstract
Tektins are insoluble a-helical proteins essential for the construction of cilia and flagella and are found throughout the eukaryotes apart from higher plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Amos
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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Zuccarello D, Ferlin A, Garolla A, Pati MA, Moretti A, Cazzadore C, Francavilla S, Foresta C. A possible association of a human tektin-t gene mutation (A229V) with isolated non-syndromic asthenozoospermia: case report. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:996-1001. [PMID: 18227105 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dem400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia (AZS), characterized by grade A + B sperm motility (as in World Health Organization Guidelines) < or =50% or A <25% in fresh ejaculate, may exist as an isolated disorder, in combination with other sperm anomalies or as part of syndromic association. The majority of syndromic patients can be ascribed to mutations in dynein genes, while, to date, no genes have been described to be associated in humans with non-syndromic, isolated AZS. An interesting family of axonemal proteins, the tektins, has been recently identified in various mammals and they are thought to play a fundamental role in ciliary movement. Recently, the human tektin-t (or h-tekB1 or Tektin-2) gene has been cloned, showing specific expression in flagella of mature sperm. We report the screening of tektin-t gene in 90 isolated non-syndromic AZS patients. We found a heterozygous mutation (A229V) in one patient. Ultrastructural analysis showed anomalies in > or =80% of examined spermatozoa involving axoneme microtubules and mitochondria. Moreover, the viability and mitochondrial function of sperm were altered in the patient with the A229V mutation. This is the first description of human pathology linked to a tektin-family gene, since only murine models are available for these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Zuccarello
- Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Murayama E, Yamamoto E, Kaneko T, Shibata Y, Inai T, Iida H. Tektin5, a new Tektin family member, is a component of the middle piece of flagella in rat spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 75:650-8. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Joshi S, Davies H, Sims LP, Levy SE, Dean J. Ovarian gene expression in the absence of FIGLA, an oocyte-specific transcription factor. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2007; 7:67. [PMID: 17567914 PMCID: PMC1906760 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-7-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2006] [Accepted: 06/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Ovarian folliculogenesis in mammals is a complex process involving interactions between germ and somatic cells. Carefully orchestrated expression of transcription factors, cell adhesion molecules and growth factors are required for success. We have identified a germ-cell specific, basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, FIGLA (Factor In the GermLine, Alpha) and demonstrated its involvement in two independent developmental processes: formation of the primordial follicle and coordinate expression of zona pellucida genes. Results Taking advantage of Figla null mouse lines, we have used a combined approach of microarray and Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) to identify potential downstream target genes. Using high stringent cutoffs, we find that FIGLA functions as a key regulatory molecule in coordinating expression of the NALP family of genes, genes of known oocyte-specific expression and a set of functionally un-annotated genes. FIGLA also inhibits expression of male germ cell specific genes that might otherwise disrupt normal oogenesis. Conclusion These data implicate FIGLA as a central regulator of oocyte-specific genes that play roles in folliculogenesis, fertilization and early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Joshi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Holly Davies
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lauren Porter Sims
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Shawn E Levy
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jurrien Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Roy A, Lin YN, Agno JE, DeMayo FJ, Matzuk MM. Absence of tektin 4 causes asthenozoospermia and subfertility in male mice. FASEB J 2007; 21:1013-25. [PMID: 17244819 DOI: 10.1096/fj.06-7035com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Sperm flagellar motion is the outcome of a dynamic interplay between the axonemal cytoskeleton, the peri-axonemal accessory structures, and multiple regulatory networks that coordinate to produce flagellar beat and waveform. Tektins are conserved components of the flagellar proteome in evolutionarily diverse species and are believed to play essential roles in the mechanics of sperm motility. Using database mining, we identified multiple new paralogs of previously annotated tektins, including tektin 4 (TEKT4), which shares 77.1% identity with its nearest human homologue. Mouse Tekt4 is a germ cell-enriched gene, most abundantly expressed in haploid round spermatids in the testis, and the protein is localized to the sperm flagella. Male mice lacking TEKT4 on a 129S5/SvEvBrd inbred background are subfertile. Tekt4-null sperm exhibit drastically reduced forward progressive velocity and uncoordinated waveform propagation along the flagellum. In Tekt4-null sperm, flagellar ultrastructure is grossly unaltered as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. However, the ineffective flagellar strokes lead to approximately 10-fold higher consumption of intracellular ATP in Tekt4-null sperm as compared to wild-type, and null spermatozoa rapidly lose progressive motility when incubated for > or = 1.5 h. Our studies demonstrate that TEKT4 is necessary for the proper coordinated beating of the sperm flagellum and male reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angshumoy Roy
- Department of Pathology, One Baylor Plaza, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Setter PW, Malvey-Dorn E, Steffen W, Stephens RE, Linck RW. Tektin interactions and a model for molecular functions. Exp Cell Res 2006; 312:2880-96. [PMID: 16831421 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2006.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2006] [Revised: 05/25/2006] [Accepted: 05/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Tektins from echinoderm flagella were analyzed for microheterogeneity, self-associations and association with tubulin, resulting in a general model of tektin filament structure and function applicable to most eukaryotic cilia and flagella. Using a new antibody to tektin consensus peptide RPNVELCRD, well-characterized chain-specific antibodies and quantitative gel densitometry, tektins A, B and C were found to be present in equimolar amounts in Sarkosyl-urea-stable filaments. In addition, two isoforms of tektin A are present in half-molar ratios to tektins B and C. Cross-linking of AB filaments indicates in situ nearest neighbor associations of tektin A1B and A2B heterodimers, -trimers, -tetramers and higher oligomers. Soluble purified tektin C is cross-linked as homodimers, trimers and tetramers, but not higher oligomers. Tektin filaments associate with both loosely bound and tightly bound tubulin, and with the latter in a 1:1 molar ratio, implying a specific, periodic association of tightly bound tubulin along the tektin axis. Similarly, in tektin-containing Sarkosyl-stable protofilament ribbons, two polypeptides ( approximately 67/73 kDa, homologues of rib72, efhc1 and efhc2) are present in equimolar ratios to each other and to individual tektins, co-fractionating with loosely bound tubulin. These results suggest a super-coiled arrangement of tektin filaments, the organization of which has important implications for the evolution, assembly and functions of cilia and flagella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Setter
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 321 Church St., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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de Nijs L, Lakaye B, Coumans B, Léon C, Ikeda T, Delgado-Escueta AV, Grisar T, Chanas G. EFHC1, a protein mutated in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, associates with the mitotic spindle through its N-terminus. Exp Cell Res 2006; 312:2872-9. [PMID: 16824517 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2006.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2005] [Revised: 04/25/2006] [Accepted: 05/22/2006] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A novel gene, EFHC1, mutated in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) encodes a protein with three DM10 domains of unknown function and one putative EF-hand motif. To study the properties of EFHC1, we expressed EGFP-tagged protein in various cell lines. In interphase cells, the fusion protein was present in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus with specific accumulation at the centrosome. During mitosis EGFP-EFHC1 colocalized with the mitotic spindle, especially at spindle poles and with the midbody during cytokinesis. Using a specific antibody, we demonstrated the same distribution of the endogenous protein. Deletion analyses revealed that the N-terminal region of EFHC1 is crucial for the association with the mitotic spindle and the midbody. Our results suggest that EFHC1 could play an important role during cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence de Nijs
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Liège, Avenue de l'Hôpital 1, B-36, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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Cao W, Gerton GL, Moss SB. Proteomic Profiling of Accessory Structures from the Mouse Sperm Flagellum. Mol Cell Proteomics 2006; 5:801-10. [PMID: 16452089 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m500322-mcp200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The flagellum of a mammalian spermatozoon consists of an axoneme surrounded in distinct regions by accessory structures known as the fibrous sheath, outer dense fibers, and the mitochondrial sheath. Although the characterization of individual proteins has provided clues about the roles of these accessory structures, a more complete understanding of flagellar function requires the identification of all the polypeptides in these assemblies. Epididymal mouse sperm were treated with SDS to dislodge sperm heads and to extract the axoneme and membranous elements. The remaining flagellar accessory structures were purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Analysis of proteins from these structures by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and colloidal Coomassie Blue staining showed a highly reproducible pattern of >200 spots. Individual spots were picked, digested with trypsin, and identified by mass spectrometry and peptide microsequencing. Approximately 50 individual proteins were identified that could be assigned to five general categories: 1) proteins previously reported to localize to the accessory structures, e.g. ODF2 in the outer dense fibers, the sperm-specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the fibrous sheath, and glutathione peroxidase in the mitochondrial sheath, validating this proteomic approach; 2) proteins that had not been shown to localize to any accessory structure but would be predicted to be present, e.g. glycolytic enzymes; 3) proteins known to be part of the flagellum but not localized to a specific site, e.g. adenylate kinase; 4) proteins not expected to be part of the accessory structures based on their previously reported locations, e.g. tektins; and 5) unknown proteins for which no information is available to make a determination as to location. The unexpected presence of the tektins in the accessory structures of the flagellum was confirmed by both immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis. This proteomic analysis identified a number of unexpected and novel proteins in the accessory structures of the mammalian flagellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlei Cao
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Abstract
To date, 21 knockout mouse models are known to bear specific anomalies of the sperm flagellum structures leading to motility disorders. In addition, genes responsible for flagellar defects of two well-known spontaneous mutant mice have recently been identified. These models reveal genetic factors, which are required for the proper assembly of the axoneme, the annulus, the mitochondrial sheath and the fibrous sheath. Many of these genetic factors follow unexpected cellular pathways to act on sperm flagellum morphogenesis. These mouse models may bear anomalies which are restricted to the spermatozoa or display more complex phenotypes that often include neuropathies and/or cilia-related diseases. In human, several structural disorders of the sperm flagellum found in brothers or consanguineous men probably have a genetic origin, but the genes involved have not yet been identified. The mutant mice we present in this review are invaluable models, which can be used to identify potential candidate genes for infertile men with specific sperm flagellum anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Escalier
- Andrology Department, University Paris XI, CHU Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
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