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Qu X, Huang Q, Li H, Lou F. Comparative transcriptomics revealed the ecological trap effect of linearly polarized light on Oratosquilla oratoria. Comp Biochem Physiol Part D Genomics Proteomics 2024; 50:101234. [PMID: 38631126 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101234] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Although polarized light can assist many animals in performing special visual tasks, current polarized light pollution (PLP) caused by urban construction has been shown to induce maladaptive behaviors of PL-sensitive animals and change ecological interactions. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous work hypothesized that linearly polarized light (LPL) is an ecological trap for Oratosquilla oratoria, a common Stomatopoda species in the China Sea. Here we explored the underlying negative effects of artificially LPL on O. oratoria based on comparative transcriptomics. We identified 3616 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in O. oratoria compound eyes continuous exposed to natural light (NL) and LPL scenarios. In comparison with the NL scenario, a total of 1972 up- and 1644 down- regulated genes were obtained from the O. oratoria compound eyes under LPL scenario, respectively. Furthermore, we performed functional annotation of those DEGs described above and identified 65 DEGs related to phototransduction, reproduction, immunity, and synapse. Based on the functional information, we suspected that continuous LPL exposure could block the light transmission, disrupt the reproductive process, and lead to the progressive failure of the immune response of O. oratoria. In conclusion, this study is the first to systematically describe the negative effects of artificial LPL exposure on O. oratoria at the genetic level, and it can improve the biological conservation theory behind PLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyu Qu
- School of Ocean, Yantai University, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Qi Huang
- School of Food Science and Bioengineering, Yantai Institute of Technology, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Huanjun Li
- Shandong Marine Resource and Environment Research Institute, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Fangrui Lou
- School of Ocean, Yantai University, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China.
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İLTER AKTAŞ G, FIRAT T, PEHLİVAN KARAKAŞ F. The effect of Lycium barbarum on reproductive system and the expression of CRISP-1 protein in experimentally diabetic male rats. J Health Sci Med / JHSM 2022. [DOI: 10.32322/jhsm.1034222] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on the male reproductive system and Crisp-1 protein expression in experimentally diabetic Wistar Albino male rats.
Material and Method: In this study Wistar Albino male rats (3-4 months old) were randomly selected and divided into four groups; Control, LBP control (only LBP), Diabetic and Treatment (diabetic + LBP) group. For the experimental diabetes model, a single dose of 55 mg/kg STZ was injected intraperitoneally. In the treatment group, the diabetic rats were administered with 200 mg/kg of LBP by gastric gavage for 15 consecutive days.
Results: In histological examinations, increased intertubular connective tissue, congestion, vacuolization and edema were observed in testicular tissues of the diabetic group. The histopathological changes were improved after LBP treatment. Also, the number of total sperm count and sperm motility were significantly increased in the treatment group. Our biochemical analysis results showed that the serum testosterone level were significantly increased and serum MDA level were significantly decreased after treatment with LBP. Compared to the diabetic group, the apoptotic cells were decreased in the treatment group. Crisp-1 protein expression was increased in the treatment group, Crisp-1 possitive vesicle-like structures and apical blebs were also examined in the epididymal tissues.
Conclusion: It is concluded that Lycium barbarum polysaccharides have a therapeutic effect on the male reproductive damages of diabetes and also enhances Crisp-1 protein expression in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem İLTER AKTAŞ
- ANKARA YILDIRIM BEYAZIT ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TIP FAKÜLTESİ, TEMEL TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, HİSTOLOJİ VE EMBRİYOLOJİ ANABİLİM DALI
| | - Tülin FIRAT
- BOLU ABANT İZZET BAYSAL ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TIP FAKÜLTESİ, TEMEL TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, HİSTOLOJİ VE EMBRİYOLOJİ ANABİLİM DALI
| | - Fatma PEHLİVAN KARAKAŞ
- BOLU ABANT İZZET BAYSAL ÜNİVERSİTESİ, FEN-EDEBİYAT FAKÜLTESİ, BİYOLOJİ BÖLÜMÜ, GENEL BİYOLOJİ ANABİLİM DALI
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Kumar S, Leeb AS, Vaughan AM, Kappe SHI. Plasmodium falciparum Cysteine Rich Secretory Protein uniquely localizes to one end of male gametes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2022; 248:111447. [PMID: 34998927 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization is a central event during the life cycle of most eukaryotic organisms and involves gamete recognition and fusion, ultimately resulting in zygote formation. Gamete fertilization in the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasites occurs inside the mosquito midgut and represents a major bottleneck in the life cycle. Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins (CRISPs) are key molecules involved in fertilization in vertebrates and the presence of a CRISP ortholog in human malaria infective Plasmodium falciparum suggested a possible role in fertilization. Strikingly, P. falciparum CRISP exhibited a unique terminal localization in the male microgamete. Parasites with a CRISP gene deletion (P. falciparum crisp-) proliferated asexually similar to wildtype NF54 parasites and differentiated into gametocytes. Further analysis showed that Plasmodium falciparum crisp- gametocytes underwent exflagellation to form male gametes and no apparent defect in transmission to the mosquito vector was observed. These data show that P. falciparum CRISP is a marker for the apical end of the microgamete and that it might only have an ancillary or redundant function in the male sexual stages.
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Gonzalez SN, Sulzyk V, Weigel Muñoz M, Cuasnicu PS. Cysteine-Rich Secretory Proteins (CRISP) are Key Players in Mammalian Fertilization and Fertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:800351. [PMID: 34970552 PMCID: PMC8712725 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.800351] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a complex process involving a series of successive sperm-egg interaction steps mediated by different molecules and mechanisms. Studies carried out during the past 30 years, using a group of proteins named CRISP (Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins), have significantly contributed to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian gamete interaction. The CRISP family is composed of four members (i.e., CRISP1-4) in mammals, mainly expressed in the male tract, present in spermatozoa and exhibiting Ca2+ channel regulatory abilities. Biochemical, molecular and genetic approaches show that each CRISP protein participates in more than one stage of gamete interaction (i.e., cumulus penetration, sperm-ZP binding, ZP penetration, gamete fusion) by either ligand-receptor interactions or the regulation of several capacitation-associated events (i.e., protein tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome reaction, hyperactivation, etc.) likely through their ability to regulate different sperm ion channels. Moreover, deletion of different numbers and combination of Crisp genes leading to the generation of single, double, triple and quadruple knockout mice showed that CRISP proteins are essential for male fertility and are involved not only in gamete interaction but also in previous and subsequent steps such as sperm transport within the female tract and early embryo development. Collectively, these observations reveal that CRISP have evolved to perform redundant as well as specialized functions and are organized in functional modules within the family that work through independent pathways and contribute distinctly to fertility success. Redundancy and compensation mechanisms within protein families are particularly important for spermatozoa which are transcriptionally and translationally inactive cells carrying numerous protein families, emphasizing the importance of generating multiple knockout models to unmask the true functional relevance of family proteins. Considering the high sequence and functional homology between rodent and human CRISP proteins, these observations will contribute to a better understanding and diagnosis of human infertility as well as the development of new contraceptive options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Patricia S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Araujo SC, Bertolla RP. Protein markers of spermatogenesis and their potential use in the management of azoospermia. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:939-948. [PMID: 34812697 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.2010548] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Azoospermia, absence of sperm in the ejaculate is classified as obstructive (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). In OA, sperm are produced, but due to physical obstruction in the male reproductive tract, they are not released in the ejaculate. NOA, on the other hand, is defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to testicular dysfunction. In NOA, spermatogenesis is frequently preserved in specific sites, and proteomics studies have been employed in order to identify men with preserved spermatogenesis. AREAS COVERED Differential protein expression in patients with male infertility is an indicator of impaired spermatogenesis. Here, we reviewed proteins with a potential role as biomarkers of spermatogenesis that could help in the management of non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia. The following keywords were used for bibliographic research: seminal plasma, proteomics, male infertility, nonobstructive, obstructive, azoospermia, oligospermia. EXPERT OPINION Biopsy is an invasive and potentially harmful technique for detecting spermatogenesis in men with OA and NOA. Seminal plasma proteins are highly promising as biomarkers for spermatogenesis. Current literature presents a number of potential candidate biomarkers for determining preserved spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Costa Araujo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Jorasia K, Paul RK, Rathore NS, Lal P, Singh R, Sareen M. Production of bioactive recombinant ovine cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 in Escherichia coli. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:471-481. [PMID: 34459353 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1963012] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ovine cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 (CRISP-1) is an acidic glycoprotein of epididymal origin under CRISP, antigen 5, pathogenesis-related protein 1 (CAP) super-family. The aim of the present study was the optimization of bacterial production and partial characterization of putative mature ovine CRISP-1 protein. The cDNA corresponding to T23 - C242 peptide fragment of ovine CRISP-1 protein was cloned into THE pET32b(+) expression vector using E. coli DH5α. Protein expression was carried out in E. coli BL21(DE3) by inducition with 1 mM IPTG at 37°C for 4 h. The recombinant protein was expressed as inclusion bodies and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography using a pH gradient. Further purification of the protein was carried out by gel extraction following zinc sulfate negative staining. SDS-PAGE analysis of the purified recombinant CRISP-1 protein revealed a 43.8 kDa band. Bioactivity of the purified CRISP-1 protein was examined on sperm motility and capacitation. The recombinant ovine CRISP-1 protein at 5 µg/ml caused significant inhibition of sperm motility, and the activity was lost following heating the protein at 100°C for 5 min. The protein also demonstrated decapacitation activity, and at a concentration of 2 µg/ml, it caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in sperm capacitation. In conclusion, the thioredoxin-tagged ovine CRISP-1 protein was successfully produced in E. coli and purified in the soluble form by a combination of Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, gel purification, and dialysis. The recombinant protein exhibited both motility-inhibiting and decapacitating activities. Further study is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action and evaluate it's possible use in semen preservation.Abbreviations: CRISP-1: Cysteine-rich secretory protein-1; PCR: polymerase chain reaction; IPTG: isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside; LB: Luria Bertani; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; EDTA: ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid; Ni-NTA: Nickel nitrilotriacetic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Jorasia
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Rajasthan University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Bikaner, India
| | - Rajani Kr Paul
- Division of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Jaipur, India
| | - N S Rathore
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Rajasthan University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Bikaner, India
| | - Pyare Lal
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Rajasthan University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Bikaner, India
| | - R Singh
- Division of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Jaipur, India
| | - Meenaxi Sareen
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Rajasthan University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Bikaner, India
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Batra V, Bhushan V, Ali SA, Sarwalia P, Pal A, Karanwal S, Solanki S, Kumaresan A, Kumar R, Datta TK. Buffalo sperm surface proteome profiling reveals an intricate relationship between innate immunity and reproduction. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:480. [PMID: 34174811 PMCID: PMC8235841 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07640-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low conception rate (CR) despite insemination with morphologically normal spermatozoa is a common reproductive restraint that limits buffalo productivity. This accounts for a significant loss to the farmers and the dairy industry, especially in agriculture-based economies. The immune-related proteins on the sperm surface are known to regulate fertility by assisting the spermatozoa in their survival and performance in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Regardless of their importance, very few studies have specifically catalogued the buffalo sperm surface proteome. The study was designed to determine the identity of sperm surface proteins and to ascertain if the epididymal expressed beta-defensins (BDs), implicated in male fertility, are translated and applied onto buffalo sperm surface along with other immune-related proteins. Results The raw mass spectra data searched against an in-house generated proteome database from UniProt using Comet search engine identified more than 300 proteins on the ejaculated buffalo sperm surface which were bound either by non-covalent (ionic) interactions or by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. The singular enrichment analysis (SEA) revealed that most of these proteins were extracellular with varied binding activities and were involved in either immune or reproductive processes. Flow cytometry using six FITC-labelled lectins confirmed the prediction of glycosylation of these proteins. Several beta-defensins (BDs), the anti-microbial peptides including the BuBD-129 and 126 were also identified amongst other buffalo sperm surface proteins. The presence of these proteins was subsequently confirmed by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments. Conclusions The surface of the buffalo spermatozoa is heavily glycosylated because of the epididymal secreted (glyco) proteins like BDs and the GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs). The glycosylation pattern of buffalo sperm-surface, however, could be perturbed in the presence of elevated salt concentration or incubation with PI-PLC. The identification of numerous BDs on the sperm surface strengthens our hypothesis that the buffalo BDs (BuBDs) assist the spermatozoa either in their survival or in performance in the FRT. Our results suggest that BuBD-129 is a sperm-surface BD that could have a role in buffalo sperm function. Further studies elucidating its exact physiological function are required to better understand its role in the regulation of male fertility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07640-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vanya Bhushan
- Proteomics and Molecular Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Syed Azmal Ali
- Proteomics and Molecular Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Parul Sarwalia
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Ankit Pal
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Seema Karanwal
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Subhash Solanki
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Lab, SRS of National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India.
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Sheng J, Gadella BM, Olrichs NK, Kaloyanova DV, Helms JB. The less conserved metal-binding site in human CRISP1 remains sensitive to zinc ions to permit protein oligomerization. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5498. [PMID: 33750840 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are a subgroup of the CRISP, antigen 5 and PR-1 (CAP) superfamily that is characterized by the presence of a conserved CAP domain. Two conserved histidines in the CAP domain are proposed to function as a Zn2+-binding site with unknown function. Human CRISP1 is, however, one of the few family members that lack one of these characteristic histidine residues. The Zn2+-dependent oligomerization properties of human CRISP1 were investigated using a maltose-binding protein (MBP)-tagging approach in combination with low expression levels in XL-1 Blue bacteria. Moderate yields of soluble recombinant MBP-tagged human CRISP1 (MBP-CRISP1) and the MBP-tagged CAP domain of CRISP1 (MBP-CRISP1ΔC) were obtained. Zn2+ specifically induced oligomerization of both MBP-CRISP1 and MBP-CRISP1ΔC in vitro. The conserved His142 in the CAP domain was essential for this Zn2+ dependent oligomerization process, confirming a role of the CAP metal-binding site in the interaction with Zn2+. Furthermore, MBP-CRISP1 and MBP-CRISP1ΔC oligomers dissociated into monomers upon Zn2+ removal by EDTA. Condensation of proteins is characteristic for maturing sperm in the epididymis and this process was previously found to be Zn2+-dependent. The Zn2+-induced oligomerization of human recombinant CRISP1 may shed novel insights into the formation of functional protein complexes involved in mammalian fertilization.
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Słowińska M, Pardyak L, Liszewska E, Judycka S, Bukowska J, Dietrich MA, Paukszto Ł, Jastrzębski J, Kozłowski K, Kowalczyk A, Jankowski J, Bilińska B, Ciereszko A. Characterization and biological role of cysteine-rich venom protein belonging to CRISPs from turkey seminal plasma†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1302-1321. [PMID: 33675663 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Turkey semen contains cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) that belong to the dominant seminal plasma proteins. We aimed to isolate and characterize CRISP from turkey seminal plasma and evaluate its possible involvement in yellow semen syndrome (YSS). YSS, which is well characterized, causes reduced fertility and hatchability. The protein was purified using hydrophobic interaction, gel filtration, and reverse phase chromatography. It then was subjected to identification by mass spectrometry, analysis of physicochemical properties, and specific antibody production. The biological function of the isolated protein was tested and included its effects on sperm motility and migration and sperm-egg interactions. Sperm motility was measured with the CASA system using Hobson Sperm Tracker. The reproductive tract of turkey toms was analyzed for gene expression; immunohistochemistry was used for protein localization in the male reproductive tract, spermatozoa, and inner perivitelline layer. The isolated protein was identified as cysteine-rich venom protein-like isoform X2 (CRVP X2; XP_010706464.1) and contained feature motifs of CRISP family proteins. Turkey CRVP X2 was present in both spermatozoa and seminal plasma. The extensive secretion of CRVP X2 by the epithelial cells of the epididymis and ductus deferens suggests its involvement in post-testicular sperm maturation. The internally localized CRVP X2 in the proximal part of the sperm tail might be responsible for stimulation of sperm motility. CRVP X2 on the sperm head might be involved in several events prior to fusion and may also participate in gamete fusion itself. Although the mechanisms by which CRVP X2 mediates fertilization are still unknown, the involvement of complementary sites cannot be excluded. The disturbance of CRVP X2 expression can serve as an etiologic factor of YSS in the turkey. This study expands the understanding of the detailed mechanism of fertilization in birds by clarifying the specific role of CRVP X2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Słowińska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Laura Pardyak
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Liszewska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Sylwia Judycka
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Bukowska
- Department of Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mariola Aleksandra Dietrich
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Łukasz Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jan Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics, and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kozłowski
- Department of Poultry Science and Apiculture, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Artur Kowalczyk
- Division of Poultry Breeding, Institute of Animal Breeding, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jan Jankowski
- Department of Poultry Science and Apiculture, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Bilińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ciereszko
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
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Tumova L, Zigo M, Sutovsky P, Sedmikova M, Postlerova P. Ligands and Receptors Involved in the Sperm-Zona Pellucida Interactions in Mammals. Cells 2021; 10:133. [PMID: 33445482 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction, involving the binding of sperm surface ligands to complementary carbohydrates of ZP, is the first direct gamete contact event crucial for subsequent gamete fusion and successful fertilization in mammals. It is a complex process mediated by the coordinated engagement of multiple ZP receptors forming high-molecular-weight (HMW) protein complexes at the acrosomal region of the sperm surface. The present article aims to review the current understanding of sperm-ZP binding in the four most studied mammalian models, i.e., murine, porcine, bovine, and human, and summarizes the candidate ZP receptors with established ZP affinity, including their origins and the mechanisms of ZP binding. Further, it compares and contrasts the ZP structure and carbohydrate composition in the aforementioned model organisms. The comprehensive understanding of sperm-ZP interaction mechanisms is critical for the diagnosis of infertility and thus becomes an integral part of assisted reproductive therapies/technologies.
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Gahlay GK, Rajput N. The enigmatic sperm proteins in mammalian fertilization: an overview†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1171-1185. [PMID: 32761117 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa140] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization involves a physical interaction between a sperm and an egg followed by molecular interactions amongst their various cell surface molecules. These interactions are initially mediated on the egg's outermost matrix, zona pellucida (ZP), and then its plasma membrane. To better understand this process, it is pertinent to find the corresponding molecules on sperm that interact with ZP or the egg's plasma membrane. Although currently, we have some knowledge about the binding partners for egg's plasma membrane on sperm, yet the ones involved in an interaction with ZP have remained remarkably elusive. This review provides comprehensive knowledge about the various sperm proteins participating in mammalian fertilization and discusses the possible reasons for not being able to identify the strong sperm surface candidate (s) for ZP adhesion. It also hypothesizes the existence of a multi-protein complex(s), members of which participate in oviduct transport, cumulus penetration, zona adhesion, and adhesion/fusion with the egg's plasma membrane; with some protein(s) having multiple roles during this process. Identification of these proteins is crucial as it improves our understanding of the process and allows us to successfully treat infertility, develop contraceptives, and improve artificial reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Kaur Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
| | - Neha Rajput
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
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Curci L, Brukman NG, Weigel Muñoz M, Rojo D, Carvajal G, Sulzyk V, Gonzalez SN, Rubinstein M, Da Ros VG, Cuasnicú PS. Functional redundancy and compensation: Deletion of multiple murine Crisp genes reveals their essential role for male fertility. FASEB J 2020; 34:15718-15733. [PMID: 33037689 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001406r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian Cysteine-RIch Secretory Protein (CRISP) family includes four members present in sperm and reported to regulate Ca2+ channels and fertilization. Based on our previous observations using single knockouts models and suggesting the existence of functional compensation among CRISP proteins, we investigated their relevance for male fertility by generating multiple Crisp gene mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Whereas targeting of Crisp1 and Crisp3 yielded subfertile males with early embryo developmental defects, the same deletion in zygotes from fertile Crisp2-/- .Crisp4-/- mice led to the generation of both triple and quadruple knockout mice exhibiting a complete or severe disruption of male fertility due to a combination of sperm transport, fertilization, and embryo developmental defects linked to intracellular Ca2+ dysregulation. These observations reveal that CRISP proteins are essential for male fertility and organize in functional modules that contribute distinctly to fertility success, bringing insights into the mechanisms underlying functional redundancy/compensation in protein families and emphasizing the importance of generating multiple and not just single knockout which might be masking the true functional relevance of family genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N G Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D Rojo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - V Sulzyk
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S N Gonzalez
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Rubinstein
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - V G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Sheng J, Olrichs NK, Gadella BM, Kaloyanova DV, Helms JB. Regulation of Functional Protein Aggregation by Multiple Factors: Implications for the Amyloidogenic Behavior of the CAP Superfamily Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6530. [PMID: 32906672 PMCID: PMC7554809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186530] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The idea that amyloid fibrils and other types of protein aggregates are toxic for cells has been challenged by the discovery of a variety of functional aggregates. However, an identification of crucial differences between pathological and functional aggregation remains to be explored. Functional protein aggregation is often reversible by nature in order to respond properly to changing physiological conditions of the cell. In addition, increasing evidence indicates that fast fibril growth is a feature of functional amyloids, providing protection against the long-term existence of potentially toxic oligomeric intermediates. It is becoming clear that functional protein aggregation is a complexly organized process that can be mediated by a multitude of biomolecular factors. In this overview, we discuss the roles of diverse biomolecules, such as lipids/membranes, glycosaminoglycans, nucleic acids and metal ions, in regulating functional protein aggregation. Our studies on the protein GAPR-1 revealed that several of these factors influence the amyloidogenic properties of this protein. These observations suggest that GAPR-1, as well as the cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5 and pathogenesis-related proteins group 1 (CAP) superfamily of proteins that it belongs to, require the assembly into an amyloid state to exert several of their functions. A better understanding of functional aggregate formation may also help in the prevention and treatment of amyloid-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - J. Bernd Helms
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.S.); (N.K.O.); (B.M.G.); (D.V.K.)
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14
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Arévalo L, Brukman NG, Cuasnicú PS, Roldan ERS. Evolutionary analysis of genes coding for Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins (CRISPs) in mammals. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:67. [PMID: 32513118 PMCID: PMC7278046 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01632-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins (CRISP) are expressed in the reproductive tract of mammalian males and are involved in fertilization and related processes. Due to their important role in sperm performance and sperm-egg interaction, these genes are likely to be exposed to strong selective pressures, including postcopulatory sexual selection and/or male-female coevolution. We here perform a comparative evolutionary analysis of Crisp genes in mammals. Currently, the nomenclature of CRISP genes is confusing, as a consequence of discrepancies between assignments of orthologs, particularly due to numbering of CRISP genes. This may generate problems when performing comparative evolutionary analyses of mammalian clades and species. To avoid such problems, we first carried out a study of possible orthologous relationships and putative origins of the known CRISP gene sequences. Furthermore, and with the aim to facilitate analyses, we here propose a different nomenclature for CRISP genes (EVAC1-4, "EVolutionarily-analyzed CRISP") to be used in an evolutionary context. RESULTS We found differing selective pressures among Crisp genes. CRISP1/4 (EVAC1) and CRISP2 (EVAC2) orthologs are found across eutherian mammals and seem to be conserved in general, but show signs of positive selection in primate CRISP1/4 (EVAC1). Rodent Crisp1 (Evac3a) seems to evolve under a comparatively more relaxed constraint with positive selection on codon sites. Finally, murine Crisp3 (Evac4), which appears to be specific to the genus Mus, shows signs of possible positive selection. We further provide evidence for sexual selection on the sequence of one of these genes (Crisp1/4) that, unlike others, is thought to be exclusively expressed in male reproductive tissues. CONCLUSIONS We found differing selective pressures among CRISP genes and sexual selection as a contributing factor in CRISP1/4 gene sequence evolution. Our evolutionary analysis of this unique set of genes contributes to a better understanding of Crisp function in particular and the influence of sexual selection on reproductive mechanisms in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Arévalo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, 53127 Germany
| | - Nicolás G. Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S. Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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15
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Gómez-Elías MD, Rainero Cáceres TS, Giaccagli MM, Guazzone VA, Dalton GN, De Siervi A, Cuasnicú PS, Cohen DJ, Da Ros VG. Association between high-fat diet feeding and male fertility in high reproductive performance mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18546. [PMID: 31811184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54799-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing worldwide prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), especially in younger populations, is a risk factor for fertility disorders. However, a direct correlation of MetS with male infertility still remains unclear. In this work, we evaluated whether MetS has a negative impact on fertility of hybrid male mice with high reproductive performance. To induce a MetS-like condition, (C57BL/6xBALB/c) F1 male mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 30% fat) for 19 weeks, while controls received a normal-fat diet (NFD, 6% fat). HFD-fed animals exhibited increased body weight, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. In vivo fertilisation assays performed along the treatment period showed no differences in fertilisation nor in vitro embryo development rates between groups. While testicular weight and morphology were similar in both groups, HFD-fed mice presented lighter epididymides and higher amounts of gonadal fat. Moreover, sperm count was lower in HFD-fed mice, despite normal sperm viability, morphology, motility or acrosome reaction. Finally, no differences were observed in in vitro fertilisation rates between groups. In summary, although HFD feeding altered some reproductive parameters, it did not impair male fertility in high performance breeders suggesting the possibility that a fertility impairment could be the result of the cumulative combination of environmental and/or genetic factors.
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16
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Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Carvajal G, Maldera JA, Curci L, Torres P, Lombardo D, Pignataro OP, Da Ros VG, Cuasnicú PS. Influence of the genetic background on the reproductive phenotype of mice lacking Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 1 (CRISP1). Biol Reprod 2019; 99:373-383. [PMID: 29481619 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal sperm protein CRISP1 has the ability to both regulate murine CatSper, a key sperm calcium channel, and interact with egg-binding sites during fertilization. In spite of its relevance for sperm function, Crisp1-/-mice are fertile. Considering that phenotypes can be influenced by the genetic background, in the present work mice from the original mixed Crisp1-/- colony (129/SvEv*C57BL/6) were backcrossed onto the C57BL/6 strain for subsequent analysis of their reproductive phenotype. Whereas fertility and fertilization rates of C57BL/6 Crisp1-/- males did not differ from those reported for mice from the mixed background, several sperm functional parameters were clearly affected by the genetic background. Crisp1-/- sperm from the homogeneous background exhibited defects in both the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and motility not observed in the mixed background, and normal rather than reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Additional studies revealed a significant decrease in sperm hyperactivation as well as in cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) substrate phosphorylation levels in sperm from both colonies. The finding that exposure of mutant sperm to a cAMP analog and phosphodiesterase inhibitor overcame the sperm functional defects observed in each colony indicated that a common cAMP-PKA signaling defect led to different phenotypes depending on the genetic background. Altogether, our observations indicate that the phenotype of CRISP1 null males is modulated by the genetic context and reveal new roles for the protein in both the functional events and signaling pathways associated to capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta A Maldera
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ludmila Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Torres
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Lombardo
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Omar P Pignataro
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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17
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Weigel Muñoz M, Carvajal G, Curci L, Gonzalez SN, Cuasnicu PS. Relevance of CRISP proteins for epididymal physiology, fertilization, and fertility. Andrology 2019; 7:610-617. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - G. Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - L. Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - S. N. Gonzalez
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - P. S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET); Buenos Aires Argentina
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18
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Hu J, Merriner DJ, O'Connor AE, Houston BJ, Furic L, Hedger MP, O'Bryan MK. Epididymal cysteine-rich secretory proteins are required for epididymal sperm maturation and optimal sperm function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:111-122. [PMID: 29361143 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the role of epididymal cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) in male fertility? SUMMARY ANSWER While epididymal CRISPs are not absolutely required for male fertility, they are required for optimal sperm function. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY CRISPs are members of the CRISP, Antigen 5 and Pathogenesis related protein 1 (CAP) superfamily and are characterized by the presence of an N-terminal CAP domain and a C-terminal CRISP domain. CRISPs are highly enriched in the male reproductive tract of mammals, including in the epididymis. Within humans there is one epididymal CRISP, CRISP1, whereas in mice there are two, CRISP1 and CRISP4. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In order to define the role of CRISPs within the epididymis, Crisp1 and Crisp4 knockout mouse lines were produced then interbred to produce Crisp1 and 4 double knockout (DKO) mice, wherein the expression of all epididymal CRISPs was ablated. Individual and DKO models were then assessed, relative to their own strain-specific wild type littermates for fertility, and sperm output and functional competence at young (10-12 weeks of age) and older ages (22-24 weeks). Crisp1 and 4 DKO and control mice were also compared for their ability to bind to the zona pellucida and achieve fertilization. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Knockout mouse production was achieved using modified embryonic stem cells and standard methods. The knockout of individual genes was confirmed at a mRNA (quantitative PCR) and protein (immunochemistry) level. Fertility was assessed using breeding experiments and a histological assessment of testes and epididymal tissue. Sperm functional competence was assessed using a computer assisted sperm analyser, induction of the acrosome reaction using progesterone followed by staining for acrosome contents, using immunochemical and western blotting to assess the ability of sperm to manifest tyrosine phosphorylation under capacitating conditions and using sperm-zona pellucida binding assays and IVF methods. A minimum of three biological replicates were used per assay and per genotype. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE While epididymal CRISPs are not absolutely required for male fertility, their production results in enhanced sperm function and, depending on context, CRISP1 and CRISP4 act redundantly or autonomously. Specifically, CRISP1 is the most important CRISP in the establishment of normally motile sperm, whereas CRISP4 acts to enhance capacitation-associated tyrosine phosphorylation, and CRISP1 and CRISP4 act together to establish normal acrosome function. Both are required to achieve optimal sperm-egg interaction. The presence of immune infiltrates into the epididymis of older, but not younger, DKO animals also suggests epididymal CRISPs function to produce an immune privileged environment for maturing sperm within the epididymis. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Caution should be displayed in the translation of mouse-derived data into the human wherein the histology of the epididymis is someone what different. The mice used in the study were housed in a specific pathogen-free environment and were thus not exposed to the full range of environmental challenges experienced by wild mice or humans. As such, the role of CRISPs in the maintenance of an immune privileged environment, for example, may be understated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The combined deletion of Crisp1 and Crisp4 in mice is equivalent to the removal of all CRISP expression in humans. As such, these data suggest that mammalian CRISPs, including that in humans, function to enhance sperm function and thus male fertility. These data also suggest that in the presence of an environmental challenge, CRISPs help to maintain an immune privileged environment and thus, protect against immune-mediated male infertility. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Victorian Cancer Agency and a scholarship from the Chinese Scholarship Council. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Hu
- The Development and Stem Cells Program of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- The Development and Stem Cells Program of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- The Development and Stem Cells Program of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Brendan J Houston
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Luc Furic
- Prostate Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Cancer Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The Development and Stem Cells Program of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.,The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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19
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Carvajal G, Brukman NG, Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Guazzone VA, Ikawa M, Haruhiko M, Lustig L, Breton S, Cuasnicu PS. Impaired male fertility and abnormal epididymal epithelium differentiation in mice lacking CRISP1 and CRISP4. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17531. [PMID: 30510210 PMCID: PMC6277452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins 1 and 4 (CRISP1 and CRISP4) associate with sperm during maturation and play different roles in fertilization. However, males lacking each of these molecules individually are fertile, suggesting compensatory mechanisms between these homologous proteins. Based on this, in the present work, we generated double CRISP1/CRISP4 knockout (DKO) mice and examined their reproductive phenotype. Our data showed that the simultaneous lack of the two epididymal proteins results in clear fertility defects. Interestingly, whereas most of the animals exhibited specific sperm fertilizing ability defects supportive of the role of CRISP proteins in fertilization, one third of the males showed an unexpected epididymo-orchitis phenotype with altered levels of inflammatory molecules and non-viable sperm in the epididymis. Further analysis showed that DKO mice exhibited an immature epididymal epithelium and abnormal luminal pH, supporting these defects as likely responsible for the different phenotypes observed. These observations reveal that CRISP proteins are relevant for epididymal epithelium differentiation and male fertility, contributing to a better understanding of the fine-tuning mechanisms underlying sperm maturation and immunotolerance in the epididymis with clear implications for human epididymal physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Gastón Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Miyata Haruhiko
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina.
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20
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Abstract
Today, a vast arsenal of contraceptive methods interfering at different levels of the female reproductive axis is available. This is not the case for men for whom, until now, there is no reliable male reversible method and for whom vasectomy, condom and withdrawal are the only options available. Despite this limited supply, more than one third of all contraceptive methods used worldwide rely on the cooperation of the male partner. Besides developing hormonal approaches to stop sperm production, there may be attractive approaches that will interfere with sperm functions rather than production. Sperm functions are primarily established during post-testicular maturation, with the epididymis accounting for the majority. The purpose of this review is to present some of the promising and/or already abandoned leads that emerge from research efforts targeting the epididymis and its activities as potential means to achieve male post-meiotic contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël R. Drevet
- Laboratoire GReD “Génétique, Reproduction & Développement”, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), 28-Place Henri Dunant, bâtiment CRBC, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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21
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Gervasi MG, Visconti PE. Molecular changes and signaling events occurring in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. Andrology 2017; 5:204-218. [PMID: 28297559 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
After leaving the testis, spermatozoa have not yet acquired the ability to move progressively and are unable to fertilize oocytes. To become fertilization competent, they must go through an epididymal maturation process in the male, and capacitation in the female tract. Epididymal maturation can be defined as those changes occurring to spermatozoa in the epididymis that render the spermatozoa the ability to capacitate in the female tract. As part of this process, sperm cells undergo a series of biochemical and physiological changes that require incorporation of new molecules derived from the epididymal epithelium, as well as post-translational modifications of endogenous proteins synthesized during spermiogenesis in the testis. This review will focus on epididymal maturation events, with emphasis in recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - P E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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22
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Springate L, Frasier TR. Gamete compatibility genes in mammals: candidates, applications and a potential path forward. R Soc Open Sci 2017; 4:170577. [PMID: 28878999 PMCID: PMC5579115 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization represents a critical stage in biology, where successful alleles of a previous generation are shuffled into new arrangements and subjected to the forces of selection in the next generation. Although much research has been conducted on how variation in morphological and behavioural traits lead to variation in fertilization patterns, surprisingly little is known about fertilization at a molecular level, and specifically about how genes expressed on the sperm and egg themselves influence fertilization patterns. In mammals, several genes have been identified whose products are expressed on either the sperm or the egg, and which influence the fertilization process, but the specific mechanisms are not yet known. Additionally, in 2014 an interacting pair of proteins was identified: 'Izumo' on the sperm, and 'Juno' on the egg. With the identification of these genes comes the first opportunity to understand the molecular aspects of fertilization in mammals, and to identify how the genetic characteristics of these genes influence fertilization patterns. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of fertilization and gamete compatibility in mammals, which should provide a helpful guide to researchers interested in untangling the molecular mechanisms of fertilization and the resulting impacts on population biology and evolutionary processes.
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Abstract
This chapter intends to summarise the importance of sperm- and oocyte-derived factors in the processes of sperm-oocyte binding and oocyte activation. First, we describe the initial interaction between sperm and the zona pellucida, with particular regard to acrosome exocytosis. We then describe how sperm and oocyte membranes fuse, with special reference to the discovery of the sperm protein IZUMO1 and its interaction with the oocyte membrane receptor JUNO. We then focus specifically upon oocyte activation, the fundamental process by which the oocyte is alleviated from metaphase II arrest by a sperm-soluble factor. The identity of this sperm factor has been the source of much debate recently, although mounting evidence, from several different laboratories, provides strong support for phospholipase C ζ (PLCζ), a sperm-specific phospholipase. Herein, we discuss the evidence in support of PLCζ and evaluate the potential role of other candidate proteins, such as post-acrosomal WW-binding domain protein (PAWP/WBP2NL). Since the cascade of downstream events triggered by the sperm-borne oocyte activation factor heavily relies upon specialised cellular machinery within the oocyte, we also discuss the critical role of oocyte-borne factors, such as the inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), protein kinase C (PKC), store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), during the process of oocyte activation. In order to place the implications of these various factors and processes into a clinical context, we proceed to describe their potential association with oocyte activation failure and discuss how clinical techniques such as the in vitro maturation of oocytes may affect oocyte activation ability. Finally, we contemplate the role of artificial oocyte activating agents in the clinical rescue of oocyte activation deficiency and discuss options for more endogenous alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/ Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, Campus Montilivi, E-17071, Girona, Spain. .,Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK.
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Siti Nornadhirah Amdani
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
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Da Ros VG, Muñoz MW, Battistone MA, Brukman NG, Carvajal G, Curci L, Gómez-ElIas MD, Cohen DBJ, Cuasnicu PS. From the epididymis to the egg: participation of CRISP proteins in mammalian fertilization. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:711-5. [PMID: 26112483 PMCID: PMC4577577 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.155769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a complex process that involves different steps of interaction between the male and female gametes. In spite of its relevance, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process still remain to be elucidated. The present review describes the contribution of our laboratory to the understanding of mammalian fertilization using Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins (CRISP) as model molecules. Substantial evidence obtained from in vitro assays and knockout models shows that epididymal CRISP1 associates with the sperm surface with two different affinities during maturation, and participates in the regulation of signaling pathways during capacitation as well as in both sperm-zona pellucida interaction and gamete fusion. These observations can be extended to humans as judged by our findings showing that the human homolog of the rodent protein (hCRISP1) is also involved in both stages of fertilization. Evidence supports that other members of the CRISP family secreted in the testis (CRISP2), epididymis (CRISP3-4) or during ejaculation (CRISP3) are also involved in sperm-egg interaction, supporting the existence of a functional redundancy and cooperation between homolog proteins ensuring the success of fertilization. Together, our observations indicate that CRISP proteins accompany spermatozoa along their transit through both the male and female reproductive tracts. We believe these results not only contribute to a better mechanistic understanding of fertilization but also support CRISP proteins as excellent candidates for future research on infertility and contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
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25
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Abstract
Successful fertilization requires viable and
functional spermatozoa to recognize and fuse with
the oocyte. In most mammalian species, mature
spermatozoa are not capable of fertilizing the
oocytes immediately after ejaculation. However,
unlike somatic cells, spermatozoa, after leaving
the testis, are transcriptionally and
translationally silent; therefore, upon completion
of spermiogenesis, spermatozoa carry only a
minimal amount of essential proteins on their
membranes as well as within their restricted
volume of cytoplasm. To develop into a fully
functional and competent sperm that is capable of
successful fertilization, modifications of the
sperm membrane surface during its transit in the
reproductive tracts is critical. These
post-spermatogenesis modifications advance the
maturation of epididymal spermatozoa. In addition,
components secreted into the lumen of the
reproductive tracts that are later added onto the
sperm membrane surface also regulate (inhibit or
activate) the functions of the spermatozoa. This
acquisition of additional proteins from the
reproductive tracts may compensate for the
inactivity of morphologically mature spermatozoa.
In this review, we discuss the contributions of
the male and female genital tracts to
modifications of the sperm membrane surface at
different stages of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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26
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Ernesto JI, Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Vasen G, Martínez-López P, Orta G, Figueiras-Fierro D, De la Vega-Beltran JL, Moreno IA, Guidobaldi HA, Giojalas L, Darszon A, Cohen DJ, Cuasnicú PS. CRISP1 as a novel CatSper regulator that modulates sperm motility and orientation during fertilization. J Cell Biol 2015; 210:1213-24. [PMID: 26416967 PMCID: PMC4586743 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201412041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms are critical for successful completion of fertilization. Here, we demonstrate that CRISP1, a sperm protein involved in mammalian fertilization, is also present in the female gamete and capable of modulating key sperm Ca(2+) channels. Specifically, we show that CRISP1 is expressed by the cumulus cells that surround the egg and that fertilization of cumulus-oocyte complexes from CRISP1 knockout females is impaired because of a failure of sperm to penetrate the cumulus. We provide evidence that CRISP1 stimulates sperm orientation by modulating sperm hyperactivation, a vigorous motility required for penetration of the egg vestments. Moreover, patch clamping of sperm revealed that CRISP1 has the ability to regulate CatSper, the principal sperm Ca(2+) channel involved in hyperactivation and essential for fertility. Given the critical role of Ca(2+) for sperm motility, we propose a novel CRISP1-mediated fine-tuning mechanism to regulate sperm hyperactivation and orientation for successful penetration of the cumulus during fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I Ernesto
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Vasen
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Martínez-López
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos 62250, México
| | - Gerardo Orta
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos 62250, México
| | - Dulce Figueiras-Fierro
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos 62250, México
| | - José L De la Vega-Beltran
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos 62250, México
| | | | - Héctor A Guidobaldi
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5016GCA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Laura Giojalas
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, X5016GCA Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos 62250, México
| | - Débora J Cohen
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, C1428ADN Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Claw KG, George RD, Swanson WJ. Detecting coevolution in mammalian sperm-egg fusion proteins. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:531-8. [PMID: 24644026 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between sperm and egg proteins can occur physically between gamete surface-binding proteins, and genetically between gamete proteins that work in complementary pathways in which they may not physically interact. Physically interacting sperm-egg proteins have been functionally identified in only a few species, and none have been verified within mammals. Candidate genes on both the sperm and egg surfaces exist, but gene deletion studies do not support functional interactions between these sperm-egg proteins; interacting sperm-egg proteins thus remain elusive. Cooperative gamete proteins undergo rapid evolution, and it is predicted that these sperm-egg proteins will also have correlated evolutionary rates due to compensatory changes on both the sperm and egg. To explore potential physical and genetic interactions in sperm-egg proteins, we sequenced four candidate genes from diverse primate species, and used regression and likelihood methods to test for signatures of coevolution between sperm-egg gene pairs. With both methods, we found that the egg protein CD9 coevolves with the sperm protein IZUMO1, suggesting a physical or genetic interaction occurs between them. With regression analysis, we found that CD9 and CRISP2 have correlated rates of evolution, and with likelihood analysis, that CD9 and CRISP1 have correlated rates. This suggests that the different tests may reflect different levels of interaction, be it physical or genetic. Coevolution tests thus provide an exploratory method for detecting potentially interacting sperm-egg protein pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina G Claw
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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28
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Chiu PCN, Lam KKW, Wong RCW, Yeung WSB. The identity of zona pellucida receptor on spermatozoa: an unresolved issue in developmental biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 30:86-95. [PMID: 24747367 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are surrounded by an acellular zona pellucida (ZP). Fertilization begins when a capacitated spermatozoon binds to the ZP. Defective sperm-ZP interaction is a cause of male infertility and reduced fertilization rates in clinical assisted reproduction treatment. Despite the importance of spermatozoa-ZP binding, the mechanisms and regulation of the interaction are unclear partly due to the failure in the identification of ZP receptor on spermatozoa. Most of the previous studies assumed that the sperm ZP receptor is a single molecular species, and a number of potential candidates had been suggested. Yet none of them can be considered as the sole sperm ZP receptor. Accumulated evidence suggested that the sperm ZP receptor is a dynamic multi-molecular structure requiring coordinated action of different proteins that are assembled into a functional complex during post-testicular maturation and capacitation. The complex components may include carbohydrate-binding, protein-binding and acrosomal matrix proteins which work as a suite to mediate spermatozoa-ZP interaction. This article aims to review the latest insights in the identification of the sperm ZP receptor. Continued investigation of the area will provide considerable understanding of the regulation of fertilization that will be useful for practical application in human contraception and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China; Centre of Reproduction, Development and Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin K W Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rachel C W Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China; Centre of Reproduction, Development and Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
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29
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Abstract
Fertilization is the process by which eggs and spermatozoa interact, achieve mutual recognition, and fuse to create a zygote, which then develops to form a new individual, thus allowing for the continuity of a species. Despite numerous studies on mammalian fertilization, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the fertilization event remain largely unknown. However, as I summarize here, recent work using both gene-manipulated animals and in vitro studies has begun to elucidate essential sperm and egg molecules and to establish predictive models of successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Okabe
- Center for Genetic Analysis for Biological Responses Research Institute for Microbial Diseases Osaka University, Yamadaoka 3-1, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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30
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Maldera JA, Weigel Munoz M, Chirinos M, Busso D, GE Raffo F, Battistone MA, Blaquier JA, Larrea F, Cuasnicu PS. Human fertilization: epididymal hCRISP1 mediates sperm-zona pellucida binding through its interaction with ZP3. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 20:341-9. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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31
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Légaré C, Cloutier F, Makosso-Kallyth S, Laflamme N, Jarvi K, Tremblay RR, Sullivan R. Cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 in seminal plasma: potential biomarker for the distinction between obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:1253-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.07.1984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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32
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Meslin C, Mugnier S, Callebaut I, Laurin M, Pascal G, Poupon A, Goudet G, Monget P. Evolution of genes involved in gamete interaction: evidence for positive selection, duplications and losses in vertebrates. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44548. [PMID: 22957080 PMCID: PMC3434135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes encoding proteins involved in sperm-egg interaction and fertilization exhibit a particularly fast evolution and may participate in prezygotic species isolation [1], [2]. Some of them (ZP3, ADAM1, ADAM2, ACR and CD9) have individually been shown to evolve under positive selection [3], [4], suggesting a role of positive Darwinian selection on sperm-egg interaction. However, the genes involved in this biological function have not been systematically and exhaustively studied with an evolutionary perspective, in particular across vertebrates with internal and external fertilization. Here we show that 33 genes among the 69 that have been experimentally shown to be involved in fertilization in at least one taxon in vertebrates are under positive selection. Moreover, we identified 17 pseudogenes and 39 genes that have at least one duplicate in one species. For 15 genes, we found neither positive selection, nor gene copies or pseudogenes. Genes of teleosts, especially genes involved in sperm-oolemma fusion, appear to be more frequently under positive selection than genes of birds and eutherians. In contrast, pseudogenization, gene loss and gene gain are more frequent in eutherians. Thus, each of the 19 studied vertebrate species exhibits a unique signature characterized by gene gain and loss, as well as position of amino acids under positive selection. Reflecting these clade-specific signatures, teleosts and eutherian mammals are recovered as clades in a parsimony analysis. Interestingly the same analysis places Xenopus apart from teleosts, with which it shares the primitive external fertilization, and locates it along with amniotes (which share internal fertilization), suggesting that external or internal environmental conditions of germ cell interaction may not be the unique factors that drive the evolution of fertilization genes. Our work should improve our understanding of the fertilization process and on the establishment of reproductive barriers, for example by offering new leads for experiments on genes identified as positively selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Meslin
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Sylvie Mugnier
- Département Agronomie Agro-équipement Élevage Environnement, AgroSup Dijon, Dijon, France
| | | | - Michel Laurin
- UMR 7207, CNRS/MNHN/UPMC, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Pascal
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Anne Poupon
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ghylène Goudet
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Philippe Monget
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
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33
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Drevet J-. Les approches épididymaires de la contraception masculine. Basic Clin Androl 2012; 22:141-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s12610-012-0186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Résumé
L’offre en matière de moyens contraceptifs masculins est limitée et, en particulier, à ce jour il n’existe pas de contraception hormonale masculine sur le marché. L’épididyme, dans lequel les spermatozoïdes acquièrent leurs capacités fécondantes et où ils sont stockés, s’avère être un site intéressant à cibler. Cette revue vise à présenter de façon synthétique les quelques pistes prometteuses qui ont émergé ces dernières années.
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34
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Krapf D, Ruan YC, Wertheimer EV, Battistone MA, Pawlak JB, Sanjay A, Pilder SH, Cuasnicu P, Breton S, Visconti PE. cSrc is necessary for epididymal development and is incorporated into sperm during epididymal transit. Dev Biol 2012; 369:43-53. [PMID: 22750823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Changes that occur to mammalian sperm upon epididymal transit and maturation render these cells capable of moving progressively and capacitating. Signaling events leading to mammalian sperm capacitation depend on the modulation of proteins by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cascades. Recent experiments have demonstrated that the Src family of kinases plays an important role in the regulation of these events. However, sperm from cSrc null mice display normal tyrosine phosphorylation associated with capacitation. We report here that, despite normal phosphorylation, sperm from cSrc null mice display a severe reduction in forward motility, and are unable to fertilize in vitro. Histological analysis of seminiferous tubules in the testes, caput and corpus epididymis do not reveal obvious defects. However, the cauda epididymis is significantly smaller, and expression of key transport proteins in the epithelial cells lining this region is reduced in cSrc null mice compared to wild type littermates. Although previously, we and others have shown the presence of cSrc in mature sperm from cauda epididymis, a closer evaluation indicates that this tyrosine kinase is not present in sperm from the caput epididymis, suggesting that this protein is acquired by sperm later during epididymal maturation. Consistent with this observation, cSrc is enriched in vesicles released by the epididymal epithelium known as epididymosomes. Altogether, these observations indicate that cSrc is essential for cauda epididymal development and suggest an essential role of this kinase in epididymal sperm maturation involving cSrc extracellular trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Krapf
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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35
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Turunen HT, Sipilä P, Krutskikh A, Toivanen J, Mankonen H, Hämäläinen V, Björkgren I, Huhtaniemi I, Poutanen M. Loss of cysteine-rich secretory protein 4 (Crisp4) leads to deficiency in sperm-zona pellucida interaction in mice. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:1-8. [PMID: 21865554 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.092403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm gain their ability to fertilize the egg during transit through the epididymis and by interacting with proteins secreted by the epididymal epithelial cells. Certain members of the CRISP (cysteine-rich secretory protein) family form the major protein constituent of the luminal fluid in the mammalian epididymis. CRISP4 is the newest member of the CRISP family expressed predominantly in the epididymis. Its structure and expression pattern suggest a role in sperm maturation and/or sperm-egg interaction. To study the relevance of CRISP4 in reproduction, we have generated a Crisp4 iCre knock-in mouse model through insertion of the iCre recombinase coding cDNA into the Crisp4 locus. This allows using the mouse line both as a Crisp4 deficient model and as an epididymis-specific iCre-expressing mouse line applicable for the generation of conditional, epididymis-specific knockout mice. We show that the loss of CRISP4 leads to a deficiency of the spermatozoa to undergo progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and to a decreased fertilizing ability of the sperm in the in vitro fertilization conditions, although the mice remain fully fertile in normal mating. However, removal of the egg zona pellucida returned the fertilization potential of the CRISP4-deficient spermatozoa, and accordingly we detected a reduced number of Crisp4-deficient spermatozoa bound to oocytes as compared with the wild-type spermatozoa. We also demonstrate that iCre recombinase is expressed in a pattern similar to endogenous Crisp4 and is able to initiate the recombination event with its target sequences in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heikki T Turunen
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
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36
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Burnett LA, Washburn CA, Sugiyama H, Xiang X, Olson JH, Al-Anzi B, Bieber AL, Chandler DE. Allurin, an amphibian sperm chemoattractant having implications for mammalian sperm physiology. Int Rev Cell Mol Biol 2012; 295:1-61. [PMID: 22449486 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394306-4.00007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Eggs of many species are surrounded by extracellular coats that emit ligands to which conspecific sperm respond by undergoing chemotaxis and changes in metabolism, motility, and acrosomal status in preparation for fertilization. Here we review methods used to measure sperm chemotaxis and focus on recent studies of allurin, a 21-kDa protein belonging to the Cysteine-RIch Secretory Protein (CRISP) family that has chemoattraction activity for both amphibian and mammalian sperm. Allurin is unique in being the first extensively characterized Crisp protein found in the female reproductive tract and is the product of a newly discovered amphibian gene within a gene cluster that has been largely conserved in mammals. Study of its expression, function, and tertiary structure could lead to new insights in the role of Crisp proteins in sperm physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Burnett
- Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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37
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Abstract
Spermatozoa interact with their immediate environment and this contact remodels the sperm surface in preparation for fertilisation. These fundamental membrane changes will be critically covered in this review with special emphasis on the very specific surface destabilisation event, capacitation. This process involves very subtle and intricate modifications of the sperm membrane including removal of suppression (decapacitation) factors and changes in the lateral organisation of the proteins and lipids of the sperm surface. Processing of sperm for assisted reproduction (storage, sex-sorting, etc.) subjects spermatozoa to numerous stressors, and it is possible that this processing overrides such delicate processes resulting in sperm instability and cell damage. To improve sperm quality, novel mechanisms must be used to stabilise the sperm surface during handling. In this review, different types of membrane stress are considered, as well as novel surface manipulation methods to improve sperm stability.
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38
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Burnett LA, Anderson DM, Rawls A, Bieber AL, Chandler DE. Mouse sperm exhibit chemotaxis to allurin, a truncated member of the cysteine-rich secretory protein family. Dev Biol 2011; 360:318-28. [PMID: 22008793 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Allurin, a 21 kDa protein isolated from egg jelly of the frog Xenopus laevis, has previously been demonstrated to attract frog sperm in two-chamber and microscopic assays. cDNA cloning and sequencing has shown that allurin is a truncated member of the Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein (CRISP) family, whose members include mammalian sperm-binding proteins that have been postulated to play roles in spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation and sperm-egg binding in mammals. Here, we show that allurin is a chemoattractant for mouse sperm, as determined by a 2.5-fold stimulation of sperm passage across a porous membrane and by analysis of sperm trajectories within an allurin gradient as observed by time-lapse microscopy. Chemotaxis was accompanied by an overall change in trajectory from circular to linear thereby increasing sperm movement along the gradient axis. Allurin did not increase sperm velocity although it did produce a modest increase in flagellar beat frequency. Oregon Green 488-conjugated allurin was observed to bind to the sub-equatorial region of the mouse sperm head and to the midpiece of the flagellum. These findings demonstrate that sperm have retained the ability to bind and respond to truncated Crisp proteins over 300 million years of vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Burnett
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
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Arangasamy A, Kasimanickam V, DeJarnette J, Kasimanickam R. Association of CRISP2, CCT8, PEBP1 mRNA abundance in sperm and sire conception rate in Holstein bulls. Theriogenology 2011; 76:570-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Yamaguchi A, Saito T, Yamada L, Taniguchi H, Harada Y, Sawada H. Identification and localization of the sperm CRISP family protein CiUrabin involved in gamete interaction in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:488-97. [PMID: 21656869 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Ascidians are hermaphrodites, and most release sperm and eggs nearly simultaneously. Many species, including Halocynthia roretzi and Ciona intestinalis, are self-sterile. We previously reported that the interaction between a 12 EGF-like repeat-containing vitelline-coat (VC) protein, HrVC70, and a sperm GPI-anchored CRISP, HrUrabin, in lipid rafts plays a key role in self-/nonself-recognizable gamete interaction in H. roretzi. On the other hand, we recently identified two pairs of polymorphic genes responsible for self-incompatibility in C. intestinalis by positional cloning: The sperm polycystin 1-like receptors s-Themis-A/B and its fibrinogen-like ligand v-Themis-A/B on the VC. However, it is not known if the orthologs of HrVC70 and HrUrabin also participate in gamete interaction in C. intestinalis since they are from different orders. Here, we tested for a C. intestinalis ortholog (CiUrabin) of HrUrabin by searching the genome database and proteomes of sperm lipid rafts. The identified CiUrabin belongs to the CRISP family, with a PR domain and a GPI-anchor-attachment site. CiUrabin appears to be specifically expressed in the testis and localized at the surface of the sperm head, as revealed by Northern blotting and immunocytochemistry, respectively. The specific interaction between CiVC57, a C. intestinalis ortholog of HrVC70, and CiUrabin was confirmed by Far Western analysis, similarly to the interaction between HrVC70 and HrUrabin. The molecular interaction between CiVC57 and CiUrabin may be involved in the primary binding of sperm to the VC prior to the allorecognition process, mediated by v-Themis-A/B and s-Themis-A/B, during fertilization of C. intestinalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yamaguchi
- Sugashima Marine Biological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Sugashima, Toba, Japan
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Gibbs GM, Lo JCY, Nixon B, Jamsai D, O'Connor AE, Rijal S, Sanchez-Partida LG, Hearn MTW, Bianco DM, O'Bryan MK. Glioma pathogenesis-related 1-like 1 is testis enriched, dynamically modified, and redistributed during male germ cell maturation and has a potential role in sperm-oocyte binding. Endocrinology 2010; 151:2331-42. [PMID: 20219979 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The glioma pathogenesis-related 1 (GLIPR1) family consists of three genes [GLIPR1, GLIPR1-like 1 (GLIPR1L1), and GLIPR1-like 2 (GLIPR1L2)] and forms a distinct subgroup within the cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP), antigen 5, and pathogenesis-related 1 (CAP) superfamily. CAP superfamily proteins are found in phyla ranging from plants to humans and, based largely on expression and limited functional studies, are hypothesized to have roles in carcinogenesis, immunity, cell adhesion, and male fertility. Specifically data from a number of systems suggests that sequences within the C-terminal CAP domain of CAP proteins have the ability to promote cell-cell adhesion. Herein we cloned mouse Glipr1l1 and have shown it has a testis-enriched expression profile. GLIPR1L1 is posttranslationally modified by N-linked glycosylation during spermatogenesis and ultimately becomes localized to the connecting piece of elongated spermatids and sperm. After sperm capacitation, however, GLIPR1L1 is also localized to the anterior regions of the sperm head. Zona pellucida binding assays indicate that GLIPR1L1 has a role in the binding of sperm to the zona pellucida surrounding the oocyte. These data suggest that, along with other members of the CAP superfamily and several other proteins, GLIPR1L1 is involved in the binding of sperm to the oocyte complex. Collectively these data further strengthen the role of CAP domain-containing proteins in cellular adhesion and propose a mechanism whereby CAP proteins show overlapping functional significance during fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard M Gibbs
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Ellerman DA, Cohen DJ, Weigel Muñoz M, Da Ros VG, Ernesto JI, Tollner TL, Cuasnicu PS. Immunologic behavior of human cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 (hCRISP1) in primates: prospects for immunocontraception. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:2551-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2009] [Revised: 12/29/2009] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Jamsai D, Rijal S, Bianco DM, O'Connor AE, Merriner DJ, Smith SJ, Gibbs GM, O'Bryan MK. A novel protein, sperm head and tail associated protein (SHTAP), interacts with cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2) during spermatogenesis in the mouse. Biol Cell 2009; 102:93-106. [PMID: 19686095 DOI: 10.1042/BC20090099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION CRISP2 (cysteine-rich secretory protein 2) is a sperm acrosome and tail protein with the ability to regulate Ca2+ flow through ryanodine receptors. Based on these properties, CRISP2 has a potential role in fertilization through the regulation of ion signalling in the acrosome reaction and sperm motility. The purpose of the present study was to determine the expression, subcellular localization and the role in spermatogenesis of a novel CRISP2-binding partner, which we have designated SHTAP (sperm head and tail associated protein). RESULTS Using yeast two-hybrid screens of an adult testis expression library, we identified SHTAP as a novel mouse CRISP2-binding partner. Sequence analysis of all Shtap cDNA clones revealed that the mouse Shtap gene is embedded within a gene encoding the unrelated protein NSUN4 (NOL1/NOP2/Sun domain family member 4). Five orthologues of the Shtap gene have been annotated in public databases. SHTAP and its orthologues showed no significant sequence similarity to any known protein or functional motifs, including NSUN4. Using an SHTAP antiserum, multiple SHTAP isoforms (approximately 20-87 kDa) were detected in the testis, sperm, and various somatic tissues. Interestingly, only the approximately 26 kDa isoform of SHTAP was able to interact with CRISP2. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid assays showed that both the CAP (CRISP/antigen 5/pathogenesis related-1) and CRISP domains of CRISP2 were required for maximal binding to SHTAP. SHTAP protein was localized to the peri-acrosomal region of round spermatids, and the head and tail of the elongated spermatids and sperm tail where it co-localized with CRISP2. During sperm capacitation, SHTAP and the SHTAP-CRISP2 complex appeared to be redistributed within the head. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first report of the identification, annotation and expression analysis of the mouse Shtap gene. The redistribution observed during sperm capacitation raises the possibility that SHTAP and the SHTAP-CRISP2 complex play a role in the attainment of sperm functional competence.
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Bian ZH, Zhang J, Ding XL, Zhang B, Wang ZJ, Lu CC, Song L, Wang SL, Wang XR. Localization of epididymal protease inhibitor in adult rat and its transcription profile in testis during postnatal development. Asian J Androl 2009; 11:731-9. [PMID: 19801999 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2009.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the expression pattern of rat Eppin (epididymal protease inhibitor; official symbol Spinlw1), we detected mRNA transcripts and subsequent protein translation of Eppin in several sorts of tissues by RT-PCR and western blotting. Then immunohistochemistry was performed for more detailed observation. The testicular transcription level was monitored by real-time PCR throughout postnatal development. We found that rat Eppin was specifically expressed in the testis and epididymis. The testicular transcription was slight in neonatal (1-day) and infantile stages (5-, 7- and 10-day). It increased sharply thereafter, with maximum expression level (about 38-fold compared with that of 1-day old rat) detected in prepubertal stage (15-day). Then a slightly declined but stable level (about 20-fold compared with that of 1-day old rat) was kept in pubertal-early adult (30-day) and adult (60-day) stages of postnatal maturation. In the adult rat, EPPIN protein was mainly localized in the elongated spermatids and epididymal epithelial cells. Sperm in the epididymal duct were all covered with EPPIN and its level kept constant during incubation under conditions used to achieve capacitation. Its stage-specific expression in the testis suggests that EPPIN may be important during spermatogenesis especially for the spermatid elongation. The abundant production of epididymal EPPIN indicated indirectly that it might play a role in the function of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng-Hui Bian
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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Sipilä P, Jalkanen J, Huhtaniemi IT, Poutanen M. Novel epididymal proteins as targets for the development of post-testicular male contraception. Reproduction 2009; 137:379-89. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Apart from condoms and vasectomy, modern contraceptive methods for men are still not available. Besides hormonal approaches to stop testicular sperm production, the post-meiotic blockage of epididymal sperm maturation carries lots of promise. Microarray and proteomics techniques and libraries of expressed sequence tags, in combination with digital differential display tools and publicly available gene expression databases, are being currently used to identify and characterize novel epididymal proteins as putative targets for male contraception. The data reported indicate that these technologies provide complementary information for the identification of novel highly expressed genes in the epididymis. Deleting the gene of interest by targeted ablation technology in mice or using immunization against the cognate protein are the two preferred methods to functionally validate the function of novel genesin vivo. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of several epididymal proteins shown eitherin vivoorin vitroto be involved in the epididymal sperm maturation. These proteins include CRISP1, SPAG11e, DEFB126, carbonyl reductase P34H, CD52, and GPR64. In addition, we introduce novel proteinases and protease inhibitor gene families with potentially important roles in regulating the sperm maturation process. Furthermore, potential contraceptive strategies as well as delivery methods will be discussed. Despite the progress made in recent years, further studies are needed to reveal further details in the epididymal sperm maturation process and the factors involved, in order to facilitate the development of new epididymal contraceptives.
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Reddy T, Gibbs GM, Merriner DJ, Kerr JB, O'Bryan MK. Cysteine-rich secretory proteins are not exclusively expressed in the male reproductive tract. Dev Dyn 2009; 237:3313-23. [PMID: 18924239 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cysteine-RIch Secretory Proteins (CRISPs) are abundantly produced in the male reproductive tract of mammals and within the venom of reptiles and have been shown to regulate ion channel activity. CRISPs, along with the Antigen-5 proteins and the Pathogenesis related-1 (Pr-1) proteins, form the CAP superfamily of proteins. Analyses of EST expression databases are increasingly suggesting that mammalian CRISPs are expressed more widely than in the reproductive tract. We, therefore, conducted a reverse transcription PCR expression profile and immunohistochemical analyses of 16 mouse tissues to define the sites of production of each of the four murine CRISPs. These data showed that each of the CRISPs have distinct and sometimes overlapping expression profiles, typically associated with the male and female reproductive tract, the secretory epithelia of exocrine glands, and immune tissues including the spleen and thymus. These investigations raise the potential for a role for CRISPs in general mammalian physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thulasimala Reddy
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Asano A, Selvaraj V, Buttke DE, Nelson JL, Green KM, Evans JE, Travis AJ. Biochemical characterization of membrane fractions in murine sperm: identification of three distinct sub-types of membrane rafts. J Cell Physiol 2009; 218:537-48. [PMID: 19006178 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite enormous interest in membrane raft micro-domains, no studies in any cell type have defined the relative compositions of the raft fractions on the basis of their major components--sterols, phospholipids, and proteins--or additional raft-associating lipids such as the ganglioside, G(M1). Our previous localization data in live sperm showed that the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome represents a stabilized platform enriched in G(M1) and sterols. These findings, along with the physiological requirement for sterol efflux for sperm to function, prompted us to characterize sperm membrane fractions biochemically. After confirming limitations of commonly used detergent-based approaches, we utilized a non-detergent-based method, separating membrane fractions that were reproducibly distinct based on sterol, G(M1), phospholipid, and protein compositions (both mass amounts and molar ratios). Based on fraction buoyancy and biochemical composition, we identified at least three highly reproducible sub-types of membrane raft. Electron microscopy revealed that raft fractions were free of visible contaminants and were separated by buoyancy rather than morphology. Quantitative proteomic comparisons and fluorescence localization of lipids suggested that different organelles contributed differentially to individual raft sub-types, but that multiple membrane micro-domain sub-types could exist within individual domains. This has important implications for scaffolding functions broadly associated with rafts. Most importantly, we show that the common practice of characterizing membrane domains as either "raft" or "non-raft" oversimplifies the actual biochemical complexity of cellular membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Asano
- The Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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Abstract
Despite years of intense study by many investigators, it may appear that we have made little progress towards a molecular understanding of mammalian sperm binding to the egg zona pellucida. An abundance of evidence derived from in vitro assays suggests that sperm-zona pellucida binding is dependent upon sperm recognition of specific glycan moieties on the zona pellucida glycoproteins. However, there is considerable disagreement regarding the identity of the zona pellucida sugars thought to mediate sperm binding, as well as disagreement over the identity of the sperm receptors themselves. Moreover, results from in vivo gene-targeting strategies fail to support a role for many, if not all, of the sperm receptors and their zona pellucida ligands implicated from in vitro assays. Nevertheless, a retrospective view of the literature suggests that some common principles are emerging regarding the molecular basis of mammalian sperm-zona binding, both with respect to the nature of the components that mediate binding, as well as the involvement of distinct receptor-ligand interactions, that involve both protein- and carbohydrate-dependent mechanisms of binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry D Shur
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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