scholarly journals Role of Integrins in Sperm Activation and Fertilization

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11809
Author(s):  
Veronika Merc ◽  
Michaela Frolikova ◽  
Katerina Komrskova
Keyword(s):  
Cell Activation ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Maturation ◽  
Integrin Receptors ◽  
Sperm Activation ◽  
Sperm Migration ◽  
Cell Cell

In mammals, integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that represent a large group of cell adhesion receptors involved in cell–cell, cell–extracellular matrix, and cell–pathogen interactions. Integrin receptors are an important part of signalization pathways and have an ability to transmit signals into and out of cells and participate in cell activation. In addition to somatic cells, integrins have also been detected on germ cells and are known to play a crucial role in complex gamete-specific physiological events, resulting in sperm-oocyte fusion. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on integrins in reproduction and deliver novel perspectives and graphical interpretations presenting integrin subunits localization and their dynamic relocation during sperm maturation in comparison to the oocyte. A significant part of this review is devoted to discussing the existing view of the role of integrins during sperm migration through the female reproductive tract; oviductal reservoir formation; sperm maturation processes ensuing capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and their direct and indirect involvement in gamete membrane adhesion and fusion leading to fertilization.

scholarly journals The role of micro-RNAs in the female reproductive tract

Reproduction ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 143 (5) ◽  
pp. 559-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren B Nothnick
Keyword(s):  
Posttranslational Modifications ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Micro Rna ◽  
Proper Function ◽  
Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation ◽  
Micro Rnas ◽  
And Function

Proper development and function of the female reproductive tract are essential for successful reproduction. Regulation of the differentiated functions of the organs that make up the female reproductive tract is well established to occur at multiple levels including transcription, translation, and posttranslational modifications. Micro-RNA (miRNA)-mediated posttranscriptional gene regulation has emerged as a fundamental mechanism controlling normal tissue development and function. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs are expressed within the organs of the female reproductive tract where they function to regulate cellular pathways necessary for proper function of these organs. In this review, the functional significance of miRNAs in the development and function of the organs of the female reproductive tract is discussed. Initial discussion focuses on the role of miRNAs in the development of the organs of the female reproductive tract highlighting recent studies that clearly demonstrate that mice with disrupted Dicer1 expression are sterile, fail to develop uterine glands, and have muted estrogen responsiveness. Next, emphasis moves to discussion on our current knowledge on the characterization of miRNA expression in each of the organs of the female reproductive tract. When possible, information is presented and discussed with respect to regulation, function, and/or functional targets of these miRNA within each specific organ of the female reproductive tract.

scholarly journals IL-36 Cytokines: Regulators of Inflammatory Responses and Their Emerging Role in Immunology of Reproduction

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1649 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Murrieta-Coxca ◽  
Sandra Rodríguez-Martínez ◽  
Mario Cancino-Diaz ◽  
Udo Markert ◽  
Rodolfo Favaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Immune Mediators ◽  
Dynamic Expression ◽  
Cellular Recruitment ◽  
Inflammatory Processes

The IL-36 subfamily of cytokines has been recently described as part of the IL-1 superfamily. It comprises three pro-inflammatory agonists (IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ), their receptor (IL-36R), and one antagonist (IL-36Ra). Although expressed in a variety of cells, the biological relevance of IL-36 cytokines is most evident in the communication between epithelial cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils, which constitute the common triad responsible for the initiation, maintenance, and expansion of inflammation. The immunological role of IL-36 cytokines was initially described in studies of psoriasis, but novel evidence demonstrates their involvement in further immune and inflammatory processes in physiological and pathological situations. Preliminary studies have reported a dynamic expression of IL-36 cytokines in the female reproductive tract throughout the menstrual cycle, as well as their association with the production of immune mediators and cellular recruitment in the vaginal microenvironment contributing to host defense. In pregnancy, alteration of the placental IL-36 axis has been reported upon infection and pre-eclampsia suggesting its pivotal role in the regulation of maternal immune responses. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the regulatory mechanisms and biological actions of IL-36 cytokines, their participation in different inflammatory conditions, and the emerging data on their potential role in normal and complicated pregnancies.

scholarly journals Ovarian odorant-like biomolecules in promoting chemotaxis behavior of spermatozoa olfactory receptors during migration, maturation, and fertilization

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olugbemi T. Olaniyan ◽  
Ayobami Dare ◽  
Gloria E. Okotie ◽  
Charles O. Adetunji ◽  
Babatunde O. Ibitoye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Olfactory Receptors ◽  
Reproductive Organ ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Sperm Migration ◽  
Olfactory Receptor Genes

Abstract Background Studies have shown that olfactory receptor genes are the largest in the human genome, which are significantly expressed in olfactory and non-olfactory tissues such as the reproductive systems where they perform many important biological functions. Main body There is growing evidence that bioactive metabolites from the ovary, follicular fluid, and other parts of the female reproductive tract signal the sperm through a series of signal transduction cascades that regulate sperm migration, maturation, and fertilization processes. Several studies have highlighted the role of G-protein-coupled receptors in these cellular processes. Thus, we aimed to summarize the existing evidence describing the physiological role of most prominent exogenous and endogenous biomolecules found in the female reproductive organ in enhancing the chemotaxis behavior of spermatozoa during migration, maturation, and fertilization and also to elucidate the pathological implications of its dysfunctions and the clinical significance in human fertility. Short conclusion In the future, drugs and molecules can be designed to activate these receptors on sperm to facilitate fertility among infertile couples and use as contraceptives.

scholarly journals Zinc: A Necessary Ion for Mammalian Sperm Fertilization Competency

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 4097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Kerns ◽  
Michal Zigo ◽  
Peter Sutovsky
Keyword(s):  
Male Fertility ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Zinc Supplementation ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Maturation ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Semen Processing ◽  
New Research ◽  
And Function

The importance of zinc for male fertility only emerged recently, being propelled in part by consumer interest in nutritional supplements containing ionic trace minerals. Here, we review the properties, biological roles and cellular mechanisms that are relevant to zinc function in the male reproductive system, survey available peer-reviewed data on nutritional zinc supplementation for fertility improvement in livestock animals and infertility therapy in men, and discuss the recently discovered signaling pathways involving zinc in sperm maturation and fertilization. Emphasis is on the zinc-interacting sperm proteome and its involvement in the regulation of sperm structure and function, from spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation to sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract, capacitation, fertilization, and embryo development. Merits of dietary zinc supplementation and zinc inclusion into semen processing media are considered with livestock artificial insemination (AI) and human assisted reproductive therapy (ART) in mind. Collectively, the currently available data underline the importance of zinc ions for male fertility, which could be harnessed to improve human reproductive health and reproductive efficiency in agriculturally important livestock species. Further research will advance the field of sperm and fertilization biology, provide new research tools, and ultimately optimize semen processing procedures for human infertility therapy and livestock AI.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Status Impacts Genital Mucosal Immunity and Markers of HIV-1 Susceptibility in Women

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3176
Author(s):  
Sharon M. Anderson ◽  
Andrea R. Thurman ◽  
Neelima Chandra ◽  
Suzanne S. Jackson ◽  
Susana Asin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Hiv 1

While vitamin D insufficiency is known to impact a multitude of health outcomes, including HIV-1, little is known about the role of vitamin D-mediated immune regulation in the female reproductive tract (FRT). We performed a pilot clinical study of 20 women with circulating 25(OH)D levels <62.5 nmol/L. Participants were randomized into either weekly or daily high-dose oral vitamin D supplementation groups. In addition to serum vitamin D levels, genital mucosal endpoints, including soluble mediators, immune cell populations, gene expression, and ex vivo HIV-1 infection, were assessed. While systemic vitamin D levels showed a significant increase following supplementation, these changes translated into modest effects on the cervicovaginal factors studied. Paradoxically, post-supplementation vitamin D levels were decreased in cervicovaginal fluids. Given the strong correlation between vitamin D status and HIV-1 infection and the widespread nature of vitamin D deficiency, further understanding of the role of vitamin D immunoregulation in the female reproductive tract is important.

scholarly journals Do spermathecal morphology and inter-mating interval influence paternity in the polyandrous beetle Tribolium castaneum?

Behaviour ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 143 (5) ◽  
pp. 643-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludovic Arnaud ◽  
Giorgina Bernasconi ◽  
Yves Brostaux ◽  
Eric P. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Tribolium Castaneum ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Storage ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Phenotypic Marker ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Different Strains

AbstractIn polyandrous insects, postcopulatory sexual selection is a pervasive evolutionary force favouring male and female traits that allow control of offspring paternity. Males may influence paternity through adaptations for sperm competition, and females through adaptations facilitating cryptic female choice. Yet, the mechanisms are often complex, involving behaviour, physiology or morphology, and they are difficult to identify. In red flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum), paternity varies widely, and evidence suggests that both male and female traits influence the outcome of sperm competition. To test the role of spermathecal morphology and of sperm storage processes on the outcome of sperm competition, we mated each of 26 virgin females with two males, one of which carrying a phenotypic marker to assign offspring paternity. We manipulated the interval between mating with the first and the second male, to create different conditions of sperm storage (overlapping and non-overlapping) in the female reproductive tract. To investigate the role of sperm storage more closely, we examined the relationship between paternity and spermathecal morphology in a subset of 14 experimental females. In addition, we also characterized variation in spermathecal morphology in three different strains, wildtype, Chicago black and Reindeer. No significant influence of the intermating interval was found on the paternity of the focal male, although the direction of the difference was in the expected direction of higher last male paternity for longer intervals. Moreover, paternity was not significantly associated with spermathecal morphology, although spermathecal volume, complexity, and tubule width varied significantly and substantially among individuals in all investigated strains.

scholarly journals On viscous propulsion in active transversely isotropic media

2018 ◽  
Vol 855 ◽  
pp. 408-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Cupples ◽  
R. J. Dyson ◽  
D. J. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Transversely Isotropic ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Activity Parameter ◽  
Transversely Isotropic Media ◽  
Common Limit ◽  
Isotropic Media ◽  
Sperm Migration ◽  
Alignment Angle

Very low Reynolds number propulsion is a topic of enduring interest due to its importance in biological systems such as sperm migration in the female reproductive tract. Motivated by the fibrous nature of cervical mucus, several recent studies have considered the effect of anisotropic rheology; these studies have generally employed the classical swimming sheet model of G. I. Taylor. The models of Cupples et al. (J. Fluid Mech. vol. 812, 2017, pp. 501–524) and Shi & Powers (Phys. Rev. Fluids vol. 2, 2017, 123102) consider related problems which in a common limit (passive, slightly anisotropic) make different predictions regarding how swimming speed depends on alignment angle. In the present paper we find that this discrepancy is due to missing terms in the analysis of Cupples et al., and that when these terms are correctly included, the models agree in their common limit. We further explore the predictions of the corrected model for both passive and active cases; it is found that for certain combinations of alignment angle and activity parameter, propulsion is halted; in other cases the small amplitude asymptotic expansion is no longer valid, motivating future numerical study.

3 ROLE OF β-DEFENSIN 126 IN PROMOTING SPERM MOTILITY IN CATTLE

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
B. Fernandez-Fuertes ◽  
F. Narciandi ◽  
K. G. Meade ◽  
C. O'Farrelly ◽  
S. Fair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Cervical Mucus ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Sperm Function ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Sperm Migration ◽  
Epididymal Fluid ◽  
Multiple Species

As immature sperm migrate through the epididymis, they are bathed in region-specific epididymal fluid, which leads to a sequential addition, deletion, and modification of their surface proteins. These changes ultimately result in the acquisition of motility and fertilising abilities. Among the hundreds of proteins secreted by the epididymis, several β-defensins have been identified and correlated with male fertility in multiple species. In cattle, β-defensin 126 (BD126) is exclusively detected in the reproductive tract of pubertal males, with preferential mRNA expression in the epididymis. Both the macaque and human orthologs have been shown to play a role in the ability of sperm to migrate through cervical mucus. The aim of this study was to examine the role of bovine BD126 in sperm function. Western blot revealed that the peptide is uniquely present in both the cauda epididymis sperm and fluid and is absent from sperm recovered from other proximal epididymal regions, or the ejaculate of vasectomised animals. Confocal analysis showed immunofluorescent labelling of BD126 specific to the tail and acrosomal region in cauda sperm only, suggesting a role in motility. We hypothesised that addition of cauda epididymal fluid (CEF) or recombinant BD126 (rBD126) to immature corpus sperm would improve ability to penetrate cervical mucus. Testes from adult bulls were collected at an abattoir, and sperm from the corpus and cauda epididymis, as well as CEF, were recovered. Corpus sperm were incubated for 1 h with CEF in the absence or presence of BD126 antibody, or with different rBD126 concentrations (30 or 60 μg mL–1); untreated corpus and cauda sperm were used as controls. A higher number of cauda than corpus sperm migrated through cervical mucus from oestrus cows (P < 0.001), and addition of CEF increased the number of corpus sperm migrating through this matrix (P < 0.05). The presence of the BD126 antibody in CEF failed to abrogate this effect. Western blot analysis of the sperm samples revealed the antibody was not successful in blocking BD126 from binding onto the sperm surface, which would explain the lack of differences observed. Furthermore, the addition of rBD126 did not increase corpus sperm migration through mucus. In conclusion, we have characterised the expression of bovine BD126 protein in the bovine testis and epididymis. Incubation of sperm from the corpus with CEF from the cauda resulted in enhanced sperm migration through cervical mucus. However, incubation of sperm with rBD126 in the absence of other factors and proteins from the CEF failed to produce the same effect. These results suggest that the role of BD126 in cattle is different from that observed in primates. We are currently investigating other roles of BD126 and related β-defensins in mediating bovine sperm function. This work was supported by a grant from the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine under the Research Stimulus Programme (Grant No. 11S 104).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document