Sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction, involving the binding of sperm surface ligands to complementary carbohydrates of ZP, is the first direct gamete contact event crucial for subsequent gamete fusion and successful fertilization in mammals. It is a complex process mediated by the coordinated engagement of multiple ZP receptors forming high-molecular-weight (HMW) protein complexes at the acrosomal region of the sperm surface. The present article aims to review the current understanding of sperm-ZP binding in the four most studied mammalian models, i.e., murine, porcine, bovine, and human, and summarizes the candidate ZP receptors with established ZP affinity, including their origins and the mechanisms of ZP binding. Further, it compares and contrasts the ZP structure and carbohydrate composition in the aforementioned model organisms. The comprehensive understanding of sperm-ZP interaction mechanisms is critical for the diagnosis of infertility and thus becomes an integral part of assisted reproductive therapies/technologies.
- MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ligandy MeSH
- membránové glykoproteiny metabolismus MeSH
- mezibuněčná komunikace * MeSH
- receptory buněčného povrchu metabolismus MeSH
- savci metabolismus MeSH
- spermie cytologie metabolismus MeSH
- zona pellucida metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
Sperm capacitation, one of the key events during successful fertilization, is associated with extensive structural and functional sperm remodeling, beginning with the modification of protein composition within the sperm plasma membrane. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), a multiprotein complex responsible for protein degradation and turnover, participates in capacitation events. Previous studies showed that capacitation-induced shedding of the seminal plasma proteins such as SPINK2, AQN1, and DQH from the sperm surface is regulated by UPS. Alterations in the sperm surface protein composition also relate to the porcine β-microseminoprotein (MSMB/PSP94), seminal plasma protein known as immunoglobulin-binding factor, and motility inhibitor. MSMB was detected in the acrosomal region as well as the flagellum of ejaculated boar spermatozoa, while the signal disappeared from the acrosomal region after in vitro capacitation (IVC). The involvement of UPS in the MSMB degradation during sperm IVC was studied using proteasomal interference and ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1) inhibiting conditions by image-based flow cytometry and Western blot detection. Our results showed no accumulation of porcine MSMB either under proteasomal inhibition or under E1 inhibiting conditions. In addition, the immunoprecipitation study did not detect any ubiquitination of sperm MSMB nor was MSMB detected in the affinity-purified fraction containing ubiquitinated sperm proteins. Based on our results, we conclude that UPS does not appear to be the regulatory mechanism in the case of MSMB and opening new questions for further studies. Thus, the capacitation-induced processing of seminal plasma proteins on the sperm surface may be more complex than previously thought, employing multiple proteolytic systems in a non-redundant manner.
- MeSH
- kapacitace spermií fyziologie MeSH
- prasata MeSH
- proteasomový endopeptidasový komplex metabolismus MeSH
- sekreční proteiny prostaty metabolismus MeSH
- spermie metabolismus fyziologie MeSH
- ubikvitin metabolismus MeSH
- ubikvitinace MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Mammalian fertilization remains a poorly understood event with the vast majority of studies done in the mouse model. The purpose of this review is to revise the current knowledge about semen deposition, sperm transport, sperm capacitation, gamete interactions and early embryonic development with a focus on the porcine model as a relevant, alternative model organism to humans. The review provides a thorough overview of post-ejaculation events inside the sow's reproductive tract including comparisons with humans and implications for human fertilization and assisted reproductive therapy (ART). Porcine methodology for sperm handling, preservation, in vitro capacitation, oocyte in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection that are routinely used in pig research laboratories can be successfully translated into ART to treat human infertility. Last, but not least, new knowledge about mitochondrial inheritance in the pig can provide an insight into human mitochondrial diseases and new knowledge on polyspermy defense mechanisms could contribute to the development of new male contraceptives.
- MeSH
- fertilita fyziologie MeSH
- fertilizace fyziologie MeSH
- kapacitace spermií fyziologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
- prasata MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Estrogens are steroid hormones that affect a wide range of physiological functions. The effect of estrogens on male reproductive tissues and sperm cells through specific receptors is essential for sperm development, maturation, and function. Although estrogen receptors (ERs) have been studied in several mammalian species, including humans, they have not yet been described in bull spermatozoa and reproductive tissues. In this study, we analyzed the presence of all types of ERs (ESR1, ESR2, and GPER1) in bull testicular and epididymal tissues and epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa, and we characterize them here for the first time. We observed different localizations of each type of ER in the sperm head by immunofluorescent microscopy. Additionally, using a selected polyclonal antibody, we found that each type of ER in bull sperm extracts had two isoforms with different molecular masses. The detailed detection of ERs is a prerequisite not only for understanding the effect of estrogen on all reproductive events but also for further studying the negative effect of environmental estrogens (endocrine disruptors) on processes that lead to fertilization.
- MeSH
- epididymis metabolismus MeSH
- receptory pro estrogeny metabolismus MeSH
- receptory spřažené s G-proteiny metabolismus MeSH
- rozmnožování * MeSH
- skot metabolismus MeSH
- spermie metabolismus MeSH
- testis metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- skot metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
The Wnt signaling pathway is required during embryonic development and for the maintenance of homeostasis in adult tissues. However, aberrant activation of the pathway is implicated in a number of human disorders, including cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, liver, melanoma, and hematologic malignancies. In this study, we identified monensin, a polyether ionophore antibiotic, as a potent inhibitor of Wnt signaling. The inhibitory effect of monensin on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade was observed in mammalian cells stimulated with Wnt ligands, glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors, and in cells transfected with β-catenin expression constructs. Furthermore, monensin suppressed the Wnt-dependent tail fin regeneration in zebrafish and Wnt- or β-catenin-induced formation of secondary body axis in Xenopus embryos. In Wnt3a-activated HEK293 cells, monensin blocked the phoshorylation of Wnt coreceptor low-density lipoprotein receptor related protein 6 and promoted its degradation. In human colorectal carcinoma cells displaying deregulated Wnt signaling, monensin reduced the intracellular levels of β-catenin. The reduction attenuated the expression of Wnt signaling target genes such as cyclin D1 and SP5 and decreased the cell proliferation rate. In multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice, daily administration of monensin suppressed progression of the intestinal tumors without any sign of toxicity on normal mucosa. Our data suggest monensin as a prospective anticancer drug for therapy of neoplasia with deregulated Wnt signaling.
- MeSH
- antibiotika antitumorózní farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- beta-katenin metabolismus MeSH
- dánio pruhované MeSH
- experimentální nádory MeSH
- HEK293 buňky MeSH
- kolorektální nádory farmakoterapie patologie MeSH
- LDL receptor related protein 6 metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- monensin farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- myši MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- proliferace buněk účinky léků MeSH
- regulace genové exprese u nádorů účinky léků MeSH
- signální dráha Wnt účinky léků MeSH
- xenogenní modely - testy antitumorózní aktivity MeSH
- Xenopus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
BACKGROUND & AIMS: The Wnt signaling pathway is required for maintenance of the intestinal epithelia; blocking this pathway reduces the proliferative capacity of the intestinal stem cells. However, aberrant Wnt signaling leads to intestinal cancer. We investigated the roles of the Wnt pathway in homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium and during malignant transformation in human cells and mice. METHODS: We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with DNA microarray analysis (ChIP-on-chip) to identify genes regulated by Wnt signaling in human colorectal cancer cells Colo320, DLD1, LS174T, and SW480. Formation of intestinal tumor was induced in C57BL/6J mice using azoxymethane and dextran sulfate. Intestinal tissues from these mice, as well as Apc(+/Min) and Apc(CKO/CKO)/Lgr5-EGFP-IRES-CreERT2 mice, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: We identified promoter regions of 960 genes that interacted with the Wnt pathway nuclear effector T-cell factor 4 in 4 different human colorectal cancer-derived cell lines; 18 of these promoters were present in all chromatin precipitates. Wnt signaling up-regulated a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily called TROY. Levels of TROY messenger RNA were increased in human cells with deficiencies in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene and in cells stimulated with the Wnt3a ligand. Expression of Troy was significantly up-regulated in neoplastic tissues from mice during intestinal tumorigenesis. Lineage tracing experiments revealed that Troy is produced specifically by fast-cycling intestinal stem cells. TROY associated with a unique marker of these cells, leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor (LGR) 5. In organoids established from the intestinal crypts, Troy suppressed signaling mediated by R-spondin, a Wnt agonist. CONCLUSIONS: TROY is up-regulated in human colorectal cancer cell lines and in intestinal tumors in mice. It functions as a negative modulator of the Wnt pathway in LGR5-positive stem cells.
- MeSH
- apoptóza MeSH
- experimentální nádory MeSH
- hybridizace in situ MeSH
- imunohistochemie MeSH
- kolorektální nádory genetika metabolismus patologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
- myši MeSH
- nádorová transformace buněk genetika metabolismus patologie MeSH
- nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
- nádorové kmenové buňky metabolismus patologie MeSH
- polymerázová řetězová reakce s reverzní transkripcí MeSH
- proliferace buněk MeSH
- receptory spřažené s G-proteiny fyziologie MeSH
- receptory TNF fyziologie MeSH
- regulace genové exprese u nádorů * MeSH
- RNA nádorová genetika MeSH
- sekvenční analýza hybridizací s uspořádaným souborem oligonukleotidů MeSH
- signální dráha Wnt fyziologie MeSH
- střevní sliznice metabolismus patologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
Using a codon-optimized gene fragment, we report remarkable yields for extracellular domain of human NK cell receptor (NKp30ex) when produced on M9 minimal medium, even with low (2g/L) glucose concentration. The yields were identical using media containing (15)NH(4)Cl or (15)NH(4)Cl in combination with all-(13)C-d-glucose allowing to produce homogenous soluble monomeric NKp30 in several formats needed for advanced NMR studies. Our optimized protocol now allows to produce routinely 10mg batches of these NKp30ex proteins per 1L of M9 production medium in four working days. The purity and identity of the produced proteins were checked by SDS-PAGE, MALDI MS peptide mapping, and high resolution ion cyclotron resonance MS. Analytical ultracentrifugation confirmed the monomeric status of the produced proteins. Long-term stability of the produced protein proved to be very good allowing its use for NMR studies using elevated temperatures. These studies should reveal further details of the interaction of NKp30 with several of its ligands including target cell surface proteins and heparin-derived oligosaccharides.
- MeSH
- bioreaktory MeSH
- chlorid amonný chemie MeSH
- elektroforéza v polyakrylamidovém gelu MeSH
- Escherichia coli chemie genetika metabolismus MeSH
- kodon MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
- nukleární magnetická rezonance biomolekulární metody MeSH
- receptor 3 spouštějící přirozenou cytotoxicitu biosyntéza chemie genetika metabolismus MeSH
- rekombinantní proteiny chemie genetika metabolismus MeSH
- rozpustnost MeSH
- sbalování proteinů MeSH
- sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
- sekvence nukleotidů MeSH
- ultracentrifugace MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
The Wnt family of proteins is a group of extracellular signalling molecules that regulate cell-fate decisions in developing and adult tissues. It is presumed that all 19 mammalian Wnt family members contain two types of post-translational modification: the covalent attachment of fatty acids at two distinct positions, and the N-glycosylation of multiple asparagines. We examined how these modifications contribute to the secretion, extracellular movement and signalling activity of mouse Wnt1 and Wnt3a ligands. We revealed that O-linked acylation of serine is required for the subsequent S-palmitoylation of cysteine. As such, mutant proteins that lack the crucial serine residue are not lipidated. Interestingly, although double-acylation of Wnt1 was indispensable for signalling in mammalian cells, in Xenopus embryos the S-palmitoyl-deficient form retained the signalling activity. In the case of Wnt3a, the functional duality of the attached acyls was less prominent, since the ligand lacking S-linked palmitate was still capable of signalling in various cellular contexts. Finally, we show that the signalling competency of both Wnt1 and Wnt3a is related to their ability to associate with the extracellular matrix.
- MeSH
- buněčné linie MeSH
- cystein metabolismus MeSH
- embryonální vývoj MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- lipoylace MeSH
- molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
- mutace MeSH
- myši MeSH
- protein Wnt1 genetika metabolismus MeSH
- protein Wnt3 MeSH
- protein Wnt3A MeSH
- proteiny Wnt genetika metabolismus MeSH
- proteiny Xenopus MeSH
- sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
- serin metabolismus MeSH
- substituce aminokyselin MeSH
- Xenopus embryologie metabolismus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
