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López-González I, Oseguera-López I, Castillo R, Darszon A. Influence of extracellular ATP on mammalian sperm physiology. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23227. [PMID: 38870344 DOI: 10.1071/rd23227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to its central role in cellular metabolism, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is an important extracellular signalling molecule involved in various physiological processes. In reproduction, extracellular ATP participates in both autocrine and paracrine paths regulating gametogenesis, gamete maturation and fertilisation. This review focusses on how extracellular ATP modulates sperm physiology with emphasis on the mammalian acrosome reaction. The presence of extracellular ATP in the reproductive tract is primarily determined by the ion channels and transporters that influence its movement within the cells comprising the tract. The main targets of extracellular ATP in spermatozoa are its own transporters, particularly species-specific sperm purinergic receptors. We also discuss notable phenotypes from knock-out mouse models and human Mendelian inheritance related to ATP release mechanisms, along with immunological, proteomic, and functional observations regarding sperm purinergic receptors and their involvement in sperm signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- I López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62210, México
| | - I Oseguera-López
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62210, México
| | - R Castillo
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62210, México
| | - A Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62210, México
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2
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Cao H, Li L, Liu S, Wang Y, Liu X, Yang F, Dong W. The multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function: From spermatogenesis to fertilization. Theriogenology 2024; 214:98-106. [PMID: 37865020 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is a vital signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes within the body. In recent years, studies have revealed its significant role in male reproduction, particularly in sperm function. This review explores the multifaceted role of extracellular ATP in sperm function, from spermatogenesis to fertilization. We discuss the impact of extracellular ATP on spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and sperm-egg fusion, highlighting the complex regulatory mechanisms and potential clinical applications in the context of male infertility. By examining the latest research, we emphasize the crucial role of extracellular ATP in sperm function and propose future research directions to further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Shujuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xianglin Liu
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Fangxia Yang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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3
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Pereira R, Barbosa T, Cardoso AL, Sá R, Sousa M. Cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia: Similarities and differences. Respir Med 2023; 209:107169. [PMID: 36828173 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) and Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are both rare chronic diseases, inherited disorders associated with multiple complications, namely respiratory complications, due to impaired mucociliary clearance that affect severely patients' lives. Although both are classified as rare diseases, PCD has a much lower prevalence than CF, particularly among Caucasians. As a result, CF is well studied, better recognized by clinicians, and with some therapeutic approaches already available. Whereas PCD is still largely unknown, and thus the approach is based on consensus guidelines, expert opinion, and extrapolation from the larger evidence base available for patients with CF. Both diseases have some clinical similarities but are very different, necessitating different treatment by specialists who are familiar with the complexities of each disease.This review aims to provide an overview of the knowledge about the two diseases with a focus on the similarities and differences between both in terms of disease mechanisms, common clinical manifestations, genetics and the most relevant therapeutic options. We hoped to raise clinical awareness about PCD, what it is, how it differs from CF, and how much information is still lacking. Furthermore, this review emphasises the fact that both diseases require ongoing research to find better treatments and, in particular for PCD, to fill the medical and scientific gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Telma Barbosa
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pediatrics, Maternal Child Centre of the North (CMIN), University Hospital Centre of Porto (CHUP), Largo da Maternidade, 4050-371, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana Lúcia Cardoso
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pediatrics, Maternal Child Centre of the North (CMIN), University Hospital Centre of Porto (CHUP), Largo da Maternidade, 4050-371, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rosália Sá
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal.
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4
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Carlos dos Reis D, Dastoor P, Santos AK, Sumigray K, Ameen NA. CFTR high expresser cells in cystic fibrosis and intestinal diseases. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14568. [PMID: 36967909 PMCID: PMC10031467 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR), the Cl-/HCO3 - channel implicated in Cystic Fibrosis, is critical to the pathophysiology of many gastrointestinal diseases. Defects in CFTR lead to intestinal dysfunction, malabsorption, obstruction, infection, inflammation, and cancer that increases morbidity and reduces quality of life. This review will focus on CFTR in the intestine and the implications of the subpopulation of CFTR High Expresser Cells (CHEs) in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), intestinal physiology and pathophysiology of intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Carlos dos Reis
- Department of Pediatrics/Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale School of Medicine, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Parinaz Dastoor
- Department of Pediatrics/Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale School of Medicine, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Anderson Kenedy Santos
- Department of Pediatrics/Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale School of Medicine, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Kaelyn Sumigray
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Nadia A. Ameen
- Department of Pediatrics/Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale School of Medicine, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06510, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Pediatrics/Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yale School of Medicine, CT, 06510, USA.
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5
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Kim B, Breton S. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway regulates the expression and localization of Cx43 in mouse proximal epididymis†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:919-927. [PMID: 35156117 PMCID: PMC9113436 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to clarify the functional role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2)-signaling pathway in the expression and localization of connexin 43 (Cx43). Mice were treated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1/2) inhibitor, PD325901, which induced a progressive decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK) in the proximal epididymis of the mice, without affecting total ERK level. Cx43 staining with punctuated reactive sites was observed in the basolateral membranes in the initial segment (IS) of mouse epididymis. However, PD325901 induced a significant decrease in Cx43 labeling in the basolateral membranes. Interestingly, Cx43, which was undetectable in the apical region of epididymis under control conditions, showed a significant increase in the apical region after PD 325901 treatment. To confirm whether Cx43 was present in tight junctions (TJs) after PD 325901 treatment, PD325901-treated epididymis samples were double-labeled with Cx43 and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 (a TJ protein marker). Thereafter, confocal microscopy showed the colocalization of Cx43 and ZO-1 in the epididymis after PD325901 treatment. Collectively, our results indicated that PD325901 treatment induced a significant increase in Cx43 localization on TJs, where it was colocalized with ZO-1. Therefore, the study suggested that ERK phosphorylation is essential for the proper expression and localization of the gap junction (GJ) protein, and that the relationship between GJs and TJs could play an important role in establishing and maintaining microenvironmental homeostasis for sperm maturation in the IS of mouse epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongki Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Shum W, Zhang BL, Cao AS, Zhou X, Shi SM, Zhang ZY, Gu LY, Shi S. Calcium Homeostasis in the Epididymal Microenvironment: Is Extracellular Calcium a Cofactor for Matrix Gla Protein-Dependent Scavenging Regulated by Vitamins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827940. [PMID: 35252193 PMCID: PMC8893953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the male reproductive tract, the epididymis is an essential organ for sperm maturation, in which sperm cells acquire mobility and the ability to fertilize oocytes while being stored in a protective microenvironment. Epididymal function involves a specialized luminal microenvironment established by the epithelial cells of epididymal mucosa. Low-calcium concentration is a unique feature of this epididymal luminal microenvironment, its relevance and regulation are, however, incompletely understood. In the rat epididymis, the vitamin D-related calcium-dependent TRPV6-TMEM16A channel-coupler has been shown to be involved in fluid transport, and, in a spatially complementary manner, vitamin K2-related γ-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX)-dependent carboxylation of matrix Gla protein (MGP) plays an essential role in promoting calcium-dependent protein aggregation. An SNP in the human GGCX gene has been associated with asthenozoospermia. In addition, bioinformatic analysis also suggests the involvement of a vitamin B6-axis in calcium-dependent MGP-mediated protein aggregation. These findings suggest that vitamins interact with calcium homeostasis in the epididymis to ensure proper sperm maturation and male fertility. This review article discusses the regulation mechanisms of calcium homeostasis in the epididymis, and the potential role of vitamin interactions on epididymal calcium homeostasis, especially the role of matrix calcium in the epididymal lumen as a cofactor for the carboxylated MGP-mediated scavenging function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Shum
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Winnie Shum,
| | - Bao Li Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Reproduction and Development Institution, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Albert Shang Cao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Su Meng Shi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze Yang Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lou Yi Gu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Shi
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Belardin LB, Brochu K, Légaré C, Battistone MA, Breton S. Purinergic signaling in the male reproductive tract. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1049511. [PMID: 36419764 PMCID: PMC9676935 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1049511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purinergic receptors are ubiquitously expressed throughout the body and they participate in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of cell function during normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Extracellular nucleotides activate several types of plasma membrane purinergic receptors that form three distinct families: P1 receptors are activated by adenosine, P2X receptors are activated by ATP, and P2Y receptors are activated by nucleotides including ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP, and UDP-glucose. These specific pharmacological fingerprints and the distinct intracellular signaling pathways they trigger govern a large variety of cellular responses in an organ-specific manner. As such, purinergic signaling regulates several physiological cell functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation and death, smooth muscle contraction, vasodilatation, and transepithelial transport of water, solute, and protons, as well as pathological pathways such as inflammation. While purinergic signaling was first discovered more than 90 years ago, we are just starting to understand how deleterious signals mediated through purinergic receptors may be involved in male infertility. A large fraction of male infertility remains unexplained illustrating our poor understanding of male reproductive health. Purinergic signaling plays a variety of physiological and pathophysiological roles in the male reproductive system, but our knowledge in this context remains limited. This review focuses on the distribution of purinergic receptors in the testis, epididymis, and vas deferens, and their role in the establishment and maintenance of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Berloffa Belardin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kéliane Brochu
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Légaré
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maria Agustina Battistone
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Sylvie Breton,
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8
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Liu BY, Zhang BL, Gao DY, Li Q, Xu XY, Shum W. Epididymal epithelial degeneration and lipid metabolism impairment account for male infertility in occludin knockout mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1069319. [PMID: 36518247 PMCID: PMC9742356 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1069319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Occludin (OCLN) is a tight junction protein and Ocln deletion mutation causes male infertility in mice. However, the role of OCLN in male reproductive system remains unknown. In this study, we used an interdisciplinary approach to elucidate the underlying mechanism of male infertility in related to OCLN function, including Ocln knockout mice as well as a combined omics analysis and immunofluorescent labelling. Our results showed that the epididymis of Ocln-null mice displayed a phenomenon resembling epididymal sperm granuloma, which occurred especially in the junctional region between caput and corpus epididymidis. Sperm motility and fertilisation capacity were also impaired in these Ocln-null mice, accompanied by enlarged tubules in the proximal regions and degeneration in the distal regions of epididymis. Cellular localization analysis showed that OCLN immunofluorescence was enriched only in the apical junction of epithelial principal cells in the proximal regions of epididymis. Integrative omics analysis revealed the downregulation of gene clusters enriched in acid secretion and fatty acid metabolism in the Ocln-null epididymis, especially the enzymes related to the unsaturated arachidonic acid pathway. The number of proton-pump V-ATPase-expression clear cells, a key player of luminal acidification in the epididymis, declined drastically from prepubertal age before sperm arrival but not in the early postnatal age. This was accompanied by programmed cell death of clear cells and increased pH in the epididymal fluid of OCLN-deficient mice. The lipidomics results showed significantly increased levels of specific DAGs conjugated to unsaturated fatty acids in the Ocln-mutant. Immunofluorescent labelling showed that the arachidonic acid converting enzyme PTGDS and phospholipase PLA2g12a were prominently altered in the principal cells and luminal contents of the Ocln-mutant epididymis. Whereas the carboxylate ester lipase CES1, originally enriched in the WT basal cells, was found upregulated in the Ocln-mutant principal cells. Overall, this study demonstrates that OCLN is essential for maintaining caput-to-corpus epithelial integrity, survival of acid-secreting clear cells, and unsaturated fatty acid catabolism in the mouse epididymis, thereby ensuring sperm maturation and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Ying Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bao Li Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Da Yuan Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Li
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Yu Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Winnie Shum
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Winnie Shum,
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9
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McBride JA, Kohn TP, Mazur DJ, Lipshultz LI, Coward RM. Sperm retrieval and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in men with cystic fibrosis disease versus congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:140-145. [PMID: 32930103 PMCID: PMC7991824 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_48_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data suggest that cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene alterations negatively impact male fertility beyond obstruction. We sought to compare gene alterations, sperm retrieval rates, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes among men with cystic fibrosis (CF) disease and congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) only. We retrospectively evaluated all men who underwent surgical sperm retrieval at two academic, high-volume andrology centers from 2010 to 2018. Only men with documented CFTR alterations and obstructive azoospermia from either CBAVD or CF were included. Differences between groups for CFTR abnormality, sperm retrieval, and ICSI outcomes were statistically analyzed. Overall,39 patients were included with 10 in the CF and 29 in the CBAVD groups. Surgical sperm retrieval rates were significantly lower in the CF group for sperm concentration (14.8 × 106 ml-1vs 61.4 × 106 m-1, P = 0.02) and total motile sperm count (2.9 million vs 11.4 million, P = 0.01). This difference was only predicted by homozygous delta F508 CFTR mutations (P < 0.05). The CF group also demonstrated a significantly higher rate of rescue testicular sperm extraction (70.0% vs 27.6%, P < 0.03) and lower fertilization rate with ICSI (32.5% vs 68.9%, P < 0.01). In conclusion, those with CF demonstrated lower sperm quality, greater difficulty with sperm retrieval, and worse ICSI outcomes compared with CBAVD-only patients. Homozygous delta F508 CFTR mutations appear to significantly impair spermatogenesis and sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Abram McBride
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Taylor P Kohn
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniel J Mazur
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Larry I Lipshultz
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - R Matthew Coward
- Department of Urology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,UNC Fertility, Raleigh, NC 27617, USA
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10
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Gao DD, Wang LL, Xu JW, Qiu ZE, Zhu YX, Zhang YL, Zhou WL. Cellular mechanism underlying oxytocin-stimulated Cl - secretion in rat cauda epididymal epithelium. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 319:C630-C640. [PMID: 32726160 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00397.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The neurohypophyseal hormone oxytocin (OT) plays critical roles in lactation and parturition, while its function in male reproduction system is largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the effect of OT on regulating transepithelial ion transport in rat cauda epididymal epithelium. With the use of RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis, we found that OT receptor (OTR) was expressed and localized at the basal membrane of rat cauda epididymal epithelium. The short-circuit current (Isc) measurement showed that basolateral application of OT to the primary cultured rat cauda epididymal epithelial cells elicited an increase in Isc, which was abrogated by pretreating the epithelial cells with CFTRinh-172, a blocker of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Pretreatment with the prostaglandin H synthase inhibitors indomethacin and piroxicam, or the nonselective antagonists of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP2 or EP4, AH-6809, and AH-23848, significantly attenuated OT-stimulated Isc response. Furthermore, the generation of PGE2 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, demonstrating that OT induced a substantial increase in PGE2 release from primary cultured rat cauda epididymal epithelial cells. In conclusion, activation of OTR by OT triggered PGE2 release, resulting in CFTR-dependent Cl- secretion through paracrine/autocrine pathways in rat cauda epididymal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Dong Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Long-Long Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Wen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Er Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Xin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Liang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Castro MM, Kim B, Games PD, Hill E, Neves CA, Serrão JE, Breton S, Machado-Neves M. Distribution pattern of ZO-1 and claudins in the epididymis of vampire bats. Tissue Barriers 2020; 8:1779526. [PMID: 32552339 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2020.1779526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells connect with each other by tight junctions (TJs) in several tissues. In epididymides, TJs proteins form the blood-epididymis barrier (BEB), which is crucial for male fertility. However, little is known about BEB morphological and physiological aspects in wild animals. This study examines the region-specific distribution pattern of TJs proteins in D. rotundus' epididymis, assessing their regulation in rainy and dry season. The expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and claudins (Cldn)-1, -3, and -4 were evaluated by confocal immunofluorescence and ELISA analysis. Herein, ZO-1 was strictly expressed in TJs, whereas Cldns were expressed in TJs and basolateral membranes of epithelial cells. Their co-localization and intensity of expression varied in the epididymal regions examined. The effect of season on protein expression was detected mainly in TJ proteins located in the proximal regions. As such, in the initial segment (IS), Cldn-3 and -4 were detected at low levels in basolateral membranes in the rainy season compared to the dry season. Furthermore, in the distal IS, Cldn-1 expression was lower in TJs of epithelial cells during the rainy season than the dry season. ZO-1 expression was higher in the cauda region than the corpus region by ELISA analysis. Additionally, in the corpus region, ZO-1 expression was higher in TJs during dry season compared to the rainy season. Our study sheds light on the understanding of BEB in D. rotundus, improving the knowledge of their reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana M Castro
- Departmento De Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal De Viçosa , Viçosa, Brasil
| | - Bongki Kim
- Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University , Yesan, Republic of Korea
| | - Patrícia D Games
- Departmento De Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal De Viçosa , Viçosa, Brasil
| | - Eric Hill
- Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Departmento De Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal De Viçosa , Viçosa, Brasil
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Kim B, Breton S. Androgens are essential for epithelial cell recovery after efferent duct ligation in the initial segment of the mouse epididymis†. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:76-83. [PMID: 31403160 PMCID: PMC7334622 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Efferent duct ligation (EDL) induces epithelial cell degeneration followed by regeneration in the epididymal initial segment. We tested here the role of androgens in the recovery phase. EDL was performed at post-natal weeks (PNW) 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and apoptotic and proliferating epithelial cells were quantified 24 h, and at days 2 and 2.5 post-EDL, respectively. A progressive increase in the number of apoptotic basal cells (BCs) and principal cells (PCs) was detected from PNW3 to 6, 24 h after EDL. Two days after EDL, no increase in proliferating BCs and PCs was observed at PNW3 and 4, despite the induction of apoptosis by EDL. A progressive increase in the number of proliferating BCs was then observed from PNW5 to 6, while the number of proliferating PCs remained low. 2.5 days after EDL, the number of proliferating BCs and PCs remained low at PNW3, 4, and 5, but a marked increase in the number of proliferating PCs was observed at PNW6. Flutamide pretreatment for 3 weeks followed by EDL at PNW7 dramatically decreased the number of proliferating BCs on EDL day 2, and the number of proliferating PCs on EDL day 2.5, compared to controls. We conclude that (1) BCs are the first to show recovery after EDL, followed by PCs; (2) androgens are essential for BC and PC repair after injury in the postpubertal epididymis; and (3) the prepubertal epididymis lacks repair ability following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongki Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Touré A. Importance of SLC26 Transmembrane Anion Exchangers in Sperm Post-testicular Maturation and Fertilization Potential. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:230. [PMID: 31681763 PMCID: PMC6813192 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sperm cells produced within the testis are structurally differentiated but remain immotile and are unable to fertilize the oocyte unless they undergo a series of maturation events during their transit in the male and female genital tracts. This post-testicular functional maturation is known to rely on the micro-environment of both male and female genital tracts, and is tightly controlled by the pH of their luminal milieus. In particular, within the epididymis, the establishment of a low bicarbonate (HCO3–) concentration contributes to luminal acidification, which is necessary for sperm maturation and subsequent storage in a quiescent state. Following ejaculation, sperm is exposed to the basic pH of the female genital tract and bicarbonate (HCO3–), calcium (Ca2+), and chloride (Cl–) influxes induce biochemical and electrophysiological changes to the sperm cells (cytoplasmic alkalinization, increased cAMP concentration, and protein phosphorylation cascades), which are indispensable for the acquisition of fertilization potential, a process called capacitation. Solute carrier 26 (SLC26) members are conserved membranous proteins that mediate the transport of various anions across the plasma membrane of epithelial cells and constitute important regulators of pH and HCO3– concentration. Most SLC26 members were shown to physically interact and cooperate with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel (CFTR) in various epithelia, mainly by stimulating its Cl– channel activity. Among SLC26 members, the function of SLC26A3, A6, and A8 were particularly investigated in the male genital tract and the sperm cells. In this review, we will focus on SLC26s contributions to ionic- and pH-dependent processes during sperm post-testicular maturation. We will specify the current knowledge regarding their functions, based on data from the literature generated by means of in vitro and in vivo studies in knock-out mouse models together with genetic studies of infertile patients. We will also discuss the limits of those studies, the current research gaps and identify some key points for potential developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminata Touré
- INSERM U1016, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8104, Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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14
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Breton S, Nair AV, Battistone MA. Epithelial dynamics in the epididymis: role in the maturation, protection, and storage of spermatozoa. Andrology 2019; 7:631-643. [PMID: 31044554 PMCID: PMC6688936 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells line the lumen of tubular organs and are key players in their respective functions. They establish a unique luminal environment by providing a protective barrier and by performing vectorial transport of ions, nutrients, solutes, proteins, and water. Complex intercellular communication networks, specific for each organ, ensure their interaction with adjacent epithelial and non-epithelial cells, allowing them to respond to and modulate their immediate environment. In the epididymis, several epithelial cell types work in a concerted manner to establish a luminal acidic milieu that is essential for the post-testicular maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The epididymis also prevents autoimmune responses against auto-antigenic spermatozoa, while ensuring protection against ascending and blood pathogens. This is achieved by a network of immune cells that are in close contact and interact with epithelial cells. This review highlights the coordinated interactions between spermatozoa, basal cells, principal cells, narrow cells, clear cells, and immune cells that contribute to the maturation, protection, selection, and storage of spermatozoa in the lumen of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A V Nair
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Battistone MA, Merkulova M, Park Y, Peralta MA, Gombar F, Brown D, Breton S. Unravelling purinergic regulation in the epididymis: activation of V-ATPase-dependent acidification by luminal ATP and adenosine. J Physiol 2019; 597:1957-1973. [PMID: 30746715 PMCID: PMC6441927 DOI: 10.1113/jp277565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS In the epididymis, elaborate communication networks between epithelial cells are important with respect to establishing an optimal acidic luminal environment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa, which is essential for male fertility. Proton secretion by epididymal clear cells is achieved via the proton pumping V-ATPase located in their apical membrane. In the present study, we dissect the molecular mechanisms by which clear cells respond to luminal ATP and adenosine to modulate their acidifying activity via the adenosine receptor ADORA2B and the pH-sensitive ATP receptor P2X4. We demonstrate that the hydrolysis of ATP to produce adenosine by ectonucleotidases plays a key role in V-ATPase-dependent proton secretion, and is part of a feedback loop that ensures acidification of the luminal compartment These results help us better understand how professional proton-secreting cells respond to extracellular cues to modulate their functions, and how they communicate with neighbouring cells. ABSTRACT Cell-cell cross-talk is crucial for the dynamic function of epithelia, although how epithelial cells detect and respond to variations in extracellular stimuli to modulate their environment remains incompletely understood. In the present study, we used the epididymis as a model system to investigate epithelial cell regulation by luminal factors. In the epididymis, elaborate communication networks between the different epithelial cell types are important for establishing an optimal acidic luminal environment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. In particular, clear cells (CCs) secrete protons into the lumen via the proton pumping V-ATPase located in their apical membrane, a process that is activated by luminal alkalinization. However, how CCs detect luminal pH variations to modulate their function remains uncharacterized. Purinergic regulation of epithelial transport is modulated by extracellular pH in other tissues. In the present study, functional analysis of the mouse cauda epididymis perfused in vivo showed that luminal ATP and adenosine modulate the acidifying activity of CCs via the purinergic ADORA2B and P2X4 receptors, and that luminal adenosine content is itself regulated by luminal pH. Altogether, our observations illustrate mechanisms by which CCs are activated by pH sensitive P2X4 receptor and ectonucleotidases, providing a feedback mechanism for the maintenance of luminal pH. These novel mechanisms by which professional proton-secreting cells respond to extracellular cues to modulate their functions, as well as how they communicate with neighbouring cells, might be translatable to other acidifying epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for System Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Maria Merkulova
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for System Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Yoo‐Jin Park
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for System Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Maria A. Peralta
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for System Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Flavia Gombar
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for System Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Dennis Brown
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for System Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for System Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
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16
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Sharma S, Hanukoglu I. Mapping the sites of localization of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and CFTR in segments of the mammalian epididymis. J Mol Histol 2019; 50:141-154. [PMID: 30659401 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-019-09813-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The sperm produced in the seminiferous tubules pass through the rete testis, efferent ducts, and epididymis. The epididymis has three distinct regions known as caput, corpus, and cauda. The transit through the epididymis is an essential process in sperm maturation. The lumen of each epididymal region has a unique fluid composition regulated by many ion channels and transporters in the epithelial cells. The objective of this study was to map the sites of localization of ion channels ENaC and CFTR along the length of the mouse and rat epididymis using confocal microscopic imaging. The integrity of the fine structure of the tissues was verified by fluorescent phalloidin staining of actin filaments visualized by high-resolution confocal microscopy. The 2D and 3D images showed preservation of the stereocilia. Based on these images we determined morphometric parameters of the epithelial cells and ducts. ENaC and CFTR immunofluorescence appeared almost continuously on the apical membrane of caput and in smooth muscle myoid cells. In cauda, CFTR expression was observed continuously in long stretches of epithelium interrupted by clusters of cells that showed no CFTR expression. Similar patterns of localization were observed in both mouse and rat samples. Mutations in the CFTR gene are known to result in male infertility. Based on the widespread presence of ENaC along the epididymis we suggest that mutations in ENaC subunits may also be associated with male infertility. The diverse phenotypes associated with CFTR mutations may be due to malfunction of CFTR at specific subcellular locations in the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Sharma
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel
| | - Israel Hanukoglu
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel.
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17
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Yefimova M, Bourmeyster N, Becq F, Burel A, Lavault MT, Jouve G, Veau S, Pimentel C, Jégou B, Ravel C. Update on the cellular and molecular aspects of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and male fertility. Morphologie 2018; 103:4-10. [PMID: 30528305 DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CFTR protein regulates electrolyte and fluid transport in almost all tissues with exocrine function, including male reproductive tract. Mutation of CFTR gene causes cystic fibrosis (CF), which affects the function of several organs, and impairs male fertility. The role of CFTR protein in different compartments of male reproductive tract (testis, epididymis, sperm) as well as an impact of CFTR mutation(s) on male fertility phenotype is discussed in relation with the choice of optimal technique for Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) management.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Yefimova
- Sechenov institute of evolutionary physiology and biochemistry, Russian academy of sciences, 44M. Thorez pr, 194223 St-Petersburg, Russia; Laboratoire STIM, université de Poitiers, 1, rue Georges-Bonnet, 86022 Poitiers cedex, France; Département de gynécologie obstétrique et reproduction humaine - CECOS, CHU de Rennes, 16, boulevard de Bulgarie, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - N Bourmeyster
- Laboratoire STIM, université de Poitiers, 1, rue Georges-Bonnet, 86022 Poitiers cedex, France.
| | - F Becq
- Laboratoire STIM, université de Poitiers, 1, rue Georges-Bonnet, 86022 Poitiers cedex, France.
| | - A Burel
- Plateforme de MRIC TEM cellulaire, BIOSIT, Université Rennes 1, 2, avenue du Pr Léon-Bernard, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - M-T Lavault
- Plateforme de MRIC TEM cellulaire, BIOSIT, Université Rennes 1, 2, avenue du Pr Léon-Bernard, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - G Jouve
- Département de gynécologie obstétrique et reproduction humaine - CECOS, CHU de Rennes, 16, boulevard de Bulgarie, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - S Veau
- Département de gynécologie obstétrique et reproduction humaine - CECOS, CHU de Rennes, 16, boulevard de Bulgarie, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - C Pimentel
- Département de gynécologie obstétrique et reproduction humaine - CECOS, CHU de Rennes, 16, boulevard de Bulgarie, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - B Jégou
- Inserm, université Rennes, EHESP, Irset (Instiut de recherche en santé,environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, 35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes 1, 2, avenue du Pr Léon-Bernard, 35000 Rennes, France.
| | - C Ravel
- Département de gynécologie obstétrique et reproduction humaine - CECOS, CHU de Rennes, 16, boulevard de Bulgarie, 35000 Rennes, France; Inserm, université Rennes, EHESP, Irset (Instiut de recherche en santé,environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, 35000 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes 1, 2, avenue du Pr Léon-Bernard, 35000 Rennes, France.
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18
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Hormonal control of vas deferens fluid volume and aquaporin expression in rats. J Mol Histol 2018; 50:21-34. [PMID: 30430402 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-018-9804-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Precise regulation of vas deferens fluid volume which is important for sperm survival might be influenced by testosterone. In order to investigate changes in vas deferens fluid volume and aquoporins (AQP) isoforms expression under testosterone influence, orchidectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were given 125 and 250 µg/kg/day testosterone with or without flutamide, an androgen receptor blocker or finasteride, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor for seven consecutive days. Following treatment completion, vas deferens was perfused and changes in the fluid secretion rate and osmolality were determined in the presence of acetazolamide. Rats were then sacrificed and vas deferens was harvested for histology, tissue expression and distribution analyses of AQP-1, AQP-2, AQP-5, AQP-7 and AQP-9 proteins by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Our findings indicate that testosterone causes vas deferens fluid secretion rate to increase, which was antagonized by acetazolamide. Fluid osmolality increased following testosterone treatment and further increased when acetazolamide was given. Co-administration of flutamide or finasteride with testosterone causing both fluid secretion rate and osmolality to decrease. Histology revealed increased size of vas deferens lumen with increased thickness of vas deferens stroma. Expression of AQP-1, AQP-2 and AQP-9 were detected in vas deferens but not AQP-5 and AQP-7, and the levels of these proteins were increased by testosterone treatment mainly at the apical membrane of vas deferens epithelium. In conclusion, increased in vas deferens fluid secretion rate under testosterone influence mediated via the up-regulation of AQP-1, 2 and 9 might be important for vas deferens fluid homeostasis in order to ensure normal male fertility.
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19
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Khadijah Ramli NS, Giribabu N, Salleh N. Testosterone enhances expression and functional activity of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) and sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE) in vas deferens of sex-steroid deficient male rats. Steroids 2018; 138:117-133. [PMID: 30003911 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Effects of testosterone on expression and functional activity of ENaC, CFTR and NHE in vas deferens were investigated. METHODS Orchidectomized, adult male rats were given 125 and 250 μg/kg/day testosterone subcutaneously, with or without flutamide and finasteride for seven consecutive days. At the end of the treatment, rats were anesthetized and vas deferens were perfused. Changes in vas deferens fluid secretion rate, pH, HCO3-, Cl- and Na+ concentrations were recorded in the presence of amiloride and Cftr inh-172. Rats were then sacrificed and vas deferens were harvested and subjected for molecular biological analysis. RESULTS Testosterone treatment caused the fluid pH and HCO3- concentrations to decrease but secretion rate, Cl- and Na+ concentrations to increase, where upon amiloride administration, the pH and HCO3- concentration increased but Cl- and Na+ concentrations further increased. In testosterone-treated rats, administration of Cftr inh-172 caused all fluid parameters to decrease. In testosterone-treated rats co-administered with flutamide or finasteride, pH and HCO3- concentration increased but fluid secretion rate, Cl- and Na+ concentrations decreased and these parameters were not affected by amiloride or Cftr inh-172 administration. Under testosterone influence, CFTR and γ-ENaC were highly expressed at the apical membrane while NHE-1 and 4 were highly expressed at the basolateral membrane of vas deferens epithelium. Meanwhile, NHE-2 and 3 were highly expressed at the apical membrane. CONCLUSIONS Differential expression of ENaC, CFTR and NHE in vas deferens under testosterone influence indicated the important role of these transporters in creating optimal fluid microenvironment that is essential for preserving male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nelli Giribabu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Naguib Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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20
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Cyr DG, Dufresne J, Gregory M. Cellular junctions in the epididymis, a critical parameter for understanding male reproductive toxicology. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:207-219. [PMID: 30130578 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Epididymal sperm maturation is a critical aspect of male reproduction in which sperm acquire motility and the ability to fertilize an ovum. Sperm maturation is dependent on the creation of a specific environment that changes along the epididymis and which enables the maturation process. The blood-epididymis barrier creates a unique luminal micro-environment, different from blood, by limiting paracellular transport and forcing receptor-mediated transport of macromolecules across the epididymal epithelium. Direct cellular communication between cells allows coordinated function of the epithelium. A limited number of studies have directly examined the effects of toxicants on junctional proteins and barrier function in the epididymis. Effects on the integrity of the blood-epididymis barrier have resulted in decreased fertility and, in some cases, the development of sperm granulomas. Studies have shown that in addition to tight junctions, proteins implicated in the maintenance of adherens junctions and gap junctions alter epididymal functions. This review will provide an overview of the types and roles of cellular junctions in the epididymis, and how these are targeted by different toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada.
| | - Julie Dufresne
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Mary Gregory
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
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21
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Park YJ, Battistone MA, Kim B, Breton S. Relative contribution of clear cells and principal cells to luminal pH in the mouse epididymis. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:366-375. [PMID: 28203710 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.144857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While spermatozoa undergo epididymal maturation, they remain quiescent thanks to the establishment of a low luminal pH. This study is aimed at determining how epithelial cells lining the epididymal lumen work together to maintain and regulate this acidic milieu. In particular, we examined the relative contribution of clear cells (CCs) and principal cells (PCs) to this process. Functional analysis in the mouse cauda epididymidis (Cd) perfused in vivo showed that the pH of a control solution remained constant at pH 6.6 after perfusion through the Cd lumen. In contrast, the pH of both an acidic (pH 5.8) and alkaline (pH 7.8) perfusate was progressively restored toward the control acidic pH. Pharmacological studies indicated the contribution of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, previously shown to be present in the apical membrane of PCs, to the recovery from an acidic pH of 5.8. In addition, we found that CCs and PCs equally contribute to the recovery from an alkaline of 7.8, via the H+ pumping vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) located in CCs, and the Na+/H+ exchanger type 3 (NHE3) located in PCs. Immunofluorescence labeling showed apical membrane accumulation of the V-ATPase in CCs at pH 7.8, and its internalization at pH 5.8 compared to pH 6.6. Immunofluorescence showed expression of NHE3, but absence of NHE2, in PCs located in the Cd. RT-PCR and western blotting showed expression of NHE3 in all epididymal regions. Luminal 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3΄,5΄-cyclic monophosphate (cpt-cAMP) partially inhibited luminal pH recovery from pH 7.8. However, cpt-cAMP induced an increase in V-ATPase apical membrane accumulation at this pH. Cell fractionation studies showed the apical accumulation of NHE3 from intracellular vesicles at pH 7.8 versus 6.6, and prevention of this effect by cpt-cAMP. These results indicate the participation of both CCs and PCs in the regulation of luminal pH in the epididymis. Our study also shows the dual role of PCs in HCO3− and H+ secretion, and that this switch from base to acid secretion depends on the luminal environment. Characterization of the respective roles of CCs and PCs in the regulation of the optimal luminal condition for epididymal sperm maturation should provide new frameworks for the evaluation and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine,College of Medicine,The Catholic University of Korea,Seoul,Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Agustina Battistone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bongki Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.,Division of Biomedical Engineering, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Yongin, Korea
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Lesieur, R&D Center ESPCI ParisTech - CNRS, Coudekerque-Branche, France
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22
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Zhang DL, Sun YJ, Ma ML, Wang YJ, Lin H, Li RR, Liang ZL, Gao Y, Yang Z, He DF, Lin A, Mo H, Lu YJ, Li MJ, Kong W, Chung KY, Yi F, Li JY, Qin YY, Li J, Thomsen ARB, Kahsai AW, Chen ZJ, Xu ZG, Liu M, Li D, Yu X, Sun JP. Gq activity- and β-arrestin-1 scaffolding-mediated ADGRG2/CFTR coupling are required for male fertility. eLife 2018; 7:e33432. [PMID: 29393851 PMCID: PMC5839696 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Luminal fluid reabsorption plays a fundamental role in male fertility. We demonstrated that the ubiquitous GPCR signaling proteins Gq and β-arrestin-1 are essential for fluid reabsorption because they mediate coupling between an orphan receptor ADGRG2 (GPR64) and the ion channel CFTR. A reduction in protein level or deficiency of ADGRG2, Gq or β-arrestin-1 in a mouse model led to an imbalance in pH homeostasis in the efferent ductules due to decreased constitutive CFTR currents. Efferent ductule dysfunction was rescued by the specific activation of another GPCR, AGTR2. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that β-arrestin-1 acts as a scaffold for ADGRG2/CFTR complex formation in apical membranes, whereas specific residues of ADGRG2 confer coupling specificity for different G protein subtypes, this specificity is critical for male fertility. Therefore, manipulation of the signaling components of the ADGRG2-Gq/β-arrestin-1/CFTR complex by small molecules may be an effective therapeutic strategy for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao-Lai Zhang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- School of PharmacyBinzhou Medical UniversityYantaiChina
| | - Yu-Jing Sun
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Ming-Liang Ma
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Yi-jing Wang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Hui Lin
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Rui-Rui Li
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Zong-Lai Liang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Yuan Gao
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Zhao Yang
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Dong-Fang He
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Amy Lin
- Department of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Hui Mo
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Yu-Jing Lu
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Meng-Jing Li
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Wei Kong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Department of Physiology and PathophysiologySchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
| | | | - Fan Yi
- Department of PharmacologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Jian-Yuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family PlanningNational Health and Family Planning CommissionBeijingChina
| | - Ying-Ying Qin
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Jingxin Li
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Alex R B Thomsen
- Department of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Alem W Kahsai
- Department of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticsShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zhi-Gang Xu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental BiologyShandong University School of Life SciencesJinanChina
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life SciencesInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, East China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and TechnologyTexas A&M University Health Science CenterHoustonUnited States
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life SciencesInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, East China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of PhysiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
| | - Jin-Peng Sun
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyShandong University School of MedicineJinanChina
- Department of BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
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23
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Khadijah Ramli NS, Giribabu N, Muniandy S, Salleh N. Testosterone up-regulates vacuolar ATPase expression and functional activities in vas deferens of orchidectomized rats. Theriogenology 2017; 108:354-361. [PMID: 29294437 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Precise regulation of vas deferens fluid pH is essential for sperm. However, the mechanisms underlying effect of testosterone on vas deferens fluid pH have never been identified, which could involve changes in expression and functional activity of vacoular (V)-ATPase. METHODS Orchidectomized, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated subcutaneously with 125 μg/kg/day and 250 μg/kg/day testosterone with or without flutamide (androgen receptor blocker) and finasteride (5α-reductase inhibitor) for seven (7) days. Following treatment completion, in vivo perfusion of vas deferens lumen was performed and changes in fluid secretion rate, pH and HCO3- content were measured with and without bafilomycin, a V-ATPase inhibitor. Rats were then sacrificed and vas deferens were harvested and subjected for V-ATPase A1 and B1/2 protein expression and distribution analysis by western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS In sham-operated and testosterone-treated orchidectomized rats, higher fluid secretion rate, which was not antagonized by bafilomycin but lower HCO3- content and pH which were antagonized by bafilomycin were observed when compared to orchidectomized-only and orchidectomized, testosterone-treated rats receiving flutamide or finasteride, respectively. Bafilomycin had no effect on fluid secretion rate, HCO3- content and pH in orchidectomized and testosterone-treated orchidectomized rats receiving flutamide and finasteride. V-ATPase A1 and B1/2 proteins were expressed at high levels in vas deferens and were highly distributed at the apical membrane of luminal epithelium and in muscle layer of this organ, mainly in sham and testosterone-treated orchidectomized rats. CONCLUSIONS V-ATPase is involved in acidification of vas deferens fluid under testosterone influence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nelli Giribabu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sekaran Muniandy
- Department of Biochemistry, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, 42610, Jenjarum, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Naguib Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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24
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Jerczynski O, Lacroix-Pépin N, Boilard E, Calvo E, Bernet A, Fortier MA, Björkgren I, Sipilä P, Belleannée C. Role of Dicer1-Dependent Factors in the Paracrine Regulation of Epididymal Gene Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163876. [PMID: 27695046 PMCID: PMC5047620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dicer1 is an endoribonuclease involved in the biogenesis of functional molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs). These small non-coding RNAs are important regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression and participate in the control of male fertility. With the knowledge that 1) Dicer1-dependent factors are required for proper sperm maturation in the epididymis, and that 2) miRNAs are potent mediators of intercellular communication in most biological systems, we investigated the role of Dicer1-dependent factors produced by the proximal epididymis (initial segment/caput)- including miRNAs- on the regulation of epididymal gene expression in the distal epididymis regions (i.e. corpus and cauda). To this end, we performed comparative microarray and ANOVA analyses on control vs. Defb41iCre/wt;Dicer1fl/fl mice in which functional Dicer1 is absent from the principal cells of the proximal epididymis. We identified 35 and 33 transcripts that displayed significant expression level changes in the corpus and cauda regions (Fold change > 2 or < -2; p < 0.002), respectively. Among these transcripts, Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein (Azgp1) encodes for a sperm equatorial protein whose expression in the epididymis of Dicer1 cKO mice is significantly increased compared to controls. In addition, 154 miRNAs, including miR-210, miR-672, miR-191 and miR-204, showed significantly impaired biogenesis in the absence of Dicer1 from the principal cells of the proximal epididymis (Fold change > 2 or < -2; p < 0.01). These miRNAs are secreted via extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the DC2 epididymal principal cell line, and their expression correlates with target transcripts involved in distinct biological pathways, as evidenced by in silico analysis. Albeit correlative and based on in silico approach, our study proposes that Dicer1-dependent factors trigger- directly or not-significant genes expression changes in distinct regions of this organ. The paracrine control of functions important to post-testicular sperm maturation by Dicer1-dependent factors may open new avenues for the identification of molecular targets important to male fertility control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Jerczynski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Lacroix-Pépin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Boilard
- Department of Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Endocrinology unit, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michel A. Fortier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ida Björkgren
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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25
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Breton S, Ruan YC, Park YJ, Kim B. Regulation of epithelial function, differentiation, and remodeling in the epididymis. Asian J Androl 2016; 18:3-9. [PMID: 26585699 PMCID: PMC4736353 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.165946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is a single convoluted tubule lined by a pseudostratified epithelium. Specialized epididymal epithelial cells, the so-called principal, basal, narrow, and clear cells, establish a unique luminal environment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The epididymis is functionally and structurally divided into several segments and sub-segments that create regionally distinct luminal environments. This organ is immature at birth, and epithelial cells acquire their fully differentiated phenotype during an extended postnatal period, but the factors involved in this complex process remain incompletely characterized. In the adult epididymis, the establishment of an acidic luminal pH and low bicarbonate concentration in the epididymis contributes to preventing premature activation of spermatozoa during their maturation and storage. Clear cells are proton-secreting cells throughout the epididymis, but principal cells have distinct acid/base transport properties, depending on their localization within the epididymis. Basal cells are located in all epididymal segments, but they have a distinct morphology depending on the segment and species examined. How this structural plasticity of basal cells is regulated is discussed here. Also, the role of luminal factors and androgens in the regulation of epithelial cells is reviewed in relation to their respective localization in the proximal versus distal regions of the epididymis. Finally, we describe a novel role for CFTR in tubulogenesis and epithelial cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA,
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26
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Browne JA, Yang R, Eggener SE, Leir SH, Harris A. HNF1 regulates critical processes in the human epididymis epithelium. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 425:94-102. [PMID: 26808453 PMCID: PMC4799753 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The luminal environment of the epididymis participates in sperm maturation and impacts male fertility. It is dependent on the coordinated expression of many genes encoding proteins with a role in epithelial transport. We identified cis-regulatory elements for critical genes in epididymis function, by mapping open chromatin genome-wide in human epididymis epithelial (HEE) cells. Bioinformatic predictions of transcription factors binding to the regulatory elements suggested an important role for hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF1) in the transcriptional program of these cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) revealed HNF1 target genes in HEE cells. In parallel, the contribution of HNF1 to the transcriptome of HEE cells was determined by RNA-seq, following siRNA-mediated depletion of both HNF1α and HNF1β transcription factors. Repression of these factors caused differential expression of 1892 transcripts (902 were downregulated and 990 upregulated) in comparison to non-targeting siRNAs. Differentially expressed genes with HNF1 ChIP-seq peaks within 20 kb were subject to gene ontology process enrichment analysis. Among the most significant processes associated with down-regulated genes were epithelial transport of water, phosphate and bicarbonate, all critical processes in epididymis epithelial function. Measurements of intracellular pH (pHi) confirmed a role for HNF1 in regulating the epididymis luminal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Browne
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rui Yang
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Scott E Eggener
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shih-Hsing Leir
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ann Harris
- Human Molecular Genetics Program, Lurie Children's Research Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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27
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Kim B, Breton S. The MAPK/ERK-Signaling Pathway Regulates the Expression and Distribution of Tight Junction Proteins in the Mouse Proximal Epididymis. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:22. [PMID: 26658708 PMCID: PMC4809559 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.134965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The initial segment (IS) in rodents is functionally and structurally distinct from other epididymal segments and plays an important role in sperm maturation. The MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway is maintained active in the IS by testicular luminal factors and plays crucial roles in the maintenance and differentiation of the IS epithelium. Tight junctions (TJs) are constituents of the blood-epididymis barrier, which mediates the paracellular transport of ions, solutes, and water and controls epithelial cell differentiation, thereby contributing to the establishment of a unique luminal environment. We examine here the role of the MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway in the regulation of TJ proteins in the IS. Inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK or MEK1/2) with PD325901, followed by reduction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK), decreased zonula occludens (ZO)-2 expression and increased ZO-3 expression in TJs but had no effect on ZO-1 expression. In control mice, in addition to being located in TJs, claudin (Cldn)-1, Cldn-3, and Cldn-4 were detected in the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells, with enriched expression of Cldn-1 and Cldn-4 in basal cells. PD325901 reduced the expression of Cldn-1 and Cldn-4 at all locations without affecting Cldn-3. Occludin was undetectable in the IS of control mice, but PD325901 triggered its expression in TJs. No effect was observed for any of the proteins examined in the other epididymal regions. Our results indicate the participation of the MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway in the regulation of cell-cell events that control the formation and maintenance of the blood-epididymis barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongki Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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28
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Borth H, Weber N, Meyer D, Wartenberg A, Arlt E, Zierler S, Breit A, Wennemuth G, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I. The IP3 R Binding Protein Released With Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Is Expressed in Rodent Reproductive Tissue and Spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2015; 231:1114-29. [PMID: 26439876 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Besides its capacity to inhibit the 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, the regulatory protein IRBIT (IP3 receptor binding protein released with IP3) is also able to control the activity of numerous ion channels and electrolyte transporters and thereby creates an optimal electrolyte composition of various biological fluids. Since a reliable execution of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation critically depends on the establishment of an adequate microenvironment, the expression of IRBIT in male reproductive tissue was examined using immunohistochemical approaches combined with biochemical fractionation methods. The present study documents that IRBIT is expressed in Leydig and Sertoli cells. In addition, pronounced IRBIT expression was detected in sperm precursors during early stages of spermatogenesis as well as in spermatozoa. Analyzing tissue sections of rodent epididymides, IRBIT was found to co-localize with the proton pumping V-ATPase and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) at the apical surface of narrow and clear cells. A similar co-localization of IRBIT with CFTR was also observed for Sertoli cells and developing germ cells. Remarkably, assaying caudal sperm in immunogold electron microscopy, IRBIT was found to localize to the acrosomal cap and the flagellum as well as to the sperm nucleus; moreover, a prominent oligomerization was observed for spermatozoa. The pronounced occurrence of IRBIT in the male reproductive system and mature spermatozoa indicates a potential role for IRBIT in establishing the essential luminal environment for a faithful execution of spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation, and suggest a participation of IRBIT during maturation steps after ejaculation and/or the final fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Borth
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Nele Weber
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Dorke Meyer
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Andrea Wartenberg
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Arlt
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Susanna Zierler
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Andreas Breit
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Department of Anatomy, University Clinic Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Ingrid Boekhoff
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
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29
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ATP release, generation and hydrolysis in exocrine pancreatic duct cells. Purinergic Signal 2015; 11:533-50. [PMID: 26431833 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-015-9472-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) regulates pancreatic duct function via P2Y and P2X receptors. It is well known that ATP is released from upstream pancreatic acinar cells. The ATP homeostasis in pancreatic ducts, which secrete bicarbonate-rich fluid, has not yet been examined. First, our aim was to reveal whether pancreatic duct cells release ATP locally and whether they enzymatically modify extracellular nucleotides/sides. Second, we wished to explore which physiological and pathophysiological factors may be important in these processes. Using a human pancreatic duct cell line, Capan-1, and online luminescence measurement, we detected fast ATP release in response to pH changes, bile acid, mechanical stress and hypo-osmotic stress. ATP release following hypo-osmotic stress was sensitive to drugs affecting exocytosis, pannexin-1, connexins, maxi-anion channels and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) channels, and corresponding transcripts were expressed in duct cells. Direct stimulation of intracellular Ca(2+) and cAMP signalling and ethanol application had negligible effects on ATP release. The released ATP was sequentially dephosphorylated through ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase2) and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 reactions, with respective generation of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine and their maintenance in the extracellular medium at basal levels. In addition, Capan-1 cells express counteracting adenylate kinase (AK1) and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) enzymes (NME1, 2), which contribute to metabolism and regeneration of extracellular ATP and other nucleotides (ADP, uridine diphosphate (UDP) and uridine triphosphate (UTP)). In conclusion, we illustrate a complex regulation of extracellular purine homeostasis in a pancreatic duct cell model involving: ATP release by several mechanisms and subsequent nucleotide breakdown and ATP regeneration via counteracting nucleotide-inactivating and nucleotide-phosphorylating ecto-enzymes. We suggest that extracellular ATP homeostasis in pancreatic ducts may be important in pancreas physiology and potentially in pancreas pathophysiology.
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30
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Testosterone regulates levels of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, adenylate cyclase, and cAMP in the seminal vesicles of orchidectomized rats. Theriogenology 2015; 85:238-46. [PMID: 26483308 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Secretions of chloride (Cl(-))- and bicarbonate (HCO3(-))-rich fluid by the seminal vesicles could involve cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), which activity can be stimulated by cAMP generated from the reaction involving adenylate cyclase (AC). In this study, we investigated levels of CFTR, AC, and cAMP in the seminal vesicles under testosterone influence. Orchidectomized adult male rats received 7-day treatment with 125 or 250 μg/kg/day of testosterone with or without flutamide or finasteride. At the end of the treatment, animals were sacrificed and seminal vesicles were harvested for analyses of CFTR and AC protein expression level by Western blotting. Distribution of CFTR and AC in seminal vesicles was observed by immunohistochemistry. Levels of cAMP and dihydrotestosterone in seminal vesicle homogenates were measured by ELISA. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator, AC, and cAMP levels increased with increasing doses of testosterone (P < 0.05 compared to nontreated orchidectomized rats). Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator and AC were expressed at the apical membrane of the epithelium lining the seminal vesicle lumen with higher expression levels observed in testosterone-treated rats than in non-treated orchidectomized rats (P < 0.05). The inhibitory effects of flutamide or finasteride on these parameters were greater in 250 μg/kg/day testosterone-treated rats than their effects in 125 μg/kg/day testosterone-treated rats. Higher dihydrotestosterone levels were observed in seminal vesicle homogenates after treatment with 250 μg/kg/day than with 125 μg/kg/day of testosterone (P < 0.05). Increased levels of CFTR, AC, and cAMP in seminal vesicles might contribute toward an increase in Cl(-) and HCO3(-) concentrations in the seminal fluid as reported under testosterone influence.
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31
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Vitzthum C, Clauss WG, Fronius M. Mechanosensitive activation of CFTR by increased cell volume and hydrostatic pressure but not shear stress. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1848:2942-51. [PMID: 26357939 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a Cl(-) channel that is essential for electrolyte and fluid homeostasis. Preliminary evidence indicates that CFTR is a mechanosensitive channel. In lung epithelia, CFTR is exposed to different mechanical forces such as shear stress (Ss) and membrane distention. The present study questioned whether Ss and/or stretch influence CFTR activity (wild type, ∆F508, G551D). Human CFTR (hCFTR) was heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes and the response to the mechanical stimulus and forskolin/IBMX (FI) was measured by two-electrode voltage-clamp experiments. Ss had no influence on hCFTR activity. Injection of an intracellular analogous solution to increase cell volume alone did not affect hCFTR activity. However, hCFTR activity was augmented by injection after pre-stimulation with FI. The response to injection was similar in channels carrying the common mutations ∆F508 and G551D compared to wild type hCFTR. Stretch-induced CFTR activation was further assessed in Ussing chamber measurements using Xenopus lung preparations. Under control conditions increased hydrostatic pressure (HP) decreased the measured ion current including activation of a Cl(-) secretion that was unmasked by the CFTR inhibitor GlyH-101. These data demonstrate activation of CFTR in vitro and in a native pulmonary epithelium in response to mechanical stress. Mechanosensitive regulation of CFTR is highly relevant for pulmonary physiology that relies on ion transport processes facilitated by pulmonary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Vitzthum
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang G Clauss
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Fronius
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Noveski P, Madjunkova S, Mircevska M, Plaseski T, Filipovski V, Plaseska-Karanfilska D. SNaPshot assay for the detection of the most common CFTR mutations in infertile men. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112498. [PMID: 25386751 PMCID: PMC4227699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) is the most common CFTR-related disorder (CFTR-RD) that explains about 1-2% of the male infertility cases. Controversial data have been published regarding the involvement of CFTR mutations in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia and oligozoospermia. Here, we describe single base extension (SNaPshot) assay for detection of 11 common CFTR mutations: F508del, G542X, N1303K, 621+1G->T, G551D, R553X, R1162X, W1282X, R117H, 2184insA and 1717-1G->A and IVS8polyT variants. The assay was validated on 50 previously genotyped samples and was used to screen a total of 369 infertile men with different impairment of spermatogenesis and 136 fertile controls. Our results show that double heterozygosity of cystic fibrosis (CF) and CFTR-related disorder (CFTR-RD) mutations are found in a high percentage (22.7%) of infertile men with obstructive azoospermia, but not in other studied groups of infertile men. The SNaPshot assay described here is an inexpensive, fast and robust method for primary screening of the most common CFTR mutations both in patients with classical CF and CFTR-RD. It can contribute to better understanding of the role of CFTR mutations in impaired spermatogenesis, ultimately leading to improved management of infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Noveski
- Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ‘Georgi D. Efremov’, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Svetlana Madjunkova
- Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ‘Georgi D. Efremov’, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marija Mircevska
- Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ‘Georgi D. Efremov’, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Toso Plaseski
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Vanja Filipovski
- Clinical Hospital ‘Acibadem Sistina’, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska
- Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ‘Georgi D. Efremov’, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Pannexins (PANXs) are channel-forming proteins implicated in cellular communication through the secretion of biomolecules, such as ATP and glutamate. PANX1 and PANX3 are expressed in the male rat reproductive tract and their levels are regulated by androgens in the epididymis. There is currently no information on the regulation of the Panx1 promoter. The objective of the present study was to characterize the Panx1 promoter in order to understand its regulation in the epididymis. RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends identified three transcriptional start sites, at positions -443, -429, and -393. In silico analysis revealed that transcription was initiated downstream of binding sites for CREB and ETV4 transcription factors, in a CpG island context. To determine the importance of this region in gene transactivation, a 2-kb fragment of the promoter was cloned into a vector containing a luciferase reporter gene. Deletion constructs indicated that the highest transactivation levels were achieved with shorter constructs (-973 to -346 and -550 to -346). Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershifts indicated that both transcription factors were able to bind to the promoter region. Chromatin immunoprecipitation using rat caput epididymis cells confirmed the binding of ETV4 and CREB on the Panx1 promoter. Site mutation of either the ETV4 or CREB binding site decreased the transactivation of the reporter gene. Previous studies indicated that orchidectomy increased epididymal PANX1 levels. Likewise, we observed an increase in both ETV4 and CREB in orchidectomized rats. These results indicate that ETV4 and cAMP response elements play a role in the transcriptional regulation of Panx1 in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dufresne
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Québec, Canada
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Ruan YC, Wang Y, Da Silva N, Kim B, Diao RY, Hill E, Brown D, Chan HC, Breton S. CFTR interacts with ZO-1 to regulate tight junction assembly and epithelial differentiation through the ZONAB pathway. J Cell Sci 2014; 127:4396-408. [PMID: 25107366 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.148098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in CFTR lead to dysfunction of tubular organs, which is currently attributed to impairment of its conductive properties. We now show that CFTR regulates tight junction assembly and epithelial cell differentiation through modulation of the ZO-1-ZONAB pathway. CFTR colocalizes with ZO-1 at the tight junctions of trachea and epididymis, and is expressed before ZO-1 in Wolffian ducts. CFTR interacts with ZO-1 through the CTFR PDZ-binding domain. In a three-dimensional (3D) epithelial cell culture model, CFTR regulates tight junction assembly and is required for tubulogenesis. CFTR inhibition or knockdown reduces ZO-1 expression and induces the translocation of the transcription factor ZONAB (also known as YBX3) from tight junctions to the nucleus, followed by upregulation of the transcription of CCND1 and downregulation of ErbB2 transcription. The epididymal tubules of cftr(-/-) and cftr(ΔF508) mice have reduced ZO-1 levels, increased ZONAB nuclear expression, and decreased epithelial cell differentiation, illustrated by the reduced expression of apical AQP9 and V-ATPase. This study provides a new paradigm for the etiology of diseases associated with CFTR mutations, including cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chun Ruan
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nicolas Da Silva
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Bongki Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rui Ying Diao
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric Hill
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Dennis Brown
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Hsiao Chang Chan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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McLatchie LM, Young JS, Fry CH. Regulation of ACh release from guinea pig bladder urothelial cells: potential role in bladder filling sensations. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:3394-403. [PMID: 24628015 PMCID: PMC4105928 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of this study was to quantify and characterize the mechanism of non-neuronal ACh release from bladder urothelial cells and to determine if urothelial cells could be a site of action of anti-muscarinic drugs. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A novel technique was developed whereby ACh could be measured from freshly isolated guinea pig urothelial cells in suspension following mechanical stimulation. Various agents were used to manipulate possible ACh release pathways in turn and to study the effects of muscarinic receptor activation and inhibition on urothelial ATP release. KEY RESULTS Minimal mechanical stimulus achieved full ACh release, indicating a small dynamic range and possible all-or-none signal. ACh release involved a mechanism dependent on the anion channel CFTR and intracellular calcium concentration, but was independent of extracellular calcium, vesicular trafficking, connexins or pannexins, organic cation transporters and was not affected by botulinum-A toxin. Stimulating ACh receptors increased ATP production and antagonizing them reduced ATP release, suggesting a link between ACh and ATP release. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that release of non-neuronal ACh from the urothelium is large enough and well located to act as a modulator of ATP release. It is hypothesized that this pathway may contribute to the actions of anti-muscarinic drugs in reducing the symptoms of lower urinary tract syndromes. Additionally the involvement of CFTR in ACh release suggests an exciting new direction for the treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M McLatchie
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, FHMS, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Vadnais ML, Lin AM, Gerton GL. Mitochondrial fusion protein MFN2 interacts with the mitostatin-related protein MNS1 required for mouse sperm flagellar structure and function. Cilia 2014; 3:5. [PMID: 24876927 PMCID: PMC4038059 DOI: 10.1186/2046-2530-3-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cilia and the sperm flagellum share many structural properties. Meiosis-specific nuclear structural 1 (MNS1) is a recently characterized protein that is abundantly expressed in post-meiotic spermatids and is required for proper flagellar and motile cilia formation. To explore the possible functions of MNS1, we performed a BLAST search and determined it is homologous to the conserved domain pfam13868, exemplified by mitostatin. This protein interacts with mitofusin 2 (MFN2), a protein that participates in regulating mitochondrial associations to subcellular organelles. We hypothesized that an association between MFN2 and MNS1 in the sperm is involved in flagellar biogenesis and function. Results In the studies reported here, MFN2 was found in murine reproductive and somatic tissues high in ciliary content while MNS1 was present as two closely migrating bands in reproductive tissues. Interestingly, mitostatin was also present in reproductive tissues. Similar to Mns1 and mitostatin, Mfn2 was expressed in the testis as detected by RT-PCR. In addition, Mfn2 and Mns1 decreased in expression from pachytene spermatocytes to condensing spermatids as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated an association between MFN2 and MNS1 in spermatogenic cells. Indirect immunofluorescence indicated that MFN2 and MNS1 co-localized to the sperm flagellum in freshly collected cauda epididymal sperm. MFN2 associated with the midpiece while MNS1 was present throughout the sperm tail in caput and cauda epididymal sperm. In spermatogenic cells, MFN2 was seen in the mitochondria, and MNS1 was present throughout the cell cytoplasm. MFN2 and MNS1 were present in detergent-resistant flagellar structures of the sperm. Conclusions These results demonstrate that MFN2 and MNS1 are present in spermatogenic cells and are an integral part of the sperm flagellum, indicating they play a role in flagellar biogenesis and/or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Vadnais
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Blvd., 1309 BRB II/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
| | - Angel M Lin
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Blvd., 1309 BRB II/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
| | - George L Gerton
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Blvd., 1309 BRB II/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
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Burnstock G. Purinergic signalling in the reproductive system in health and disease. Purinergic Signal 2014; 10:157-87. [PMID: 24271059 PMCID: PMC3944041 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-013-9399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are multiple roles for purinergic signalling in both male and female reproductive organs. ATP, released as a cotransmitter with noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, contracts smooth muscle via P2X1 receptors in vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and uterus, as well as in blood vessels. Male infertility occurs in P2X1 receptor knockout mice. Both short- and long-term trophic purinergic signalling occurs in reproductive organs. Purinergic signalling is involved in hormone secretion, penile erection, sperm motility and capacitation, and mucous production. Changes in purinoceptor expression occur in pathophysiological conditions, including pre-eclampsia, cancer and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London, NW3 2PF, UK,
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Vadnais ML, Aghajanian HK, Lin A, Gerton GL. Signaling in sperm: toward a molecular understanding of the acquisition of sperm motility in the mouse epididymis. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:127. [PMID: 24006282 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility encompasses a wide range of events involving epididymal maturation and activation of biochemical pathways, most notably cyclic AMP (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) activation. Following the discovery of guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (RAPGEFs), also known as exchange proteins activated by cAMP, we investigated the separate roles of PKA and RAPGEFs in sperm motility. RT-PCR showed the presence of Rapgef3, Rapgef4, and Rapgef5, as well as several known RAPGEF partner mRNAs, in spermatogenic cells. However, Rapgef3 and Rapgef4 appeared to be less abundant in condensing spermatids versus pachytene spermatocytes. Similarly, many of these proteins were detected by immunoblotting. RAPGEF5 was detected in germ cells and murine epididymal sperm. Indirect immunofluorescence localized SGK1, SGK3, AKT1 pT(308), and RAPGEF5 to the acrosome, while PDPK1 was found in the postacrosomal region. SGK3 was present throughout the tail, while PDPK1 and AKT1 pT(308) were in the midpiece. When motility was assessed in demembranated cauda epididymal sperm, addition of ATP and the selective ligand for RAPGEFs, 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP, resulted in motility, but the sperm were unable to undergo hyperactivated-like motility. In contrast, when demembranated cauda epididymal sperm were incubated with ATP plus dibutyryl cAMP, sperm became motile and progressed to hyperactivated-like motility. However, no significant difference was observed when intact sperm were examined. GSK3 phosphorylation was altered in the presence of H89, a PKA inhibitor. Significantly, intact caput epididymal sperm became motile when incubated in the presence of extracellular ATP. These results provide evidence for a new pathway involved in endowing sperm with the capacity to swim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Vadnais
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Diao R, Fok KL, Zhao L, Chen H, Tang H, Chen J, Zheng A, Zhang X, Gui Y, Chan HC, Cai Z. Decreased expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator impairs sperm quality in aged men. Reproduction 2013; 146:637-45. [PMID: 24077955 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sperm quality declines with aging; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been shown to play an essential role in fertilizing capacity of sperm and male fertility. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of age-dependent CFTR downregulation in lowering sperm quality in old age. Two hundred and one healthy fertile men of three age groups (20-40 years, n=64; 40-60 years, n=61; and >60 years, n=76) were recruited. Expression of CFTR was determined by RT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. Collected sperm were treated with CFTR inhibitor or potentiator. Sperm quality was assessed by motility and bicarbonate-induced capacitation. The results showed that the expression of CFTR on the equatorial segment and neck region of sperm was significantly decreased in an age-dependent manner. Reduction of CFTR expression in sperm from old men was correlated with lowered forward motility and decreased HCO3(-) sensitivity required for sperm capacitation. Activation of CFTR by genistein partially rescued the decreased forward motility in sperm from old men. Decreased CFTR expression in sperm was also found to be associated with lowered sperm quality in aging mice. These results suggest that age-dependent downregulation of CFTR in sperm leads to lowered sperm quality in old age sperm. CFTR may be a pontential target for rescuing sperm motility as well as a fertility indicator in old age men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiying Diao
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
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Pujianto DA, Loanda E, Sari P, Midoen YH, Soeharso P. Sperm-associated antigen 11A is expressed exclusively in the principal cells of the mouse caput epididymis in an androgen-dependent manner. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:59. [PMID: 23815807 PMCID: PMC3710511 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epididymal sperm maturation occurs via interactions between sperm and proteins secreted by the epididymal epithelium. Although this is an important process, the genes that encode the involved proteins remain largely uncharacterized. Previous studies have demonstrated that the genes involved in sperm maturation are regulated by androgen. Spag11a is an epididymal gene that is influenced by androgen. However, little is known about the putative role of this gene in the sperm maturation process. The objective of this study was to characterize Spag11a in the mouse epididymis. METHODS In silico analyses were performed to predict signal peptides and functional domains. Spag11a expression was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Western blots and immunocytochemistry were performed to determine protein expression. RESULTS SPAG11A is a member of the beta defensin protein family and constitutes a secretory protein. Spag11a was expressed exclusively in the epididymis. Moreover, it exhibited region-specific expression in the caput, which is typical for genes that are involved in creating a suitable microenvironment for sperm maturation. Mouse Spag11a was regulated by androgen. A significant decrease of Spag11a expression was observed at third day following a gonadectomy (P < 0.001). Interestingly, testosterone replacement therapy was able to maintain the expression almost at the normal level, indicating a dependency on androgen. Besides androgen, testicular factors influenced Spag11a expression in a different way. This was revealed by efferent duct ligation in which Spag11a was transiently up-regulated at the third day following the ligation before returning to the normal level at day 5. Spag11a regional expression was also observed at protein level detected by western immunoblotting which revealed a clear band in the caput but not in other regions. The prediction that SPAG11A is a secretory protein was confirmed by immunocytochemical analyses indicating cell-specific expression mainly in the caput principal cells and detection of the protein in epididymal luminal fluid and spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Based on the characteristics of Spag11a, it is likely that this gene has a specific role in epididymal sperm maturation. Further studies using functional assays are necessary to confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi A Pujianto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Evelyn Loanda
- Master Program for Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University, Jl. Pluit Raya 2, Jakarta 14440, Indonesia
| | - Puji Sari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Yurnadi H Midoen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Purnomo Soeharso
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
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Roy JW, Hill E, Ruan YC, Vedovelli L, Păunescu TG, Brown D, Breton S. Circulating aldosterone induces the apical accumulation of the proton pumping V-ATPase and increases proton secretion in clear cells in the caput epididymis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2013; 305:C436-46. [PMID: 23761626 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00410.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Clear cells express the vacuolar proton-pumping H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) and acidify the lumen of the epididymis, a process that is essential for male fertility. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) regulates fluid and electrolyte balance in the epididymis, and a previous study showed binding of aldosterone exclusively to epididymal clear cells (Hinton BT, Keefer DA. Steroid Biochem 23: 231-233, 1985). We examined here the role of aldosterone in the regulation of V-ATPase in the epididymis. RT-PCR showed expression of the mineralocorticoid receptor [MR; nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C member 2 (NR3C2)] and 11-β-dehydrogenase isozyme 2 (HSD11β2) mRNAs specifically in clear cells, isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting from B1-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) mice. Tail vein injection of adult rats with aldosterone, 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG), or 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (cpt-cAMP) induced V-ATPase apical membrane accumulation and extension of V-ATPase-labeled microvilli in clear cells in the caput epididymis but not in the cauda. V-ATPase activity was measured in EGFP-expressing clear cells using the intracellular pH (pHi)-sensing dye seminaphthorhodafluor-5F-5-(and 6)-carboxylic acid, acetoxymethyl ester acetate (SNARF-5F). Aldosterone induced a rapid increase in the rate of Na(+)- and bicarbonate-independent pHi recovery following an NH4Cl-induced acid load in clear cells isolated from the caput but not the cauda. This effect was abolished by concanamycin A, spironolactone, and chelerythrine but not myristoylated-protein kinase inhibitor (mPKI) or mifepristone. Thus aldosterone increases V-ATPase-dependent proton secretion in clear cells in the caput epididymis via MR/NR3C2 and PKC activation. This study, therefore, identifies aldosterone as an active member of the RAAS for the regulation of luminal acidification in the proximal epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Roy
- Center for Systems Biology/Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
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