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Graziani A, Rocca MS, Vinanzi C, Masi G, Grande G, De Toni L, Ferlin A. Genetic Causes of Qualitative Sperm Defects: A Narrative Review of Clinical Evidence. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:600. [PMID: 38790229 PMCID: PMC11120687 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050600] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Several genes are implicated in spermatogenesis and fertility regulation, and these genes are presently being analysed in clinical practice due to their involvement in male factor infertility (MFI). However, there are still few genetic analyses that are currently recommended for use in clinical practice. In this manuscript, we reviewed the genetic causes of qualitative sperm defects. We distinguished between alterations causing reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and alterations causing changes in the typical morphology of sperm (teratozoospermia). In detail, the genetic causes of reduced sperm motility may be found in the alteration of genes associated with sperm mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial proteins, ion transport and channels, and flagellar proteins. On the other hand, the genetic causes of changes in typical sperm morphology are related to conditions with a strong genetic basis, such as macrozoospermia, globozoospermia, and acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. We tried to distinguish alterations approved for routine clinical application from those still unsupported by adequate clinical studies. The most important aspect of the study was related to the correct identification of subjects to be tested and the correct application of genetic tests based on clear clinical data. The correct application of available genetic tests in a scenario where reduced sperm motility and changes in sperm morphology have been observed enables the delivery of a defined diagnosis and plays an important role in clinical decision-making. Finally, clarifying the genetic causes of MFI might, in future, contribute to reducing the proportion of so-called idiopathic MFI, which might indeed be defined as a subtype of MFI whose cause has not yet been revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Graziani
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Cinzia Vinanzi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Masi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
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Hwang JY, Chai P, Nawaz S, Choi J, Lopez-Giraldez F, Hussain S, Bilguvar K, Mane S, Lifton RP, Ahmad W, Zhang K, Chung JJ. LRRC23 truncation impairs radial spoke 3 head assembly and sperm motility underlying male infertility. eLife 2023; 12:RP90095. [PMID: 38091523 PMCID: PMC10721216 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Radial spokes (RS) are T-shaped multiprotein complexes on the axonemal microtubules. Repeated RS1, RS2, and RS3 couple the central pair to modulate ciliary and flagellar motility. Despite the cell type specificity of RS3 substructures, their molecular components remain largely unknown. Here, we report that a leucine-rich repeat-containing protein, LRRC23, is an RS3 head component essential for its head assembly and flagellar motility in mammalian spermatozoa. From infertile male patients with defective sperm motility, we identified a splice site variant of LRRC23. A mutant mouse model mimicking this variant produces a truncated LRRC23 at the C-terminus that fails to localize to the sperm tail, causing male infertility due to defective sperm motility. LRRC23 was previously proposed to be an ortholog of the RS stalk protein RSP15. However, we found that purified recombinant LRRC23 interacts with an RS head protein RSPH9, which is abolished by the C-terminal truncation. Evolutionary and structural comparison also shows that LRRC34, not LRRC23, is the RSP15 ortholog. Cryo-electron tomography clearly revealed that the absence of the RS3 head and the sperm-specific RS2-RS3 bridge structure in LRRC23 mutant spermatozoa. Our study provides new insights into the structure and function of RS3 in mammalian spermatozoa and the molecular pathogenicity of LRRC23 underlying reduced sperm motility in infertile human males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National UniversityBusanRepublic of Korea
| | - Pengxin Chai
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Shoaib Nawaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of BiologicalSciences, Quaid-i-Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Genetics, YaleSchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | | | - Shabir Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Kaya Bilguvar
- Department of Genetics, YaleSchool of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Yale Center forGenome Analysis, Yale UniversityWest HavenUnited States
| | - Shrikant Mane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of MedicineSeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Richard P Lifton
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of BiologicalSciences, Quaid-i-Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale UniversityNew HavenUnited States
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Hwang JY, Chai P, Nawaz S, Choi J, Lopez-Giraldez F, Hussain S, Bilguvar K, Mane S, Lifton RP, Ahmad W, Zhang K, Chung JJ. LRRC23 truncation impairs radial spoke 3 head assembly and sperm motility underlying male infertility. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.25.530050. [PMID: 36865175 PMCID: PMC9980178 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.25.530050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Radial spokes (RS) are T-shaped multiprotein complexes on the axonemal microtubules. Repeated RS1, RS2, and RS3 couple the central pair to modulate ciliary and flagellar motility. Despite the cell type specificity of RS3 substructures, their molecular components remain largely unknown. Here, we report that a leucine-rich repeat-containing protein, LRRC23, is an RS3 head component essential for its head assembly and flagellar motility in mammalian spermatozoa. From infertile male patients with defective sperm motility, we identified a splice site variant of LRRC23. A mutant mouse model mimicking this variant produces a truncated LRRC23 at the C-terminus that fails to localize to the sperm tail, causing male infertility due to defective sperm motility. LRRC23 was previously proposed to be an ortholog of the RS stalk protein RSP15. However, we found that purified recombinant LRRC23 interacts with an RS head protein RSPH9, which is abolished by the C-terminal truncation. Evolutionary and structural comparison also shows that LRRC34, not LRRC23, is the RSP15 ortholog. Cryo-electron tomography clearly revealed that the absence of the RS3 head and the sperm-specific RS2-RS3 bridge structure in LRRC23 mutant spermatozoa. Our study provides new insights into the structure and function of RS3 in mammalian spermatozoa and the molecular pathogenicity of LRRC23 underlying reduced sperm motility in infertile human males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
- Present address, Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Pusan, South Korea, 43241
| | - Pengxin Chai
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
| | - Shoaib Nawaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Present address, Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar, 26999
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea, 02841
| | | | - Shabir Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Present address, Clinical and Molecular Metabolism Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, 00250
| | - Kaya Bilguvar
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale University, West Haven, CT, 06516
| | - Shrikant Mane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea, 02841
- Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale University, West Haven, CT, 06516
| | - Richard P. Lifton
- Laboratory of Human Genetics and Genomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065
| | - Wasim Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, 45320, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
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Cavarocchi E, Sayou C, Lorès P, Cazin C, Stouvenel L, El Khouri E, Coutton C, Kherraf ZE, Patrat C, Govin J, Thierry-Mieg N, Whitfield M, Ray PF, Dulioust E, Touré A. Identification of IQCH as a calmodulin-associated protein required for sperm motility in humans. iScience 2023; 26:107354. [PMID: 37520705 PMCID: PMC10382937 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm fertilization ability mainly relies on proper sperm progression through the female genital tract and capacitation, which involves phosphorylation signaling pathways triggered by calcium and bicarbonate. We performed exome sequencing of an infertile asthenozoospermic patient and identified truncating variants in MAP7D3, encoding a microtubule-associated protein, and IQCH, encoding a protein of unknown function with enzymatic and signaling features. We demonstrate the deleterious impact of both variants on sperm transcripts and proteins from the patient. We show that, in vitro, patient spermatozoa could not induce the phosphorylation cascades associated with capacitation. We also provide evidence for IQCH association with calmodulin, a well-established calcium-binding protein that regulates the calmodulin kinase. Notably, we describe IQCH spatial distribution around the sperm axoneme, supporting its function within flagella. Overall, our work highlights the cumulative pathological impact of gene mutations and identifies IQCH as a key protein required for sperm motility and capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cavarocchi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Camille Sayou
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Patrick Lorès
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
- CHU de Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Laurence Stouvenel
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Elma El Khouri
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Catherine Patrat
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
- Laboratoire d’Histologie Embryologie - Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Govin
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Marjorie Whitfield
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre F. Ray
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
- CHU de Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Emmanuel Dulioust
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France
- Laboratoire d’Histologie Embryologie - Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Aminata Touré
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France
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Lyon MD, Ferreira JJ, Li P, Bhagwat S, Butler A, Anderson K, Polo M, Santi CM. SLO3: A Conserved Regulator of Sperm Membrane Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11205. [PMID: 37446382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells must undergo a complex maturation process after ejaculation to be able to fertilize an egg. One component of this maturation is hyperpolarization of the membrane potential to a more negative value. The ion channel responsible for this hyperpolarization, SLO3, was first cloned in 1998, and since then much progress has been made to determine how the channel is regulated and how its function intertwines with various signaling pathways involved in sperm maturation. Although Slo3 was originally thought to be present only in the sperm of mammals, recent evidence suggests that a primordial form of the gene is more widely expressed in some fish species. Slo3, like many reproductive genes, is rapidly evolving with low conservation between closely related species and different regulatory and pharmacological profiles. Despite these differences, SLO3 appears to have a conserved role in regulating sperm membrane potential and driving large changes in response to stimuli. The effect of this hyperpolarization of the membrane potential may vary among mammalian species just as the regulation of the channel does. Recent discoveries have elucidated the role of SLO3 in these processes in human sperm and provided tools to target the channel to affect human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian D Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Juan J Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shweta Bhagwat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alice Butler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kelsey Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maria Polo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Cong S, Zhang J, Pan F, Pan L, Zhang A, Ma J. Research progress on ion channels and their molecular regulatory mechanisms in the human sperm flagellum. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23052. [PMID: 37352114 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300756r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The ion channels in sperm tail play an important role in triggering key physiological reactions, e.g., progressive motility, hyperactivation, required for successful fertilization. Among them, CatSper and KSper have been shown to be important ion channels for the transport of Ca2+ and K+ . Moreover, the voltage-gated proton channel Hv1, the sperm-specific sodium-hydrogen exchanger (sNHE), the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), members of the temperature-sensitive TRP channel family, and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) are also found in the flagellum. This review focuses on the latest advances in ion channels located at the flagellum, describes how they affect sperm physiological function, and summarizes some primary mutual regulation mechanism between ion channels, including PH, membrane potential, and cAMP. These ion channels may be promising targets for clinical application in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Cong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Feng Pan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Lianjun Pan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Aixia Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jiehua Ma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Benko F, Fialková V, Žiarovská J, Ďuračka M, Lukáč N, Tvrdá E. In Vitro versus Cryo-Induced Capacitation of Bovine Spermatozoa, Part 2: Changes in the Expression Patterns of Selected Transmembrane Channels and Protein Kinase A. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314646. [PMID: 36498971 PMCID: PMC9739406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the molecular similarities and differences among physiological capacitation and cryocapacitation have not been studied in detail, this study was designed to assess the gene and protein expression levels of the Cation channel of sperm (CatSper) 1 and 2, sodium bicarbonate (Na+/HCO3−) cotransporter (NBC) and protein kinase A (PKA) in un-capacitated (control), in vitro capacitated (CAP) and cryopreserved (CRYO) bovine spermatozoa. All samples were subjected to motility evaluation using the computer assisted sperm analysis and chlortetracycline (CTC) assay for the assessment of the capacitation patterns. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blots were used to monitor the expression patterns of the selected capacitation markers. The results showed a significant reduction in the gene and protein expression levels of CatSper1 and 2 in the CRYO group when compared to the CAP group (p < 0.0001). In the case of NBC, the results were not significantly different or were inconclusive. While a non-significant down-regulation of PKA was found in the CRYO group, a significant reduction in the expression of the PKA protein was found in frozen-thawed spermatozoa in comparison to the CAP group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we may hypothesize that while in vitro capacitated and cryopreserved spermatozoa exhibit CTC-patterns consistent with capacitation events, the molecular machinery underlying CTC-positivity may be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Benko
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Fialková
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Jana Žiarovská
- Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Norbert Lukáč
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-37-641-4918
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Electrophysiology and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Approaches for Evaluating Gamete and Embryo Functionality in Animals and Humans. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111685. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review has examined two of the techniques most used by our research group for evaluating gamete and embryo functionality in animal species, ranging from marine invertebrates to humans. Electrophysiology has given access to fundamental information on some mechanisms underpinning the biology of reproduction. This technique demonstrates the involvement of ion channels in multiple physiological mechanisms, the achievement of homeostasis conditions, and the triggering of profound metabolic modifications, often functioning as amplification signals of cellular communication. Fluorescence spectrometry using fluorescent probes to mark specific cell structures allows detailed information to be obtained on the functional characteristics of the cell populations examined. The simple and rapid execution of this methodology allowed us to establish a panel helpful in elucidating functional features in living cells in a simultaneous and multi-parameter way in order to acquire overall drafting of gamete and embryo functionality.
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Kyrgiafini MA, Sarafidou T, Mamuris Z. The Role of Long Noncoding RNAs on Male Infertility: A Systematic Review and In Silico Analysis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101510. [PMID: 36290414 PMCID: PMC9598197 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is a complex disorder affecting many couples worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate important cellular processes; however, a comprehensive understanding of their role in male infertility is limited. This systematic review investigates the differential expressions of lncRNAs in male infertility or variations in lncRNA regions associated with it. The PRISMA guidelines were used to search Pubmed and Web of Science (1 June 2022). Inclusion criteria were human participants, patients diagnosed with male infertility, and English language speakers. We also performed an in silico analysis investigating lncRNAs that are reported in many subtypes of male infertility. A total of 625 articles were found, and after the screening and eligibility stages, 20 studies were included in the final sample. Many lncRNAs are deregulated in male infertility, and interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs play an important role. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the impact of variants found in lncRNA regions. Furthermore, eight lncRNAs were identified as differentially expressed in many subtypes of male infertility. After in silico analysis, gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analysis of the genes targeted by them revealed their association with bladder and prostate cancer. However, pathways involved in general in tumorigenesis and cancer development of all types, such as p53 pathways, apoptosis, and cell death, were also enriched, indicating a link between cancer and male infertility. This evidence, however, is preliminary. Future research is needed to explore the exact mechanism of action of the identified lncRNAs and investigate the association between male infertility and cancer.
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Reproductive Consequences of Electrolyte Disturbances in Domestic Animals. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11071006. [PMID: 36101387 PMCID: PMC9312130 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electrolyte balance is essential to maintain homeostasis in the body. The most crucial electrolytes are sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), chloride (Cl−), and calcium (Ca2+). These ions maintain the volume of body fluids, and blood pressure, participate in muscle contractions, and nerve conduction, and are important in enzymatic reactions. The balance is mainly ensured by the kidneys, which are an important organ that regulates the volume and composition of urine, together with which excess electrolytes are excreted. They are also important in the reproductive system, where they play a key role. In the male reproductive system, electrolytes are important in acrosomal reaction and sperm motility. Sodium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride are related to sperm capacitation. Moreover, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Na+ play a key role in spermatogenesis and the maintenance of morphologically normal spermatozoa. Infertility problems are becoming more common. It is known that disturbances in the electrolyte balance lead to reproductive dysfunction. In men, there is a decrease in sperm motility, loss of sperm capacitation, and male infertility. In the female reproductive system, sodium is associated with estrogen synthesis. In the contraction and relaxation of the uterus, there is sodium, potassium, and calcium. Calcium is associated with oocyte activation. In turn, in women, changes in the composition of the follicular fluid are observed, leading to a restriction of follicular growth. Imbalance of oocyte electrolytes, resulting in a lack of oocyte activation and, consequently, infertility.
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