Dermatan sulfate synergizes with heparin in murine sperm chromatin decondensation.

Dermatan sulfate synergizes with heparin in murine sperm chromatin decondensation. Syst Biol Reprod Med. 2013 Jan 9; Authors: Sanchez MC, Sedo CA, Julianelli VL, Romanato M, Calvo L, Calvo JC, Fontana VA Abstract The mammalian sperm nucleus contains an unusually condensed chromatin, due to replacement of the majority of histones by protamines. However, soon after the spermatozoon penetrates the ooplasm at fertilization, decondensation of this densely packed chromatin must occur to allow formation of the male pronucleus and syngamy. Decondensation is accomplished by protamine disulfide bond reduction by oocyte glutathione and replacement of protamines by oocyte histones with the aid of an acceptor molecule. Previous results from our laboratory have demonstrated that heparan sulfate (HS) present in the ooplasm functions as protamine acceptor during human sperm decondensation in vivo. In the present paper, we analyze the role of heparin, structural analogue of HS, and dermatan sulfate (DS) in murine sperm chromatin decondensation in vitro, including the possibility of a synergistic effect between both glycosaminoglycans. Decondensation was assessed under phase contrast microscopy following incubation of murine spermatozoa with glutathione and either heparin, DS, or a combination of both. Ultrastructural changes taking place during decondensation were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Both glycosaminoglycans were able to promote the de...
Source: Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Syst Biol Reprod Med Source Type: research