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Wang Y, Huang X, Sun G, Chen J, Wu B, Luo J, Tang S, Dai P, Zhang F, Li J, Wang L. Coiled-coil domain-containing 38 is required for acrosome biogenesis and fibrous sheath assembly in mice. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:407-418. [PMID: 37709195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.09.002] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
During spermiogenesis, haploid spermatids undergo dramatic morphological changes to form slender sperm flagella and cap-like acrosomes, which are required for successful fertilization. Severe deformities in flagella cause a male infertility syndrome, multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF), while acrosomal hypoplasia in some cases leads to sub-optimal embryonic developmental potential. However, evidence regarding the occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia in MMAF is limited. Here, we report the generation of base-edited mice knocked out for coiled-coil domain-containing 38 (Ccdc38) via inducing a nonsense mutation and find that the males are infertile. The Ccdc38-KO sperm display acrosomal hypoplasia and typical MMAF phenotypes. We find that the acrosomal membrane is loosely anchored to the nucleus and fibrous sheaths are disorganized in Ccdc38-KO sperm. Further analyses reveal that Ccdc38 knockout causes a decreased level of TEKT3, a protein associated with acrosome biogenesis, in testes and an aberrant distribution of TEKT3 in sperm. We finally show that intracytoplasmic sperm injection overcomes Ccdc38-related infertility. Our study thus reveals a previously unknown role for CCDC38 in acrosome biogenesis and provides additional evidence for the occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia in MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guoying Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiahui Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
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Jalalabadi FN, Cheraghi E, Janatifar R, Momeni HR. The Detection of CatSper1 and CatSper3 Expression in Men with Normozoospermia and Asthenoteratozoospermia and Its Association with Sperm Parameters, Fertilization Rate, Embryo Quality. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:704-713. [PMID: 37957468 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01397-4] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
CatSper affects sperm function and male fertilization capacity markers, including sperm motility and egg penetration. The study has aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1, and CatSper3 in the spermatozoa of men with normozoospermia and Asthenoteratozoospermia, and to assess the correlation between genes expression and sperm parameters, fertilization rate, and embryo quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was utilized to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1 and CatSper3 in sperm in two patient groups: Normozoospermia (NOR; n = 32), and Asthenoteratozoospermia (AT; n = 22). In all patients receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the fertilization rate and embryo quality were evaluated. CatSper1, and CatSper3 mRNA expression in sperm was significantly lower in AT males than in NOR (P < 0.05). Levels of these genes demonstrated a significant positive correlation with sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), capacitation, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and embryo quality (P < 0.05) following ICSI. However, a negative correlation was found between mRNA expression of CatSper1, 3 and sperm DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). Findings indicate low levels of CatSper1 and CatSper3 mRNA expression in men with Asthenoteratozoospermia, which resulted in poor sperm quality and impaired embryo development following ICSI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ebrahim Cheraghi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
| | - Rahil Janatifar
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR), Qom, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Momeni
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran.
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Gromenko YY, Galimov KS, Gilyazova IR, Galimova EF, Bulygin KV, Ryagin SN, Galimov SN, Litvitskiy PF, Piavchenko GA, Pavlov VN. Single nucleotide polymorphism rs527236194 of the cytochrome B gene (MT-CYB) is associated with alterations in sperm parameters. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10131-10136. [PMID: 37921983 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08849-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mitochondrial genome is substantially susceptible to mutations and has high polymorphism due to structural features, location, and lack of recombinant variability, as its inheritance is strictly maternal. All of these events can be accompanied by the accumulation of mitochondrial single nucleotide polymorphisms (mtSNPs) in the sperm. The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of mutations in the MT-CYB gene on sperm quality. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a case‒control study to identify mutations in the mitochondrial cytochrome B (MT-CYB) gene in men with asthenoteratozoospermia (89 cases) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (65 cases). The comparison group consisted of 164 fertile men. Somatic cell lysis followed by mtDNA extraction was conducted to analyze three mtDNA polymorphisms, rs28357373 (T15629C (Leu295=), rs527236194 (T15784C (p.Pro346=), rs2853506 (A15218G, p.Thr158Ala). Detection and genotyping of polymorphic loci in the MT-CYB gene was performed using the TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. To verify mutations in the MT-CYB gene, automated Sanger DNA sequencing was used. We found that rs527236194 was associated with asthenoteratozoospermia. rs28357373 in the MT-CYB gene did not show any polymorphism in the analyzed groups, which indicates a rare frequency of the TT genotype in our region. Rs28357373 and rs2853506 are not associated with male sperm abnormalities in the Volga-Ural region. CONCLUSION The association of the rs527236194 polymorphic variant with sperm parameter alterations suggests its role in the pathophysiology of male infertility and requires further investigation in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Yu Gromenko
- Medical Center "Family", Ufa, 450054, Russia
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, 450008, Russia
| | - Kamil S Galimov
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University, 8/2 Trubetskaya str, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | | | | | - Kirill V Bulygin
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University, 8/2 Trubetskaya str, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
- M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Sergey N Ryagin
- Moscow University for Industry and Finance «Synergy», Moscow, 125190, Russia
| | | | - Peter F Litvitskiy
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University, 8/2 Trubetskaya str, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Gennadii A Piavchenko
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University, 8/2 Trubetskaya str, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.
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Tang X, Ma J, Wang X, Long S, Wan L, Yu H, Yang J, Huang G, Lin T. A novel variant in CFAP69 causes asthenoteratozoospermia with treatable ART outcomes and a literature review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2175-2184. [PMID: 37392306 PMCID: PMC10440328 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02873-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are a severe form of sperm defect causing male infertility. Previous studies identified the variants in the CFAP69 gene as a MMAF-associated factor, but few cases have been reported. This study was performed to identify additional variants in CFAP69 and describe the semen characteristics and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in CFAP69-affected couples. METHODS Genetic testing with next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of 22 MMAF-associated genes and Sanger sequencing was performed in a cohort of 35 infertile males with MMAF to identify pathogenic variants. Morphological, ultrastructural, and immunostaining analyses were performed to investigate the characteristics of probands' spermatozoa. ART with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was carried out for the affected couples to get their own progenies. RESULTS We identified a novel frameshift variant in CFAP69 (c.2061dup, p. Pro688Thrfs*5) from a MMAF-affected infertile male with low sperm motility and malformed morphology of sperm. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining revealed that the variant induced the aberrant ultrastructure and reduction of CFAP69 expression in the proband's spermatozoa. Moreover, the partner of the proband birthed a healthy girl through ICSI. CONCLUSIONS This study expanded the variant spectrum of CFAP69 and described the good outcome of ART treatment with ICSI, which is beneficial to the molecular diagnosis, genetic counseling, and treatment of infertile males with MMAF in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Tang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Xinglin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Shunhua Long
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Ling Wan
- Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Haibing Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Jigao Yang
- Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China.
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China.
| | - Tingting Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400013, China.
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 400013, China.
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Xu C, Tang D, Shao Z, Geng H, Gao Y, Li K, Tan Q, Wang G, Wang C, Wu H, Li G, Lv M, He X, Cao Y. Homozygous SPAG6 variants can induce nonsyndromic asthenoteratozoospermia with severe MMAF. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:41. [PMID: 35232447 PMCID: PMC8886842 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00916-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a subtype of severe asthenoteratozoospermia with poorly understood genetic etiology. SPAG6 is a core axonemal component that plays a critical role in the formation of cilia and sperm flagella. Previous studies have reported that mutations in SPAG6 cause primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), but the association between SPAG6 gene variants and the MMAF phenotype has not yet been described. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in two unrelated Han Chinese men with MMAF. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the candidate variants. Routine semen analysis was carried out according to the WHO guidelines (5th Edition). Sperm morphology was assessed using modified Papanicolaou staining. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) was performed to observe the ultrastructural defects of the sperm flagella. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence (IF) of spermatozoa were performed to examine the expression of SPAG6 protein. Assisted fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was applied. RESULTS Two homozygous SPAG6 variants were identified by WES and Sanger validation in two patients with MMAF phenotype (F1 II-1: c.308C > A, p. A103D; F2 II-1: c. 585delA, p. K196Sfs*6). Semen analysis showed progressive rates of less than 1%, and most of the spermatozoa presented MMAF by Papanicolaou staining. TEM revealed that the overall axonemal ultrastructure was disrupted and primarily presented an abnormal "9 + 0" configuration. No other PCD-related symptoms were found on physical examination and medical consultations, as well as lung CT screening. The level of SPAG6 protein was significantly decreased in the spermatozoa, and IF analysis revealed that SPAG6 staining was extremely weak and discontinuous in the sperm flagella of the two patients. Notably, F1 II-1 and his wife conceived successfully after undergoing ICSI. CONCLUSIONS Our research provides new evidence for a potential correlation between SPAG6 variants and the MMAF phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongmei Shao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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6
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Lv M, Liu C, Ma C, Yu H, Shao Z, Gao Y, Liu Y, Wu H, Tang D, Tan Q, Zhang J, Li K, Xu C, Geng H, Zhang J, Li H, Mao X, Ge L, Fu F, Zhong K, Xu Y, Tao F, Zhou P, Wei Z, He X, Zhang F, Cao Y. Homozygous mutation in SLO3 leads to severe asthenoteratozoospermia due to acrosome hypoplasia and mitochondrial sheath malformations. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:5. [PMID: 34980136 PMCID: PMC8722334 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00880-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potassium channels are important for the structure and function of the spermatozoa. As a potassium transporter, the mSlo3 is essential for male fertility as Slo3 knockout male mice were infertile with the series of functional defects in sperm cells. However, no pathogenic variant has been detected in human SLO3 to date. Here we reported a human case with homozygous SLO3 mutation. The function of SLO3 in human sperm and the corresponding assisted reproductive strategy are also investigated. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing analysis from a large cohort of 105 patients with asthenoteratozoospermia. The effects of the variant were investigated by quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays using the patient spermatozoa. Sperm morphological and ultrastructural studies were conducted using haematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS We identified a homozygous missense variant (c.1237A > T: p.Ile413Phe) in the sperm-specific SLO3 in one Chinese patient with male infertility. This SLO3 variant was rare in human control populations and predicted to be deleterious by multiple bioinformatic tools. Sperm from the individual harbouring the homozygous SLO3 variant exhibited severe morphological abnormalities, such as acrosome hypoplasia, disruption of the mitochondrial sheath, coiled tails, and motility defects. The levels of SLO3 mRNA and protein in spermatozoa from the affected individual were reduced. Furthermore, the acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential, and membrane potential during capacitation were also afflicted. The levels of acrosome marker glycoproteins and PLCζ1 as well as the mitochondrial sheath protein HSP60 and SLO3 auxiliary subunit LRRC52, were significantly reduced in the spermatozoa from the affected individual. The affected man was sterile due to acrosome and mitochondrial dysfunction; however, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection successfully rescued this infertile condition. CONCLUSIONS SLO3 deficiency seriously impact acrosome formation, mitochondrial sheath assembly, and the function of K+ channels. Our findings provided clinical implications for the genetic and reproductive counselling of affected families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chunjie Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, 510600, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China
| | - Zhongmei Shao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China
| | - Yang Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yiyuan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohong Mao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Ge
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Feifei Fu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kaixin Zhong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, 510600, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
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7
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Li K, Wang G, Lv M, Wang J, Gao Y, Tang F, Xu C, Yang W, Yu H, Shao Z, Geng H, Tan Q, Shen Q, Tang D, Ni X, Wang T, Song B, Wu H, Huo R, Zhang Z, Xu Y, Zhou P, Tao F, Wei Z, He X, Cao Y. Bi-allelic variants in DNAH10 cause asthenoteratozoospermia and male infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:251-259. [PMID: 34657236 PMCID: PMC8866613 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02306-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple morphological abnormalities in the sperm flagella (MMAF) comprise a severe phenotype of asthenoteratozoospermia with reduced or absent spermatozoa motility. Whereas dozens of candidate pathogenic genes for MMAF have been identified, the genetic cause in a large proportion of patients is unknown. We attempted to identify novel genetic explanations for MMAF. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing of patients with MMAF to identify pathogenic variants. The phenotypes of spermatozoa in patients carrying DNAH10 variants were investigated using haematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The expression and location of DNAH10 and other spermatozoa structure-related proteins were analyzed using immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS We found one homozygous frameshift DNAH10 variant (NM_207437: c.2514delG:p.L839*) and one compound heterozygous DNAH10 variant (NM_207437: c.10820 T > C:p.M3607T; c.12692C > T:p.T4231I) in two patients with MMAF. These variants were absent or rare in the general population. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy revealed the significant disruption of sperm flagella in the patients. In addition, ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy showed significant inner dynein arm (IDA) deficiency in sperm flagella. Using immunofluorescence assays, we found a significant reduction in IDA-related proteins including DNAH10 and DNAH1. CONCLUSIONS We identified putative novel pathogenic variants in DNAH10 for MMAF, which might advance the genetic diagnosis and clinical genetic counselling for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jieyu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fei Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongmei Shao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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8
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Gao Y, Tian S, Sha Y, Zha X, Cheng H, Wang A, Liu C, Lv M, Ni X, Li Q, Wu H, Tan Q, Tang D, Song B, Ding D, Cong J, Xu Y, Zhou P, Wei Z, Cao Y, Xu Y, Zhang F, He X. Novel bi-allelic variants in DNAH2 cause severe asthenoteratozoospermia with multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:963-972. [PMID: 33771466 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) is characterized by excessive immotile spermatozoa with severe flagellar abnormalities in the ejaculate. Previous studies have reported a heterogeneous genetic profile associated with MMAF. What other genetic variants might explain the cause of MMAF? DESIGN Whole-exome sequencing was conducted in a cohort of 90 Chinese patients with MMAF. The pathogenicity of identified mutations was assessed through electron microscopy and immunofluorescent examinations. RESULTS Three unrelated men with bi-allelic DNAH2 variants were identified. Sanger sequencing verified that the six novel variants originated from every parent. All these variants were located at the conserved domains of DNAH2 and predicted to be deleterious by bioinformatic tools. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy revealed that spermatozoa harbouring DNAH2 variants displayed severely aberrant morphology mainly with absent and short flagella (≥78%). Moreover, transmission electron microscopy revealed the obvious absence of a central pair of microtubules and inner dynein arms in the spermatozoa with mutated DNAH2. Immunofluorescence data further validated these findings, showing reduced DNAH2 protein expression in the spermatozoa with DNAH2 variants, compared with normal spermatozoa. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection using spermatozoa from the three men with mutated DNAH2 resulted in blastocyst formation in all cases. Embryo transfer was carried out in two couples, both resulting in clinical pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS These experimental and clinical data suggest that bi-allelic DNAH2 variants might induce MMAF-associated asthenoteratozoospermia, which can be overcome through intracytoplasmic sperm injection. These findings contribute to the knowledge of the genetic landscape of asthenoteratozoospermia and clinical counselling of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shixiong Tian
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen Fujian 361005, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Centerfor Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xiaomin Zha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China; Department of clinical laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Huiru Cheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Anyong Wang
- Department of clinical laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jiangshan Cong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of clinical laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei 230032, China.
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Karimi Zarchi M, Maleki B, Dehghani Ashkezari M, Motamed Zadeh L, Agha-Rahimi A. The Effects of In Vitro Incubation of Asthenoteratozoospermic Semen after Density Gradient Centrifugation at Room Temperature and 37° C on Sperm Parameters, Chromatin Quality and DNA Fragmentation in a Short Time Period. J Reprod Infertil 2020; 21:275-282. [PMID: 33209744 PMCID: PMC7648867 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v21i4.4332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sperm quality is an important factor in assisted reproductive technology (ART) that affects the success rate of infertile couples treatment. In vitro incubation of sperm can influence its parameters and DNA integrity. The present study focused on the effect of different incubation temperatures sperm parameters on asthenoteratozoospermia semen prepared with density gradient centrifugation at different times. Methods: Twenty-seven samples were collected and prepared. Then, the suspension was divided into two parts. One part was incubated at room temperature (RT), and another was incubated at 37°C. Immediately and after 2 hr (2H) and 4 hr (4H), spermatozoa were evaluated regarding motility, viability, morphology, sperm protamine deficiency, chromatin and DNA fragmentation. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and repeated measures. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Our results showed that following 2 and 4 hr of incubation at RT, sperm progressive motility and viability decreased significantly. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased significantly following 2 and 4 hr of incubation at RT and 37°C. The Trend analysis confirmed that there were no significant differences between sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation after different times at RT and 37°C. Conclusion: Incubation of sperm at RT in comparison to 37°C didn’t preserve sperm parameters and DNA efficiently. Therefore, IVF, ICSI and IUI procedure should be performed in the soonest possible time after sperm preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Karimi Zarchi
- Department of Biology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Ashkezar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behnam Maleki
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahmood Dehghani Ashkezari
- Department of Biology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Ashkezar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Leila Motamed Zadeh
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Agha-Rahimi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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10
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Asa E, Ahmadi R, Mahmoodi M, Mohammadniya A. Supplementation of freezing media with alpha lipoic acid preserves the structural and functional characteristics of sperm against cryodamage in infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia. Cryobiology 2020; 96:166-174. [PMID: 32652098 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation during semen cryopreservation on the sperm quality, chromatin integrity, oxidative stress, and expression level of BAX, BCL2, HSP70 and iNOS genes in semen samples obtained from infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia. METHODS Twenty freshly ejaculated semen samples were cryopreserved with sperm freezing medium supplemented with 0.00, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mmol/mL of ALA. The samples were analyzed according to the WHO guidelines before and after freezing. Sperm ROS production level, DNA fragmentation and cryo-capacitation were assessed using flow cytometry, TUNEL assay and chlortetracycline (CTC) test, respectively. Expression level of stress protein (HSP70), pro-apoptotic Bax, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and iNOS genes was assessed by real-time PCR assay. RESULTS The effective concentrations of ALA (0.02 and 0.5 mM) significantly improved the motility, viability and morphology of the frozen-thawed sperms compared to the control group treated with 0.00 mM of ALA. During cryopreservation, treatment of semen with 0.02 mM of ALA, as the optimal concentration, significantly decreased DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress level (P < 0.05), protected the acrosome integrity, and led to insignificant reduction in BAX gene expression level and significant increase in expression level of BCL2, HSP70, and iNOS genes compared with control group. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that the adding ALA to semen samples obtained from infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia plays a significant protective role against cryodamage by preserving the sperm functional parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Asa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Rahim Ahmadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Minoo Mahmoodi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Abdolreza Mohammadniya
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University Of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Jannatifar R, Parivar K, Roodbari NH, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Effects of N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation on sperm quality, chromatin integrity and level of oxidative stress in infertile men. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:24. [PMID: 30771790 PMCID: PMC6377938 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0468-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertile men have higher levels of semen reactive oxygen species (ROS) than fertile men. High levels of semen ROS can cause sperm dysfunction, sperm DNA damage and reduced male reproductive potential. This study investigated the effects of supplementation with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) on the sperm quality, chromatin integrity and levels of oxidative stress in infertile men. METHODS The study was carried out in the unit of ACECR Infertility Research Center, Qom, Iran. The patients consisted of 50 infertile men with asthenoteratozoospermia who received NAC (600 mg/d) orally for 3 months, after which they were compared with pre-treatment status. Semen was analyzed according to WHO (2010), followed by the assessment of protamine content [chromomycin A3 (CMA3)] and DNA integrity [terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)]. Oxidative stress markers, i.e. total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as hormonal profile (LH, FSH, Testosterone and Prolactin) were determined by ELISA kit. RESULTS After NAC treatment, patients' sperm count and motility increased significantly whereas abnormal morphology, DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency showed significant decreases compared to pre-treatment levels (P < 0.05). Hormonal profile improvement was associated with lowered FSH and LH levels and increased amount of testosterone (P < 0.05). TAC significantly increased and MDA decreased with an inverse significant correlation between TAC and MDA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION NAC oral supplementation may improve sperm parameters and oxidative/antioxidant status in infertile males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahil Jannatifar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Parivar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Hayati Roodbari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, ACECR, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, Isfahan, Iran.
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Kadiyska T, Tourtourikov I, Petrov A, Chavoushian A, Antalavicheva M, König EM, Klopocki E, Vessela N, Stanislavov R. Interstitial Deletion of 5q22.2q23.1 Including APC and TSSK1B in a Patient with Adenomatous Polyposis and Asthenoteratozoospermia. Mol Syndromol 2019; 9:235-240. [PMID: 30733657 DOI: 10.1159/000492516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial 5q22 deletions are relatively rare and usually represented by severe clinical features such as developmental delay and growth retardation. Here, we report a 23-year-old male patient, referred to our laboratory for genetic confirmation of possible familial adenomatous polyposis. MLPA and the subsequent array CGH identified an approximately 8-Mb-sized deletion in the 5q22.2q23.1 locus. Further analysis of the deleted region and the genes within suggested a possible role for the TSSK1B (testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 1) gene in the patient's reproductive capacity. Semen analysis confirmed that the patient's reproductive capability was impaired, and that he suffered from asthenoteratozoospermia. Analysis of the azoospermia factor region on the Y chromosome revealed no microdeletions. Further sequencing tests could not find an alternative explanation for the patient's infertility. This case demonstrates a possible role of TSSK1B in male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Kadiyska
- Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory Genica, City Clinic Cancer Center, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria.,Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Tourtourikov
- Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory Genica, City Clinic Cancer Center, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Asen Petrov
- Department of Gastroenterology, City Clinic Cancer Center, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ani Chavoushian
- Department of Gastroenterology, City Clinic Cancer Center, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Miglena Antalavicheva
- Department of Gastroenterology, City Clinic Cancer Center, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Eva-Maria König
- Institute of Human Genetics, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Klopocki
- Institute of Human Genetics, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nikolova Vessela
- Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory Genica, City Clinic Cancer Center, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Romil Stanislavov
- Genetic Medico-Diagnostic Laboratory Genica, City Clinic Cancer Center, Sofia Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
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