scholarly journals Mice Deficient in the Axonemal Protein Tektin-t Exhibit Male Infertility and Immotile-Cilium Syndrome Due to Impaired Inner Arm Dynein Function

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (18) ◽  
pp. 7958-7964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiromitsu Tanaka ◽  
Naoko Iguchi ◽  
Yoshiro Toyama ◽  
Kouichi Kitamura ◽  
Tohru Takahashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Role ◽  
Electron Microscopic Examination ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Homozygous Mutant ◽  
Causal Genes ◽  
And Function ◽  
Ciliary Dyskinesia

ABSTRACT The haploid germ cell-specific Tektin-t protein is a member of the Tektin family of proteins that form filaments in flagellar, ciliary, and axonemal microtubules. To investigate the physiological role of Tektin-t, we generated mice with a mutation in the tektin-t gene. The homozygous mutant males were infertile, while the females were fully fertile. Sperm morphology and function were abnormal, with frequent bending of the sperm flagella and marked defects in motility. In vitro fertilization assays showed that the defective spermatozoa were able to fertilize eggs. Electron microscopic examination showed that the dynein inner arm structure was disrupted in the sperm flagella of tektin-t-deficient mice. Furthermore, homozygous mutant mice had functionally defective tracheal cilia, as evidenced by altered dynein arm morphology. These results indicate that Tektin-t participates in dynein inner arm formation or attachment and that the loss of Tektin-t results in impaired motility of both flagella and cilia. Therefore, the tektin-t gene is one of the causal genes for immotile-cilium syndrome/primary ciliary dyskinesia.

scholarly journals HANP1/H1T2, a Novel Histone H1-Like Protein Involved in Nuclear Formation and Sperm Fertility

2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (16) ◽  
pp. 7107-7119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiromitsu Tanaka ◽  
Naoko Iguchi ◽  
Ayako Isotani ◽  
Kouichi Kitamura ◽  
Yoshiro Toyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biochemical Analysis ◽  
Nuclear Protein ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Histone H1 ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Rich Domain ◽  
And Function ◽  
Specific Nuclear Protein

ABSTRACT We cloned a testis-specific cDNA from mice that encodes a histone H1-like, haploid germ cell-specific nuclear protein designated HANP1/H1T2. The HANP1/H1T2 protein was specifically localized to the nuclei of murine spermatids during differentiation steps 5 to 13 but not to the nuclei of mature sperm. HANP1/H1T2 contains an arginine-serine-rich domain and an ATP/GTP binding site, and it binds to DNA, ATP, and protamine. To investigate the physiological role of HANP1/H1T2, we generated Hanp1/H1T2-disrupted mutant mice. Homozygous Hanp1/H1T2 mutant males were infertile, but females were fertile. Although a substantial number of sperm were recovered from the epididymides, their shape and function were abnormal. During sperm morphogenesis, the formation of nuclei was disturbed and protamine-1 and -2 were only weakly detectable in the nuclei. The chromatin packaging was aberrant, as demonstrated by electron microscopy and biochemical analysis. The mutant sperm exhibited deficient motility and were not competent to fertilize eggs under in vitro fertilization conditions; however, they were capable of fertilizing eggs via intracytoplasmic sperm injection that resulted in the birth of healthy progeny. Thus, we found that HANP1/H1T2 is essential for nuclear formation in functional spermatozoa and is specifically involved in the replacement of histones with protamines during spermiogenesis. At the time of submission of the manuscript, we found an independent publication by Martianov et al. (I. Martianov, S. Brancorsini, R. Catena, A. Gansmuller, N. Kotaja, M. Parvinen, P. Sassone-Corsi, and I. Davidson, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102:2808-2813, 2005) that reported similar results.

scholarly journals Granule regulation by phase separation during Drosophila oogenesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-364
Author(s):  
M. Sankaranarayanan ◽  
Timothy T. Weil
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Translational Control ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Drosophila Oogenesis ◽  
And Function ◽  
Rna Protein Complexes ◽  
Liquid Liquid Phase Separation

Drosophila eggs are highly polarised cells that use RNA–protein complexes to regulate storage and translational control of maternal RNAs. Ribonucleoprotein granules are a class of biological condensates that form predominantly by intracellular phase separation. Despite extensive in vitro studies testing the physical principles regulating condensates, how phase separation translates to biological function remains largely unanswered. In this perspective, we discuss granules in Drosophila oogenesis as a model system for investigating the physiological role of phase separation. We review key maternal granules and their properties while highlighting ribonucleoprotein phase separation behaviours observed during development. Finally, we discuss how concepts and models from liquid–liquid phase separation could be used to test mechanisms underlying granule assembly, regulation and function in Drosophila oogenesis.

Scanning electron microscopic study of collagen fibrillogenesis and extracellular compartmentalization in the chick embryo tendon

1986 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 208-209
Author(s):  
Grace C.H. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Chick Embryo ◽  
Extracellular Space ◽  
Fibroblast Cell ◽  
Collagen Fibrils ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Voltage Electron ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopic Study ◽  
Microscopic Studies ◽  
And Function

The size and organization of collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix is an important determinant of tissue structure and function. The synthesis and deposition of collagen involves multiple steps which begin within the cell and continue in the extracellular space. High-voltage electron microscopic studies of the chick embryo cornea and tendon suggested that the extracellular space is compartmentalized by the fibroblasts for the regulation of collagen fibril, bundle, and tissue specific macroaggregate formation. The purpose of this study is to gather direct evidence regarding the association of the fibroblast cell surface with newly formed collagen fibrils, and to define the role of the fibroblast in the control and the precise positioning of collagen fibrils, bundles, and macroaggregates during chick tendon development.

Role of the 807 C/T Polymorphism of the α2 Gene in Platelet GP Ia Collagen Receptor Expression and Function

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (06) ◽  
pp. 951-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Corral ◽  
R. González-Conejero ◽  
J. Rivera ◽  
F. Ortuño ◽  
P. Aparicio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Platelet Surface ◽  
Vitro Analysis ◽  
And Function ◽  
In Vitro Analysis

SummaryThe variability of the platelet GP Ia/IIa density has been associated with the 807 C/T polymorphism (Phe 224) of the GP Ia gene in American Caucasian population. We have investigated the genotype and allelic frequencies of this polymorphism in Spanish Caucasians. The T allele was found in 35% of the 284 blood donors analyzed. We confirmed in 159 healthy subjects a significant association between the 807 C/T polymorphism and the platelet GP Ia density. The T allele correlated with high number of GP Ia molecules on platelet surface. In addition, we observed a similar association of this polymorphism with the expression of this protein in other blood cell types. The platelet responsiveness to collagen was determined by “in vitro” analysis of the platelet activation and aggregation response. We found no significant differences in these functional platelet parameters according to the 807 C/T genotype. Finally, results from 3 case/control studies involving 302 consecutive patients (101 with coronary heart disease, 104 with cerebrovascular disease and 97 with deep venous thrombosis) determined that the 807 C/T polymorphism of the GP Ia gene does not represent a risk factor for arterial or venous thrombosis.

Activation of bovine oocytes by protein synthesis inhibitors: new findings on the role of MPF/MAPKs†

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Valencia ◽  
Felipe Alonso Pérez ◽  
Carola Matus ◽  
Ricardo Felmer ◽  
María Elena Arias
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Cyclin B1 ◽  
Protein Synthesis Inhibitors ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Bovine Oocytes ◽  
Dependent Pathway

Abstract The present study evaluated the mechanism by which protein synthesis inhibitors activate bovine oocytes. The aim was to analyze the dynamics of MPF and MAPKs. MII oocytes were activated with ionomycin (Io), ionomycin+anisomycin (ANY) and ionomycin+cycloheximide (CHX) and by in vitro fertilization (IVF). The expression of cyclin B1, p-CDK1, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, and p-P38 were evaluated by immunodetection and the kinase activity of ERK1/2 was measured by enzyme assay. Evaluations at 1, 4, and 15 hours postactivation (hpa) showed that the expression of cyclin B1 was not modified by the treatments. ANY inactivated MPF by p-CDK1Thr14-Tyr15 at 4 hpa (P < 0.05), CHX increased pre-MPF (p-CDK1Thr161 and p-CDK1Thr14-Tyr15) at 1 hpa and IVF increased p-CDK1Thr14-Tyr15 at 17 hours postfertilization (hpf) (P < 0.05). ANY and CHX reduced the levels of p-ERK1/2 at 4 hpa (P < 0.05) and its activity at 4 and 1 hpa, respectively (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, IVF increased p-ERK1/2 at 6 hpf (P < 0.05); however, its kinase activity decreased at 6 hpf (P < 0.05). p-JNK in ANY, CHX, and IVF oocytes decreased at 4 hpa (P < 0.05). p-P38 was only observed at 1 hpa, with no differences between treatments. In conclusion, activation of bovine oocytes by ANY, CHX, and IVF inactivates MPF by CDK1-dependent specific phosphorylation without cyclin B1 degradation. ANY or CHX promoted this inactivation, which seemed to be more delayed in the physiological activation (IVF). Both inhibitors modulated MPF activity via an ERK1/2-independent pathway, whereas IVF activated the bovine oocytes via an ERK1/2-dependent pathway. Finally, ANY does not activate the JNK and P38 kinase pathways.

scholarly journals Membrane-associated phase separation: organization and function emerge from a two-dimensional milieu

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathon A Ditlev
Keyword(s):  
Phase Separation ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Cellular Environment ◽  
Condensate Formation ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Available Technology ◽  
And Function ◽  
Surrounding Membrane

Abstract Liquid‒liquid phase separation (LLPS) of biomolecules has emerged as an important mechanism that contributes to cellular organization. Phase separated biomolecular condensates, or membrane-less organelles, are compartments composed of specific biomolecules without a surrounding membrane in the nucleus and cytoplasm. LLPS also occurs at membranes, where both lipids and membrane-associated proteins can de-mix to form phase separated compartments. Investigation of these membrane-associated condensates using in vitro biochemical reconstitution and cell biology has provided key insights into the role of phase separation in membrane domain formation and function. However, these studies have generally been limited by available technology to study LLPS on model membranes and the complex cellular environment that regulates condensate formation, composition, and function. Here, I briefly review our current understanding of membrane-associated condensates, establish why LLPS can be advantageous for certain membrane-associated condensates, and offer a perspective for how these condensates may be studied in the future.

542 Objective Sleep Duration, Sleep Timing and Completion of In Vitro Fertilization Cycles; a Prospective Cohort Study

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A214-A214
Author(s):  
Chawanont Pimolsri ◽  
Xiru Lyu ◽  
Cathy Goldstein ◽  
Chelsea Fortin ◽  
Sunni Mumford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Working Women ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Circadian Misalignment ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Sleep Timing

Abstract Introduction Sleep duration and circadian misalignment have been linked to fertility and fecundability. However, sleep in women undergoing IVF has rarely been examined. This study investigated the role of sleep duration and timing with completion of an IVF cycle. Methods Prospective study of women undergoing IVF at a tertiary medical center between 2015 and 2017. Sleep was assessed by wrist-worn actigraphy 1–2 weeks prior to the initiation of their IVF cycle. Reproductive profile, IVF cycle details, demographic and health information were obtained from medical charts. Sleep duration, midpoint and bedtime were examined in relation to IVF cycle completion using logistic regression models, adjusted for age and anti-Müllerian hormone levels. A sub-analysis excluded women who worked non-day shifts to control for circadian misalignment. Results A total of 48 women were studied. Median age was 33y (range 25–42), with 29% of women older than 35 years. Ten women had an IVF cycle cancellation prior to embryo transfer. These women had shorter sleep duration, more nocturnal awakenings, lower sleep efficiency, and later sleep timing in comparison to those who completed their cycle. Twenty-minute increases in sleep duration were associated with lower odds of an uncompleted IVF cycle (OR = 0.88; 95% CI 0.78, 1.00). Women with later sleep midpoints and later bedtime had higher odds of an uncompleted cycle relative to those with earlier midpoints and earlier bedtime; OR=1.24; 95% CI 1.09, 1.40 and OR=1.33; 95% CI 1.17, 1.53 respectively, per 20-minute increments. These results were independent of age, levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, or sleep duration, and remained unchanged after exclusion of shift-working women. Conclusion This study demonstrated the influence of sleep duration and sleep timing on the odds of an uncompleted IVF cycle prior to embryo transfer. Sleep is a modifiable behavior that may contribute to IVF cycle success. Support (if any):

scholarly journals Novel Insights on the Role of Nitric Oxide in the Ovary: A Review of the Literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 980
Author(s):  
Maria Cristina Budani ◽  
Gian Mario Tiboni
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Peripheral Neurons ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Oocyte Meiotic Maturation

Nitric oxide (NO) is formed during the oxidation of L-arginine to L-citrulline by the action of multiple isoenzymes of NO synthase (NOS): neuronal NOS (nNOS), endotelial NOS (eNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS). NO plays a relevant role in the vascular endothelium, in central and peripheral neurons, and in immunity and inflammatory systems. In addition, several authors showed a consistent contribution of NO to different aspects of the reproductive physiology. The aim of the present review is to analyse the published data on the role of NO within the ovary. It has been demonstrated that the multiple isoenzymes of NOS are expressed and localized in the ovary of different species. More to the point, a consistent role was ascribed to NO in the processes of steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, and oocyte meiotic maturation in in vitro and in vivo studies using animal models. Unfortunately, there are few nitric oxide data for humans; there are preliminary data on the implication of nitric oxide for oocyte/embryo quality and in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) parameters. NO plays a remarkable role in the ovary, but more investigation is needed, in particular in the context of human ovarian physiology.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document