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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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Song Y, Guo J, Zhou Y, Wei X, Li J, Zhang G, Wang H. A loss-of-function variant in ZCWPW1 causes human male infertility with sperm head defect and high DNA fragmentation. Reprod Health 2024; 21:18. [PMID: 38310235 PMCID: PMC10837985 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01746-9] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a global health issue. The more causative genes related to human male infertility should be further explored. The essential role of Zcwpw1 in male mouse fertility has been established and the role of ZCWPW1 in human reproduction needs further investigation to verify. METHODS An infertile man with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia phenotype and his parents were recruited from West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. A total of 200 healthy Han Chinese volunteers without any evidence of infertility were recruited as normal controls, while an additional 150 infertile individuals were included to assess the prevalence of ZCWPW1 variants in a sporadic male sterile population. The causative gene variant was identified by Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. The phenotype of the oligoasthenoteratozoospermia was determined by Papanicolaou staining, immunofluorescence staining and electron microscope. In-vitro experiments, western blot and in-silicon analysis were applied to assess the pathogenicity of the identified variant. Additionally, we examined the influence of the variant on the DNA fragmentation and DNA repair capability by Sperm Chromatin Dispersion and Neutral Comet Assay. RESULTS The proband exhibits a phenotype of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, his spermatozoa show head defects by semen examination, Papanicolaou staining and electron microscope assays. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing found the proband carries a homozygous ZCWPW1 variant (c.1064C > T, p. P355L). Immunofluorescence analysis shows a significant decrease in ZCWPW1 expression in the proband's sperm. By exogenous expression with ZCWPW1 mutant plasmid in vitro, the obvious declined expression of ZCWPW1 with the mutation is validated in HEK293T. After being treated by hydroxyurea, MUT-ZCWPW1 transfected cells and empty vector transfected cells have a higher level of γ-H2AX, increased tail DNA and reduced H3K9ac level than WT-ZCWPW1 transfected cells. Furthermore, the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion assay revealed the proband's spermatozoa have high DNA fragmentation. CONCLUSIONS It is the first report that a novel homozygous missense mutation in ZCWPW1 caused human male infertility with sperm head defects and high DNA fragmentation. This finding enriches the gene variant spectrum and etiology of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Juncen Guo
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- SCU-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanling Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- SCU-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingjian Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jianlan Li
- Child Healthcare Department, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China.
| | - Hongjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Lin Y, Wang Y, Lai T, Teng J, Lin C, Ke C, Yu I, Lee H, Chan C, Tung C, Conrad DF, O'Bryan MK, Lin Y. Deleterious genetic changes in AGTPBP1 result in teratozoospermia with sperm head and flagella defects. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18031. [PMID: 37937809 PMCID: PMC10826451 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18031] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 10%-15% of couples worldwide are infertile, and male factors account for approximately half of these cases. Teratozoospermia is a major cause of male infertility. Although various mutations have been identified in teratozoospermia, these can vary among ethnic groups. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing to identify genetic changes potentially causative of teratozoospermia. Out of seven genes identified, one, ATP/GTP Binding Protein 1 (AGTPBP1), was characterized, and three missense changes were identified in two patients (Affected A: p.Glu423Asp and p.Pro631Leu; Affected B: p.Arg811His). In those two cases, severe sperm head and tail defects were observed. Moreover, AGTPBP1 localization showed a fragmented pattern compared to control participants, with specific localization in the neck and annulus regions. Using murine models, we found that AGTPBP1 is localized in the manchette structure, which is essential for sperm structure formation. Additionally, in Agtpbp1-null mice, we observed sperm head and tail defects similar to those in sperm from AGTPBP1-mutated cases, along with abnormal polyglutamylation tubulin and decreasing △-2 tubulin levels. In this study, we established a link between genetic changes in AGTPBP1 and human teratozoospermia for the first time and identified the role of AGTPBP1 in deglutamination, which is crucial for sperm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu‐Hua Lin
- Division of Urology, Department of SurgeryCardinal Tien HospitalNew TaipeiTaiwan
- Department of ChemistryFu Jen Catholic UniversityNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Ya‐Yun Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic UniversityNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Tsung‐Hsuan Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCathay General HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic UniversityNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Jih‐Lung Teng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic UniversityNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Chi‐Wei Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic UniversityNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Chih‐Chun Ke
- Department of UrologyEn Chu Kong HospitalNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - I‐Shing Yu
- Laboratory Animal CenterCollege of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hui‐Ling Lee
- Department of ChemistryFu Jen Catholic UniversityNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Chying‐Chyuan Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyTaipei City Hospital, Zhongxing Branch and Branch for Women and ChildrenTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chi‐Hua Tung
- Program of Artificial Intelligence & Information SecurityFu Jen Catholic UniversityNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - Donald F. Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research CenterBeavertonOregonUSA
| | - Moira K. O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ying‐Hung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic UniversityNew Taipei CityTaiwan
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Cavini IA, Winter AJ, D’Muniz Pereira H, Woolfson DN, Crump MP, Garratt RC. X-ray structure of the metastable SEPT14-SEPT7 coiled coil reveals a hendecad region crucial for heterodimerization. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2023; 79:881-894. [PMID: 37712436 PMCID: PMC10565730 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798323006514] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Septins are membrane-associated, GTP-binding proteins that are present in most eukaryotes. They polymerize to play important roles as scaffolds and/or diffusion barriers as part of the cytoskeleton. α-Helical coiled-coil domains are believed to contribute to septin assembly, and those observed in both human SEPT6 and SEPT8 form antiparallel homodimers. These are not compatible with their parallel heterodimeric organization expected from the current model for protofilament assembly, but they could explain the interfilament cross-bridges observed by microscopy. Here, the first structure of a heterodimeric septin coiled coil is presented, that between SEPT14 and SEPT7; the former is a SEPT6/SEPT8 homolog. This new structure is parallel, with two long helices that are axially shifted by a full helical turn with reference to their sequence alignment. The structure also has unusual knobs-into-holes packing of side chains. Both standard seven-residue (heptad) and the less common 11-residue (hendecad) repeats are present, creating two distinct regions with opposite supercoiling, which gives rise to an overall straight coiled coil. Part of the hendecad region is required for heterodimerization and therefore may be crucial for selective septin recognition. These unconventional sequences and structural features produce a metastable heterocomplex that nonetheless has enough specificity to promote correct protofilament assembly. For instance, the lack of supercoiling may facilitate unzipping and transitioning to the antiparallel homodimeric state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo A. Cavini
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Ashley J. Winter
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Humberto D’Muniz Pereira
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Derek N. Woolfson
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
- BrisSynBio, University of Bristol, School of Chemistry, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew P. Crump
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock’s Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
- BrisSynBio, University of Bristol, School of Chemistry, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Richard C. Garratt
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone 1100, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
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Zhang C, Wang S, Wang Z, Zhang Q, Chen R, Zhang H, Hua Z, Ma S. Repair mechanism of Wuwei Fuzheng Yijing formula in di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate-induced sperm DNA fragmentation in mice. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1286-1302. [PMID: 35797467 PMCID: PMC9272935 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2089694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a known persistent organic pollutant, can increase the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism underlying the repair of DEHP-induced sperm DNA damage in mice by Wuwei Fuzheng Yijing (WFY) formula. MATERIALS AND METHODS The potential targets of WFY and sperm DNA fragment (SDF) were obtained from the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, OMIM and GeneCards. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, GO and KEGG pathway analyses of WFY-SDF were constructed. An animal model of DEHP-induced sperm DNA damage was replicated by gavage of SPF ICR (CD1) mice DEHP at 1 g/kg/d and treated with WFY at 8.92, 17.84 and 35.67 g/kg, respectively, for 60 d. Sperm DFI of each group was detected and compared. The target genes of WFY identified by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS Network pharmacology pathway analysis indicated that PI3K/Akt was the potential target of WFY on SDF. The DFI of the DEHP group (25.48%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (4.02%). The high-dose WFY group (19.05%) exhibited the most significant repairing effect. The related pathways were PI3K/Akt and metabolic. Aass, Aldh1a7, GSTA3, betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase (Bhmt), Mug2 and Svs1 were screened and Bhmt was validated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS WFY can repair sperm DNA damage caused by DEHP, and the mechanism may be related to PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways, and Bhmt. This provides a new direction for using traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and repair reproductive system injury caused by pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiqi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zulong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rubing Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- The Third Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhong Hua
- The Third Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sicheng Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Localization Patterns of RAB3C Are Associated with Murine and Human Sperm Formation. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58101408. [PMID: 36295569 PMCID: PMC9606999 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Septins (SEPTs) are highly conserved GTP-binding proteins and the fourth component of the cytoskeleton. Polymerization of SEPTs contributes to several critical cellular processes such as cytokinesis, cytoskeletal remodeling, and vesicle transportation. In our previous study, we found that SEPT14 mutations resulted in teratozoospermia with >87% sperm morphological defects. SEPT14 interactors were also identified through proteomic assays, and one of the peptides was mapped to RAB3B and RAB3C. Most studies on the RAB3 family have focused on RAB3A, which regulates the exocytosis of neurotransmitters and acrosome reactions. However, the general expression and patterns of the RAB3 family members during human spermatogenesis, and the association between RAB3 and teratozoospermia owing to a SEPT14 mutation, are largely unknown. Materials and Methods: Human sperm and murine male germ cells were collected in this study and immunofluorescence analysis was applied on the collected sperm. Results: In this study, we observed that the RAB3C transcripts were more abundant than those of RAB3A, 3B, and 3D in human testicular tissues. During human spermatogenesis, the RAB3C protein is mainly enriched in elongated spermatids, and RAB3B is undetectable. In mature human spermatozoa, RAB3C is concentrated in the postacrosomal region, neck, and midpiece. The RAB3C signals were delocalized within human spermatozoa harboring the SEPT14 mutation, and the decreased signals were accompanied by a defective head and tail, compared with the healthy controls. To determine whether RAB3C is involved in the morphological formation of the head and tail of the sperm, we separated murine testicular tissue and isolated elongated spermatids for further study. We found that RAB3C is particularly expressed in the manchette structure, which assists sperm head shaping at the spermatid head, and is also localized at the sperm tail. Conclusions: Based on these results, we suggest that the localization of RAB3C proteins in murine and human sperm is associated with SEPT14 mutation-induced morphological defects in sperm.
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A Comparative Cross-Platform Analysis to Identify Potential Biomarker Genes for Evaluation of Teratozoospermia and Azoospermia. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13101721. [PMID: 36292606 PMCID: PMC9602071 DOI: 10.3390/genes13101721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global public health concern. Teratozoospermia is a qualitative anomaly of spermatozoa morphology, contributing significantly to male infertility, whereas azoospermia is the complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Thus, there is a serious need for unveiling the common origin and/or connection between both of these diseases, if any. This study aims to identify common potential biomarker genes of these two diseases via an in silico approach using a meta-analysis of microarray data. In this study, a differential expression analysis of genes was performed on four publicly available RNA microarray datasets, two each from teratozoospermia (GSE6872 and GSE6967) and azoospermia (GSE145467 and GSE25518). From the analysis, 118 DEGs were found to be common to teratozoospermia and azoospermia, and, interestingly, sperm autoantigenic protein 17 (SPA17) was found to possess the highest fold change value among all the DEGs (9.471), while coiled-coil domain-containing 90B (CCDC90B) and coiled-coil domain-containing 91 (CCDC91) genes were found to be common among three of analyses, i.e., Network Analyst, ExAtlas, and GEO2R. This observation indicates that SPA17, CCDC90B, and CCDC91 genes might have significant roles to play as potential biomarkers for teratozoospermia and azoospermia. Thus, our study opens a new window of research in this area and can provide an important theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of both these diseases.
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Zhang C, Chen J, Wei X, Zhao L, Zhao P, Li X, Cui J, Ma S, Sun Z, Wang Z. Transcriptomics and proteomics analysis to explore the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo formula repairing sperm DNA damage in rats. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14582. [PMID: 36068021 DOI: 10.1111/and.14582] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) is an objective indicator of male fertility. Currently, effective treatments for high sperm DFI are limited and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in this aspect. Yishen Tongluo formula (YSTL), a TCM formula, has been found to reduce DFI in patients. To better understand the mechanisms underlying its activity, we used transcriptomics and proteomics to analyse the potential target gene YSTL repairing tripterygium glycosides (TGs)-mediated sperm DNA damage in rats, followed by validation analyses using RT-qPCR and western blotting, which showed that relative to the control group, DFI was markedly elevated in the TGs group, but markedly lower in the YSTL group relative to the TGs group. KEGG pathway analysis of 119 differentially expressed genes and 158 DEPs identified using trend analysis revealed that they were enriched for apoptosis and base excision repair at the transcriptomic level and for microRNAs in cancer and complement and coagulation cascades at the proteomic level. Ttr and Pnpla2 were identified as potential target genes for YSTL. Our data show that YSTL can protect rat sperm DNA from TGs-induced damage, which may be related to apoptosis, DNA repair and other pathways, and the possible target genes are Ttr and Pnpla2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.,The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianshe Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lina Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Peipei Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxin Cui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sicheng Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixue Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine), Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zulong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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Keppner A, Correia M, Santambrogio S, Koay TW, Maric D, Osterhof C, Winter DV, Clerc A, Stumpe M, Chalmel F, Dewilde S, Odermatt A, Kressler D, Hankeln T, Wenger RH, Hoogewijs D. Androglobin, a chimeric mammalian globin, is required for male fertility. eLife 2022; 11:72374. [PMID: 35700329 PMCID: PMC9249397 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly specialized differentiation process driven by a dynamic gene expression program and ending with the production of mature spermatozoa. Whereas hundreds of genes are known to be essential for male germline proliferation and differentiation, the contribution of several genes remains uncharacterized. The predominant expression of the latest globin family member, androglobin (Adgb), in mammalian testis tissue prompted us to assess its physiological function in spermatogenesis. Adgb knockout mice display male infertility, reduced testis weight, impaired maturation of elongating spermatids, abnormal sperm shape, and ultrastructural defects in microtubule and mitochondrial organization. Epididymal sperm from Adgb knockout animals display multiple flagellar malformations including coiled, bifid or shortened flagella, and erratic acrosomal development. Following immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, we could identify septin 10 (Sept10) as interactor of Adgb. The Sept10-Adgb interaction was confirmed both in vivo using testis lysates and in vitro by reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Furthermore, the absence of Adgb leads to mislocalization of Sept10 in sperm, indicating defective manchette and sperm annulus formation. Finally, in vitro data suggest that Adgb contributes to Sept10 proteolysis in a calmodulin-dependent manner. Collectively, our results provide evidence that Adgb is essential for murine spermatogenesis and further suggest that Adgb is required for sperm head shaping via the manchette and proper flagellum formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Keppner
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Correia
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Teng Wei Koay
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Darko Maric
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Carina Osterhof
- Institute for Organismic and Molecular Evolutionary Biology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Denise V Winter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Angèle Clerc
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michael Stumpe
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Sylvia Dewilde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alex Odermatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dieter Kressler
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hankeln
- Institute for Organismic and Molecular Evolutionary Biology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Roland H Wenger
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Hoogewijs
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Cardiovascular system, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Yogo K. Molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm head and tail in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12466. [PMID: 35619659 PMCID: PMC9126569 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spermatozoon has a complex molecular apparatus necessary for fertilization in its head and flagellum. Recently, numerous genes that are needed to construct the molecular apparatus of spermatozoa have been identified through the analysis of genetically modified mice. Methods Based on the literature information, the molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm heads and flagella in mice was summarized. Main findings (Results) The molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking and intraflagellar transport in acrosome and flagellum formation were listed. With the development of cryo‐electron tomography and mass spectrometry techniques, the details of the axonemal structure are becoming clearer. The fine structure and the proteins needed to form the central apparatus, outer and inner dynein arms, nexin‐dynein regulatory complex, and radial spokes were described. The important components of the formation of the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, outer dense fiber, and the annulus were also described. The similarities and differences between sperm flagella and Chlamydomonas flagella/somatic cell cilia were also discussed. Conclusion The molecular mechanism of formation of the sperm head and flagellum has been clarified using the mouse as a model. These studies will help to better understand the diversity of sperm morphology and the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Yogo
- Department of Applied Life Sciences Faculty of Agriculture Shizuoka University Shizuoka Japan
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11
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Zhang C, Wang Z, Chen R, Wang S, Zhang H, Ma S, Hua Z. Transcriptomic and proteomic characteristics of the di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced sperm dna damage mouse model. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221139444. [DOI: 10.1177/09603271221139444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most common organic pollutants and is added to various plastic products as a plasticizer. DEHP oxidative metabolite content in the human body is associated with DNA damage in sperm and decreased testosterone levels in blood. In this study, a DEHP-induced sperm DNA damage mouse model was replicated and improved, and the transcriptomic and proteomic characteristics of the model were observed. Male mice in the two groups were exposed to DEHP 1 g/kg/d or the same amount of normal saline for 60 days, and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was detected by a sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). The mRNA and protein expression profiles of the testis were detected by RNA-seq and data-independent acquisition (DIA). The sperm DFI of the DEHP group was significantly increased. Compared with the control group, 111 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 2147 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), such as Lamb2, Ahnak, Tkt, Dnah8 and Tbl2, were found in the DEHP group. These genes were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Our results showed that DEHP 1 g/kg/d can induce sperm DNA damage in a male mouse model after 60 days of intragastric administration. The reproductive toxicity of DEHP may be related to metabolic pathways in cancer and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenming Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zulong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Rubing Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shiqi Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, P. R. China
| | - Sicheng Ma
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhong Hua
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
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Vickram AS, Anbarasu K, Jeyanthi P, Gulothungan G, Nanmaran R, Thanigaivel S, Sridharan TB, Rohini K. Identification and Structure Prediction of Human Septin-4 as a Biomarker for Diagnosis of Asthenozoospermic Infertile Patients-Critical Finding Toward Personalized Medicine. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:723019. [PMID: 34926486 PMCID: PMC8677696 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.723019] [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: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Semen parameters are been found as a key factor to evaluate the count and morphology in the given semen sample. The deep knowledge of male infertility will unravel with semen parameters correlated with molecular and biochemical parameters. The current research study is to identify the motility associated protein and its structure through the in-silico approach. Semen samples were collected and initial analysis including semen parameters was analyzed by using the World Health Organization protocol. Semen biochemical parameters, namely, seminal plasma protein concentration, fructose content, and glucosidase content were calculated and evaluated for correlation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) were carried out for identification of Septin-4 presence in the semen sample. Mascot search was done for protein conformation and in-silico characterization of Septin-4 by structural modeling in Iterative Threading Assembly Refinement (I-TASSER). Twenty-five nanoseconds molecular dynamics (MD) simulations results showed the stable nature of Septin-4 in the dynamic system. Overall, our results showed the presence of motility-associated protein in normospermia and control samples and not in the case of asthenospermia and oligoasthenospermia. Molecular techniques characterized the presence of Septin-4 and as a novel biomarker for infertility diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Vickram
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - K Anbarasu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - Palanivelu Jeyanthi
- Department of Biotechnology, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
| | - G Gulothungan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - R Nanmaran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - S Thanigaivel
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering (SSE), SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - T B Sridharan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India
| | - Karunakaran Rohini
- Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Malaysia
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13
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Li Y, Wang Y, Wen Y, Zhang T, Wang X, Jiang C, Zheng R, Zhou F, Chen D, Yang Y, Shen Y. Whole-exome sequencing of a cohort of infertile men reveals novel causative genes in teratozoospermia that are chiefly related to sperm head defects. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:152-177. [PMID: 34791246 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can whole-exome sequencing (WES) and in vitro validation studies identify new causative genes associated with teratozoospermia, particularly for sperm head defect? SUMMARY ANSWER We investigated a core group of infertile patients, including 82 cases with unexplained abnormal sperm head and 67 individuals with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), and revealed rare and novel deleterious gene variants correlated with morphological abnormalities of the sperm head or tail defects. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Teratozoospermia is one of the most common factors causing male infertility. Owing to high phenotypic variability, currently known genetic causes of teratozoospermia can only explain a rather minor component for patients with anomalous sperm-head shapes, and the agents responsible for atypical sperm head shapes remain largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We executed WES analysis of a Chinese cohort of patients (N = 149) with teratozoospermia to identify novel genetic causes particularly for defective sperm head. We also sought to reveal the influence of different abnormalities of sperm morphology on ICSI outcome. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In this study, a cohort of 149 infertile men (82 with abnormal sperm head and 67 with MMAF) were recruited. We implemented WES on infertile patients and analyzed the negative effects of the mutations of candidate genes on their protein conformations and/or expression. We also investigated the candidate genes' spatiotemporal expression/localization during spermatogenesis in both humans and mice, and explored their interactions with proteins that are known to be involved in sperm development. We also compared the ICSI outcomes of the affected individuals with various aberrations in sperm morphology. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified rare and deleterious variants of piwi like RNA-mediated gene silencing 4 (PIWIL4: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1B (CC2D1B: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), cyclin B3 (CCNB3: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), KIAA1210 (KIAA1210: 2/82 patients, 2.43%) and choline phosphotransferase 1 (CHPT1: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), which are novel correlates of morphological abnormalities of the sperm head; functional evidence supports roles for all of these genes in sperm head formation. The mutations of septin 12 (SEPTIN12: 2/82 patients, 2.43%) are suggested to be associated with acrosome defects. We additionally observed novel causative mutations of dynein axonemal heavy chain 2 (DNAH2: 1/67 patients, 1.49%), dynein axonemal heavy chain 10 (DNAH10: 1/67 patients, 1.49%) and dynein axonemal heavy chain 12 (DNAH12: 1/67 patients, 1.49%) in patients with MMAF, and revealed a significantly lower fertilization rate of the abnormal sperm-head group compared to the MMAF group following ICSI. Consequently, our study also suggests that the mutations of PIWIL4 and CC2D1B might be circumvented by ICSI to a degree, and that CHPT1 and KIAA1210 loss-of-function variants might be associated with failed ICSI treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this study, we discovered the relationship between the genotype and phenotype of the novel causative genes of sperm head deformities in humans. However, the molecular mechanism of the relevant genes involved in sperm head development needs to be further illuminated in future research. Furthermore, evidence should be provided using knockout/knock-in mouse models for additional confirmation of the roles of these novel genes in spermatogenesis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This cohort study of 149 Chinese infertile men documents novel genetic factors involved in teratozoospermia, particularly in anomalous sperm head formation. For the first time, we suggest that SEPTIN12 is related to human acrosomal hypoplasia, and that CCNB3 is a novel causative gene for globozoospermia in humans. We also uncovered variants in two genes-KIAA1210 and CHPT1associated with acrosomal biogenesis in patients with small or absent acrosomes. Additionally, it is postulated that loss-of-function mutations of PIWIL4 and CC2D1B have a contribution to the abnormal sperm-head formation. Furthermore, we are first to demonstrate the influence of different sperm morphologies on ICSI outcomes and indicates that the abnormal sperm head may play a significant role in fertilization failure. Our findings therefore provide valuable information for the diagnosis of teratozoospermia, particularly with respect to abnormalities of the sperm head. This will allow clinicians to adopt the optimal treatment strategy and to develop personalized medicine directly targeting these effects. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was financed by the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (KS369 and KL042). The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Li
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Wen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Daijuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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14
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Xu Y, Yu T, Ma G, Zheng L, Jiang X, Yang F, Wang Z, Li N, He Z, Song X, Wen D, Kong J, Yu Y, Cao L. Berberine modulates deacetylation of PPARγ to promote adipose tissue remodeling and thermogenesis via AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3173-3187. [PMID: 34421358 PMCID: PMC8375237 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.62556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological stimulation of adipose tissue remodeling and thermogenesis to increase energy expenditure is expected to be a viable therapeutic strategy for obesity. Berberine has been reported to have pharmacological activity in adipose tissue to anti-obesity, while the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we observed that berberine significantly reduced the body weight and insulin resistance of high-fat diet mice by promoting the distribution of brown adipose tissue and thermogenesis. We have further demonstrated that berberine activated energy metabolic sensing pathway AMPK/SIRT1 axis to increase the level of PPARγ deacetylation, which leads to promoting adipose tissue remodeling and increasing the expression of the thermogenic protein UCP-1. These findings suggest that berberine that enhances the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway can act as a selective PPARγ activator to promote adipose tissue remodeling and thermogenesis. This study proposes a new mechanism for the regulation of berberine in adipose tissue and offers a great prospect for berberine in obesity treatment
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxi Xu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.,College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122
| | - Tianhao Yu
- The VIP Department, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, 110002, China
| | - Guojing Ma
- College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122
| | - Lixia Zheng
- College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122
| | - Xuehan Jiang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122
| | - Fan Yang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122
| | - Zhuo Wang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122
| | - Na Li
- College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122
| | - Zheng He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122
| | - Deliang Wen
- Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Juan Kong
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Liu Cao
- College of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Liaoning Province, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China, 110122
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15
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Lin YH, Huang CY, Ke CC, Wang YY, Lai TH, Liu HC, Ku WC, Chan CC, Lin YH. ACTN4 Mediates SEPT14 Mutation-Induced Sperm Head Defects. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110518. [PMID: 33228246 PMCID: PMC7699536 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Septins (SEPTs) are highly conserved GTP-binding proteins and the fourth component of the cytoskeleton. Polymerized SEPTs participate in the modulation of various cellular processes, such as cytokinesis, cell polarity, and membrane dynamics, through their interactions with microtubules, actin, and other cellular components. The main objective of this study was to dissect the molecular pathological mechanism of SEPT14 mutation-induced sperm head defects. To identify SEPT14 interactors, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and nano-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry were applied. Immunostaining showed that SEPT14 was significantly localized to the manchette structure. The SEPT14 interactors were identified and classified as (1) SEPT-, (2) microtubule-, (3) actin-, and (4) sperm structure-related proteins. One interactor, ACTN4, an actin-holding protein, was selected for further study. Co-IP experiments showed that SEPT14 interacts with ACTN4 in a male germ cell line. SEPT14 also co-localized with ACTN4 in the perinuclear and manchette regions of the sperm head in early elongating spermatids. In the cell model, mutated SEPT14 disturbed the localization pattern of ACTN4. In a clinical aspect, sperm with mutant SEPT14, SEPT14A123T (p.Ala123Thr), and SEPT14I333T (p.Ile333Thr), have mislocalized and fragmented ACTN4 signals. Sperm head defects in donors with SEPT14 mutations are caused by disruption of the functions of ACTN4 and actin during sperm head formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hua Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan;
- Gynecologic Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (T.-H.L.); (W.-C.K.)
| | - Chih-Chun Ke
- PhD Program in Nutrition & Food Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
- Department of Urology, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City 237, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Yun Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.W.); (H.-C.L.)
| | - Tsung-Hsuan Lai
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (T.-H.L.); (W.-C.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Che Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.W.); (H.-C.L.)
| | - Wei-Chi Ku
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (T.-H.L.); (W.-C.K.)
| | - Chying-Chyuan Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei 106, Taiwan;
| | - Ying-Hung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.W.); (H.-C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Jiao SY, Yang YH, Chen SR. Molecular genetics of infertility: loss-of-function mutations in humans and corresponding knockout/mutated mice. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:154-189. [PMID: 33118031 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major issue in human reproductive health, affecting an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility can result from disorders of sex development (DSD) or from reproductive endocrine disorders (REDs) with onset in infancy, early childhood or adolescence. Male infertility, accounting for roughly half of all infertility cases, generally manifests as decreased sperm count (azoospermia or oligozoospermia), attenuated sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) or a higher proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia). Female infertility can be divided into several classical types, including, but not limited to, oocyte maturation arrest, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest. An estimated one half of infertility cases have a genetic component; however, most genetic causes of human infertility are currently uncharacterized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the identification of infertility-associated gene mutations in patients over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to conduct a narrative review of the genetic causes of human infertility. Loss-of-function mutation discoveries related to human infertility are summarized and further illustrated in tables. Corresponding knockout/mutated animal models of causative genes for infertility are also introduced. SEARCH METHODS A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term 'mutation' was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: infertility, DSD, REDs, azoospermia or oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), globozoospermia, teratozoospermia, acrosome, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, zona pellucida, fertilization defects and early embryonic arrest. OUTCOMES Our search generated ∼2000 records. Overall, 350 articles were included in the final review. For genetic investigation of human infertility, the traditional candidate gene approach is proceeding slowly, whereas high-throughput sequencing technologies in larger cohorts of individuals is identifying an increasing number of causative genes linked to human infertility. This review provides a wide panel of gene mutations in several typical forms of human infertility, including DSD, REDs, male infertility (oligozoospermia, MMAF, PCD, ASS and globozoospermia) and female infertility (oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest). The causative genes, their identified mutations, mutation rate, studied population and their corresponding knockout/mutated mice of non-obstructive azoospermia, MMAF, ASS, globozoospermia, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest are further illustrated by tables. In this review, we suggest that (i) our current knowledge of infertility is largely obtained from knockout mouse models; (ii) larger cohorts of clinical cases with distinct clinical characteristics need to be recruited in future studies; (iii) the whole picture of genetic causes of human infertility relies on both the identification of more mutations for distinct types of infertility and the integration of known mutation information; (iv) knockout/mutated animal models are needed to show whether the phenotypes of genetically altered animals are consistent with findings in human infertile patients carrying a deleterious mutation of the homologous gene; and (v) the molecular mechanisms underlying human infertility caused by pathogenic mutations are largely unclear in most current studies. WILDER IMPLICATIONS It is important to use our current understanding to identify avenues and priorities for future research in the field of genetic causes of infertility as well as to apply mutation knowledge to risk prediction, genetic diagnosis and potential treatment for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ya Jiao
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
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