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Sperm migration in the genital tract-In silico experiments identify key factors for reproductive success.

ABSTRACT: Sperm migration in the female genital tract controls sperm selection and, therefore, reproductive success as male gametes are conditioned for fertilization while their number is dramatically reduced. Mechanisms underlying sperm migration are mostly unknown, since in vivo investigations are mostly unfeasible for ethical or practical reasons. By presenting a spatio-temporal model of the mammalian female genital tract combined with agent-based description of sperm motion and interaction as well as parameterizing it with bovine data, we offer an alternative possibility for studying sperm migration in silico. The model incorporates genital tract geometry as well as biophysical principles of sperm motion observed in vitro such as positive rheotaxis and thigmotaxis. This model for sperm migration from vagina to oviducts was successfully tested against in vivo data from literature. We found that physical sperm characteristics such as velocity and directional stability as well as sperm-fluid interactions and wall alignment are critical for success, i.e. sperms reaching the oviducts. Therefore, we propose that these identified sperm parameters should be considered in detail for conditioning sperm in artificial selection procedures since the natural processes are normally bypassed in reproductive in vitro technologies. The tremendous impact of mucus flow to support sperm accumulation in the oviduct highlights the importance of a species-specific optimum time window for artificial insemination regarding ovulation. Predictions from our extendable in silico experimental system will improve assisted reproduction in humans, endangered species, and livestock.

SUBMITTER: Diemer J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8282070 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:The application of transcriptomics to the study of the reproductive tract in male turkeys can significantly increase our current knowledge regarding the specifics of bird reproduction. To characterize the complex transcriptomic changes that occur in the testis, epididymis, and ductus deferens, deep sequencing of male turkey RNA samples (n = 6) was performed, using Illumina RNA-Seq. The obtained sequence reads were mapped to the turkey genome, and relative expression values were calculated to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Statistical analysis revealed 1,682; 2,150; and 340 DEGs in testis/epididymis, testis/ductus deferens, and epididymis/ductus deferens comparisons, respectively. The expression of selected genes was validated using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis revealed several potential candidate genes involved in spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and flagellum formation in the testis, and in post-testicular sperm maturation in the epididymis and ductus deferens. In the testis, genes were linked with the mitotic proliferation of spermatogonia and the meiotic division of spermatocytes. Histone ubiquitination and protamine phosphorylation were shown to be regulatory mechanisms for nuclear condensation during spermiogenesis. The characterization of testicular transcripts allowed a better understanding of acrosome formation and development and flagellum formation, including axoneme structures and functions. Spermatozoa motility during post-testicular maturation was linked to the development of flagellar actin filaments and biochemical processes, including Ca2+ influx and protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Spermatozoa quality appeared to be controlled by apoptosis and antioxidant systems in the epididymis and ductus deferens. Finally, genes associated with reproductive system development and morphogenesis were identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first genome-wide functional investigation of genes associated with tissue-specific processes in turkey reproductive tract. A catalog of genes worthy of further studies to understand the avian reproductive physiology and regulation was provided.

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Sperm migration in the genital tract-In silico experiments identify key factors for reproductive success.

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