Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Haia M. R. Abdulsamad, Zoha F. F. Murtaza, Hessa M. M. AlMuhairi, Wjdan S. S. Bafleh, Salma A. A. AlMansoori, Shaikha A. A. AlQubaisi, Hamdan Hamdan, Junaid Kashir
Summary: Oocyte activation, driven by calcium oscillations mainly regulated by PLC zeta, is crucial for mammalian fertilization and embryogenesis. Failure of calcium release or defects in related mechanisms can lead to infertility in humans. Exploration of PLC zeta and its patterns in human sperm may offer potential for diagnosing and treating human fertility issues. This review provides a comprehensive update on the clinical associations between calcium release, PLC zeta, oocyte activation, and human fertility, discussing their implications in defective embryogenesis and infertility treatments.
Article
Andrology
Junaid Kashir, Bhavesh Mistry, Maha Adel Gumssani, Muhammad Rajab, Reema Abu-Dawas, Falah AlMohanna, Michail Nomikos, Celine Jones, Raed Abu-Dawud, Nadya Al-Yacoub, Kevin Coward, F. Anthony Lai, Abdullah M. Assiri
Summary: The study shows that with advancing male age, levels and variability of PLC zeta protein and mRNA in sperm decrease. There are also changes in the localization patterns of PLC zeta in sperm from older male mice.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Junaid Kashir, Bhavesh V. V. Mistry, Lujain BuSaleh, Michail Nomikos, Sarah Almuqayyil, Raed Abu-Dawud, Nadya AlYacoub, Hamdan Hamdan, Saad AlHassan, F. Anthony Lai, Abdullah M. M. Assiri, Serdar Coskun
Summary: The application of antigen unmasking/retrieval (AUM) enhances the visualization of PLC zeta in human sperm, allowing for accurate assessment of sperm fertilization capacity.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Veena Unnikrishnan, John Kastelic, Jacob Thundathil
Summary: In cattle, the efficiency of ICSI is hindered by failed oocyte activation post sperm injection. Research focusing on proteins like Na/K-ATPase and PLC zeta is key to improving the success rate. Enhancing the efficiency of bovine ICSI has significant implications for the cattle breeding industry.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jing Dai, Tianlei Zhang, Jing Guo, Qinwei Zhou, Yifan Gu, Jue Zhang, Liang Hu, Yurong Zong, Juan Song, Shuoping Zhang, Can Dai, Fei Gong, Guangxiu Lu, Wei Zheng, Ge Lin
Summary: Genetic variations in the ACTL9 gene in male individuals have been found to cause total fertilization failure (TFF). These variations disrupt the perinuclear theca structure and affect the localization of PLCz in sperm, leading to abnormal calcium oscillations in oocytes and subsequent TFF. Overcoming TFF can be achieved through assisted oocyte activation with calcium ionophore exposure.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Junaid Kashir, Durga Ganesh, Celine Jones, Kevin Coward
Summary: Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is a major cause of ICSI cycle failure. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) is a method that artificially increases the levels of intracytoplasmic calcium ions (Ca2+) through mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical stimuli. However, the safety and efficacy of AOA are still controversial. More research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of AOA techniques.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2022)
Article
Biology
Naoki Hirose, Yasuyuki Kikuchi, Atsuko Kageyama, Hibiki Sugita, Miu Sakurai, Yui Kawata, Jumpei Terakawa, Teruhiko Wakayama, Junya Ito, Naomi Kashiwazaki
Summary: During mammalian fertilization, intracellular calcium oscillations are needed for oocyte activation. Sperm lacking PLC zeta can still induce calcium rises in oocytes after IVF but not ICSI. Additional activation treatments such as SrCl2 and PLC zeta mRNA can rescue the developmental ability of Plcz1(-/-) sperm-derived oocytes after ICSI, leading to successful term development and healthy offspring.
Review
Developmental Biology
Yuhkoh Satouh
Summary: This article reports on the study of oocyte activation induced by PLCZ1 in mice, as well as the generation of PLCZ1-deficient mouse models using genome-editing techniques. The findings show that PLCZ1 deficiency in mice leads to subfertility but can be fully restored by intracytoplasmic sperm injection, indicating a PLCZ1-independent oocyte activation mechanism. These findings raise new questions in the field of sperm biology and have implications for the treatment and phenotypic interpretation of oocyte activation failure in patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammad Ishraq Zafar, Shi Lu, Honggang Li
Summary: The fertilizing spermatozoon is a highly specialized cell that plays a crucial role in fertilization and embryo development. PLC zeta and PAWP are main candidates as oocyte activated factors during fertilization, but their mechanisms and treatment methods still need further research and exploration.
CELL AND BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Developmental Biology
A. Cardona Barberan, A. Boel, F. Vanden Meerschaut, D. Stoop, B. Heindryckx
Summary: It has been twenty years since the discovery of PLCZ1 as the sperm oocyte-activating factor, which is responsible for triggering calcium oscillations necessary for oocyte activation. Abnormal PLCZ1 can lead to fertilization failure in human spermatozoa. Assisted oocyte activation using Ca+2 ionophores has proven to be effective for sperm-related fertilization failure but not for female-related failure. Therefore, the development of diagnostic tests is crucial for improving clinical management in these cases.
Article
Cell Biology
Veena Unnikrishnan, John P. Kastelic, Jacob C. Thundathil
Summary: The study found that the sperm-derived oocyte activating factor, phospholipase C zeta (PLC zeta), is the only PLC isoform reported in cattle. During sperm capacitation, PLC zeta is activated through interaction with ATP1A4 and tyrosine phosphorylation, contributing to various capacitation processes such as hyperactivated motility and acrosome reaction.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Aylin Nikshad, Afsoon Aghlmandi, Reza Safaralizadeh, Leili Aghebati-Maleki, Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani, Farhad Motavalli Khiavi, Mehdi Yousefi
Summary: According to the World Health Organization, approximately 70 million couples worldwide suffer from infertility. Research teams have integrated various scientific branches to develop therapeutic approaches, with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) being a key solution. The use of microfluidic technology has shown significant progress in improving efficiency in assisted reproduction.
Review
Developmental Biology
Angelos Thanassoulas, Karl Swann, F. Anthony Lai, Michail Nomikos
Summary: This review discusses recent advances in the structure and function relationship of PLCZ1 and its potential binding partners in sperm and oocytes. Unlocking all the remaining secrets of sperm PLCZ1 will help us understand the precise mechanism of fertilization and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of currently unknown forms of male infertility linked to PLCZ1.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jan Tesarik, Raquel Mendoza-Tesarik
Summary: Mitochondria in human sperm and oocytes play important roles in human fertility and infertility. Sperm mitochondria are involved in providing energy for sperm movement, capacitation, and fusion with oocytes, while oocyte mitochondria are essential for oocyte meiotic division and calcium metabolism. Abnormalities in these mitochondria can lead to aneuploidy in oocytes and embryos, as well as hereditary diseases in offspring. Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA abnormalities can also contribute to ovarian aging. Mitochondrial substitution therapy and mitochondrial DNA editing are being explored as potential treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Andrology
Xin Meng, Celine Jones, Pedro Melo, Caroline Ross, Ginny Mounce, Tim Child, Kevin Coward
Summary: This study compared an established assay and an antigen unmasking method (AUM) for visualizing phospholipase C zeta (PLC zeta) in human sperm. Results showed that the established assay had higher fluorescence intensity and better specificity binding, supporting its continued use for clinical research screening.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Andrology
Junaid Kashir, Bhavesh V. Mistry, Lujain BuSaleh, Reema Abu-Dawas, Michail Nomikos, Ahmed Ajlan, Raed Abu-Dawud, Nadya AlYacoub, Saad AlHassan, F. Anthony Lai, Abdullah M. Assiri, Serdar Coskun
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Junaid Kashir, Ahmed Yaqinuddin
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2020)
Review
Cell Biology
Junaid Kashir, Ayesha Rahman Ambia, Areez Shafqat, Muhammad Raihan Sajid, Khaled AlKattan, Ahmed Yaqinuddin
Summary: This article discusses the potential occurrence of vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) through inflammatory reactions and the overproduction of NETs by neutrophils, with similar autoimmune mechanisms observed in HIT.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Ayesha Rahman Ambia, Tasnim Atef Elgazzar, Maha Bint Mishari AlSaud, Junaid Kashir
Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV2, is a global airway disease with significant morbidity and mortality rates, particularly affecting the elderly and those with comorbidities. IVIG administration is being explored as a potential therapeutic option to reduce inflammation and improve outcomes for severe cases, drawing on its anti-inflammatory effects observed in other inflammatory conditions.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Areez Shafqat, Junaid Kashir, Khaled Alkattan
Summary: COVID-19 vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies have been widely used for prevention and treatment of the disease, but the emergence of viral variants has impacted the effectiveness of these therapies. Despite challenges posed by viral variants, through continuous improvement and research, strategies are being explored to address these variants.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Muhammad Faisal Ikram, Ayesha Rahman Ambia, Raghad Alaujan, Junaid Kashir
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment due to neurodegenerative processes. Models such as animal and 3D culture models have provided significant insights into the disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES NU
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Serdar Coskun, Sateesh Maddirevula, Khalid Awartani, Meshael Aldeery, Wafa Qubbaj, Junaid Kashir, Fowzan S. Alkuraya
Summary: This study investigates two cases of recurrent spontaneous oocyte activation (SOA) to identify the underlying causes and potential treatments. The results show that there is no clear genetic or pathological factor causing SOA in these patients. Further research is needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms of oocyte activation and calcium dynamics that contribute to recurrent SOA.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Areez Shafqat, Junaid Kashir, Sulaiman Alsalameh, Khaled Alkattan, Ahmed Yaqinuddin
Summary: This article discusses the basis of oocyte activation deficiency and explores the role of epigenetic regulation in it. By studying the changes in DNA methylation and key pathways involved in the regulation of Ca2+ signaling, we aim to reveal the association between these epigenetic alterations and TFF. From a therapeutic perspective, if our hypothesis is confirmed, it will provide new directions for the treatment of TFF.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Areez Shafqat, Tarek Z. Arabi, Belal N. Sabbah, Humzah S. Abdulkader, Shameel Shafqat, Adhil Razak, Junaid Kashir, Khaled Alkattan, Ahmed Yaqinuddin
Summary: The COVID-19 virus has mutated significantly, giving rise to variants of concern (VOCs) that are more transmissible and with increased ability to evade antibody responses. While COVID-19 vaccines may have reduced efficacy in preventing infection, they still offer protection against severe cases, likely due to the role of T-cell responses in maintaining immunity. Understanding T-cell responses is crucial for informing public health policies and future vaccine development.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Junaid Kashir, Bhavesh V. V. Mistry, Lujain BuSaleh, Michail Nomikos, Sarah Almuqayyil, Raed Abu-Dawud, Nadya AlYacoub, Hamdan Hamdan, Saad AlHassan, F. Anthony Lai, Abdullah M. M. Assiri, Serdar Coskun
Summary: The application of antigen unmasking/retrieval (AUM) enhances the visualization of PLC zeta in human sperm, allowing for accurate assessment of sperm fertilization capacity.
Review
Cell Biology
Wjdan S. Bafleh, Haia M. R. Abdulsamad, Sally M. Al-Qaraghuli, Riwa Y. El Khatib, Rawdah Taha Elbahrawi, Azhar Mohamud Abdukadir, Shaima M. Alsawae, Zakia Dimassi, Hamdan Hamdan, Junaid Kashir
Summary: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in various fields, including society, law, economics, science, and medicine. The use of mRNA-based vaccines has been approved for the first time by drug regulatory authorities to combat the outbreak. While this represents a novel application of mRNA technology in vaccination medicine, the introduction of RNA into cells to produce molecules is not a new concept. It has been commonly practiced in research to manipulate oocytes and embryos and has potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications in combating infertility. This article describes the potential clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of mRNA-based platforms, and discusses how recent advances driven by the pandemic can benefit infertility treatment. Future directions for enhancing RNA therapeutics in reproductive biology, specifically in oocyte and embryo delivery, are also presented.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Haia M. R. Abdulsamad, Zoha F. F. Murtaza, Hessa M. M. AlMuhairi, Wjdan S. S. Bafleh, Salma A. A. AlMansoori, Shaikha A. A. AlQubaisi, Hamdan Hamdan, Junaid Kashir
Summary: Oocyte activation, driven by calcium oscillations mainly regulated by PLC zeta, is crucial for mammalian fertilization and embryogenesis. Failure of calcium release or defects in related mechanisms can lead to infertility in humans. Exploration of PLC zeta and its patterns in human sperm may offer potential for diagnosing and treating human fertility issues. This review provides a comprehensive update on the clinical associations between calcium release, PLC zeta, oocyte activation, and human fertility, discussing their implications in defective embryogenesis and infertility treatments.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Junaid Kashir, Durga Ganesh, Celine Jones, Kevin Coward
Summary: Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is a major cause of ICSI cycle failure. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) is a method that artificially increases the levels of intracytoplasmic calcium ions (Ca2+) through mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical stimuli. However, the safety and efficacy of AOA are still controversial. More research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of AOA techniques.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION OPEN
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Abdul Hakim Almakadma, Junaid Kashir
Summary: Less than 2% of children are reported to test positive for SARS-CoV-2, but increasing reports describe COVID-positive children showing symptoms resembling Kawasaki disease. The authors discussed how SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to activation of proinflammatory cytokines and the production of neutrophil and macrophage extracellular traps.
AIMS MOLECULAR SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Andrology
Junaid Kashir, Bhavesh Mistry, Maha Adel Gumssani, Muhammad Rajab, Reema Abu-Dawas, Falah AlMohanna, Michail Nomikos, Celine Jones, Raed Abu-Dawud, Nadya Al-Yacoub, Kevin Coward, F. Anthony Lai, Abdullah M. Assiri
Summary: The study shows that with advancing male age, levels and variability of PLC zeta protein and mRNA in sperm decrease. There are also changes in the localization patterns of PLC zeta in sperm from older male mice.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY
(2021)
