The expression, function, and utilization of Protamine1: a literature review

Abstract

Objective Protamine 1 (PRM1) is specific in sperm and plays essential roles in fertilization, also a member of cancer testis antigen (CTA) family. This study aims to summarize the expression and function of PRM1 in spermatogenesis, and to broaden the current knowledge and inspire future development of PRM1-based therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment and nanomedicine. Background The protamine proteins, are characterized by an arginine-rich core and cysteine residues. Humans express two types of protamine: PRM1 and PRM2. The abnormal expression or proportion of PRM1 and PRM2 is known to be associated with subfertility and infertility, especially for PRM1 which is highly evolutionary conserved in mammalians and expressed in all vertebrates. Biological functions of PRM1 have been unveiled in diverse cellular processes, such as tumorigenesis, somatic cell nucleus transfer, and drug delivery systems. Moreover, PRM1 is identified as a CTA in chronic leukemia (CLL) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Literature was obtained using PubMed and the keywords protamine 1, PRM1, or P1, from January 1, 1980, through July 20, 2021. We also collect the additional evidence through screening references of articles identified through the PubMed searches. Conclusions PRM1 is well-studied in male infertility, and further researches and attempts to develop PRM1 as novel tumor marker, as well as drug delivery vector, will be of important clinical significance.

A single-cell landscape of triptolide-associated testicular toxicity in mice

“…7 C). We further characterized triptolide-associated DEGs in different macrophage subtypes and found the top commonly downregulated genes in these three macrophage subtypes, including Prm1 , a key gene for fertilization [ 36 ] ( Fig. 7 D).…”

Decreased Ubiquitination and Acetylation of Histones 3 and 4 Are Associated with Obesity-Induced Disorders of Spermatogenesis in Mice

“…As revealed in the present study, histone acetylation and ubiquitination, as well as prm1 in sperm cells of obese mice, were lower than that in the control group. These suggest that obesity in male mice inhibits the replacement of histones by protamine, making sperm DNA more vulnerable to damage from external factors [ 56 , 57 ]. Consequently, these lead to a decrease in sperm quality and fertility.…”

Sperm epigenetics and male infertility: unraveling the molecular puzzle

“…PRMs are arginine-rich, basic, small proteins that are extensively produced in male germ cells [78]. They are primarily categorized into three types including PRM1, PRM2, and PRM3 [79]. PRM1 is generated as a fully formed protein expressed in all mammals, whereas PRM2 is produced as a precursor and is selectively expressed in certain species, such as primates, some rodents, rabbits, hares, and horses [80,81].…”