A novel membrane specialization in the sperm tail of bug insects (heteroptera)

We have analyzed a locus of Drosophila melanogaster located at 98C on chromosome 3, which contains two tandemly arranged genes, named Mst98Ca and Mst98Cb. They are two additional members of the Mst(3)CGP gene family by three criteria. (i) Both genes are exclusively transcribed in the male germ line. (ii) Both transcripts encode a protein with a high proportion of the repetitive motif Cys-Gly-Pro. (iii) Their expression is translationally controlled; while transcripts can be detected in diploid stages of spermatogenesis, association with polysomes can be shown only in haploid stages of sperm development. The genes differ markedly from the other members of the gene family in structure; they do not contain introns, they are of much larger size, and they have the Cys-Gly-Pro motifs clustered at the carboxy-terminal end of the encoded proteins. An antibody generated against the Mst98Ca protein recognizes both Mst98C proteins in D. melanogaster. In a male-sterile mutation in which spermiogenesis is blocked before individualization of sperm, both of these proteins are no longer synthesized. This finding provides proof of late translation for the Mst98C proteins and thereby independent proof of translational control of expression. Northern (RNA) and Western immunoblot analyses indicate the presence of homologous gene families in many other Drosophila species. The Mst98C proteins share sequence homology with proteins of the outer dense fibers in mammalian spermatozoa and can be localized to the sperm tail by immunofluorescence with an anti-Mst98Ca antibody.

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Novel variants in DNAH9 lead to nonsyndromic severe asthenozoospermia

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-021-00709-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Dongdong Tang ◽

Yanwei Sha ◽

Yang Gao ◽

Jingjing Zhang ◽

Huiru Cheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sanger Sequencing ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Immunofluorescence Staining ◽

Compound Heterozygous ◽

Sperm Tail ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Whole Exome ◽

Detailed Medical History ◽

Novel Variants ◽

Common Causes

Abstract Background Asthenozoospermia is one of the most common causes of male infertility, and its genetic etiology is poorly understood. DNAH9 is a core component of outer dynein arms in cilia and flagellum. It was reported that variants of DNAH9 (OMIM: 603330) might cause primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). However, variants in DNAH9 lead to nonsyndromic severe asthenozoospermia have yet to be reported. Methods Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for two individuals with nonsyndromic severe asthenozoospermia from two non-consanguineous families, and Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the identified variants and parental origins. Sperm routine analysis, sperm vitality rate and sperm morphology analysis were performed according the WHO guidelines 2010 (5th edition). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM, TECNAI-10, 80 kV, Philips, Holland) was used to observe ultrastructures of sperm tail. Quantitative realtime-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the expression of DNAH9-mRNA and location of DNAH9-protein. Furthermore, assisted reproductive procedures were applied. Results By WES and Sanger sequencing, compound heterozygous DNAH9 (NM_001372.4) variants were identified in the two individuals with nonsyndromic severe asthenozoospermia (F1 II-1: c.302dupT, p.Leu101fs*47 / c.6956A > G, p.Asp2319Gly; F2 II-1: c.6294 T > A, p.Phe2098Leu / c.10571 T > A, p.Leu3524Gln). Progressive rates less than 1% with normal sperm morphology rates and normal vitality rates were found in both of the two subjects. No respiratory phenotypes, situs inversus or other malformations were found by detailed medical history, physical examination and lung CT scans etc. Moreover, the expression of DNAH9-mRNA was significantly decreased in sperm from F1 II-1. And expression of DNAH9 is lower in sperm tail by immunofluorescence staining in F1 II-1 compared with normal control. Notably, by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), F1 II-1 and his partner successfully achieved clinical pregnancy. Conclusions We identified DNAH9 as a novel pathogenic gene for nonsyndromic severe asthenospermia, and ICSI can contribute to favorable pregnancy outcomes for these patients.

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Sperm tail-stump defect in a Holstein bull

Veterinary Record ◽

10.1136/vr.153.9.268 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 153 (9) ◽

pp. 268-268

Keyword(s):

Sperm Tail ◽

Holstein Bull

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The Mouse t Complex Gene Tsga2, Encoding Polypeptides Located in the Sperm Tail and Anterior Acrosome, Maps to a Locus Associated with Sperm Motility and Sperm-Egg Interaction Abnormalities1

Biology of Reproduction ◽

10.1095/biolreprod.105.045963 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 74 (4) ◽

pp. 633-643 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Ling Hui ◽

Jing Lu ◽

Yibing Han ◽

Stephen H. Pilder

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Tail ◽

T Complex

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G-proteins in mammalian gametes: an immunocytochemical study

Journal of Cell Science ◽

10.1242/jcs.91.1.21 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 91 (1) ◽

pp. 21-31

Author(s):

N.B. Garty ◽

D. Galiani ◽

A. Aharonheim ◽

Y.K. Ho ◽

D.M. Phillips ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Monoclonal Antibody ◽

G Protein ◽

G Proteins ◽

Cumulus Cells ◽

Bovine Brain ◽

Regulatory Proteins ◽

Immunocytochemical Study ◽

Cell Cytoplasm ◽

Sperm Tail ◽

Immunoreactive Material

The presence of transductory GTP(G)-regulatory proteins in mammalian gametes has been examined by indirect fluorescence immunocytochemistry. Using rabbit antisera to bovine rod beta gamma-transducin (RA beta gamma T), bovine rod holotransducin (AS-1), bovine rod alpha-transducin (RA alpha T), synthetic bovine rod alpha-transducin C-terminal decapeptide (AS-6), bovine brain alpha 39Go (RA alpha 39), and two mouse monoclonal antibodies raised against frog retinal transducin (4A), and rat brain beta-tubulin, we demonstrated the presence of corresponding immunoreactive material in both rat oocytes and bovine ejaculated sperm. Immunostaining in the oocyte was evenly distributed on the oolemma, excluding the cell cytoplasm and zona pellucida. Immunoreactive material was also present in the cumulus cells that encapsulate the oocyte. In contrast, the immunofluorescence corresponding to transductory G-proteins was confined in sperm to functionally defined regions in the head and tail, in a manner specific for each antibody. While RA beta gamma T, AS-1 and RA alpha 39 all stained the entire acrosome, AS-6 and RA alpha T stained only the acrosomal tip. Monoclonal antibody 4A stained the midpiece exclusively and anti-rat betaq-tubulin (a structural G-protein) stained the full length of the sperm tail. The existence of several G-protein types in mammalian gametes suggests their possible involvement in the regulation of various effector systems, in a manner reminiscent of somatic cells. The unique situation in sperm, where different G-proteins show distinct and specific patterns of distribution, further suggests their association with various effector systems in discrete functional domains.

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Spreading of a sperm surface antigen within the plasma membrane of the egg after fertilization in the rat

Development ◽

10.1242/dev.75.1.259 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 75 (1) ◽

pp. 259-270

Author(s):

Stephen J. Gaunt

Keyword(s):

Monoclonal Antibody ◽

Plasma Membrane ◽

Guinea Pig ◽

Surface Antigen ◽

Plasma Membranes ◽

Entire Surface ◽

Sperm Tail ◽

Sperm Surface ◽

Sperm Antigens

The rat sperm surface antigen 2D6, located over the entire surface of the spermatozoon, is shown by use of a monoclonal antibody in indirect immunofluorescence experiments to spread laterally over the surface of the egg after fusion of sperm and egg plasma membranes at fertilization. Freshly fertilized eggs, obtained from superovulated rats 14h after hCG injection, showed the 2D6 antigen to have spread in a gradient over a discrete fan-shaped area of the egg surface anterior to the protruding sperm tail. Eggs at a later stage of sperm incorporation, obtained 20 h after hCG injection, snowed that the spread of antigen had extended to cover most or all of their surfaces. By 40 h after hCG injection, the approximate time that fertilized eggs cleaved to form 2-cell embryos, most of the 2D6 antigen had been lost from the cell surface. Fertilized eggs, but not unfertilized eggs or 2-cell embryos, were lysed by 2D6 monoclonal antibody in the presence of guinea pig complement. A model for sperm-egg fusion is presented to account for the observed pattern of spreading shown by the 2D6 antigen. The possible role of sperm antigens on the egg surface is discussed.

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