Proteomic characterization and comparison of ram (Ovis aries) and buck (Capra hircus) spermatozoa proteome using a data independent acquisition mass spectometry (DIA-MS) approach

Abstract

Fresh semen is most commonly used in an artificial insemination of small ruminants, because of low fertility rates of frozen sperm. Generally, when developing and applying assisted reproductive technologies, sheep and goats are classified as one species. In order to optimize sperm cryopreservation protocols in sheep and goat, differences in sperm proteomes between ram and buck are necessary to investigate, which may contribute to differences in function and fertility of spermatozoa. In the current work, a data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry proteomic approach was used to characterize and make a comparison of ram (Ovis aries) and buck (Capra hircus) sperm proteomes. A total of 2,109 proteins were identified in ram and buck spermatozoa, with 238 differentially abundant proteins. Proteins identified in ram and buck spermatozoa are mainly involved in metabolic pathways for generation of energy and diminishing oxidative stress. Specifically, there are greater abundance of spermatozoa proteins related to the immune protective and capacity activities in ram, while protein that inhibit sperm capacitation shows greater abundance in buck. Our results not only provide novel insights into the characteristics and potential activities of spermatozoa proteins, but also expand the potential direction for sperm cryopreservation in ram and buck.

Transcriptome-wide m6A profiling reveals mRNA post-transcriptional modification of boar sperm during cryopreservation

“…Among these genes, ATP citrate lyase ( ACLY ), a vital gene involved in the TCA cycle whose mRNA was hyper-methylated and down-regulated in the Fts group, has been implicated in male infertility [ 99 ]. Further, previous studies also demonstrated that ACLY can regulate sperm energy metabolism and ATP production [ 34 , 35 ]. Phosphodiesterase 4 A ( PDE4A ), whose mRNA was found to be hyper-methylated and up-regulated after cryopreservation in our study, regulates the motility of bovine sperm [ 36 ].…”

Effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 complex of Simmental bull seminal plasma on post-thawed Kacang buck semen fertility

“…Oxygen Species (ROS) formation [57]. The significant decrease in antioxidant content indicates antioxidative system disruption during the freeze-thaw process [56]. The addition of antioxidants improves the quality of post-thawed semen [58].…”

“…Therefore, it qualified for freezing for AI use [10]. Seminal plasma of buck semen contained proteins involved in metabolic pathways of energy production for sperm motility, acrosome reaction, sperm capacitation, and reduction of oxidative stress [56]. However, the freezethaw process causes a dramatic decline in semen fertility in fresh ejaculate compared with post-thawed semen extended in SM-EY without the addition of IGF-1.…”

Comparative proteomics analysis reveals the molecular mechanism of enhanced cold tolerance through ROS scavenging in winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

“…High-throughput protein sequencing technology, including iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification) and DIA (data-independent acquisition), have been widely used for the quantitative comparative analysis of proteomes and the identification of different abundant proteins (DAPs) of plants under various cold temperatures [ 16 , 17 ]. In jojoba, quantitative proteomic analysis has shown that differentially accumulated proteins are closely associated with cold stress through various molecular processes, such as lipid metabolism and transport, adjustment of the cytoskeleton, and ROS scavenging.…”