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Disruption of ADAM3 impairs the migration of sperm into oviduct in mouse
Ryo Yamaguchi1, Yuko Muro, Ayako Isotani
1Research Institute for Microbial Diseases and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
Sperm from four different gene-disrupted mouse lines (calmegin [Clgn], Adam1a, Adam2, and Ace) are known to have defective zona-binding ability. Moreover, it is also reported that the sperm from all of these mouse lines exhibit another common phenotype of impaired migration into oviduct despite the large number of sperm found in uterus after coitus. On the other hand, the sperm from the Adam3-disrupted mouse line was reported to have defects in binding ability to zona, but were able to move into the oviduct. In order to clarify the difference, we investigated the migration of ADAM3-null sperm into oviduct precisely by visualizing the sperm by using acrosin-green fluorescent protein as a tag. As a result, in contrast to previous observations, it was demonstrated that the Adam3-disrupted sperm were unable to migrate into the oviduct after coitus. It was ultimately shown that, in five out of five different gene-disrupted mouse lines, the phenotype of impaired sperm binding to zona pellucida was accompanied by the loss of ability of sperm to migrate into the oviduct. This indicates a close relationship between the two phenomena, and also that sperm migration into the oviduct is a crucial step for fertilization.
Insights
Sperm lacking ADAM3 cannot reach the oviduct, contrary to previous findings. This impaired sperm migration, along with defective zona pellucida binding, is crucial for successful fertilization.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Sperm function
- Mammalian fertilization
Background:
- Sperm must bind to the zona pellucida and migrate to the oviduct for fertilization.
- Gene disruptions in calmegin (Clgn), Adam1a, Adam2, and Ace affect sperm zona binding and oviduct migration.
- Previous studies suggested ADAM3-deficient sperm could migrate to the oviduct despite zona binding defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely investigate the oviduct migration of ADAM3-null sperm.
- To clarify the role of ADAM3 in sperm transport and fertilization.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing acrosin-green fluorescent protein (GFP) to visualize sperm.
- Analyzing sperm migration in Adam3-disrupted mouse lines post-coitus.
Main Results:
- ADAM3-null sperm demonstrated an inability to migrate into the oviduct after coitus.
- Contrary to prior reports, ADAM3 deficiency impairs oviductal sperm transport.
- All five gene-disrupted mouse lines studied showed impaired zona binding and reduced oviduct migration.
Conclusions:
- Impaired sperm binding to the zona pellucida is closely linked to the inability of sperm to migrate into the oviduct.
- Sperm migration into the oviduct is a critical prerequisite for fertilization.
- ADAM3 plays a vital role in sperm's journey to the oviduct.
