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Fan S, Kong C, Chen Y, Zheng X, Zhou R, Zhang X, Wu X, Zhang W, Ding Y, Yin Z. Copy Number Variation Analysis Revealed the Evolutionary Difference between Chinese Indigenous Pigs and Asian Wild Boars. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:472. [PMID: 36833399 PMCID: PMC9957247 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Copy number variation (CNV) has been widely used to study the evolution of different species. We first discovered different CNVs in 24 Anqingliubai pigs and 6 Asian wild boars using next-generation sequencing at the whole-genome level with 10× depth to understand the relationship between genetic evolution and production traits in wild boars and domestic pigs. A total of 97,489 CNVs were identified and divided into 10,429 copy number variation regions (CNVRs), occupying 32.06% of the porcine genome. Chromosome 1 had the most CNVRs, and chromosome 18 had the least. Ninety-six CNVRs were selected using VST 1% based on the signatures of all CNVRs, and sixty-five genes were identified in the selected regions. These genes were strongly correlated with traits distinguishing groups by enrichment in Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, such as growth (CD36), reproduction (CIT, RLN), detoxification (CYP3A29), and fatty acid metabolism (ELOVL6). The QTL overlapping regions were associated with meat traits, growth, and immunity, which was consistent with CNV analysis. Our findings increase the understanding of evolved genome structural variations between wild boars and domestic pigs, and provide new molecular biomarkers to guide breeding and the efficient use of available genetic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhao Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Chengcheng Kong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yige Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xianrui Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Ren Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xudong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pig Molecular Quantitative Genetics of Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Product Safety Engineering, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Yueyun Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zongjun Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
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Ivell R, Alhujaili W, Kohsaka T, Anand-Ivell R. Physiology and evolution of the INSL3/RXFP2 hormone/receptor system in higher vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113583. [PMID: 32800774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although the insulin-like peptide hormone INSL3 and its cognate receptor RXFP2 (relaxin-family peptide receptor 2) have existed throughout chordate evolution, their physiological diversification appears to be linked closely with mammalian emergence and radiation. In contrast, they have been lost in birds and reptiles. Both hormone and receptor are expressed from autosomal genes which have maintained their synteny across vertebrate evolution. Whereas the INSL3 gene comprises only two exons closely linked to the JAK3 gene, RXFP2 is normally encoded by 18 exons. Both genes, however, are subject to alternative splicing to yield a variety of possibly inactive or antagonistic molecules. In mammals, the INSL3-RXFP2 dyad has maintained a probably primitive association with gametogenesis, seen also in fish, whereby INSL3 promotes the survival, growth and differentiation of male germ cells in the testis and follicle development in the ovary. In addition, however, the INSL3/RXFP2 system has adopted a typical 'neohormone' profile, essential for the promotion of internal fertilisation and viviparity; fetal INSL3 is essential for the first phase of testicular descent into a scrotum, and also appears to be associated with male phenotype, in particular horn and skeletal growth. Circulating INSL3 is produced exclusively by the mature testicular Leydig cells in male mammals and acts as a potent biomarker for testis development during fetal and pubertal development as well as in ageing. As such it can be used also to monitor seasonally breeding animals as well as to investigate environmental or lifestyle conditions affecting development. Nevertheless, most information about INSL3 and RXFP2 comes from a very limited selection of species; it will be especially useful to gain further information from a more diverse range of animals, especially those whose evolution has led them to express unusual reproductive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK.
| | - Waleed Alhujaili
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Dept. of Applied Life Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
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Zhu C, Luo W, Li Z, Zhang X, Hu J, Zhao S, Jiao X, Qin Y. New theca-cell marker insulin-like factor 3 is associated with premature ovarian insufficiency. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:455-462. [PMID: 33041054 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize circulating insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) in different stages of ovarian insufficiency and its role in the evaluation of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING University-based center for reproductive medicine. PATIENT(S) A total of 145 women, including 48 patients with POI (25 IU/L < follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] ≤40 IU/L), 49 with biochemical POI (bPOI) (10 IU/L < FSH ≤25 IU/L) and 48 age-matched control women with normal ovarian reserve (FSH <10 IU/L), retrospectively included from the reproductive hospital affiliated with Shandong University between 2017 and 2019. INTERVENTION(S) Levels of INSL3 in the serum and follicular fluid assayed with a commercial radioimmunoassay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Level of INSL3 in serum and follicular fluid among control women and patients with bPOI and POI, its association with different ovarian reserve markers, and its predictive value for bPOI and POI. RESULT(S) The serum INSL3 level continuously declined with the progress of ovarian insufficiency. It showed strong negative association with FSH (-0.655) and luteinizing hormone (-0.433), but positively correlated with antimüllerian hormone (0.617), inhibin B (0.400), antral follicle count (0.630), and testosterone (0.180). Additionally, the circulating INSL3 served as a good predictor for bPOI and POI. No statistically significant difference of INSL3 levels in follicular fluid was observed between bPOI patients and control women. CONCLUSION(S) For the first time our study has revealed an INSL3 deficiency in women with POI, indicating that circulating INSL3 could serve as a promising theca-cell specific marker for POI. Future research on the role of INSL3 in modulating follicular development, steroidogenesis, and POI pathogenesis is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendi Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuqing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiruo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingmei Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Shokri S, Tavalaee M, Ebrahimi SM, Ziaeipour S, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Nejatbakhsh R. Expression of RXFP2 receptor on human spermatozoa and the anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects of insulin-like factor 3. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13715. [PMID: 32557760 DOI: 10.1111/and.13715] [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] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) has an important role in the human reproductive system; however, its detailed function is still mysterious. We aimed to investigate the possibility of expression of RXFP2 receptor on human spermatozoa and to determine the anti-apoptotic and antioxidant mechanism derived the binding of INSL3 and RXFP2. In this experimental study, the expression/location of the RXFP2 receptor was determined on the spermatozoa of fertile and infertile men. Twenty samples from 20 fertile men were collected and divided into 6 parts (control group, and five groups treated with INSL3 10, 100, 250, 500, 1,000 ng/ml). DNA damage, active caspase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and sperm parameters were evaluated by TUNEL, flow cytometry, optical microscope and computer-assisted sperm analysis. The expression of RXFP2 was confirmed by Western blot. Immunocytochemistry illustrated that this receptor is expressed in the posterior half of the spermatozoa's head. The INSL3 at concentrations of 500 and 1,000 ng/ml reduced the active caspase and mitochondrial ROS, and also reduced DNA fragmentation at 1,000 ng/ml. Besides, INSL3 500 and 1,000 ng/ml significantly increased the sperm motility. This study confirmed the presence of RXFP2 receptor in fertile and infertile men's spermatozoa, indicating the highly dose-dependent efficacy of the INSL3, which may have promising impacts on the in-vitro fertilisation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Shokri
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Meisam Ebrahimi
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Abhar School of Nursing, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Sanaz Ziaeipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Nejatbakhsh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Serelaxin activates eNOS, suppresses inflammation, attenuates developmental delay and improves cognitive functions of neonatal rats after germinal matrix hemorrhage. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8115. [PMID: 32415164 PMCID: PMC7229117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65144-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a detrimental form of neonatal CNS injury. Following GMH-mediated eNOS inhibition, inflammation arises, contributing to GMH-induced brain injury. We investigated the beneficial effects of Serelaxin, a clinical tested recombinant Relaxin-2 protein, on brain injury after GMH in rats. We investigated whether effects of Serelaxin are mediated by its ability to activate the GMH-suppressed eNOS pathway resulting in attenuation of inflammatory marker overproduction. GMH was induced by intraparenchymal injection of bacterial collagenase (0.3U). Seven day old Sprague–Dawley rat pups (P7) were used (n = 63). GMH animals were divided in vehicle or serelaxin treated (3 µg once, 30 µg once, 30 µg multiple, i.p., starting 30 after GMH and then daily). Sham operated animals were used. We monitored the developmental profile working memory and spatial function (T-maze and open field test respectively). At day 28, all rats underwent MRI-scans for assessment of changes in cortical thickness and white matter loss. Effects of Serelaxin on eNOS pathway activation and post-GMH inflammation were evaluated. We demonstrated that Serelaxin dose-dependently attenuated GMH-induced developmental delay, protected brain and improved cognitive functions of rats after GMH. That was associated with the decreased post-GMH inflammation, mediated at least partly by amelioration of GMH-induced eNOS inhibition.
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Dutra GA, Ishak GM, Pechanova O, Pechan T, Peterson DG, Jacob JCF, Willard ST, Ryan PL, Gastal EL, Feugang JM. Seasonal variation in equine follicular fluid proteome. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:29. [PMID: 30841911 PMCID: PMC6404268 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0473-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteomic studies of follicular fluid (FF) exist for several species, including the horse; however, the seasonal influence on FF proteome has not been explored in livestock. The application of high-throughput proteomics of FF in horse has the potential to identify seasonal variations of proteins involved in follicle and oocyte growth. METHODS This study (i) profiles the proteomes of equine FF collected from dominant growing follicles during the spring anovulatory season (SAN), and spring (SOV), summer (SUM), and fall (FOV) ovulatory seasons; and (ii) identifies season-dependent regulatory networks and associated key proteins. RESULTS Regardless of season, a total of 90 proteins were identified in FF, corresponding to 63, 72, 69, and 78 proteins detected in the SAN, SOV, SUM, and FOV seasons, respectively. Fifty-two proteins were common to all seasons, a total of 13 were unique to either season, and 25 were shared between two seasons or more. Protein-to-protein interaction (PPI) analysis indicated the likely critical roles of plasminogen in the SAN season, the prothrombin/plasminogen combination in SUM, and plasminogen/complement C3 in both SOV and FOV seasons. The apolipoprotein A1 appeared crucial in all seasons. The present findings show that FF proteome of SUM differs from other seasons, with FF having high fluidity (low viscosity). CONCLUSIONS The balance between the FF contents in prothrombin, plasminogen, and coagulation factor XII proteins favoring FF fluidity may be crucial at the peak of the ovulatory season (SUM) and may explain the reported lower incidence of hemorrhagic anovulatory follicles during the SUM season.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Dutra
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
- Department of Reproduction and Animal Evaluation, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - G M Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - O Pechanova
- Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Bioinformatics, University, Mississippi State, Oxford, MS, USA
| | - T Pechan
- Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Bioinformatics, University, Mississippi State, Oxford, MS, USA
| | - D G Peterson
- Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Bioinformatics, University, Mississippi State, Oxford, MS, USA
| | - J C F Jacob
- Department of Reproduction and Animal Evaluation, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - S T Willard
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, 4025 Wise Center, PO Box 9815, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - P L Ryan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, 4025 Wise Center, PO Box 9815, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, 4025 Wise Center, PO Box 9815, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
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Gastal G, Aguiar F, Rodrigues A, Scimeca J, Apgar G, Banz W, Feugang J, Gastal E. Cryopreservation and in vitro culture of white-tailed deer ovarian tissue. Theriogenology 2018; 113:253-260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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8
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Feugang JM, Liao SF, Willard ST, Ryan PL. In-depth proteomic analysis of boar spermatozoa through shotgun and gel-based methods. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:62. [PMID: 29347914 PMCID: PMC5774113 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mature spermatozoa contain numerous epididymal and seminal plasma proteins, which full identification through high-throughput technologies may allow for a better understanding of the sperm biology. Therefore, we conducted a global proteomic analysis of boar spermatozoa through shotgun and gel-based methodologies. Results The total proteins were extracted from mature spermatozoa and subjecsted to proteome analyses. Functional analyses of gene ontology representations and pathway enrichments were conducted on the shotgun dataset, followed by immunology and gene expression validations. Shotgun and gel-based approaches allowed the detection of 2728 proteins and 2123 spots, respectively. Approximately 38% and 59% of total proteins were respectively fully and partially annotated, and 3% were unknown. Gene ontology analysis indicated high proportions of proteins associated with intracellular and cytoplasm localizations, protein and nucleic acid binding, hydrolase and transferase activities, and cellular, metabolic, and regulation of biological processes. Proteins associated with phosphorylation processes and mitochondrial membranes, nucleic acid binding, and phosphate and phosphorous metabolics represented 77% of the dataset. Pathways associated with oxidative phosphorylation, citrate cycle, and extra-cellular matrix-receptor interaction were significantly enriched. Protein complex, intracellular organelle, cytoskeletal parts, fertilization and reproduction, and gap junction pathway were significantly enriched within the top 116 highly abundant proteins. Nine randomly selected protein candidates were confirmed with gel-based identification, immunofluorescence detection, and mRNA expression. Conclusions This study offers an in-depth proteomic mapping of mature boar spermatozoa that will enable comparative and discovery research for the improvement of male fertility. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4442-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Shengfa F Liao
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Scott T Willard
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.,Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
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Gastal G, Aguiar F, Alves B, Alves K, de Tarso S, Ishak G, Cavinder C, Feugang J, Gastal E. Equine ovarian tissue viability after cryopreservation and in vitro culture. Theriogenology 2017; 97:139-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Pitia AM, Uchiyama K, Sano H, Kinukawa M, Minato Y, Sasada H, Kohsaka T. Functional insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) hormone-receptor system in the testes and spermatozoa of domestic ruminants and its potential as a predictor of sire fertility. Anim Sci J 2016; 88:678-690. [PMID: 27592693 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is essential for fetal testis descent, and has been implicated in the testicular and sperm functions in adult males; however, similar functions in domestic ruminants remain largely unknown. This study investigated the functional INSL3 hormone-receptor system in adult ruminant testes and spermatozoa, and explored its potential to diagnose the fertility of sires. Testes and spermatozoa were obtained from fertile bulls, rams and he-goats, whereas subfertile testes and spermatozoa were obtained only from bulls. As expected, INSL3 was visualized in Leydig cells, while we clearly demonstrated that the functional receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), enabling INSL3 to bind was identified in testicular germ cells and in the sperm equatorial segment of bulls, rams and he-goats. In comparison to fertile bulls, the percentage of INSL3- and RXFP2-expressing cells and their expression levels per cell were significantly reduced in the testes of subfertile bulls. In addition, the population of INSL3-binding spermatozoa was also significantly reduced in the semen of subfertile bulls. These results provide evidence for a functional INSL3 hormone-receptor system operating in ruminant testes and spermatozoa, and its potential to predict subfertility in sires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Pitia
- Division of Animal Resource Production, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kyoko Uchiyama
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sano
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Masashi Kinukawa
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Minato
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sasada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Division of Animal Resource Production, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
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Klein C. Early pregnancy in the mare: old concepts revisited. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 56 Suppl:S212-7. [PMID: 27345319 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
"Maternal recognition of pregnancy" (MRP) is commonly used to describe the ongoing embryo-maternal communication during early pregnancy that culminates in prevention of luteolysis and ensures ongoing progestin support. The conceptus-derived pregnancy recognition signal has not yet been identified in the mare. Although equine conceptuses produce substantial amounts of estrogens, there is a lack of evidence that estrogens are the pregnancy recognition signal in mares. Conceptus mobility is integral to MRP and is driven by conceptus-derived prostaglandin production. Cessation of conceptus mobility, referred to as fixation, is caused by increases in conceptus size and uterine tone and reduction in sialic acid content of the embryonic capsule. Gene expression profiling of equine preimplantation conceptuses revealed expression of neuraminidase 2 (NEU2), an enzyme that cleaves sialic acid from polysaccharide chains. Furthermore, secretion of NEU2 by conceptuses in vitro was functionally active; it appears therefore, that the conceptus itself regulates sialic acid content through expression of NEU2. Based on gene expression profiling, equine conceptuses express increasing amounts of fibrinogen during early development. Western blot analysis confirmed secretion of fibrinogen into culture medium when conceptuses were cultured in vitro and with immunohistochemistry, the acellular glycoprotein capsule of the conceptus had particularly intense staining for fibrinogen. Therefore, we hypothesize that conceptus-derived fibrinogen interacts with endometrial integrins to promote cessation of conceptus mobility and fixation. Indeed, next generation sequencing analysis of conceptus and endometrial samples 16 d after ovulation revealed that the integrin signaling pathway is significantly enriched in both sample types. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed ITGAVB1 as the most abundant integrin receptor in endometrium; fibrinogen has the highest affinity for ITGAVB1 among integrins receptors to which it binds. Finally, the equine conceptus expresses increasing quantities of relaxin during preimplantation development, with the endometrium expressing relaxin receptors. In the pig, mouse, and human, relaxin is produced by the corpus luteum and is known to promote angiogenesis during early pregnancy. In summary, substantial advances in understanding MRP in the horse are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Klein
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
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Vasquez ES, Feugang JM, Willard ST, Ryan PL, Walters KB. Bioluminescent magnetic nanoparticles as potential imaging agents for mammalian spermatozoa. J Nanobiotechnology 2016; 14:20. [PMID: 26984640 PMCID: PMC4794913 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-016-0168-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanoparticles have emerged as key materials for developing applications in nanomedicine, nanobiotechnology, bioimaging and theranostics. Existing bioimaging technologies include bioluminescent resonance energy transfer-conjugated quantum dots (BRET-QDs). Despite the current use of BRET-QDs for bioimaging, there are strong concerns about QD nanocomposites containing cadmium which exhibits potential cellular toxicity. RESULTS In this study, bioluminescent composites comprised of magnetic nanoparticles and firefly luciferase (Photinus pyralis) are examined as potential light-emitting agents for imaging, detection, and tracking mammalian spermatozoa. Characterization was carried out using infrared spectroscopy, TEM and cryo-TEM imaging, and ζ-potential measurements to demonstrate the successful preparation of these nanocomposites. Binding interactions between the synthesized nanoparticles and spermatozoon were characterized using confocal and atomic/magnetic force microscopy. Bioluminescence imaging and UV-visible-NIR microscopy results showed light emission from sperm samples incubated with the firefly luciferase-modified nanoparticles. Therefore, these newly synthesized luciferase-modified magnetic nanoparticles show promise as substitutes for QD labeling, and can potentially also be used for in vivo manipulation and tracking, as well as MRI techniques. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary data indicate that luciferase-magnetic nanoparticle composites can potentially be used for spermatozoa detection and imaging. Their magnetic properties add additional functionality to allow for manipulation, sorting, or tracking of cells using magnetic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick S. Vasquez
- />Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469 USA
| | - Jean M. Feugang
- />Facility for Cellular and Organismal Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
- />Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
| | - Scott T. Willard
- />Facility for Cellular and Organismal Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
- />Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
- />Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
| | - Peter L. Ryan
- />Facility for Cellular and Organismal Imaging, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
- />Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
- />Department of Pathology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary and Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
| | - Keisha B. Walters
- />Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
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Transcript abundance, glutathione and apoptosis levels differ between porcine oocytes collected from prepubertal and cyclic gilts. Theriogenology 2015; 84:86-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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14
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Feugang JM, Greene JM, Sanchez-Rodríguez HL, Stokes JV, Crenshaw MA, Willard ST, Ryan PL. Profiling of relaxin and its receptor proteins in boar reproductive tissues and spermatozoa. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:46. [PMID: 25990010 PMCID: PMC4445784 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0043-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relaxin levels in seminal plasma have been associated with positive effects on sperm motility and quality, and thus having potential roles in male fertility. However, the origin of seminal relaxin, within the male reproductive tract, and the moment of its release in the vicinity of spermatozoa remain unclear. Here, we assessed the longitudinal distribution of relaxin and its receptors RXFP1 and RXFP2 in the reproductive tract, sex accessory glands, and spermatozoa of adult boars. METHODS Spermatozoa were harvested from three fertile boars and reproductive tract (testes and epididymis) and sex accessory gland (prostate and seminal vesicles) tissues were collected post-mortem from each boar. Epididymis ducts were sectioned into caput, corpus, and cauda regions, and spermatozoa were mechanically collected. All samples were subjected to immunofluorescence and/or western immunoblotting for relaxin, RXFP1, and RXFP2 detection. Immunolabeled-spermatozoa were submitted to flow cytometry analyses and data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA. RESULTS Both receptors were detected in all tissues, with a predominance of mature and immature isoforms of RXFP1 and RXFP2, respectively. Relaxin signals were found in the testes, with Leydig cells displaying the highest intensity compared to other testicular cells. The testicular immunofluorescence intensity of relaxin was greater than that of other tissues. Epithelial basal cells exhibited the highest relaxin immunofluorescence intensity within the epididymis and the vas deferens. The luminal immunoreactivity to relaxin was detected in the seminiferous tubule, epididymis, and vas deferens ducts. Epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa were immunopositive to relaxin, RXFP1, and RXFP2, and epididymal corpus-derived spermatozoa had the highest immunoreactivities across epididymal sections. Both vas deferens-collected and ejaculated spermatozoa displayed comparable, but lowest immunofluorescence signals among groups. The entire sperm length was immunopositive to both relaxin and receptors, with relaxin signal being robust in the acrosome area and RXFP2, homogeneously distributed than RXFP1 on the head of ejaculated spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Immunolocalization indicates that relaxin-receptor complexes may have important roles in boar reproduction and that spermatozoa are already exposed to relaxin upon their production. The findings suggest autocrine and/or paracrine actions of relaxin on spermatozoa, either before or after ejaculation, which have possible roles on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Greene
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Pathobiology & Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Robert P. Hanson Biomedical Sciences Laboratories, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Hector L Sanchez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Animal Science, Mayaguez Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
| | - John V Stokes
- Department of Basic Sciences, Flow Cytometry facility core, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Mark A Crenshaw
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Scott T Willard
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Pathobiology & Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
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Feugang JM, Rodríguez-Muñoz JC, Dillard DS, Crenshaw MA, Willard ST, Ryan PL. Beneficial effects of relaxin on motility characteristics of stored boar spermatozoa. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:24. [PMID: 25880070 PMCID: PMC4393568 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relaxin is detected in seminal plasma of many species and its association with sperm motility may be beneficial in some aspects of assisted reproduction. Here, we immunolocalized relaxin receptors and investigated the effects of exogenous relaxin on motility characteristics, viability, and cAMP content of boar spermatozoa after storage. METHODS Commercial doses of boar semen were obtained on the collection day (Day 0) and kept in shipping containers at room temperature for up to 4 days (Day 4). On Day 0, spermatozoa were fixed for immunofluorescence detection of relaxin receptors RXFP1 and RXFP2 (Experiment 1). Semen aliquots were taken from the same dose at Day 0, Day 1, and Day 2 (Experiment 2a), and Day 2 and Day 4 (Experiment 2b) for analyses. Alive spermatozoa were purified and incubated (1 h-37°C) with 0, 50, or 100 ng relaxin/ml (Experiment 2a) and 0, 100, or 500 ng relaxin/ml (Experiment 2b). Afterward, aliquots of each treatment group were subjected to motility (Experiments 2), viability (Experiment 3) analyses, and cAMP quantification (Experiment 4). Data (3-4 independent replicates) were statistically analyzed (ANOVA followed by pairwise comparisons) and p values less or equal to 0.05 was set for significant difference. RESULTS Both RXFP1 and RXFP2 receptors were immunolocalized on the entire spermatozoon. Relaxin concentration of 100 ng/ml significantly improved the proportions of motile, progressive, and rapid spermatozoa up to Day 2. Only 500 ng relaxin/ml provided beneficial effects on Day 4. The viability of spermatozoa was not affected by relaxin (100 ng/ml) during storage, but the extent of mitochondria membrane damages was significantly decreased. Furthermore, relaxin did not affect the cAMP contents of spermatozoa during storage, in our conditions. CONCLUSIONS Relaxin could be a valuable motility booster of stored- or aged-spermatozoa for assisted reproduction techniques. However, the related-intracellular signaling cascades of relaxin in boar spermatozoa remain undetermined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Feugang
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Juan C Rodríguez-Muñoz
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Darby S Dillard
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Mark A Crenshaw
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Scott T Willard
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
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Bastu E, Gokulu SG, Dural O, Yasa C, Bulgurcuoglu S, Karamustafaoglu Balci B, Celik C, Buyru F. The association between follicular fluid levels of cathepsin B, relaxin or AMH with clinical pregnancy rates in infertile patients. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2015; 187:30-4. [PMID: 25739053 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of cathepsin B, relaxin and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in follicular fluid (FF) with pregnancy rates in infertility patients. STUDY DESIGN Seventy-nine infertile couples who underwent ICSI were included in the study. The FF levels of cathepsin B, relaxin and AMH were measured using ELISA kits. RESULTS The FF cathepsin B levels were statistically higher in pregnant patients compared with non-pregnant patients (0.20±0.13 versus 0.13±0.03; P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the total number of oocytes (10.00±6.85 versus 5.96±3.94); the mean number of M2 oocytes (8.65±5.63 versus 4.58±3.36) between the pregnant and non-pregnant patients (P<0.05). There were no significant correlations between pregnancy rates and relaxin and AMH (P>0.05). The area under the curve of cathepsin B for prediction of pregnancy was 0.662 (p=0.024, 95% Confidence Interval 0.528-0.797). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that increased level of cathepsin B in FF significantly correlates with a better chance of clinical pregnancy. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of cathepsin B in the reproductive process of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ercan Bastu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Sevki Goksun Gokulu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Dural
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cenk Yasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel Bulgurcuoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Cem Celik
- Bahceci Health Group, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Faruk Buyru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Duarte C, Kobayashi Y, Kawamoto T, Moriyama K. RELAXIN enhances differentiation and matrix mineralization through Relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2 (Rxfp2) in MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro. Bone 2014; 65:92-101. [PMID: 24857857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RELAXIN (RLN) is a polypeptide hormone of the insulin-like hormone family; it facilitates birth by softening and widening the pubic symphysis and cervix in many mammals, including humans. The role of RLN in bone metabolism was recently suggested by its ability to induce osteoclastogenesis and activate osteoclast function. RLN binds to RELAXIN/INSULIN-LIKE FAMILY PEPTIDE 1 (RXFP1) and 2 (RXFP2), with varying species-specific affinities. Young men with mutated RXFP2 are at high risk for osteoporosis, as RXFP2 influences osteoblast metabolism by binding to INSULIN-LIKE PEPTIDE 3 (INSL3). However, there have been no reports on RLN function in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization or on the functionally dominant receptors for RLN in osteoblasts. We previously described Rxfp1 and 2 expression patterns in developing mouse oral components, including the maxillary and mandibular bones, Meckel's cartilage, tongue, and tooth primordia. We hypothesized that Rln/Rxfp signaling is a key mediator of skeletal development and metabolism. Here, we present the gene expression patterns of Rxfp1 and 2 in developing mouse calvarial frontal bones as determined by in situ hybridization. In addition, RLN enhanced osteoblastic differentiation and caused abnormal mineralization and extracellular matrix metabolism through Rxfp2, which was predominant over Rxfp1 in MC3T3-E1 mouse calvarial osteoblasts. Our data suggest a novel role for Rln in craniofacial skeletal development and metabolism through Rxfp2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Duarte
- Maxillofacial Orthognathics, Department of Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Function, Division of Maxillofacial/Neck Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan.
| | - Yukiho Kobayashi
- Maxillofacial Orthognathics, Department of Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Function, Division of Maxillofacial/Neck Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan; Hard Tissue Genome Research Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan.
| | - Tatsuo Kawamoto
- Maxillofacial Orthognathics, Department of Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Function, Division of Maxillofacial/Neck Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan.
| | - Keiji Moriyama
- Maxillofacial Orthognathics, Department of Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Function, Division of Maxillofacial/Neck Reconstruction, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan; Hard Tissue Genome Research Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan.
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Anand-Ivell R, Ivell R. Regulation of the reproductive cycle and early pregnancy by relaxin family peptides. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:472-479. [PMID: 23994019 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The relaxin family of peptide hormones are structurally closely related to one another sharing a heterodimeric A-B structure, like that of insulin. They may also be active as unprocessed B-C-A pro-forms. Relaxin has been shown to pay a key role within the ovary, being involved in follicle growth, and ovulation. Relaxin is produced in large amounts also by the corpus luteum where it acts as an endocrine hormone positively affecting implantation, placentation and vascularization during the all-important first trimester phase of pregnancy establishment. Relaxin exerts its functions via the receptor RXFP1. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) in contrast acts through the related receptor RXFP2, and plays an essential role in the production of androgens within growing antral follicles. INSL3 is also produced in large amounts by the male fetus shortly after sex determination, where it controls the first transabdominal phase of testicular descent. However, this fetal INSL3 is also able to influence placental and maternal physiology, indicating associations with later preeclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction. Other members of this relaxin-like family of peptides, such as INSL4, INSL5 and INSL6 are less well studied, though all suggest modulatory roles in ovarian and/or placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Ivell
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
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Feugang JM, Greene JM, Willard ST, Ryan PL. In vitro effects of relaxin on gene expression in porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes and developing embryos. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:15. [PMID: 21272344 PMCID: PMC3045296 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relaxin hormone peptide is found in porcine follicular and utero-tubal fluids, but its possible actions during early embryo development are still undetermined. Here, we investigated the effects of porcine relaxin during oocyte maturation and embryo development, and gene expression in the pig. METHODS Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from ovarian follicles of sows. In experiment 1, COCs were matured in the presence of 0, 20, or 40 ng relaxin/ml, or 10% (v/v) porcine follicular fluid. In experiment 2, COCs were in vitro matured, fertilized and resulting embryos were cultured in the presence of 0, 20, or 40 ng relaxin/ml. In experiment 3, COCs were matured in the presence of 40 ng relaxin/ml, fertilized and zygotes were cultured as indicated in experiment 2. We evaluated the proportions of matured oocytes in experiment 1, cleaved and blastocysts on Day 2 and Day 7 post insemination in all experiments. The total cell number of blastocysts was also evaluated. In parallel, transcription levels of both relaxin and its receptors (RXFP1 and RXFP2), as well as a pro- (Bax) and anti- (Bcl2-like 1) apoptotic-related genes were determined. All data were analyzed by ANOVA and significant differences were fixed for P < 0.05. RESULTS In experiment 1, relaxin significantly increased the proportions of matured oocytes and cleaved embryos, as well as the expression level of RXFP2 mRNA compared to RXFP1 (P < 0.05). There was no effect on endogenous expression of relaxin and Bcl2-like1/Bax ratios. In all experiments, relaxin did not affect the proportions of blastocysts, but did significantly increase their total cell numbers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, no effect of relaxin was observed on Bcl2-like1/Bax expression ratios, which were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS Exogenous relaxin influences its own receptors expression, improves oocyte nuclear maturation. Its beneficial effect on total cell number of blastocysts appears to be through a Bcl2-like1/Bax-independent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center Dr, Mississippi State, MS 38762, USA
| | - Jonathan M Greene
- Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center Dr, Mississippi State, MS 38762, USA
| | - Scott T Willard
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mississippi State University, 402 Dorman Hall, Mississippi, MS 38762, USA
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center Dr, Mississippi State, MS 38762, USA
- Department of Pathobiology & Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, 240 Wise Center Dr, Mississippi State, MS 38762, USA
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