scholarly journals Knockout of serine-rich single-pass membrane protein 1 (Ssmem1) causes globozoospermia and sterility in male mice†

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-253
Author(s):  
Kaori Nozawa ◽  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Haruhiko Miyata ◽  
Darius J Devlin ◽  
Zhifeng Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Protein ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
Single Pass ◽  
Human Male ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Golgi Network

Abstract Globozoospermia (sperm with an abnormally round head shape) and asthenozoospermia (defective sperm motility) are known causes of male infertility in human patients. Despite many studies, the molecular details of the globozoospermia etiology are still poorly understood. Serine-rich single-pass membrane protein 1 (Ssmem1) is a conserved testis-specific gene in mammals. In this study, we generated Ssmem1 knockout (KO) mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, demonstrated that Ssmem1 is essential for male fertility in mice, and found that SSMEM1 protein is expressed during spermatogenesis but not in mature sperm. The sterility of the Ssmem1 KO (null) mice is associated with globozoospermia and loss of sperm motility. To decipher the mechanism causing the phenotype, we analyzed testes with transmission electron microscopy and discovered that Ssmem1-disrupted spermatids have abnormal localization of Golgi at steps eight and nine of spermatid development. Immunofluorescence analysis with anti-Golgin-97 to label the trans-Golgi network, also showed delayed movement of the Golgi to the spermatid posterior region, which causes failure of sperm head shaping, disorganization of the cell organelles, and entrapped tails in the cytoplasmic droplet. In summary, SSMEM1 is crucial for intracellular Golgi movement to ensure proper spatiotemporal formation of the sperm head that is required for fertilization. These studies and the pathway in which SSMEM1 functions have implications for human male infertility and identifying potential targets for nonhormonal contraception.

scholarly journals Haploid male germ cells—the Grand Central Station of protein transport

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 474-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Pleuger ◽  
Mari S Lehti ◽  
Jessica EM Dunleavy ◽  
Daniela Fietz ◽  
Moira K O’Bryan
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Protein Transport ◽  
Model System ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Vesicle Transport ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Significant Percentage ◽  
Human Male ◽  
Abnormal Sperm ◽  
Haploid Male

Abstract BACKGROUND The precise movement of proteins and vesicles is an essential ability for all eukaryotic cells. Nowhere is this more evident than during the remarkable transformation that occurs in spermiogenesis—the transformation of haploid round spermatids into sperm. These transformations are critically dependent upon both the microtubule and the actin cytoskeleton, and defects in these processes are thought to underpin a significant percentage of human male infertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review is aimed at summarising and synthesising the current state of knowledge around protein/vesicle transport during haploid male germ cell development and identifying knowledge gaps and challenges for future research. To achieve this, we summarise the key discoveries related to protein transport using the mouse as a model system. Where relevant, we anchored these insights to knowledge in the field of human spermiogenesis and the causality of human male infertility. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies published in English were identified using PubMed using a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review—protein/vesicle transport, intra-flagellar transport, intra-manchette transport, Golgi, acrosome, manchette, axoneme, outer dense fibres and fibrous sheath. Searches were not restricted to a particular time frame or species although the emphasis within the review is on mammalian spermiogenesis. OUTCOMES Spermiogenesis is the final phase of sperm development. It results in the transformation of a round cell into a highly polarised sperm with the capacity for fertility. It is critically dependent on the cytoskeleton and its ability to transport protein complexes and vesicles over long distances and often between distinct cytoplasmic compartments. The development of the acrosome covering the sperm head, the sperm tail within the ciliary lobe, the manchette and its role in sperm head shaping and protein transport into the tail, and the assembly of mitochondria into the mid-piece of sperm, may all be viewed as a series of overlapping and interconnected train tracks. Defects in this redistribution network lead to male infertility characterised by abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and/or abnormal sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and are likely to be causal of, or contribute to, a significant percentage of human male infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A greater understanding of the mechanisms of protein transport in spermiogenesis offers the potential to precisely diagnose cases of male infertility and to forecast implications for children conceived using gametes containing these mutations. The manipulation of these processes will offer opportunities for male-based contraceptive development. Further, as increasingly evidenced in the literature, we believe that the continuous and spatiotemporally restrained nature of spermiogenesis provides an outstanding model system to identify, and de-code, cytoskeletal elements and transport mechanisms of relevance to multiple tissues.

scholarly journals A Single-Pass Type I Membrane Protein from the Apicomplexan Parasite Cryptosporidium parvum with Nanomolar Binding Affinity to Host Cell Surface

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1015
Author(s):  
Tianyu Zhang ◽  
Xin Gao ◽  
Dongqiang Wang ◽  
Jixue Zhao ◽  
Nan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Protein ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
Host Cell ◽  
Binding Affinity ◽  
Cryptosporidium Parvum ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Watery Diarrhea ◽  
Type I ◽  
Single Pass ◽  
Host Cell Surface

Cryptosporidium parvum is a globally recognized zoonotic parasite of medical and veterinary importance. This parasite mainly infects intestinal epithelial cells and causes mild to severe watery diarrhea that could be deadly in patients with weakened or defect immunity. However, its molecular interactions with hosts and pathogenesis, an important part in adaptation of parasitic lifestyle, remain poorly understood. Here we report the identification and characterization of a C. parvum T-cell immunomodulatory protein homolog (CpTIPH). CpTIPH is a 901-aa single-pass type I membrane protein encoded by cgd5_830 gene that also contains a short Vibrio, Colwellia, Bradyrhizobium and Shewanella (VCBS) repeat and relatively long integrin alpha (ITGA) N-terminus domain. Immunofluorescence assay confirmed the location of CpTIPH on the cell surface of C. parvum sporozoites. In congruence with the presence of VCBS repeat and ITGA domain, CpTIPH displayed high, nanomolar binding affinity to host cell surface (i.e., Kd(App) at 16.2 to 44.7 nM on fixed HCT-8 and CHO-K1 cells, respectively). The involvement of CpTIPH in the parasite invasion is partly supported by experiments showing that an anti-CpTIPH antibody could partially block the invasion of C. parvum sporozoites into host cells. These observations provide a strong basis for further investigation of the roles of CpTIPH in parasite-host cell interactions.

An Insight into Novel Sperm Cell Proteins as Bio-markers for Male Infertility: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naina Kumar ◽  
Namit Kant Singh
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Zona Pellucida ◽  
English Language ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sperm Dna Damage ◽  
Sperm Proteins

: Male infertility is rising now-a-days and accounts for major part of infertility cases worldwide. Novel tests are being developed for better detection and management of male infertility. Though there are many tests available for diagnosing male infertility like acrosome reaction rate, hemizona assay, in vivo or in vitro sperm penetration assay, sperm DNA damage tests, but semen analysis is most commonly used initial test for male infertility. It is usually associated with failure to detect cause in many cases, as seminal composition gets affected by a number of factors and can give false reports. Furthermore, it does not give any information about defects in capacitation, sperm Zona Pellucida interaction and sperm’s ability to fertilize oocytes. This results in failure of detection and delayed management of male infertility. Hence, the present review was conducted to identify various sperm proteins that play significant role in spermatogenesis, sperm motility, sperm-Zona Pellucida interaction and fertilization. These proteins can be used in future as markers of male infertility and will aid in better detection and management of male infertility. Methodology: Search for literature was made from 1970 to 2020 from various databases like PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar on sperm proteins and their role in male fertility using keywords: “sperm protein as bio-markers”, “novel sperm proteins as markers of infertility”, “Sperm proteins essential for capacitation, sperm motility and oocyte fertilization”. Inclusion criteria: All full-length research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analysis or abstracts on sperm proteins and male infertility published in English language in peer-reviewed journals were considered.

A simple technique for staining of cell membranes with imidazole and osmium tetroxide.

1995 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 1079-1084 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Thiéry ◽  
J Bernier ◽  
M Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Osmium Tetroxide ◽  
Cell Membranes ◽  
Cell Organelles ◽  
Unsaturated Lipids ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Glutaraldehyde Solution ◽  
Kidney Liver ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Resin Penetration

We describe a simple new technique based on the affinity of imidazole and osmium tetroxide for unsaturated lipids. Organs (e.g., kidney, liver, intestine) were perfused in vivo with a glutaraldehyde solution. Tissue fragments were then immersed in a solution containing imidazole and OsO4 and are further stained with a double lead and copper citrate solution. Ultra-thin (0.06 microns) or thick (0.1-0.3 microns) sections were observed with transmission electron microscopy (80-100 kV). The method presented permits excellent visualization of cell membranes (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum, endocytotic apparatus) because it favors good resin penetration and the alkaline pH preserves cell volume. A better stereomicroscopic analysis of the relationship between cell organelles can be carried out with thick sections. The imidazole/osmium can be used routinely because the technical steps are easy and simple to follow. Furthermore, it can complement other cytochemical methods.

scholarly journals Effect of Tramadol on Sperm Profile of Male Albino Rats

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
I. S. Esua ◽  
U. U. Uno ◽  
U. B. Ekaluo
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Sperm Viability ◽  
Albino Rat ◽  
Significant Difference

Background and Aim: Tramadol is a potent analgesic effective in the treatment of mild to severe pains. However, the use of the drug can pose a threat to other organs and systems. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of graded doses of tramadol on sperm profile of male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups (A, B and C) using completely randomized design (CRD) with six rats in each group. Rats in group A served as the control group and were given just food and water while groups B and C were given tramadol at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) respectively, daily for the period of 65 days. The treatment was administered via oral gavage and at the end of the treatments, the rats were sacrificed. Immediately after sacrifice, a puncture was made in the epididymis with a sterile pin and examined for semen pH. The epididymes were processed for epididymal sperm motility, viability, count and sperm head abnormality. Results: There was no significant difference in the weight of testes and semen pH. Sperm viability, sperm motility, sperm count and weight of epididymes significantly reduced (p<0.05) in tramadol treated animals when compared with the control. Results also indicated statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in sperm head abnormalities in rats treated with tramadol when compared with the control. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study reveal that tramadol has negative effects on weight of epididymes, sperm count, sperm viability, sperm motility and sperm head abnormalities in male albino rat as mammalian models in a dose dependent manner.

scholarly journals Adición de proteínas del plasma seminal ovino durante la congelación del espermatozoide y efectos sobre su motilidad y viabilidad

2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime Antonio Cardozo ◽  
Patricia Grasa ◽  
María Teresa Muiño B. ◽  
José Álvaro Cebrián P.
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Protein ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Plasma Proteins ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Plasma Séminal ◽  
Sperm Membrane ◽  
Seminal Plasma Proteins ◽  
Ram Sperm

<p>Este estudio se adelantó para evaluar el efecto de la adición de proteínas del plasma seminal de cordero en la criopreservación sobre la motilidad e integridad de la membrana espermática, y los cambios en el perfil electroforético de las proteínas de la membrana espermática inducidos por la criopreservación. Se usaron eyaculados de ocho corderos adultos de la raza rasa aragonesa, se les determinó su viabilidad y motilidad espermáticas y posteriormente se sometieron a un procedimiento de congelación. Las proteínas se separaron por el método de electroforesis en geles de acrilamida en dos dimensiones. Se obtuvo un mejoramiento significativo (<em>p </em>&lt; 0,05) en la calidad del semen congelado, cuando se adicionaron proteínas del plasma seminal. El análisis bidimensional comparativo entre el semen fresco y el congelado evidenció la pérdida de 8 puntos de proteína en el espermatozoide descongelado. La concentración de un punto de proteína de membrana espermática, de bajo peso molecular (punto 2), fue más alta (<em>p </em>&lt; 0,05) en el espermatozoide descongelado al que se adicionaron proteínas del plasma seminal. Se encontraron correlaciones entre algunos puntos de proteína y la motilidad y viabilidad espermáticas, lo cual sugiere que pueden jugar papeles importantes en el mantenimiento de la integridad y funcionalidad del espermatozoide. Se puede concluir que la adición de proteínas del plasma seminal en la congelación mejora la integridad del espermatozoide descongelado, y que la criopreservación del semen de cordero produce variaciones en la composición de las proteínas de membrana.  </p><p> </p><p><strong>Effect of seminal plasma proteins at freezing on ram sperm motility and viability</strong>  </p><p>The aim of the study was to evaluate the cryoprotective effect of seminal plasma proteins on ram sperm motility, membrane integrity and the changes in the profile of ram sperm membrane proteins induced by cryopreservation. Fresh ejaculates from 8 mature Rasa aragonesa rams were used. Sperm motility and cell viability was assessed. The freezing procedure was based on the method described by Fiser <em>et al</em>. (1987). Proteins extracted from fresh and frozen-thawed semen were subjected to the Two-dimensional polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis. A significant improvement in the quality of frozenthawed sperm was obtained after addition of seminal plasma proteins (<em>p </em>&lt; 0.05). Comparative two-dimensional polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis analysis between fresh and frozen semen, either with or without seminal plasma proteins in the cryopreservation medium, revealed that eight protein spots were lost in frozen-thawed sperm. The concentration of one sperm membrane protein spot of low Mr (spot 2) was higher (<em>p </em>&lt; 0.05) in proteinadded frozen sperm. Correlations found between certain protein spots sperm motility and viability suggests that these proteins could play important roles in the maintenance of sperm integrity and functionality. In conclusion, the addition of seminal plasma proteins to freezing extender improved frozen-thawed ram sperm integrity quality and cryopreservation of ram semen produced variations in the sperm membrane protein composition. </p>

scholarly journals Semen quality and diversity of morphological sperm abnormalities in bulls: breed and strain effects

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 931-938
Author(s):  
M. A. Kleshchev ◽  
V. L. Petukhov ◽  
L. V. Osadchuk
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Western Siberia ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Sperm Head ◽  
Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
Sperm Abnormalities

At present great attention is paid to studying genetic regulation of farm animal adaptations to environmental conditions. This problem is very important due to a wide expansion of highly productive cattle breeds created in Europe and North America. However, until the present no investigation of changing semen quality in bulls of imported breeds during their adaptations to environmental conditions of Western Siberia has been conducted. The aim of this study was to investigate semen quality peculiarities and the diversity of morphological sperm abnormalities in bulls of imported and local breeds kept in the environmental conditions of the southern part of Western Siberia. We determined sperm concentration, sperm count, and rate of sperm with progressive motility and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa. The rate of sperm abnormalities according to Blome’s classifcation was determined too. It was found that the mean values of sperm concentration, sperm motility and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in the bulls investigated were similar to those in bulls kept in European countries. Inter­breed differences in these parameters were not found. However, bulls of the Red Danish, Angler, and Simmental breeds had a higher percentage of misshapen sperm head and pyriform sperm head than bulls of the Black­White breed. An inter­strain difference in sperm motility in bulls of the Black­White breed was observed. It was found that bulls of Reflection Sovereign 198998 strain had lover sperm motility than bulls of Wis Burke Ideal 1013415 strain. No inter­strain differences in sperm production, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa and rate of main sperm abnormalities were found. Thus, it has been found that the environmental conditions of the southern part of Western Siberia do not seriously affect the sperm production, sperm motility or percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in bulls. However, the increased rate of misshapen and pyriform sperm heads in the bulls of the foreign breeds points to a need to study sperm DNA fragmentation.

P–050 The effectiveness of the platelet-rich plasma treatment of men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Somova ◽  
H Ivanova ◽  
N Sotnyk ◽  
K Kovalenko ◽  
I Feskova
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Testosterone Level ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Free Testosterone ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Free Testosterone Level

Abstract Study question To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) testicular injections on spermogram parameters of men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Summary answer The PRP testicular injections have beneficial effects on spermatogenesis and enhance sperm concentration and motility in infertile men with OAT. What is known already The use of PRP therapy in assisted reproductive technologies is debatable. Despite the recent evidence of its positive effects in promoting endometrial and follicular growth, data from clinical studies are limited. There are only a few papers on the effectiveness of PRP therapy in the treatment of male infertility and sexual dysfunction. In more detail, the influence of PRP on spermatogenesis was carried out only on experimental animals. Although the mechanisms of its action have not yet been clarified, it is assumed that PRP, containing many biologically active molecules, realizes its effect through the tissue regeneration and cell proliferation. Study design, size, duration This prospective study included 68 men (34.6±5.2) years old with severe OAT (≤4 million/ml, motility ≤30%, normal sperm morphology ≤1%) receiving hormonal and antioxidant (AO) therapy during 6 months before in vitro fertilization cycles. 33 of them were injected once with autologous PRP (0.5 ml in each testicle). Spermogram and testosterone level were analyzed before the treatment and in 3, 4 and 6 months after it. Participants/materials, setting, methods: Sperm concentration, motility and morphology in ejaculate of 33 men of PRP group were compared with those in the group of 35 men without PRP within 6 months of starting the treatment. Total and free testosterone level were measured in blood serum. PRP was prepared by centrifuging the patient’s own blood in the anticoagulant-containing tubes. The final concentration of platelets in the obtained sample was 950.000 – 1.250 000 cells in 1 ml. Main results and the role of chance 4 months after the PRP injection, sperm concentration and motility increased in 18 of 33 men of the PRP group compared with the baseline (before the treatment) – 4.2 (1.0; 6.9) vs 1.4 (0.1; 3.4) mln/ml (p &lt; 0.05) and 36.7 (30.6; 45.8) vs 17.7 (6.7; 28.2)% respectively (p &lt; 0.05).The maximum increase in sperm motility (but not in sperm concentration!) was observed in 24 men in 6 months – 49.6 (39.6; 56.4)% (p &lt; 0.05). Percent of morphologically normal spermatozoa in ejaculate slightly increased only in 12 men in that time period from 0–1% to 1–2%. The total testosterone level was 2.4 times higher than the baseline (31.6±7.2 vs 13.2±4.3 nmol/l, p &lt; 0.05), the free testosterone level was 1.8 times higher (14.5±3.5 vs 7.9±3.0 pgl/ml, p &lt; 0.05). Unlike the PRP group, in the group of men without PRP treatment, the sperm parameters did not changed compared with the baseline in 4 months after the starting hormonal and AO treatment. A significant increase of sperin concentration was observed only in 17 of 35 patients in 6 months. Sperm motility and percent of morphologically normal spermatozoa after the treatment did not differ from the baseline. Changes in the testosterone levels were similar to changes in PRP group. Limitations, reasons for caution Only young and middle-aged men were considered in the study. Large randomized controlled studies are required to confirm the PRP therapy efficacy and safety of f various fertility disorders. There are also no standardized protocols for PRP preparation. Wider implications of the findings: PRP therapy may have great potential for the treatment of male infertility and improving spermatogenesis. Optimization of methods of PRP preparation and dosage of testicular injections can enhance reproductive outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. Trial registration number Not applicable

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