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Anatomia, histologia, embryologia2018; 47(4); 273-279; doi: 10.1111/ahe.12361

Sperm nuclear protamines: A checkpoint to control sperm chromatin quality.

Abstract: Protamines are nuclear proteins which are specifically expressed in haploid male germ cells. Their replacement of histones and binding to DNA is followed by chromatin hypercondensation that protects DNA from negative influences by environmental factors. Mammalian sperm contain two types of protamines: PRM1 and PRM2. While the proportion of the two protamines is highly variable between different species, abnormal ratios within a species are known to be associated with male subfertility. Therefore, it is more than likely that correct protamine expression represents a kind of chromatin checkpoint during sperm development rendering protamines as suitable biomarkers for the estimation of sperm quality. This review presents an overview of our current knowledge on protamines comparing gene and protein structures between different mammalian species with particular consideration given to man, mouse and stallion. At last, recent insights into the possible role of inherited sperm histones for early embryo development are provided.
© 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2018-05-23 PubMed ID: 29797354DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12361Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The paper explores the role of protamines – specific nuclear proteins found in male reproductive cells – in protecting DNA and influencing sperm quality. It highlights that abnormal ratios of two protamine types can cause male subfertility, and suggests that protamines may serve as quality indicators for sperm. The paper compares protamine structures across different mammalian species and discusses the potential of inherited sperm histones in initial embryo development.

Role of Protamines

Protamines are nuclear proteins that are specifically expressed in haploid male germ cells. In this study, it is highlighted that:

  • They replace histones and bind to DNA, causing DNA hypercondensation which protects the genetic material from potential environmental damage.
  • Protaminan expression is critical for sperm development and may possibly be used as a biomarker for sperm quality.

Variations of Protamines: PRM1 and PRM2

There are two types of protamines present in mammalian sperm, PRM1 and PRM2. This paper deliberates on:

  • The proportions of these two protamines vary greatly between species.
  • Within a specific species, abnormal ratios of the two protamines are seen to be linked with male subfertility, a situation where a male is less likely to make his partner pregnant.

Comparative Study among Mammalian Species

The paper conducts a comparison of protamines in different mammalian species, particularly focusing on humans, mice, and stallions. The areas of comparison include gene and protein structures. This comparison aims to deepen our understanding of the nature and functionality of protamines across various species.

Potential Role of Inherited Sperm Histones

In addition to protamines, the paper also discusses the possible role of inherited sperm histones – proteins that package and order the DNA into structural units – in early embryo development. However, this aspect calls for further investigation and research. This acknowledges the significance of not just protamines but also histones in determining sperm quality and resultant fertility.

Cite This Article

APA
Steger K, Balhorn R. (2018). Sperm nuclear protamines: A checkpoint to control sperm chromatin quality. Anat Histol Embryol, 47(4), 273-279. https://doi.org/10.1111/ahe.12361

Publication

Anatomia, histologia, embryologia
ISSN: 1439-0264
NlmUniqueID: 7704218
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 47
Issue: 4
Pages: 273-279

Researcher Affiliations

Steger, Klaus
  • Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Molecular Andrology, Biomedical Research Center of the Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
Balhorn, Rod
  • Briar Patch Biosciences LLC, Livermore, CA, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Chromatin / physiology
  • Fertility / genetics
  • Gene Expression
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Protamines / chemistry
  • Protamines / classification
  • Protamines / genetics
  • Spermatozoa / chemistry

Citations

This article has been cited 25 times.
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