scholarly journals Prostasomes: extracellular vesicles from the prostate

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (1) ◽  
pp. R1-R14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marian Aalberts ◽  
Tom A E Stout ◽  
Willem Stoorvogel
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Single Type ◽  
Prostatic Fluid ◽  
Prostate Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cancer Spread ◽  
Peripheral Blood Plasma

The term ‘prostasomes’ is generally used to classify the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released into prostatic fluid by prostate epithelial cells. However, other epithelia within the male reproductive tract also release EVs that mix with ‘true’ prostasomes during semen emission or ejaculation. Prostasomes have been proposed to regulate the timing of sperm cell capacitation and induction of the acrosome reaction, as well as to stimulate sperm motility where all three are prerequisite processes for spermatozoa to attain fertilising capacity. Other proposed functions of prostasomes include interfering with the destruction of spermatozoa by immune cells within the female reproductive tract. On the other hand, it is unclear whether the distinct presumed functions are performed collectively by a single type of prostasome or by separate distinct sub-populations of EVs. Moreover, the exact molecular mechanisms through which prostasomes exert their functions have not been fully resolved. Besides their physiological functions, prostasomes produced by prostate tumour cells have been suggested to support prostate cancer spread development, and prostasomes in peripheral blood plasma may prove to be valuable biomarkers for prostate cancer.

scholarly journals ESR1 Mutations Associated With Estrogen Insensitivity Syndrome Change Conformation of Ligand-Receptor Complex and Altered Transcriptome Profile

Endocrinology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 161 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yin Li ◽  
Katherine J Hamilton ◽  
Lalith Perera ◽  
Tianyuan Wang ◽  
Artiom Gruzdev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Estrogen Receptor Α ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Receptor Complexes ◽  
Esr1 Gene ◽  
Esr1 Mutations

Abstract Estrogen insensitivity syndrome (EIS) arises from rare mutations in estrogen receptor-α (ERα, encoded by ESR1 gene) resulting in the inability of estrogen to exert its biological effects. Due to its rarity, mutations in ESR1 gene and the underlying molecular mechanisms of EIS have not been thoroughly studied. Here, we investigate known ESR1 mutants, Q375H and R394H, associated with EIS patients using in vitro and in vivo systems. Comparison of the transcriptome and deoxyribonucleic acid methylome from stable cell lines of both Q375H and R394H clinical mutants shows a differential profile compared with wild-type ERα, resulting in loss of estrogen responsiveness. Molecular dynamic simulation shows that both ESR1 mutations change the ERα conformation of the ligand-receptor complexes. Furthermore, we generated a mouse model Esr1-Q harboring the human mutation using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Female and male Esr1-Q mice are infertile and have similar phenotypes to αERKO mice. Overall phenotypes of the Esr1-Q mice correspond to those observed in the patient with Q375H. Finally, we explore the effects of a synthetic progestogen and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone inhibitor in the Esr1-Q mice for potentially reversing the impaired female reproductive tract function. These findings provide an important basis for understanding the molecular mechanistic consequences associated with EIS.

scholarly journals Epididymosomes, prostasomes, and liposomes: their roles in mammalian male reproductive physiology

Reproduction ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 146 (1) ◽  
pp. R21-R35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Sullivan ◽  
Fabrice Saez
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Reproductive Physiology ◽  
Main Function ◽  
Male Reproductive Tract ◽  
Unique Character ◽  
Multistep Process ◽  
Fertilization Capacity ◽  
Extracellular Environment

Mammalian spermatozoa are unique cells in many ways, and the acquisition of their main function, i.e. fertilization capacity, is a multistep process starting in the male gonad and ending near the female egg for the few cells reaching this point. Owing to the unique character of this cell, the molecular pathways necessary to achieve its maturation also show some specific characteristics. One of the most striking specificities of the spermatozoon is that its DNA is highly compacted after the replacement of histones by protamines, making the classical processes of transcription and translation impossible. The sperm cells are thus totally dependent on their extracellular environment for their protection against oxidative stress, for example, or for the molecular changes occurring during the transit of the epididymis; the first organ in which post-testicular maturation takes place. The molecular mechanisms underlying sperm maturation are still largely unknown, but it has been shown in the past three decades that extracellular vesicles secreted by the male reproductive tract are involved in this process. This review will examine the roles played by two types of naturally occurring extracellular vesicles, epididymosomes and prostasomes, secreted by the epididymis and the prostate respectively. We will also describe how the use of artificial vesicles, liposomes, contributed to the study of male reproductive physiology.

scholarly journals Major Critical Periods in Developmental Pathogenomics of Endometriosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-02
Author(s):  
Vladislav Baranov
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Benign Tumor ◽  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Genetic Program ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
Uterine Endometrium ◽  
Common Benign Tumor ◽  
Major Genome

In spite on numerous experimental and clinical data molecular mechanisms of endometriosis (EM) - the most common benign tumor of the female reproductive tract still remains obscure . The deciphering enigmas of EM gave a birth to a number of hypothesis . System genetics approach used in our studies of common diseases support the existence of special genetic program of EM operative in its development. It is taken for granted that EM results from abnormal differentiation of stem cells (SC). Two major sources of EM SC are considered : SC disseminated throughout peritoneum during female reproductive organs embryogenesis , SC from junction zone the uterine endometrium (2) [6]. According to our reviewed hypothesis [7] the genetic program of EM consists of several critical periods (CP) [8] corresponding to three crucial events in EM development with each of them corresponding to major genome reprogramming in EM cells.

scholarly journals Molecular mechanisms of development of the human fetal female reproductive tract

2017 ◽  
Vol 97 ◽  
pp. 54-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald R. Cunha ◽  
Takeshi Kurita ◽  
Mei Cao ◽  
Joel Shen ◽  
Stanley Robboy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mechanisms Of Development

scholarly journals Downregulation of Ribosomal Contents and Kinase Activities Is Associated with the Inhibitive Effect on the Growth of Group B Streptococcus Induced by Placental Extracellular Vesicles

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 664
Author(s):  
Jing Gao ◽  
Yunhui Tang ◽  
Xinyi Sun ◽  
Qiujing Chen ◽  
Yiqian Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Resistance To Antibiotics ◽  
Cell Energy ◽  
Group B ◽  
Cellular Components

Background: Like many other cell types, the human placenta produces large amounts of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Increasing evidence has shown that placental EVs contribute to the regulation of maternal immune and vascular systems during pregnancy via the transfer of their cargos. In this study, we investigated the effect of placental EVs on the growth of opportunistic pathogens that commonly colonise the female reproductive tract. Methods: Gram-positive bacterium Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) were treated with placental EVs that were collected from placental explant cultures, and the growth, susceptibility, and resistance to antibiotics of the bacteria were measured. In addition, comparative proteomics analysis was also performed for the GBS with or without exposure to placental EVs. Results: When treated with placental micro-EVs or nano-EVs, the GBS growth curve entered the stationary phase earlier, compared to untreated GBS. Treatment with placental EVs also inhibited the growth of GBS on solid medium, compared to untreated GBS. However, these biological activities were not seen in E. coli. This attenuative effect required interaction of placental EVs with GBS but not phagocytosis. In addition, the susceptibility or resistance to antibiotics of GBS or E. coli was not directly affected by treatment with placental EVs. The proteomic and Western blotting analysis of GBS that had been treated with placental EVs suggested that the downregulation of cellular components and proteins associated with phosphorylation and cell energy in GBS may contribute to these attenuative effects. Conclusion: We demonstrated the attenuative effect of the growth of GBS treated with placental EVs. Downregulation of cellular components and proteins associated with phosphorylation and cell energy may contribute to the physiological changes in GBS treated with placental EVs.

scholarly journals Direct N-Glycosylation Profiling of Urine and Prostatic Fluid Glycoproteins and Extracellular Vesicles

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvin R. K. Blaschke ◽  
Jordan P. Hartig ◽  
Grace Grimsley ◽  
Liping Liu ◽  
O. John Semmes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Imaging Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
Minimal Sample ◽  
Prostatic Fluid ◽  
Glycan Profiling ◽  
Cancer Tissues

Expressed prostatic secretions (EPS), also called post digital rectal exam urines, are proximal fluids of the prostate that are widely used for diagnostic and prognostic assays for prostate cancer. These fluids contain an abundant number of glycoproteins and extracellular vesicles secreted by the prostate gland, and the ability to detect changes in their N-glycans composition as a reflection of disease state represents potential new biomarker candidates. Methods to characterize these N-glycan constituents directly from clinical samples in a timely manner and with minimal sample processing requirements are not currently available. In this report, an approach is described to directly profile the N-glycan constituents of EPS urine samples, prostatic fluids and urine using imaging mass spectrometry for detection. An amine reactive slide is used to immobilize glycoproteins from a few microliters of spotted samples, followed by peptide N-glycosidase digestion. Over 100 N-glycan compositions can be detected with this method, and it works with urine, urine EPS, prostatic fluids, and urine EPS-derived extracellular vesicles. A comparison of the N-glycans detected from the fluids with tissue N-glycans from prostate cancer tissues was done, indicating a subset of N-glycans present in fluids derived from the gland lumens. The developed N-glycan profiling is amenable to analysis of larger clinical cohorts and adaptable to other biofluids.

scholarly journals Structure and Function of Caltrin (Calcium Transport Inhibitor) Proteins

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 117862641774582
Author(s):  
Ernesto Javier Grasso ◽  
Carlos Enrique Coronel
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Calcium Transport ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Sperm Cells ◽  
Transport Inhibitor ◽  
Acrosomal Exocytosis ◽  
And Function

Caltrin (calcium transport inhibitor) is a family of small and basic proteins of the mammalian seminal plasma which bind to sperm cells during ejaculation and inhibit the extracellular Ca2+ uptake, preventing the premature acrosomal exocytosis and hyperactivation when sperm cells ascend through the female reproductive tract. The binding of caltrin proteins to specific areas of the sperm surface suggests the existence of caltrin receptors, or precise protein-phospholipid arrangements in the sperm membrane, distributed in the regions where Ca2+ influx may take place. However, the molecular mechanisms of recognition and interaction between caltrin and spermatozoa have not been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this article is to describe in depth the known structural features and functional properties of caltrin proteins, to find out how they may possibly interact with the sperm membranes to control the intracellular signaling that trigger physiological events required for fertilization.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles in the Oviduct: Progress, Challenges and Implications for the Reproductive Success

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Almiñana ◽  
Bauersachs
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
Reproductive Events

The oviduct is the anatomical part of the female reproductive tract where the early reproductive events take place, from gamete transport, fertilization and early embryo development to the delivery of a competent embryo to the uterus, which can implant and develop to term. The success of all these events rely upon a two-way dialogue between the oviduct (lining epithelium and secretions) and the gametes/embryo(s). Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as major components of oviductal secretions and pointed to as mediators of the gamete/embryo-maternal interactions. EVs, comprising exosomes and microvesicles, have emerged as important agents of cell-to-cell communication by the transfer of biomolecules (i.e., mRNAs, miRNAs, proteins) that can modulate the activities of recipient cells. Here, we provide the current knowledge of EVs in the oviductal environment, from isolation to characterization, and a description of the EVs molecular content and associated functional aspects in different species. The potential role of oviductal EVs (oEVs) as modulators of gamete/embryo-oviduct interactions and their implications in the success of early reproductive events is addressed. Lastly, we discuss current challenges and future directions towards the potential application of oEVs as therapeutic vectors to improve pregnancy disorders, infertility problems and increase the success of assisted reproductive technologies.

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