Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Physiology of Gametes and Fertilization 2.0

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 11399

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Katerina Komrskova

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

BIOCEV Group, Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 2 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: fertilization; sperm; capacitation; acrosome reaction; gamete fusion; gamete protein interactions; tetraspanins; infertility
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In spite of all knowledge we have gained from research into mammalian fertilization and the physiological changes that the male gamete must undergo to be able to fertilize the egg, the actual sperm interaction with the egg, including binding and fusion, is still covered in a veil of mystery.

Sperm-egg membrane interaction and fusion is mediated by many molecular components. There are numerous molecules located on sperm and oocyte membranes that are part of key protein networks that differ in their protein composition.

This special issue is dedicated to the physiology of gametes and fertilization and aims to introduce the reader to new and original research targeting the molecular mechanisms involved in reproduction.

In order to understand the entirety of the fusion process involving the binding and fusion of mammalian gametes, new mechanisms that sperm and egg undergo during maturation as well as interactions between sperm and egg membrane proteins need further research.

It is hoped that outcome of the studies published here-in can be used as the catalyst for developing additional applicational research to be utilized in both animal breeding programs and human assisted reproduction.

Dr. Katerina Komrskova
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

gametes
fertilization

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 6136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

cDNA Cloning of Feline PIWIL1 and Evaluation of Expression in the Testis of the Domestic Cat

by Leanne Stalker, Alanna G. Backx, Allison K. Tscherner, Stewart J. Russell, Robert A. Foster and Jonathan LaMarre

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119346 - 26 May 2023

Viewed by 1334

Abstract

The PIWI clade of Argonaute proteins is essential for spermatogenesis in all species examined to date. This protein family binds specific classes of small non-coding RNAs known as PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) which together form piRNA-induced silencing complexes (piRISCs) that are recruited to specific RNA targets through sequence complementarity. These complexes facilitate gene silencing through endonuclease activity and guided recruitment of epigenetic silencing factors. PIWI proteins and piRNAs have been found to play multiple roles in the testis including the maintenance of genomic integrity through transposon silencing and facilitating the turnover of coding RNAs during spermatogenesis. In the present study, we report the first characterization of PIWIL1 in the male domestic cat, a mammalian system predicted to express four PIWI family members. Multiple transcript variants of PIWIL1 were cloned from feline testes cDNA. One isoform shows high homology to PIWIL1 from other mammals, however, the other has characteristics of a “slicer null” isoform, lacking the domain required for endonuclease activity. Expression of PIWIL1 in the male cat appears limited to the testis and correlates with sexual maturity. RNA-immunoprecipitation revealed that feline PIWIL1 binds small RNAs with an average size of 29 nt. Together, these data suggest that the domestic cat has two PIWIL1 isoforms expressed in the mature testis, at least one of which interacts with piRNAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Gametes and Fertilization 2.0)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects and Mechanisms Activated by Treatment with Cationic, Anionic and Zwitterionic Liposomes on an In Vitro Model of Porcine Pre-Pubertal Sertoli Cells

by Giulia Collodel, Elena Moretti, Daria Noto, Roberta Corsaro, Cinzia Signorini, Claudia Bonechi, Lorenzo Cangeloni, Giovanni Luca, Iva Arato and Francesca Mancuso

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021201 - 7 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1262

Abstract

Liposomes have been successfully used as drug-delivery vehicles, but there are no clinical studies on improved fertility and the few reported experimental studies have been performed in animal models far from humans. The aim of this paper was to study the effects of treatment with cationic, anionic and zwitterionic liposomes on our superior mammalian model of porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells (SCs) to find a carrier of in vitro test drugs for SCs. Porcine pre-pubertal SCs cultures were incubated with different liposomes. Viability, apoptosis/necrosis status (Annexin-V/Propidium iodide assay), immunolocalisation of β-actin, vimentin, the phosphorylated form of AMP-activated protein Kinase (AMPK)α and cell ultrastructure (Transmission Electron Microscopy, TEM) were analysed. Zwitterionic liposomes did not determine changes in the cell cytoplasm. The incubation with anionic and cationic liposomes modified the distribution of actin and vimentin filaments and increased the levels of the phosphorylated form of AMPKα. The Annexin/Propidium Iodide assay suggested an increase in apoptosis. TEM analysis highlighted a cytoplasmic vacuolisation. In conclusion, these preliminary data indicated that zwitterionic liposomes were the best carrier to use in an in vitro study of SCs to understand the effects of molecules or drugs that could have a clinical application in the treatment of certain forms of male infertility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Gametes and Fertilization 2.0)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Timing of ICSI with Respect to Meiotic Spindle Status

by Olga Tepla, Zinovij Topurko, Simona Jirsova, Martina Moosova, Eva Fajmonova, Radek Cabela, Katerina Komrskova, Irena Kratochvilova and Jaromir Masata

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010105 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2514

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of using meiotic spindle (MS) visibility and relative position to the polar body (PB) as indicators of oocyte maturation in order to optimize intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) timing. This was a cohort study of patients younger than 40 years with planned ICSI, the timing of which was determined by MS status, compared with those without MS evaluation. The angle between PB and MS and MS visibility were evaluated by optical microscope with polarizing filter. Oocytes with MS evaluation were fertilized according to MS status either 5–6 h after ovum pick-up (OPU) or 7–8 h after OPU. Oocytes without MS evaluation were all fertilized 5–6 h after OPU. For patients over 35 years visualization of MS influenced pregnancy rate (PR): 182 patients with MS visualization had 32% PR (58/182); while 195 patients without MS visualization had 24% PR (47/195). For patients under 35 years, visualization of MS did not influence PR: 140 patients with MS visualization had 41% PR (58/140), while 162 patients without MS visualization had 41% PR (66/162). Visualization of MS therefore appears to be a useful parameter for assessment of oocyte maturity and ICSI timing for patients older than 35. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Gametes and Fertilization 2.0)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of High Viscosity on Energy Metabolism and Kinematics of Spermatozoa from Three Mouse Species Incubated under Capacitating Conditions

by Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez, Ester Sansegundo, Maximiliano Tourmente and Eduardo R. S. Roldan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 15247; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232315247 - 3 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1330

Abstract

In order to sustain motility and prepare for fertilization, sperm require energy. The characterization of sperm ATP production and usage in mouse species revealed substantial differences in metabolic pathways that can be differentially affected by capacitation. Moreover, spermatozoa encounter different environments with varying viscoelastic properties in the female reproductive tract. Here, we examine whether viscosity affects sperm ATP levels and kinematics during capacitation in vitro. Sperm from three mouse species (Mus musculus, M. spretus, M. spicilegus) were incubated under capacitating conditions in a modified Tyrode’s medium containing bicarbonate, glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and bovine serum albumin (mT-BH) or in a bicarbonate-free medium as a non-capacitating control. Viscosity was increased with the inclusion of polyvinylpyrrolidone. ATP was measured with a bioluminescence kit, and kinematics were examined with a computer-aided sperm analysis system. In M. musculus sperm, ATP declined during capacitation, but no differences were found between non-capacitating and capacitating sperm. In contrast, in M. spretus and M. spicilegus, ATP levels decreased in capacitating sperm. Increasing viscosity in the medium did not modify the timing or proportion of cells undergoing capacitation but did result in additional time- and concentration-dependent decreases in ATP in M. spretus and M. spicilegus under capacitating conditions. Additionally, increased viscosity altered both velocity and trajectory descriptors. The limited impact of capacitation and higher viscosity on M. musculus sperm ATP and kinematics could be related to the low intensity of postcopulatory sexual selection in this species. Responses seen in the other two species could be linked to the ability of their sperm to perform better under enhanced selective pressures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Gametes and Fertilization 2.0)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Ovulation-Related Gene Expression during Induced Ovulation in the Amur Sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) Ovarian Follicles

by Ryohei Surugaya, Yuya Hasegawa, Shinji Adachi and Shigeho Ijiri

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 13143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232113143 - 29 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1579

Abstract

The luteinizing hormone (LH) and maturation-inducing steroids (MIS), such as 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, regulate the final oocyte maturation in teleosts. Oocyte maturational competence (OMC) and ovulatory competence measure the sensitivity to MIS for oocyte maturation and ovulation, respectively. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of ovulatory competence remain unknown. Sturgeons are an excellent research model for investigating these mechanisms. We examined the seasonal profiles of OMC and ovulatory competence in vitro and the expression of 17 ovulation-related gene candidates using quantitative PCR in Amur sturgeon ovarian follicles. The ovulatory competence was induced by the LH-releasing hormone analog (LHRHa) priming injection after acquiring the OMC, which was spontaneously induced in spring or autumn. Seven genes, including the tissue-type plasminogen activator (plat), were enhanced following the LHRHa priming injection in ovarian follicles sampled from anovulated and ovulated fish. The activin receptor type 1 (acvr1) and prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (ptgs2) were only upregulated in ovulated fish. Our results suggest that plat/plasmin and prostaglandin (PG)/PG receptor systems are essential for sturgeon ovulation, similar to other vertebrates. Notably, successful ovulation depends on a sufficient PG synthesis, and mediators activating the PG/PG receptor system are essential for acquiring the ovulatory competence. We provide the first report of ovulation-related gene alterations in the ovarian follicles of Amur sturgeons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Gametes and Fertilization 2.0)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

31 pages, 2213 KiB

Open AccessReview

Spermatozoan Metabolism as a Non-Traditional Model for the Study of Huntington’s Disease

by Meghan Lawlor, Michal Zigo, Karl Kerns, In Ki Cho, Charles A. Easley IV and Peter Sutovsky

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(13), 7163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23137163 - 28 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2669

Abstract

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a fatal autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease manifested through motor dysfunction and cognitive deficits. Decreased fertility is also observed in HD animal models and HD male patients, due to altered spermatogenesis and sperm function, thus resulting in reduced fertilization potential. Although some pharmaceuticals are currently utilized to mitigate HD symptoms, an effective treatment that remedies the pathogenesis of the disease is yet to be approved by the FDA. Identification of genes and relevant diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic target pathways including glycolysis and mitochondrial complex-I-dependent respiration may be advantageous for early diagnosis, management, and treatment of the disease. This review addresses the HD pathway in neuronal and sperm metabolism, including relevant gene and protein expression in both neurons and spermatozoa, indicated in the pathogenesis of HD. Furthermore, zinc-containing and zinc-interacting proteins regulate and/or are regulated by zinc ion homeostasis in both neurons and spermatozoa. Therefore, this review also aims to explore the comparative role of zinc in both neuronal and sperm function. Ongoing studies aim to characterize the products of genes implicated in HD pathogenesis that are expressed in both neurons and spermatozoa to facilitate studies of future treatment avenues in HD and HD-related male infertility. The emerging link between zinc homeostasis and the HD pathway could lead to new treatments and diagnostic methods linking genetic sperm defects with somatic comorbidities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiology of Gametes and Fertilization 2.0)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Physiology of Gametes and Fertilization 2.0

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI