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.
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)
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
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
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
Plant Sciences
Wei Deng, Yun Ling Xie, Hui Qiao Tian, Xue Yi Zhu
Summary: This article discusses the early changes that occur in the fused egg of higher plants before the fusion of the nuclei of male and female gametes, especially the unknown egg cell proteins responsible for sperm-egg recognition, attachment, and fusion.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN PLANT SCIENCES
(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
Cell Biology
Katherine A. Maniates, Andrew Singson
Summary: Complementary forward and reverse genetic approaches have led to a recent surge in the discovery of fertilization genes in various model systems. The number of genetically validated gamete surface molecules has more than doubled in the past few years, with all sperm fertilization genes encoding transmembrane or secreted molecules. However, the discovery of genes encoding oocyte molecules has lagged behind. This review discusses potential experimental biases and biological reasons that may have hindered the identification of egg fertilization genes, as well as current strategies to overcome these obstacles.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jing Dai, Qi Li, Qinwei Zhou, Shen Zhang, Junru Chen, Yize Wang, Jing Guo, Yifan Gu, Fei Gong, Yueqiu Tan, Guangxiu Lu, Wei Zheng, Ge Lin
Summary: This study used whole-exome sequencing to identify the genetic causes of total fertilization failure (TFF) in male infertility. Homozygous variants in the novel gene IQCN were found in two individuals with abnormal acrosome structures. Knockout mice lacking the Iqcn gene showed similar phenotypes to humans with TFF. The study also revealed the role of IQCN in regulating microtubule nucleation during manchette assembly, and provided a genetic marker and therapeutic option for male TFF.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
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.
Article
Cell Biology
Mirjam I. Binner, Anna Kogan, Karin Panser, Alexander Schleiffer, Victoria E. Deneke, Andrea Pauli
Summary: Fertilization is a crucial process in sexual reproduction, but the molecular mechanisms behind it are still unclear. A study on zebrafish reveals that Spaca6, a conserved protein, is essential for sperm-egg binding and fusion. The research also uncovers a previously unknown dependence of Dcst2 expression on Spaca6 in sperm.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
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)
Review
Cell Biology
Soledad N. Gonzalez, Valeria Sulzyk, Mariana Weigel Munoz, Patricia S. Cuasnicu
Summary: Studies on the CRISP protein family in mammalian fertilization have provided insights into their essential roles in gamete interaction and male fertility. Knockout experiments with different CRISP genes revealed their involvement in both gamete interaction and subsequent processes such as sperm transport and early embryo development within the female reproductive tract.
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
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Junaid Kashir, Ahmed Yaqinuddin
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2020)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ahmed Yaqinuddin, Junaid Kashir
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)