Region-specific gene expression profiling along the human epididymis

Thimon, Véronique; Koukoui, Omédine; Calvo, Ézéquiel; Sullivan, Robert

doi:10.1093/molehr/gam051

Cited by 95 publications

(100 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…In rodents, a proximal segment with histological characteristics distinct from the caput segment has been named the initial segment. The epididymis is highly differentiated and each segment has its own pattern of gene expression that has been well described in mice (Johnston et al 2005), rats (Johnston et al 2007), and humans (Thimon et al 2007). The epididymal tubule is formed by a secretory pseudo-stratified epithelium delimitating the intraluminal compartment.…”

Section: The Epididymismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The major conclusion from this study is that epididymosomes transit along the epididymis in humans and that vesicles collected distally represent a mixed population of vesicles secreted all along the epididymis. How these results can be transposed to animal models remains to be determined (Thimon et al 2007(Thimon et al , 2008a. Some proteins of ram epididymosomes have been identified by mass spectrometry analysis of selected protein spots separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis such as dipeptidyl peptidase, lactadherin, and vacuolar ATPase (Gatti et al 2005).…”

Section: Epididymosome Compositionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Epididymosomes, prostasomes, and liposomes: their roles in mammalian male reproductive physiology

Sullivan¹,

Saez²

2013

Reproduction

255

215

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Mammalian spermatozoa are unique cells in many ways, and the acquisition of their main function, i.e. fertilization capacity, is a multistep process starting in the male gonad and ending near the female egg for the few cells reaching this point. Owing to the unique character of this cell, the molecular pathways necessary to achieve its maturation also show some specific characteristics. One of the most striking specificities of the spermatozoon is that its DNA is highly compacted after the replacement of histones by protamines, making the classical processes of transcription and translation impossible. The sperm cells are thus totally dependent on their extracellular environment for their protection against oxidative stress, for example, or for the molecular changes occurring during the transit of the epididymis; the first organ in which post-testicular maturation takes place. The molecular mechanisms underlying sperm maturation are still largely unknown, but it has been shown in the past three decades that extracellular vesicles secreted by the male reproductive tract are involved in this process. This review will examine the roles played by two types of naturally occurring extracellular vesicles, epididymosomes and prostasomes, secreted by the epididymis and the prostate respectively. We will also describe how the use of artificial vesicles, liposomes, contributed to the study of male reproductive physiology.Reproduction (2013) 146 R21-R35

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Section: The Epididymismentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Epididymosome Compositionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Epididymosomes, prostasomes, and liposomes: their roles in mammalian male reproductive physiology

Sullivan¹,

Saez²

2013

Reproduction

255

215

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…The epididymis is composed of a single, long, convoluted tubule divided into three main anatomical regions (the caput, the corpus, and the cauda). Segmented gene expression patterns throughout the tubule result in distinct protein secretion profiles in the intraluminal epididymal fluid (Thimon et al, 2007). As a result, this tubule provides different microenvironments that are optimal for each step of sperm maturation (Dacheux et al, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

GnRH immunization alters the expression and distribution of protein disulfide isomerases in the epididymis

et al. 2016

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SUMMARYHypogonadism is defined as the inadequate gonadal production of testosterone. Low serum testosterone leads to infertility by impairing spermatogenesis and reducing sperm count, however, the impact of hypogonadism in epididymal sperm maturation is poorly understood. From the testis, spermatozoa are transported into the epididymis where they find a specific microenvironment composed of a complex mixture of proteins that facilitate sperm storage and maturation. Inside the epididymal ductule, spermatozoa undergo several changes, resulting in their becoming capable of fertilizing eggs. Protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) are known to participate in the folding and assembly of secreted proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, little is known about the control and function of PDIs in the testis and epididymis, particularly during male development. The aim of this work was to compare the expression and distribution of PDI and PDIA3 (ERp57) in the testis and epididymis of healthy and GnRH-immunized boars. We detected higher amounts of PDIA3 and PDI in sperm preparations and fluid from the proximal regions of the epididymis of healthy boars. However, we observed an increase in PDIA3 expression in the testis and cauda epididymis in the immunocastrated group. GnRH-immunized boars showed a marked increase in PDI content in cauda spermatozoa and fluid, indicating a possible endocrine dysregulation of PDI. The results of our study suggest that PDIs are associated with epididymal sperm maturation and may be attractive candidates for monitoring male fertility.

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“…These arrays comprised 55 000 oligonucleotides covering over than 47 000 transcripts derived from ;39 500 human genes. Quantification of microarray data was used to compare gene expression patterns along the vasectomized human epididymis with our recent microarray databases obtained from normal donors [24]. Expression pattern of thousands of epididymal transcripts were obtained.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Vasectomy on Gene Expression Profiling along the Human Epididymis1

Thimon¹,

Calvo²,

Koukoui³

et al. 2008

Biology of Reproduction

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Worldwide, almost 100 million men rely on vasectomy for male contraceptive purposes. Due to changes in their personal lives, an increasing number of these men request surgical vasectomy reversal. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of these men remain infertile, despite the reestablishment of patent ducts, possibly due to epididymal damage caused by vasectomy. In animal models, vasectomy affects different epididymal physiological and biochemical parameters. However, the consequences of vasectomy on epididymal function are poorly understood. Furthermore, results obtained with animal models cannot be extrapolated to humans to understand the consequences of vasectomy on epididymal function. Gene expression along the epididymis is highly regulated. We previously showed that the human epididymal expression pattern of two genes is altered after vasectomy. To complete the list of epididymal genes affected by vasectomy, we analyzed the epididymal gene expression pattern of three vasectomized donors using the Affymetrix human GeneChip U133 Plus 2. These results were compared with the gene expression pattern of three "normal" donors. The data generated allowed the identification of many human epididymal genes for which expression is modified after vasectomy. Quantitative (Qt)-PCR and Western blot analysis of six selected genes known to be expressed in specific epididymal segments were performed. The Qt-PCR results confirmed the selected transcripts expression pattern deduced from microarray data. However, Western blot analysis revealed some differences in protein distribution along the epididymis when compared with the encoding transcripts expression pattern. These results contribute to an understanding of the reasons why fertility is not recovered in vasovasostomized men, even though spermogram values suggest surgical success of vasectomy reversal.

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Region-specific gene expression profiling along the human epididymis

Cited by 95 publications

References 57 publications

Epididymosomes, prostasomes, and liposomes: their roles in mammalian male reproductive physiology

Epididymosomes, prostasomes, and liposomes: their roles in mammalian male reproductive physiology

GnRH immunization alters the expression and distribution of protein disulfide isomerases in the epididymis

Effects of Vasectomy on Gene Expression Profiling along the Human Epididymis1

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