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Zhou Y, Wang Y, Chen J, Wu B, Tang S, Zhang F, Liu C, Wang L. Dnali1 is required for sperm motility and male fertility in mice. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:32. [PMID: 37993789 PMCID: PMC10666298 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00205-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sperm flagellum is an evolutionarily conserved specialized organelle responsible for sperm motility and male fertility. Deleterious mutations in genes involved in the sperm flagellum assembly can often cause sperm motility defects and male infertility. The murine Dnali1 gene encodes a protein that is known to interact with the cytoplasmic dynein heavy chain 1. RESULTS A Dnali1-mutated mouse model was generated by inducing a nonsense mutation in the Dnali1 gene. The Dnali1-mutated male mice presented impaired sperm motility and were completely infertile. Although no obviously abnormal sperm morphology was observed in Dnali1-mutated male mice, the ultrastructural structure of sperm flagellum was disrupted, displaying as an asymmetrical distribution of the longitudinal columns (LCs). Notably, infertile Dnali1-mutated male mice were able to obtain offspring via ICSI. CONCLUSIONS Our results uncover a role of DNALI1 in sperm motility and male fertility in mice, and demonstrate that ICSI overcomes Dnali1-associated male infertility, thus providing guidance for the diagnosis and genetic counseling of DNALI1-associated human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yaling Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Liu Z, Yan W, Liu S, Liu Z, Xu P, Fang W. Regulatory network and targeted interventions for CCDC family in tumor pathogenesis. Cancer Lett 2023; 565:216225. [PMID: 37182638 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
CCDC (coiled-coil domain-containing) is a coiled helix domain that exists in natural proteins. There are about 180 CCDC family genes, encoding proteins that are involved in intercellular transmembrane signal transduction and genetic signal transcription, among other functions. Alterations in expression, mutation, and DNA promoter methylation of CCDC family genes have been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases, including primary ciliary dyskinesia, infertility, and tumors. In recent studies, CCDC family genes have been found to be involved in regulation of growth, invasion, metastasis, chemosensitivity, and other biological behaviors of malignant tumor cells in various cancer types, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and thyroid cancer. In this review, we summarize the involvement of CCDC family genes in tumor pathogenesis and the relevant upstream and downstream molecular mechanisms. In addition, we summarize the potential of CCDC family genes as tumor therapy targets. The findings discussed here help us to further understand the role and the therapeutic applications of CCDC family genes in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510315, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Weiwei Yan
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510315, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang, Jiangxi, 337000, China
| | - Zhan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, The First Affiliated Hospital (People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410002, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510315, Guangzhou, China; Respiratory Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518034, China.
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510315, Guangzhou, China.
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Pereira R, Barbosa T, Cardoso AL, Sá R, Sousa M. Cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia: Similarities and differences. Respir Med 2023; 209:107169. [PMID: 36828173 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) and Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) are both rare chronic diseases, inherited disorders associated with multiple complications, namely respiratory complications, due to impaired mucociliary clearance that affect severely patients' lives. Although both are classified as rare diseases, PCD has a much lower prevalence than CF, particularly among Caucasians. As a result, CF is well studied, better recognized by clinicians, and with some therapeutic approaches already available. Whereas PCD is still largely unknown, and thus the approach is based on consensus guidelines, expert opinion, and extrapolation from the larger evidence base available for patients with CF. Both diseases have some clinical similarities but are very different, necessitating different treatment by specialists who are familiar with the complexities of each disease.This review aims to provide an overview of the knowledge about the two diseases with a focus on the similarities and differences between both in terms of disease mechanisms, common clinical manifestations, genetics and the most relevant therapeutic options. We hoped to raise clinical awareness about PCD, what it is, how it differs from CF, and how much information is still lacking. Furthermore, this review emphasises the fact that both diseases require ongoing research to find better treatments and, in particular for PCD, to fill the medical and scientific gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Telma Barbosa
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pediatrics, Maternal Child Centre of the North (CMIN), University Hospital Centre of Porto (CHUP), Largo da Maternidade, 4050-371, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana Lúcia Cardoso
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pediatrics, Maternal Child Centre of the North (CMIN), University Hospital Centre of Porto (CHUP), Largo da Maternidade, 4050-371, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rosália Sá
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS-UP/ ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, UP, Porto, Portugal.
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Pereira R, Carvalho V, Dias C, Barbosa T, Oliveira J, Alves Â, Oliveira E, Sá R, Sousa M. Characterization of a DRC1 null variant associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia and female infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023. [PMID: 36856967 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02755-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PROPOSE We here present a female case with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and infertility. In this report, we also present the evaluation of the patient family, including her twin sister, also with PCD and infertility. METHODS Confirmation of the PCD clinical diagnosis was performed through assessment of cilia motility, by high-speed video microscopy (HSVM), axoneme ultrastructure, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and genetic characterization, by whole-exome sequence (WES). Gene expression studies used qPCR for mRNA expression and immunofluorescence to determine cell protein localization. RESULTS We identified a homozygous nonsense variant in the DRC1 gene (NM 145038.5:c.352C>T (p.Gln118Ter)) in the female patient with PCD and infertility that fit the model of autosomal recessive genetic transmission. This variant eventually results in a dyskinetic ciliary beat with a lower frequency and a partial lack of both dynein arms as revealed by TEM analysis. Moreover, this variant implies a decrease in the expression of DRC1 mRNA and protein. Additionally, expression analysis suggested that DRC1 may interact with other DRC elements. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the DRC1 null variant leads to PCD associated with infertility, likely caused by defects in axoneme from Fallopian tube cilia. Overall, our outcomes contribute to a better understanding of the genetic factors involved in the pathophysiology of PCD and infertility, and they highlight the interaction of different genes in the patient phenotype, which should be investigated further because it may explain the high heterogeneity observed in PCD patients.
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Tinoco EM, Gigante AR, Ferreira E, Sanches I, Pereira R, Sá R, Monteiro R, Sousa M, Pascoal I. Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia in a Portuguese Bronchiectasis Outpatient Clinic. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030541. [PMID: 36980814 PMCID: PMC10048503 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare hereditary condition characterized by decreased mucociliary clearance of the airways and a compromised reproductive system, resulting in male and female infertility. Several mutations with varied clinical and pathological features have been documented, making diagnosis a challenging process. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical and pathological features of Portuguese patients with PCD and to examine their genetic variants. A retrospective observational analysis was conducted with patients who were being monitored at a bronchiectasis outpatient clinic in 2022 and had a confirmed or high-likelihood diagnosis of PCD. In total, 17 patients were included in the study, with 12 (66.7%) having PCD confirmed and 5 (29.4%) having a high-likelihood diagnosis. Furthermore, 12 patients were subjected to transmission electron microscopy (TEM), with 7 (58.3%) exhibiting one hallmark defect. Genetic test data was obtained for all 17 patients, with 7 of them (41.2%) displaying a pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutation in homozygosity. To summarize, PCD is an uncommon but significant hereditary illness with consequences regarding morbidity and mortality. Despite the lack of a specific treatment, it is critical to confirm the diagnosis with genetic testing in order to effectively manage the disease and its accompanying disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Milheiro Tinoco
- Department of Pulmonology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana Rita Gigante
- Department of Pulmonology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Edite Ferreira
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Inês Sanches
- Department of Pulmonology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rute Pereira
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosália Sá
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Regina Monteiro
- Department of Pulmonology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ivone Pascoal
- Department of Pulmonology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Pereira R, Sousa M. Morphological and Molecular Bases of Male Infertility: A Closer Look at Sperm Flagellum. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020383. [PMID: 36833310 PMCID: PMC9956255 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major health problem worldwide without an effective therapy or cure. It is estimated to affect 8-12% of couples in the reproductive age group, equally affecting both genders. There is no single cause of infertility, and its knowledge is still far from complete, with about 30% of infertile couples having no cause identified (named idiopathic infertility). Among male causes of infertility, asthenozoospermia (i.e., reduced sperm motility) is one of the most observed, being estimated that more than 20% of infertile men have this condition. In recent years, many researchers have focused on possible factors leading to asthenozoospermia, revealing the existence of many cellular and molecular players. So far, more than 4000 genes are thought to be involved in sperm production and as regulators of different aspects of sperm development, maturation, and function, and all can potentially cause male infertility if mutated. In this review, we aim to give a brief overview of the typical sperm flagellum morphology and compile some of the most relevant information regarding the genetic factors involved in male infertility, with a focus on sperm immotility and on genes related to sperm flagellum development, structure, or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-1918-127-817
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Luongo FP, Luddi A, Ponchia R, Ferrante R, Di Rado S, Paccagnini E, Gentile M, Lupetti P, Guazzo R, Orrico A, Stuppia L, Piomboni P. Case report: The CCDC103 variant causes ultrastructural sperm axonemal defects and total sperm immotility in a professional athlete without primary ciliary diskinesia. Front Genet 2023; 14:1062326. [PMID: 36777727 PMCID: PMC9908957 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1062326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an inherited autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by abnormal ciliary motion, due to a defect in ciliary structure and/or function. This genetic condition leads to recurrent upper and lower respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, laterality defect, and subfertility. Male infertility is often associated with PCD, since the ultrastructure of the axoneme in the sperm tail is similar to that of the motile cilia of respiratory cells. We present the first reported case of a male patient from a non-consanguineous Italian family who exhibited a severe form of asthenozoospermia factor infertility but no situs inversus and absolutely no signs of the clinical respiratory phenotype, the proband being a professional basketball player. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has identified a homozygote mutation (CCDC103 c.461 A>C, p.His154Pro) in the proband, while his brother was a heterozygous carrier for this mutation. Morphological and ultrastructural analyses of the axoneme in the sperm flagellum demonstrated the complete loss of both the inner and outer dynein arms (IDA and ODA, respectively). Moreover, immunofluorescence of DNAH1, which is used to check the assembly of IDA, and DNAH5, which labels ODA, demonstrated that these complexes are absent along the full length of the flagella in the spermatozoa from the proband, which was consistent with the IDA and ODA defects observed. Noteworthy, TEM analysis of the axoneme from respiratory cilia showed that dynein arms, although either IDAs and/or ODAs seldom missing on some doublets, are still partly present in each observed section. This case reports the total sperm immotility associated with the CCDC103 p.His154Pro mutation in a man with a normal respiratory phenotype and enriches the variant spectrum of ccdc103 variants and the associated clinical phenotypes in PCD, thus improving counseling of patients about their fertility and possible targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,*Correspondence: Alice Luddi,
| | - Rosetta Ponchia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Ferrante
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Di Rado
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Pietro Lupetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Alfredo Orrico
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health and Territory, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,Assisted Reproductive Unit, Siena University Hospital, Siena, Italy
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Silva C, Viana P, Barros A, Sá R, Sousa M, Pereira R. Further Insights on RNA Expression and Sperm Motility. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071291. [PMID: 35886074 PMCID: PMC9319021 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia is one of the main causes of male infertility and it is characterized by reduced sperm motility. Several mutations in genes that code for structural or functional constituents of the sperm have already been identified as known causes of asthenozoospermia. In contrast, the role of sperm RNA in regulating sperm motility is still not fully understood. Consequently, here we aim to contribute to the knowledge regarding the expression of sperm RNA, and ultimately, to provide further insights into its relationship with sperm motility. We investigated the expression of a group of mRNAs by using real-time PCR (CATSPER3, CFAP44, CRHR1, HIP1, IQCG KRT34, LRRC6, QRICH2, RSPH6A, SPATA33 and TEKT2) and the highest score corresponding to the target miRNA for each mRNA in asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic individuals. We observed a reduced expression of all mRNAs and miRNAs in asthenozoospermic patients compared to controls, with a more accentuated reduction in patients with progressive sperm motility lower than 15%. Our work provides further insights regarding the role of RNA in regulating sperm motility. Further studies are required to determine how these genes and their corresponding miRNA act regarding sperm motility, particularly KRT34 and CRHR1, which have not previously been seen to play a significant role in regulating sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Silva
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Viana
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics A. Barros, 4100-012 Porto, Portugal; (P.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics A. Barros, 4100-012 Porto, Portugal; (P.V.); (A.B.)
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Health Research and Innovation (IPATIMUP/i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosália Sá
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Bhat GR, Sethi I, Rah B, Kumar R, Afroze D. Innovative in Silico Approaches for Characterization of Genes and Proteins. Front Genet 2022; 13:865182. [PMID: 35664302 PMCID: PMC9159363 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.865182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinformatics is an amalgamation of biology, mathematics and computer science. It is a science which gathers the information from biology in terms of molecules and applies the informatic techniques to the gathered information for understanding and organizing the data in a useful manner. With the help of bioinformatics, the experimental data generated is stored in several databases available online like nucleotide database, protein databases, GENBANK and others. The data stored in these databases is used as reference for experimental evaluation and validation. Till now several online tools have been developed to analyze the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomics, epigenomics and metabolomics data. Some of them include Human Splicing Finder (HSF), Exonic Splicing Enhancer Mutation taster, and others. A number of SNPs are observed in the non-coding, intronic regions and play a role in the regulation of genes, which may or may not directly impose an effect on the protein expression. Many mutations are thought to influence the splicing mechanism by affecting the existing splice sites or creating a new sites. To predict the effect of mutation (SNP) on splicing mechanism/signal, HSF was developed. Thus, the tool is helpful in predicting the effect of mutations on splicing signals and can provide data even for better understanding of the intronic mutations that can be further validated experimentally. Additionally, rapid advancement in proteomics have steered researchers to organize the study of protein structure, function, relationships, and dynamics in space and time. Thus the effective integration of all of these technological interventions will eventually lead to steering up of next-generation systems biology, which will provide valuable biological insights in the field of research, diagnostic, therapeutic and development of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gh. Rasool Bhat
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, India
| | - Itty Sethi
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
| | - Bilal Rah
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, India
| | - Dil Afroze
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, India
- *Correspondence: Dil Afroze,
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Ureña I, González C, Ramón M, Gòdia M, Clop A, Calvo JH, Carabaño MJ, Serrano M. Exploring the ovine sperm transcriptome by RNAseq techniques. I Effect of seasonal conditions on transcripts abundance. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264978. [PMID: 35286314 PMCID: PMC8920283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the cell molecular changes occurring as a results of climatic circumstances is crucial in the current days in which climate change and global warming are one of the most serious challenges that living organisms have to face. Sperm are one of the mammals’ cells most sensitive to heat, therefore evaluating the impact of seasonal changes in terms of its transcriptional activity can contribute to elucidate how these cells cope with heat stress events. We sequenced the total sperm RNA from 64 ejaculates, 28 collected in summer and 36 collected in autumn, from 40 Manchega rams. A highly rich transcriptome (11,896 different transcripts) with 90 protein coding genes that exceed an average number of 5000 counts were found. Comparing transcriptome in the summer and autumn ejaculates, 236 significant differential abundance genes were assessed, most of them (228) downregulated. The main functions that these genes are related to sexual reproduction and negative regulation of protein metabolic processes and kinase activity. Sperm response to heat stress supposes a drastic decrease of the transcriptional activity, and the upregulation of only a few genes related with the basic functions to maintain the organisms’ homeostasis and surviving. Rams’ spermatozoids carry remnant mRNAs which are retrospectively indicators of events occurring along the spermatogenesis process, including abiotic factors such as environmental temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ureña
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen González
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Gòdia
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jorge H. Calvo
- Unidad de Tecnología en Producción Animal, CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Magdalena Serrano
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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11
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Brennan SK, Ferkol TW, Davis SD. Emerging Genotype-Phenotype Relationships in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158272. [PMID: 34361034 PMCID: PMC8348038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare inherited condition affecting motile cilia and leading to organ laterality defects, recurrent sino-pulmonary infections, bronchiectasis, and severe lung disease. Research over the past twenty years has revealed variability in clinical presentations, ranging from mild to more severe phenotypes. Genotype and phenotype relationships have emerged. The increasing availability of genetic panels for PCD continue to redefine these genotype-phenotype relationships and reveal milder forms of disease that had previously gone unrecognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven K Brennan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, Campus Box 8116, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas W Ferkol
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, Campus Box 8116, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Stephanie D Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA;
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12
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Ignatieva EV, Osadchuk AV, Kleshchev MA, Bogomolov AG, Osadchuk LV. A Catalog of Human Genes Associated With Pathozoospermia and Functional Characteristics of These Genes. Front Genet 2021; 12:662770. [PMID: 34290736 PMCID: PMC8287579 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.662770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic causes of the global decline in male fertility are among the hot spots of scientific research in reproductive genetics. The most common way to evaluate male fertility in clinical trials is to determine semen quality. Lower semen quality is very often accompanied by subfertility or infertility, occurs in many diseases and can be caused by many factors, including genetic ones. The following forms of lowered semen quality (pathozoospermia) are known: azoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and some combined forms. To systematize information about the genetic basis of impaired spermatogenesis, we created a catalog of human genes associated with lowered semen quality (HGAPat) and analyzed their functional characteristics. The catalog comprises data on 126 human genes. Each entry of the catalog describes an association between an allelic variant of the gene and a particular form of lowered semen quality, extracted from the experimental study. Most genes included into the catalog are located on autosomes and are associated with such pathologies as non-obstructive azoospermia, oligozoospermia or asthenozoospermia. Slightly less than half of the included genes (43%) are expressed in the testes in a tissue-specific manner. Functional annotation of genes from the catalog showed that spermatogenic failure can be associated with mutations in genes that control biological processes essential for spermiogenesis (regulating DNA metabolism, cell division, formation of cellular structures, which provide cell movement) as well as with mutations in genes that control cellular responses to unfavorable conditions (stress factors, including oxidative stress and exposure to toxins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Ignatieva
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Natural Science, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alexander V Osadchuk
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maxim A Kleshchev
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anton G Bogomolov
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ludmila V Osadchuk
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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13
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Deng S, Wu S, Xia H, Xiong W, Deng X, Liao J, Deng H, Yuan L. Identification of a frame shift mutation in the CCDC151 gene in a Han-Chinese family with Kartagener syndrome. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20192510. [PMID: 32490514 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20192510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Kartagener syndrome (KS), a subtype of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), is characterized by bronchiectasis, chronic sinusitis, male infertility and situs inversus. KS is a genetically heterogeneous disease that is inherited in an autosomal recessive form; however, X-linked inheritance has also been reported. As of this writing [late 2020], at least 34 loci, most of which have known genes, have been reported in the literature as associating with KS. In the present study, we identified a frame shift mutation, c.167delG (p.G56Dfs*26), in the coiled-coil domain containing 151 gene (CCDC151) responsible for KS in a Han-Chinese family. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a CCDC151 c.167delG mutation in the KS patient. These findings may expand the CCDC151 mutation spectrum of KS, and contribute to future genetic counseling and gene-targeted therapy for this disease.
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Cannarella R, Precone V, Guerri G, Busetto GM, Di Renzo GC, Gerli S, Manara E, Dautaj A, Bertelli M, Calogero AE. Clinical Evaluation of a Custom Gene Panel as a Tool for Precision Male Infertility Diagnosis by Next-Generation Sequencing. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E242. [PMID: 33076341 DOI: 10.3390/life10100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 15% of couples are infertile and male factor infertility accounts for approximately 50% of these cases. Male infertility is a multifactorial pathological condition. The genetic of male infertility is very complex and at least 2000 genes are involved in its etiology. Genetic testing by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies can be relevant for its diagnostic value in male infertile patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to implement the diagnostic offer with the use of an NGS panel for the identification of genetic variants. METHODS We developed an NGS gene panel that we used in 22 male infertile patients. The panel consisted of 110 genes exploring the genetic causes of male infertility; namely spermatogenesis failure due to single-gene mutations, central hypogonadism, androgen insensitivity syndrome, congenital hypopituitarism, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. RESULTS NGS and a subsequent sequencing of the positive pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, 5 patients (23%) were found to have a molecular defect. In particular, pathogenic variants were identified in TEX11, CCDC39, CHD7, and NR5A1 genes. Moreover, 14 variants of unknown significance and 7 novel variants were found that require further functional studies and family segregation. CONCLUSION This extended NGS-based diagnostic approach may represent a useful tool for the diagnosis of male infertility. The development of a custom-made gene panel by NGS seems capable of reducing the proportion of male idiopathic infertility.
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Suzaki I, Hirano K, Arai S, Maruyama Y, Mizuyoshi T, Tokudome T, Fujii N, Kobayashi H. Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia with Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Am J Case Rep 2020; 21:e923270. [PMID: 32862191 PMCID: PMC7483516 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.923270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Male, 49-year-old Final Diagnosis: Situs inversus Symptoms: Cough • nasal congestion • nasal obstruction Medication:— Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Otolaryngology
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Affiliation(s)
- Isao Suzaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kojiro Hirano
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sawa Arai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Maruyama
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Mizuyoshi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Tokudome
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naokazu Fujii
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitome Kobayashi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
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Rodríguez CF, Llorca O. RPAP3 C-Terminal Domain: A Conserved Domain for the Assembly of R2TP Co-Chaperone Complexes. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051139. [PMID: 32384603 PMCID: PMC7290369 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rvb1-Rvb2-Tah1-Pih1 (R2TP) complex is a co-chaperone complex that works together with HSP90 in the activation and assembly of several macromolecular complexes, including RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and complexes of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-like family of kinases (PIKKs), such as mTORC1 and ATR/ATRIP. R2TP is made of four subunits: RuvB-like protein 1 (RUVBL1) and RuvB-like 2 (RUVBL2) AAA-type ATPases, RNA polymerase II-associated protein 3 (RPAP3), and the Protein interacting with Hsp90 1 (PIH1) domain-containing protein 1 (PIH1D1). R2TP associates with other proteins as part of a complex co-chaperone machinery involved in the assembly and maturation of a growing list of macromolecular complexes. Recent progress in the structural characterization of R2TP has revealed an alpha-helical domain at the C-terminus of RPAP3 that is essential to bring the RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 ATPases to R2TP. The RPAP3 C-terminal domain interacts directly with RUVBL2 and it is also known as RUVBL2-binding domain (RBD). Several human proteins contain a region homologous to the RPAP3 C-terminal domain, and some are capable of assembling R2TP-like complexes, which could have specialized functions. Only the RUVBL1-RUVBL2 ATPase complex and a protein containing an RPAP3 C-terminal-like domain are found in all R2TP and R2TP-like complexes. Therefore, the RPAP3 C-terminal domain is one of few components essential for the formation of all R2TP and R2TP-like co-chaperone complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oscar Llorca
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-732-8000 (ext. 3000/3033)
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17
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Wang Y, Tu C, Nie H, Meng L, Li D, Wang W, Zhang H, Lu G, Lin G, Tan YQ, Du J. Novel DNAAF6 variants identified by whole-exome sequencing cause male infertility and primary ciliary dyskinesia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:811-820. [PMID: 32170493 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01735-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the genetic cause of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and male infertility from two unrelated Han Chinese families. METHODS We conducted whole-exome sequencing of three individuals with PCD and male infertility from two unrelated Chinese families, and performed a targeted look-up for DNAAF6 variants in our previously reported cohort of 442 individuals (219 with isolated oligoasthenospermia and 223 fertile controls). Ultrastructural and immunostaining analyses of patients' spermatozoa were performed. The pathogenicity of the variants was validated using patient's spermatozoa and HEK293T cells. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment was conducted in two patients. RESULTS We identified one novel hemizygous frameshift variant (NM_173494, c.319_329del: p.R107fs) of DNAAF6 gene (previously named PIH1D3) in family 1 and one novel hemizygous missense variant (c.290G>T: p.G97V) in family 2. No hemizygous deleterious variants in DNAAF6 were detected in the control cohort of 442 individuals. Ultrastructural and immunostaining analyses of patients' spermatozoa showed the absence of outer and inner dynein arms in sperm flagella. Both variants were proven to lead to DNAAF6 protein degradation in HEK293T cells. Both patients carrying DNAAF6 variants underwent one ICSI cycle and delivered one healthy child each. CONCLUSION We identified novel DNAAF6 variants causing male infertility and PCD in Han Chinese patients. This finding extended the spectrum of variants in DNAAF6 and revealed new light on the impact of DNAAF6 variants in sperm flagella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Dongyan Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
| | - Juan Du
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
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Pereira R, Oliveira J, Sousa M. Bioinformatics and Computational Tools for Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis in Clinical Genetics. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E132. [PMID: 31947757 PMCID: PMC7019349 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical genetics has an important role in the healthcare system to provide a definitive diagnosis for many rare syndromes. It also can have an influence over genetics prevention, disease prognosis and assisting the selection of the best options of care/treatment for patients. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed clinical genetics making possible to analyze hundreds of genes at an unprecedented speed and at a lower price when comparing to conventional Sanger sequencing. Despite the growing literature concerning NGS in a clinical setting, this review aims to fill the gap that exists among (bio)informaticians, molecular geneticists and clinicians, by presenting a general overview of the NGS technology and workflow. First, we will review the current NGS platforms, focusing on the two main platforms Illumina and Ion Torrent, and discussing the major strong points and weaknesses intrinsic to each platform. Next, the NGS analytical bioinformatic pipelines are dissected, giving some emphasis to the algorithms commonly used to generate process data and to analyze sequence variants. Finally, the main challenges around NGS bioinformatics are placed in perspective for future developments. Even with the huge achievements made in NGS technology and bioinformatics, further improvements in bioinformatic algorithms are still required to deal with complex and genetically heterogeneous disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Biology and Genetics of Reproduction Unit, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS-UP, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Jorge Oliveira
- Biology and Genetics of Reproduction Unit, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS-UP, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- UnIGENe and CGPP–Centre for Predictive and Preventive Genetics-Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health-UP, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Biology and Genetics of Reproduction Unit, Multidisciplinary Unit for Biomedical Research (UMIB), ICBAS-UP, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
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Sironen A, Shoemark A, Patel M, Loebinger MR, Mitchison HM. Sperm defects in primary ciliary dyskinesia and related causes of male infertility. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2029-48. [PMID: 31781811 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03389-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The core axoneme structure of both the motile cilium and sperm tail has the same ultrastructural 9 + 2 microtubular arrangement. Thus, it can be expected that genetic defects in motile cilia also have an effect on sperm tail formation. However, recent studies in human patients, animal models and model organisms have indicated that there are differences in components of specific structures within the cilia and sperm tail axonemes. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disease with symptoms caused by malfunction of motile cilia such as chronic nasal discharge, ear, nose and chest infections and pulmonary disease (bronchiectasis). Half of the patients also have situs inversus and in many cases male infertility has been reported. PCD genes have a role in motile cilia biogenesis, structure and function. To date mutations in over 40 genes have been identified cause PCD, but the exact effect of these mutations on spermatogenesis is poorly understood. Furthermore, mutations in several additional axonemal genes have recently been identified to cause a sperm-specific phenotype, termed multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). In this review, we discuss the association of PCD genes and other axonemal genes with male infertility, drawing particular attention to possible differences between their functions in motile cilia and sperm tails.
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