Abstract
Research question
Testis-specific PRSS55 is a chymotrypsin-like serine protease that is highly conserved
among mammalian species. The essential role of Prss55 in mouse male fertility has been established. What is the role of PRSS55 in human reproduction?
Design
Whole exome sequencing was used to identify the genetic cause in an infertile male
with teratozoospermia. Papanicolaou staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to explore morphological defects
in the patient's spermatozoa. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis
were conducted to assess the pathogenicity of the identified variant. Intracytoplasmic
sperm injection (ICSI) was used to assist the patient with fertilization.
Results
Sanger sequencing of the pedigree demonstrated that the infertile man carried a novel
homozygous mutation in PRSS55 (c.575C>T [p.A192V]). Morphological defects in the sperm head, neck, midpiece and
tail were demonstrated by Papanicolaou staining, SEM and TEM. Immunofluorescence staining
and western blotting of the patient's spermatozoa showed that the point mutation changed
the conformation of PRSS55 and caused a sharp decrease in the PRSS55 protein concentration.
The expression and subcellular localization of PRSS55 in the testis and spermatozoa
of mice and humans showed that PRSS55 was expressed in the head and flagella of spermatids
and epididymal spermatozoa. Moreover, ICSI treatment for this kind of infertile patient
was shown to be effective.
Conclusions
These findings revealed a novel mutation in PRSS55 in an infertile patient, suggesting for the first time the crucial role of PRSS55 in human fertility. This study provides new insight into genetic counselling diagnoses
and subsequent treatment for male infertility.
Keywords
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Biography
Man Liu is part of the scientific research staff at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases, Sichuan University, Chegdu, China. Her main research topic is the pathogenesis of male infertility.
Key message
Testis-specific PRSS55 plays an important role in male mouse reproduction, but there is a lack of knowledge relating to PRSS55 in human reproduction. This is the first report of an infertile man carrying a novel homozygous mutation in PRSS55 (c.575C>T [p.A192V]), suggesting that PRSS55 may be a potential causative gene for human male infertility.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 29, 2022
Accepted:
May 24,
2022
Received in revised form:
May 15,
2022
Received:
February 10,
2022
Declaration: The authors report no financial or commercial conflicts of interest.Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
