Article
Cell Biology
Paula Piccolo Maitan, Elizabeth G. Bromfield, Romy Hoogendijk, Miguel Ricardo Leung, Tzviya Zeev-Ben-Mordehai, Chris H. van de Lest, Jeroen W. A. Jansen, Bart Leemans, Jose Domingos Guimaraes, Tom A. E. Stout, Bart M. Gadella, Heiko Henning
Summary: Classical IVF is not very successful in horses due to inadequate capacitation of stallion spermatozoa. This study aimed to investigate contributors to stallion sperm capacitation by examining bicarbonate-induced membrane remodeling steps and the role of cAMP signaling in these events. The research found that bicarbonate exposure led to increased plasma membrane fluidity in viable sperm, with sAC-mediated cAMP production playing a vital role in regulating membrane fluidity.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Maria Milagros Giaccagli, Matias Daniel Gomez-Elias, Jael Dafne Herzfeld, Clara Isabel Marin-Briggiler, Patricia Sara Cuasnicu, Debora Juana Cohen, Vanina Gabriela Da Ros
Summary: The study investigated the role of mitochondrial activity in sperm fertilizing ability during capacitation in mice, finding that MMP increase depends on capacitation and H89-sensitive events, high MMP is associated with sperm motility, and mitochondrial function is needed mainly for zona pellucida penetration. Additionally, mitochondrial activity is fundamental for sperm function in fertilization.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ludmila Curci, Guillermo Carvajal, Valeria Sulzyk, Soledad Natalia Gonzalez, Patricia S. Cuasnicu
Summary: Inactivation of the sperm CatSper channel affects sperm fertilizing ability and function, but does not impact in vitro fertilization. Exposure to HC prior to fertilization significantly reduces in vivo fertilization, indicating the potential for developing a non-hormonal contraceptive by blocking CatSper activity.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanna Blacona, Roberto Raso, Stefano Castellani, Silvia Pierandrei, Paola Del Porto, Giampiero Ferraguti, Fiorentina Ascenzioni, Massimo Conese, Marco Lucarelli
Summary: The pathogenic mechanism of cystic fibrosis involves the interaction between the CFTR protein and the ENaC channel. By inhibiting the protease-dependent activation of ENaC and manipulating its coding genes, it is possible to reduce ENaC activity and potentially treat cystic fibrosis. The study found that inhibition of extracellular peptidases and epigenetic manipulations can effectively reduce ENaC activity, with better results in primary cells. The SCNN1B gene appears to be the most effective target for reducing ENaC activity.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Won-Ki Pang, Yoo-Jin Park, Myung-Geol Pang
Summary: This study investigated the potential of sperm RNA markers in assessing various aspects of sperm function and identified genes related to male fertility. The findings provide valuable insights into male infertility.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roland Abi Nahed, Magali Dhellemmes, Christine Payre, Emilie Le Blevec, Jean-Philippe Perrier, Sylviane Hennebicq, Jessica Escoffier, Pierre F. Ray, Corinne Loeuillet, Gerard Lambeau, Christophe Arnoult
Summary: The secreted phospholipase A2 (PLA2G10) plays an important role in mouse fertilization by enhancing acrosome reaction and secretion, improving fertilization rate, and binding to PLA2R1 on gametes. It is shown that the catalytic activity and PLA2R1 binding of PLA2G10 both contribute to its profertility effect, and the study provides new insights into the complexity of PLA2G10's action in optimizing fertilization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Taseer Ahmad, Lale A. Ertuglu, Sepiso K. Masenga, Thomas R. Kleyman, Annet Kirabo
Summary: The d subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is poorly understood, but recent studies have shown its association with blood pressure, kidney function, inflammation, and salt-induced hypertension. Its expression in human vasculature and antigen presenting cells (APCs) suggests its role in vascular function and immune response.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fanwen Zeng, Mingming Wang, Ju Li, Chengde Li, Xueqing Pan, Li Meng, Li Li, Hengxi Wei, Shouquan Zhang
Summary: In this study, we found that porcine beta-defensin 129 (pBD129) is widely present in accessory sex glands and coats the surface of sperm. Inhibiting pBD129 on the sperm surface resulted in increased acrosome integrity, tyrosine phosphorylation levels, and Ca2+ influx, leading to a reduced in vitro fertilization cleavage rate. Furthermore, treatment with recombinant pBD129 restored sperm motility in semen contaminated with Escherichia coli.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Juan J. Ferreira, Pascale Lybaert, Lis C. Puga-Molina, Celia M. Santi
Summary: Our study shows that CatSper channels in mouse and human sperm are activated through alkaline conditions and the presence of HCO3-, leading to an influx of Ca2+. Furthermore, HCO3- activates the soluble adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A pathway, which sensitizes CatSper channels to respond to membrane depolarization, allowing for Ca2+ influx.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Fang Yang, Maria Gracia Gervasi, Gerardo Orta, Darya A. Tourzani, Jose Luis De La Vega-Beltran, Gordon Ruthel, Alberto Darszon, Pablo E. Visconti, P. Jeremy Wang
Summary: The CatSper cation channel is essential for sperm capacitation and male fertility. The study identifies C2CD6 as a subunit of the CatSper complex and demonstrates its role in the formation of calcium signaling nanodomains on flagellar membranes. Deficiency of C2CD6 leads to male sterility due to depleted CatSper nanodomains and impaired sperm function. C2CD6 may facilitate the incorporation of CatSper complex into the flagellar plasma membrane and function as a calcium sensor.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sean M. Gettings, Stephan Maxeiner, Maria Tzika, Matthew R. D. Cobain, Irina Ruf, Fritz Benseler, Nils Brose, Gabriela Krasteva-Christ, Greetje Vande Velde, Matthias Schonberger, Mike Althaus
Summary: The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is critical for maintaining salt and water balance in tetrapod vertebrates. While the physiology of alpha beta gamma-ENaC is well understood, the lack of mammalian model organisms has hindered research on delta beta gamma-ENaC. Recent analysis of rodent genomes revealed the presence of SCNN1D in rodents, contrary to previous beliefs, shedding light on potential new model animals for studying delta-ENaC physiology.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
S. Schaefer-Somi, S. Claassen, D. Lechner
Summary: This study investigated the dose-effect relationship of ABC transporter molecule ABCA1 on sperm capacitation in dogs. The results showed that PRO decreased cholesterol efflux, tyrosine phosphorylation, and the percentage of capacitated cells.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Puja Paudel, Fiona J. McDonald, Martin Fronius
Summary: Delta-ENaC, the fourth subunit of vascular epithelial sodium channels, has been less understood but recent discovery of its presence in human vascular cells suggests its potential significant role in vascular physiology and pathophysiology in humans. It has different properties compared to the alpha subunit, making it a potential new drug target for cardiovascular disease treatment.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yeni Wahyuni Hartati, Dina Ratna Komala, Diana Hendrati, Shabarni Gaffar, Ari Hardianto, Yulia Sofiatin, Husein Hernandi Bahti
Summary: ENaC protein plays a crucial role in regulating sodium levels in blood plasma, and having a family history of hypertension may increase the risk of having an excessive amount of ENaC protein. An aptasensor method utilizing electrochemical techniques has been developed to detect ENaC protein levels, showing potential for urine sample testing.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Costanza Cimini, Marina Ramal-Sanchez, Angela Taraschi, Flavio Della Pelle, Annalisa Scroccarello, Ramses Belda-Perez, Luca Valbonetti, Paola Lanuti, Marco Marchisio, Mario D'Atri, Claudio Ortolani, Stefano Papa, Giulia Capacchietti, Nicola Bernabo, Dario Compagnone, Barbara Barboni
Summary: Nowadays, there is a growing adoption of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) techniques. A promising strategy is the use of non-physiological materials and naturally derived compounds for advanced sperm preparation methods. The study showed that MoS2/Catechin nanoflakes and catechin (CT) did not have any negative effects on sperm capacitation, while adding a specific concentration of CT increased the fertilizing ability of sperm in an IVF assay. These findings suggest that catechins and new materials obtained using natural or bio compounds could enhance current sperm capacitation strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Stephanie Jean Gunderson, Lis Carmen Puga Molina, Nicholas Spies, Paula Ania Balestrini, Mariano Gabriel Buffone, Emily Susan Jungheim, Joan Riley, Celia Maria Santi
Summary: This study measured human sperm intracellular pH and developed a machine-learning algorithm to predict successful conventional IVF in normospermic patients. The results showed a positive correlation between sperm pHi and conventional IVF outcomes, with the algorithm accurately predicting success in fertilization for normospermic men undergoing conventional IVF.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paula A. Balestrini, Claudia Sanchez-Cardenas, Guillermina M. Luque, Carolina Baro Graf, Jessica M. Sierra, Arturo Hernandez-Cruz, Pablo E. Visconti, Dario Krapf, Alberto Darszon, Mariano G. Buffone
Summary: The process of sperm capacitation is essential for fertilization capacity, resulting in acrosomal exocytosis. Em hyperpolarization has been shown to be necessary and sufficient to prepare human sperm for acrosomal exocytosis. This change in Em decreases Ca2+ oscillations, providing experimental evidence for the molecular mechanism underlying acrosomal responsiveness.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guillermina M. Luque, Xinran Xu, Ana Romarowski, Maria G. Gervasi, Gerardo Orta, Jose L. De la Vega-Beltran, Cintia Stival, Nicolas Gilio, Tomas Dalotto-Moreno, Dario Krapf, Pablo E. Visconti, Diego Krapf, Alberto Darszon, Mariano G. Buffone
Summary: The study found that Cdc42 and CatSper play crucial roles in sperm, with Cdc42 inhibition affecting CatSper activity and severely compromising the sperm's fertilizing potential. Cdc42 regulates the function of CatSper by modulating the production of cAMP, providing a new regulatory mechanism for stimulating CatSper through the cAMP-dependent pathway.
Article
Developmental Biology
Melanie Balbach, Lubna Ghanem, Thomas Rossetti, Navpreet Kaur, Carla Ritagliati, Jacob Ferreira, Dario Krapf, Lis C. Puga Molina, Celia Maria Santi, Jan Niklas Hansen, Dagmar Wachten, Makoto Fushimi, Peter T. Meinke, Jochen Buck, Lonny R. Levin
Summary: sAC, essential for male fertility, is required for sperm capacitation and motility. A new sAC inhibitor, TDI-10229, disrupts capacitation-induced changes in mouse and human sperm, showing potential as non-hormonal contraceptives for women.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Fang Yang, Maria Gracia Gervasi, Gerardo Orta, Darya A. Tourzani, Jose Luis De La Vega-Beltran, Gordon Ruthel, Alberto Darszon, Pablo E. Visconti, P. Jeremy Wang
Summary: The CatSper cation channel is essential for sperm capacitation and male fertility. The study identifies C2CD6 as a subunit of the CatSper complex and demonstrates its role in the formation of calcium signaling nanodomains on flagellar membranes. Deficiency of C2CD6 leads to male sterility due to depleted CatSper nanodomains and impaired sperm function. C2CD6 may facilitate the incorporation of CatSper complex into the flagellar plasma membrane and function as a calcium sensor.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guillermo A. Videla-Richardson, Olivia Morris-Hanon, Nicolas I. Torres, Myrian I. Esquivel, Mariana B. Vera, Luisina B. Ripari, Diego O. Croci, Gustavo E. Sevlever, Gabriel A. Rabinovich
Summary: Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, glioblastoma (GBM) remains a challenging brain tumor to treat. This article discusses the role of galectins, a family of glycan-binding proteins, in GBM progression. Galectins play a crucial role in tumor cell proliferation, migration, vascularization, and immune response, and have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for GBM treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Arlet Loza-Huerta, Hiram Pacheco-Castillo, Alberto Darszon, Carmen Beltran
Summary: Sperm motility in sea urchins is regulated by the interaction of protein kinase A and protein kinase C in the signaling pathway.
Article
Cell Biology
Clara I. Marin-Briggiler, Guillermina M. Luque, Maria G. Gervasi, Natalia Oscoz-Susino, Jessica M. Sierra, Carolina Mondillo, Ana M. Salicioni, Dario Krapf, Pablo E. Visconti, Mariano G. Buffone
Summary: Experimental results show that human sperm exhibit reduced motility and other kinematic parameters under starvation conditions, while treatment with energy recovery restores hyperactivated motility, rapidly increasing ATP and cAMP levels. This suggests that modulating sperm energy levels through such treatment may positively impact human sperm fertilizing ability in vitro.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liza J. Schiavi-Ehrenhaus, Ana Romarowski, Martina Jablonski, Dario Krapf, Guillermina M. Luque, Mariano G. Buffone
Summary: RAC1 and PAK4 regulate actin polymerization in the sperm head necessary for acrosomal exocytosis (AR), while Slingshot family of protein phosphatases (SSH1) is regulated by RHOA/C and RAC1 for the transient phosphorylation of COFILIN.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Gabriela Carrasquel Martinez, Andres Aldana, Jorge Carneiro, Claudia Lydia Trevino, Alberto Darszon
Summary: Mammalian sperm capacitation, involving biochemical and physiological modifications, is a crucial step for successful fertilization. This study showed that the acrosome pH gradually increases during human sperm capacitation, and the V-ATPase plays a key role in regulating the acrosome acidity. These findings provide important insights into the factors influencing sperm fusion and fertilization.
MOLECULAR HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicolas A. Pinto, Martin C. Abba, Lorena Laporte, Juan M. Perez M. Saez, Ada G. G. Blidner, Nicolas I. Torres, Rosa M. M. Morales, Sabrina G. G. Gatto, Camila A. A. Bach, Florencia Veigas, Hernan J. Garcia Rivello, Peng Song, Jane H. H. Frederiksen, Lene Juel Rasmussen, Francoise Poirier, Diego O. O. Croci, Victoria Sundblad, Gabriel A. A. Rabinovich, Juan P. P. Cerliani
Summary: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has increased due to chronic exposure to sunlight, climatic changes, and immunosuppression. Gal-7, a protein expressed in skin tissue, plays a critical role in NMSC development. Overexpression of Gal-7 leads to an increase in the number of papillomas in transgenic mice.
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Guillermina M. Luque, Liza J. Schiavi-Ehrenhaus, Martina Jablonski, Paula A. Balestrini, Analia G. Novero, Nicolas I. Torres, Claudia E. Osycka-Salut, Alberto Darszon, Dario Krapf, Mariano G. Buffone
Summary: Combining fluorescent cell barcoding with drug screening method can be used to quickly screen new CatSper blockers.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Amjad Horani, Deepesh Kumar Gupta, Jian Xu, Huihui Xu, Lis del Carmen Puga-Molina, Celia M. Santi, Sruthi Ramagiri, Steven K. Brennan, Jiehong Pan, Jeffrey R. Koenitzer, Tao Huang, Rachael M. Hyland, Sean P. Gunsten, Shin-Cheng Tzeng, Jennifer M. Strahle, Pleasantine Mill, Moe R. Mahjoub, Susan K. Dutcher, Steven L. Brody
Summary: DNAAF5 gene mutations are associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in mice, researchers recreated human mutations and found that different mutation types have different effects on cilia function, which may contribute to different disease phenotypes and clinical trajectories.