Dataset Information

Transcriptional activation of the CXCL gene family locus in mature human sperm in the presence of female-derived reproductive fluid

ABSTRACT: Mature sperm are widely considered as transcriptionally inactive cells due to the tight compaction of their chromatin with protamine. However, sperm cells have been demonstrated to retain RNA polymerase subunits, chromatin remodelers, and transcription factors, and parts of their chromatin remains in a less condensed, nucleosome-bound configuration. Consequently, some studies have suggested that sperm may be transcriptionally more active than previously assumed. Here, we tested this possibility by exposing mature human sperm to follicular fluid, a bioactive liquid surrounding the oocyte. Using RNA sequencing, we first observed that follicular fluid exposure alters sperm transcriptome. Then to validate whether the observed upregulation of selected candidate genes resulted from the transcriptional activation of these genes in sperm, we labeled newly synthesized RNAs with 5-ethynyl uridine. Our results suggest that follicular fluid triggers de novo transcription of sperm CXCL3 and CXCL8 genes and also indicate that some follicular fluid -derived transcripts are selectively transferred in sperm. Collectively, these findings suggest that specific sperm genes may become transcriptionally active in the presence of biologically relevant stimuli, potentially preparing sperm for fertilization and early embryo development. Furthermore, we envisage that activated sperm genes can have novel implications for the deeper mechanistic understanding of sexual selection.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE290246 | GEO | 2026/05/31

REPOSITORIES: GEO

ACCESS DATA

Dataset's files

Source:

			Action	DRS
		Other

Items per page:

1 - 1 of 1

Similar Datasets

Project description:<p>The epididymis is the primary organ responsible for sperm maturation, with its caudal region serving as the primary storage site for mature sperm. The unique small molecule metabolites present in the cauda epididymal fluid not only facilitate the long-term storage of sperm but also ensure their structural and functional integrity prior to fertilization. Consequently, an in-depth investigation into the composition and functions of these metabolites in the cauda epididymal fluid is essential for elucidating the regulatory mechanisms governing sperm maturation and fertilization. Yaks, as livestock unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, hold significant scientific and economic value. Compared to cattle, male yaks exhibit poorer reproductive performance, characterized by reduced sperm motility, elevated sperm abnormality rate, and lower artificial insemination conception rates. To investigate the relationship between sperm motility defects in yaks and the microenvironment during their maturation, this study collected cauda epididymal fluid from yaks and cattle for untargeted metabolomic sequencing. The results indicated that 1,098 and 1,297 kinds of metabolites annotated by the Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) database were identified in yak and cattle cauda epididymal fluid, respectively, using positive and negative ion modes. In both modes, the three categories containing the most types of metabolites were organic acids and derivatives, organoheterocyclic compounds, and lipids and lipid-like molecules. Within the lipid metabolites, fatty acids and conjugates were the most prevalent in both modes. In the positive ion mode, compared to cattle cauda epididymal fluid, 79 metabolites were significantly upregulated and 212 were significantly downregulated in yak cauda epididymal fluid. In the negative ion mode, compared to cattle cauda epididymal fluid, 110 metabolites were significantly upregulated and 230 metabolites were significantly downregulated in yak cauda epididymal fluid. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment results showed that the most significantly enriched pathway in the positive ion mode was the biosynthesis of amino acids, while in the negative ion mode, it was ABC transporters. Among the significant differentially expressed metabolites, 18 have been associated with sperm mobility, maturation or function. The functions of these metabolites involve regulation of oxidative stress, sperm capacitation, spontaneous acrosome reaction, mitochondrial energy metabolism, mRNA methylation, and flagellar motility. Taken together, these findings establish a foundational dataset and offer novel perspectives for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying yak sperm maturation, enhancing sperm motility, optimizing reproductive techniques, and ultimately improving reproductive performance.</p>

Dataset Information

Transcriptional activation of the CXCL gene family locus in mature human sperm in the presence of female-derived reproductive fluid

Dataset's files

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets