Bioscience Reports

ObjectiveTo understand the effect of recombinant BSP1 (rec-BSP1) on in vitro capacitation of sperm and fertilization study Method(s)Articles were screened for reports including rec-BSP1, Capacitation, in vitro fertilization InterventionNone Main Outcome Measure(s)Reproductive outcomes, effect on gametes and embryos Result(s)Here we report an optimization of condition for rec-BSP1 production which was used for in vitro capacitation and enhancement of buffalo embryo production. The sequence of the protein was used for multiple sequence alignment which has 99% similarity with PDC 109 protein. The expression of rec-BSP1 was carried out successfully with 1 mM IPTG at 160 C for 22 hrs and purified it in soluble form. The structure of rec-BSP1 was generated using 3D modelling and analysed its mode of binding with heparin and PC by molecular docking and the structural stability of rec-BSP1-PC and rec-BSP1-heparin complexes by using molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The effect of rec-BSP1 was observed on in vitro capacitation of spermatozoa and buffalo blastocyst production. It was found that the rec-BSP1 enhanced the sperm motility at a concentration of 50 g/ml for 1 h of incubation without having any detrimental effect on the sperm morphology and a significant increase in blastocyst production at concentration of 50 g/ml rec-BSP1. Hence this finding represents a new insight and advance the prospective approach to develop a potential fertility factor in reproduction. Conclusion(s)The purified rec-BSP1 may enhance on male fertility and mediated its effect on in vitro blastocyst production in buffalo.

ObjectivesBone morphogenetic protein-8B (BMP8B) is an adipokine that is synthesized in many tissues and has been shown to be associated with the development of obesity and metabolic disorders in animals and humans. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between serum BMP8B levels and various metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study included 80 women with PCOS and 40 age- and BMI-matched controls without PCOS. BMP8B, total cholesterol, triglyceride,fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, total testosterone (T),follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH),estradiol (E2) levels were measured in all the participants. HOMA-IR was used to calculate the insulin resistance. ResultsSerum BMP8B levels were lower in women with PCOS than in healthy women(43.11{+/-}13.09 [ng/mL]vs. 106.45{+/-}52.32 [ng/mL], p< 0.001). HOMA-IR, LH/FSH, total-testosterone, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS than controls. Circulating BMP8B levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR,BMI in PCOS group; was positively correlated with triglyceride in Control group. ConclusionThe low concentration of circulating BMP8B in PCOS may be associated with insulin resistance,Lipid metabolism and BMI,bat may be a new target for PCOS treatment.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the presence of uterine (eutopic) endometrial glands and tissues outside the intra-uterine locations, in ectopic regions such as the pelvic peritoneum, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Approximately 5-10% of reproductive and 20-50% of infertile women are affected by endometriosis. The pathogenesis of endometriosis involves various factors, including hormonal, environmental, genetic, and immune system components, directly or indirectly altering estrogen levels and impacting womens reproductive health.This study aimed to identify novel and potential biomarkers for endometriosis using mRNA seq analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from raw gene expression profiles, and their functional analysis was subsequently conducted. A total of 552 DEGs (312 upregulated and 240 downregulated) were identified in samples from women with endometriosis compared to control subjects.Major DEGs, such as C3, PSAP, APP, GNG12, were identified as hub nodes and found to be involved in various functions, including epithelial cell differentiation and development, proteolysis, gland development, muscle fiber development, and response to hormone stimulus. These DEGs may play a direct or indirect role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, serving as potential biomarkers for ectopic endometrium. While this study provides a preliminary insight into the mechanism of endometriosis, further detailed studies are necessary to fully understand its path of action.

VEGF-A is a key cytokine in tumor angiogenesis and a major therapeutic target for cancer. VEGF165 is the predominant isoform and is the most potent angiogenesis stimulant. VEGFR2/KDR domains 2 and 3 (D2D3) bind to the N-terminal domain (NTD, residues 1-110) of VEGF165. Since removal of the heparin-binding domain (HBD, residues 111-165) markedly reduced the mitogenic activity of VEGF165, it has been proposed that the HBD plays a critical role in the mitogenicity of VEGF165. Integrin v{beta}3 has been shown to bind to VEGF165, but the role of integrin v{beta}3 in VEGF165 signaling are unclear. Here we describe that v{beta}3 specifically bound to the isolated HBD, but not to the NTD. We identified several critical amino acid residues in HBD for integrin binding (Arg-123, Arg-124, Lys-125, Lys-140, Arg-145, and Arg-149) by docking simulation and mutagenesis, and generated full-length VEGF165 that is defective in integrin binding by including mutations in the HBD. The full-length VEGF165 mutant defective in integrin binding (R123A/R124A/K125A/K140A/R145A/R149A) was defective in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, integrin {beta}3 phosphorylation, and KDR phosphorylation, although the mutation did not affect KDR binding to VEGF165. We propose a model in which VEGF165 induces KDR (through NTD)-VEGF165 (through HBD)-integrin v{beta}3 ternary complex formation on the cell surface and this process is critically involved in potent mitogenicity of VEGF165.

BackgroundThere are seven sirtuin genes in the mammalian genome. Each sirtuin gene contains multiple exons, and is likely to undergo alternative splicing, thereby increasing sirtuin gene diversity. Since the alternatively spliced isoforms tend to increase with advancing age, it is important to study the effect of sequence change on isoform function. Additionally, the divergence of isoform patterns between human and mouse will help us to properly interpret the findings from animal models, especially in age-related studies. Recently, more than 20 human sirtuin isoforms have been identified, but whether the mouse genome might have similar isoforms remains incompletely established. MethodsThe mRNA, protein and genomic DNA sequences of mouse sirtuin genes, as well as the transcription factor binding sites, including that of SRF, were analyzed. A cellular stress model with serum deprivation and restoration was used to reflect the blood supply and nutrients level changes in the ischemia and reperfusion condition, and the expression of sirtuin isoform was assessed. ResultsHere, we report the identification of 15 mouse sirtuin isoforms, of which over half have not been previously reported. Exon skipping was the main event, which led to domain losses in the nuclear localization signal, nucleolar localization signal, and/or the mitochondrial targeting sequence among sirtuin isoforms. Among 7 sirtuin genes, 6 mouse sirtuin genes had different exon numbers versus that of human sirtuin genes. Only the sirtuin-2 gene had the same number of exons in both human and mouse. However, there were differences in the sirtuin-2 gene isoforms and the regulatory domains between the two species. The expression of sirtuin gene isoforms under serum stress was also different. ConclusionsAlternative splicing increases both sirtuin transcriptome and proteome diversity. However, the sirtuin isoforms were not well conserved between human and mouse, which should be taken into consideration when extrapolating animal studies for human physiology and pathology. Our results will help to elucidate the role of sirtuin genes in the regulation of cellular stress response, including ischemia and reperfusion. We propose that the existence of the CArG and CArG-like sequences in sirtuin genes may imply a role for SRF in the sirtuin family transcriptional regulation.

BackgroundANGPTL8 is known to regulate lipid metabolism and inflammation. It interacts with ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 to regulate LPL activity, and with IKK/{beta} to modulate NF-{kappa}B activity. Further, a SNP leading to ANGPTL8 R59W variant associates with reduced LDL/HDL and increased FBG in Hispanic and Arab individuals, respectively. In this study, we investigate the impact of R59W variant on the inflammatory activity of ANGPTL8. MethodsANGPTL8 R59W variant was genotyped in a discovery cohort of 867 Arab individuals from Kuwait. Plasma levels of ANGPTL8 and inflammatory markers were measured and tested for associations with the genotype; the associations were tested for replication in an independent cohort of 278 Arab individuals. Impact of the ANGPTL8 R59W variant on NF-{kappa}B activity was examined using approaches including overexpression, luciferase assay, and structural modeling of binding dynamics. ResultsThe ANGPTL8 R59W variant was associated with increased circulatory levels of TNF and IL7. NF-{kappa}B activity, as assessed by the increased in the phosphorylation of IKK-/{beta} protein, I{kappa}B, and NF-{kappa}B p-65 in R59W variant compared to wild type, and TNF stimulation further elevated it. This finding was substantiated by increased luciferase activity of NF-{kappa}B p65 with the R59W variant. Modeled structural and binding variation due to R59W change in ANGPTL8 agreed with the observed increase in NF-{kappa}B activity. ConclusionANGPTL8 R59W is associated with increased circulatory TNF, IL7 and NF-{kappa}B p65 activity. Weak transient binding of ANGPTL8 R59W variant explains its regulatory role on the NF-{kappa}B pathway and inflammation.

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder and cause of infertility in females of reproductive age. The symptoms and their severity vary strongly between particular cases. PCOS is correlated with hormonal, environmental and genetic factors. Complex interactions between genetics and hormonal levels is important to understand the hormonal 31 abnormality and to assess the chance of pregnancy in women with PCOS. The research was conducted on patients in the age of 27+/-5 years treated in the 33 Gynecology and Oncology Clinic of CMUJ. The research group - PCOS patients (P) n=62. The control group - (C) n=45. The venous blood was collected in volume of 2 ml centrifuged for 15 min at 1400 rpm. Serum was aspirated to 1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes. The ELISA method was used. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the level of selected factors 38 between the two groups at p <0.01. FSH [IU/ml]: P 5,10 ({+/-}1,64) vs K 8,96 ({+/-}6,15) LH [ IU/ml]: P 8,59 ({+/-}6,79) vs K 11,0 ({+/-}6,15) AMH [ng/ml]: P 4,06 ({+/-}2,43) vs K 1,47 ({+/-}2,14). AMH levels in the PCOS group did not show a significant difference in correlation with age. Obese and overweight women in both 42 groups had significantly different levels of AMH compared with normal-weight women. Furthermore, AMH levels were positively correlated with the age of the first period in the PCOS. The studies indicate a high use of the hormones like FSH and AMH in the diagnosis and assessment of ovarian reserve in women with PCOS.

A mitochondrial and a fibrous sheath form the midpiece of the mammalian sperm flagellum encircling most of the axoneme. It has been documented that Kinesin light chain 3 (KLC3) was involved although the formation procedure remains unclear. Yeast-two-hybrid dataset showed an interaction between Klc3 and Bardet-Biedl Syndrome 5 (BBS5) Protein, another molecular associated with cilia and flagella forming. In this study, we presumed that the most conserved IFT complex BBsome was involved in spermatogenesis via the interaction of one of its subunits, Bbs5 with Klc3. Firstly, the interaction between Klc3 and Bbs5 was confirmed with Co-IP. Secondly, we identified PKC phosphorylation sites in vitro by LC-MS/MS, Ser19 and Ser246 of Bbs5, examined the phosphorylation status of Bbs5 Ser19 and Ser246 in mouse testis. Co-IP was performed to find which PKC isoforms phosphorylate Bbs5. In addition, we tried to discuss the roles of Ser19 and Ser246 of Bbs5 in the Klc3-bbs5 interaction and in mouse spermatogenesis based on our early findings.

The R2TP is a multimeric protein complex consists of RUVBL1, RUVBL2, PIH1D1, and RPAP3, and it is known to functions as a specialized co-chaperone. We hypothesize that PIH1D1 recognizes p53 and stabilizes it via R2TP complex. Upon successful completion of this study, innovative mechanism has been found for the interaction and stabilization of p53 and hence govern the cell cycle. Upon interaction between p53 and PIH1D1 protein, p53 is stabilized by PIH1D1 protein, without affecting its C-terminal domain. We have also observed that p53 protein levels were affected after the alteration in expression levels of PIH1D1. Based on the finding, we suggest that the R2TP complex stabilizes and regulates P53. Therefore, this novel method will work as a flashpoint to restore the function of p53 in cancer cells, controlling cancer and cell cycle progression.

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. Carotovorum 3F3 is a gram-negative phyto-parasitic enterobacterium. This strain is a producer of Carocin S2 bacteriocin, which comprises of two proteins of different sizes. Carocin S2K (killer protein) which is responsible for antibiotic resistance and Carocin S2I (immunity protein) which inhibits the antibiotic activity. The present study aimed to predict the structure and functional properties of Carocin S2. Computational approaches utilizing various bioinformatic tools predicted that Carocin S2 is a putative membrane protein having the N-terminal at the extracellular side and the central domain at the coiled-coil region. Carocin S2 was predicted to have three domains, the translocation domains, receptor binding domain and the killer domain. Moreover, the killer domain was calculated to have the catalytic cleft. The in-vivo assays confirmed that for Carocin S2K, bound immunity protein was not a pre-requisite for cell attachment or translocation. The site-directed mutagenesis experiment led us to hypothesized the hydrolysis mechanism of Carocin S2. The predicted structure of Carocin S2K provided a system of understanding on the biochemical and structural function which led to the mechanism of Carocin S2. It revealed that the role of immunity protein to Carocin S2 is not a pre-requisite for translocation pathway. Furthermore, this research led to hypothesized a hydrolytic mechanism of Carocin S2 to target the tRNA.

Objective: Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) plays an important role in platelet activation and aggregation and aggravates thrombosis. Chronic stress can cause a variety of diseases, including coagulation disorders, increased thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and a series of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, it is still unknown how chronic stress regulates the expression of TSP-1 after glucocorticoid receptor activation. Approach and Results: rats chronic unpredictable mild stress model was applied and the changes of TSP-1 and microRNAs in plasma were examined. Effects of glucocorticoid receptor activation on human umbilical vein endothelial cells and platelets were observed. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation upregulated the expression of TSP-1 and downregulated the expression of microRNA-1-3p accompanied with increase of phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and argonaute-2 (AGO-2). Blockade of p38 MAPK phosphorylation resulted in decrease of phosphorylation level of AGO-2, increase of microRNA-1-3p expression, and decrease of TSP-1 expression. Transfection of AGO-2 Y393F point mutant plasmid, increased microRNA-1-3p expression and decreased TSP-1 expression, transfection of microRNA-1-3p mimic also decreased TSP-1 expression, while transfection of microRNA-1-3p inhibitor increased TSP-1 expression. Finally, GR activation led to an increase in the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK in platelets and an increase in the level of TSP-1 in the supernatant. Conclusions: our study demonstrates that GR activation in HUVEC stimulates the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, which in turn promotes the phosphorylation of AGO-2 and inhibits the maturation of microRNA-1-3p, leading to elevated expression of TSP-1, GR activation in platelets leads to the release of TSP-1. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=147 SRC="FIGDIR/small/536820v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (45K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@86e8ecorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@126094eorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@2d13c3org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16c79c3_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG O_FLOATNOGraphical AbstractC_FLOATNO HSS: Hydrocortisone sodium succinate C_FIG

ObjectiveMaternal mortality remains a global health concern in developing countries that are also affected by HIV infection. Complement components are anaphylatoxin that mediate several growth factors necessary during pregnancy. An extensive stimulation of the complement system contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia; hence its inhibition facilitates a successful pregnancy. The study evaluated the expression of complement components C2 and C5a in HIV and the association with preeclampsia. Materials and MethodsSerum samples were collected from 76 pregnant women of which 38 were preeclamptic and 38 normotensive pregnant. The participants were further stratified according to HIV infection status. Bio-Plex multiplex immunoassay method was used to quantify serum concentration of C5a and C2 complement components. ResultsThe C2 complement concentration was not significantly different between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women, irrespective of HIV status as well as pregnancy type. However, based on preeclamptic vs normotensive pregnancy type, the expression of C5a was significantly different (p = 0.05). The C5a levels were downregulated in preeclampsia compared to normotensive women, irrespective of HIV status. Both C2 and C5a concentrations did not differ across all study groups. ConclusionThis novel study reports a loss of regulation of complement activation shown by the downregulation of C5a in preeclamptic compared to normotensive pregnant women, regardless of HIV status. Complement dysregulation affects the host innate defence, and as a consequence, intensifies placental and fetal injury. Moreover, HIV status did not influence the expression of both C5a and C2, irrespective of pregnancy type, this may be attributed to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.

Ivermectin is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, but the specifics of this action are unknown. We recently showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., FGF2, CCL5, CD40L) bind to the allosteric site (site 2) of integrins and activate them. 25-Hydroxycholesterol, a pro-inflammatory lipid mediator, is known to bind to site 2 and induce integrin activation and inflammatory signals (e.g., IL-6 and TNF secretion), suggesting that site 2 is critically involved in inflammation. We showed that TNF, a major pro-inflammatory cytokine, binds to site 2 and induces integrin activation, like other pro-inflammatory cytokines. We recently showed that two anti-inflammatory cytokines (FGF1 and NRG1) bind to site 2 and inhibit integrin activation by inflammatory cytokines. We hypothesized that ivermectin binds to site 2 but inhibits the integrin activation induced by inflammatory cytokines in a mechanism similar to anti-inflammatory cytokines (site 2 antagonists). Consistently, docking simulation predicts that ivermectin binds to site 2. We found that ivermectin suppressed the activation of soluble {beta}3 integrins by multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines (including TNF) in a dose-dependent manner in cell-free conditions, suggesting that ivermectin acts as an antagonist for site 2. This may be a potential mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of ivermectin.

This manuscript has been removed due to unethical behavior by the authors that includes violation of copyright.

Recently, we described that glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Leishmania major (LmGAPDH) was present in extracellular vesicles and it inhibited host TNF- expression during infection via post-transcriptional repression. The LmGAPDH binding with the AU-rich elements in 3-untranslated region of TNF- mRNA (TNF- ARE) is sufficient for limiting this cytokine production, but the TNF- ARE binding residues in LmGAPDH are still unexplored. RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay (REMSA) and catalytic activity measurement revealed that the inhibition by TNF- ARE was competitive with respect to cofactor NAD+ in LmGAPDH. To identify the TNF- ARE binding residues of the LmGAPDH, we exploited a systematic mutational analysis of its NAD+ binding domain. Catalytic activity measurement indicates that both R13 and N336 amino acids in the NAD+ binding site are absolutely required for activity whereas other mutants including I14A, R16A, D39A and T112A showed higher Km (lower affinity) value for NAD+ binding and lower catalytic activity. REMSA studies revealed that the replacement of Arg-13 with Ala/Lys or Asn-336 with Ala resulted in complete loss of binding with the TNF- ARE. I14A, R16A, D39A and T112A residues at or near NAD+ binding site showed lower binding with the TNF- ARE compared to the wild-type protein. The protein induced fluorescence enhancement (PIFE) studies and in vitro protein translation assay further confirmed the REMSA results. Based on our findings, the NAD+ binding residues in LmGAPDH are important for TNF ARE binding.

Collagens are the main structural components of ECM and collagenolysis is vital for ECM remodelling, which is essential for normal organ homeostasis. Any dysregulation of this process can result in various pathological conditions. The degradation of the interstitial collagens is generally mediated by specific collagenases which are capable of cleaving at specific loci in the collagen triple helix. Lysosomal cysteine cathepsins have general housekeeping as well as some highly specialized functions. Amongst them, human cathepsin K is the only lysosomal cysteine protease which has potent collagenolytic activity against type I collagen. In this study, we have imparted collagenolytic property to another human cysteine protease, cathepsin L, by systematically engineering proline-specificity and GAG-binding surface in the protease. The designed proline-specific mutant shows high specificity for peptidyl substrate containing proline at P2 position but is incapable of cleaving collagen. However, when the proline-specific mutant is further engineered for GAG-binding surface, it can degrade type I collagen in presence of Chondroitin 4-Sulfate (C4-S). We also present high resolution crystal structures of these proline-specific (1.4 [A]) and collagen-specific (1.8 [A]) mutants. Finally docking studies with prolyl-peptidic substrate (Ala-Gly-Pro-Arg-Ala) at the active site and a GAG molecule (C4-S) at the GAG binding site enables us to identify key structural features responsible for collagenolytic activity of papain-like cysteine proteases. This study provides a rational approach to engineer an efficient collagenase from a human template enzyme which may have various noninvasive therapeutic implications with an expected additional advantage of immuno-compatiblity.

Bone morphogenic protein2 (BMP2), a member of TGF-{beta} super-family, known to play a wide range of roles during embryonic development, particularly in the formation of bone/skeleton, differentiation of neurons, skeletal muscle, and development of cardiac valve septa and outflow tract. BMP2 haploinsufficiency is reported to cause multiple congenital malformations including cardiac defects mainly endocardial cushion formation and chamber specification. To investigate the functional relevance of BMP2 variations in isolated CHD cases, we performed genetic screening of BMP2 in 285 CHD probands along with 400 healthy controls by Sangers method. Five non-synonymous variants namely, an already known variant p.Ser37Ala in N-terminal region, one nonsense variant, p.Lys241X in pro-peptide region and three missense variants p.His321Leu, p.Glu328Lys and p.Ser351Cys in mature domain, were identified in 8 unrelated CHD cases. In vitro functional analysis by western blotting depicted an increase in phosphorylation of SMAD1/5 due to all five variants. Furthermore, overexpression of cardiac-specific downstream target genes namely Smad1, Smad4, Smad5, Nkx2.5, Gata4 and Irx4 of the BMP pathway was observed in response to all the variants. Luciferase assay also validated the enhanced expression of multiple downstream promoters Id1-luc, Id3-luc, Tlx2-luc, and p(SBE)4-luc. Additionally, computational analysis of RNA structural features and protein secondary and tertiary structural changes also highlighted the increased activity of mutants, possibly due to enhanced interactions of mutant proteins with their binding partners owing to more stable structures. Overall, this is the first study which characterized the functional association of BMP2 variants with the pathogenesis of CHD by in vitro and in silico methods.

Cachexia is a metabolic disease that results in drastic weight loss and muscle wasting. 20% of total cancer patients will die due to cachexia related complications. ZAG contributes to the regulation of weight and body fat through lipid and glucose metabolism. In healthy individuals, ZAG exerts a homeostasis effect by inducing lipolysis of adipose tissue to help reduce fat storage and overall weight. ZAG is upregulated in various carcinomas and cancer patients with upregulated ZAG are observed to lose weight rapidly. The mutants of ZAG which are the 4 amino acids Tryptophan 148, Arginine 73, Phenylalanine 101, Isoleucine 76 have all been mutated to Alanine. The effect of mutants and the wild type ZAG can also be found out by conducting experiments. ZAG has a potential lipid binding site that could be imperative to the function of ZAG. A lipolysis colorimetric kit allows us to measure the ZAG variants effects on 3T3 adipose cells to determine what {beta}-adrenoreceptor signaling pathways are being utilized in its lipolytic effect. The Tryptophan-Alanine mutant showed increased lipolysis after 1h treatment than other variants. The time period is also a rate limiting step which can play major factor in lipolysis. The ultimate goal is to identify the ligand(s) and the interactions between them and ZAG. The design of a therapeutic would give patients options of treatments brought about by attenuating the weight loss. With this, it would offer a better prognosis for patients and provide them with a greater quality of life.

The recent epidemiological studies suggest that nearly one out of every 7 reproductive age couples face problem to conceive a child after trying for at least one year. Impaired fertility of the male partner is causative in approximately 50% of the infertile couples. However, the etiologies of large proportion of male infertility are still unclear. Our unpublished exome sequencing data identified several novel genes including TEX13B, which motivated us to further explore the role of TEX13B in male infertility in large infertile case control cohort. Hence in this study, we have examined the role of TEX13B in male infertility by whole gene sequencing 628 infertile and 427 control men and have demonstrated the functional role of Tex13b in spermatogonia GC1spg (GC1) cells. We identified 2 variants on TEX13B which are tightly associated with male infertility. TEX13B gene exclusively expressed in germ cells, but its molecular functions in germ cells are still unknown. Hence, we demonstrated the functional importance of Tex13b in GC1 cell line by genomic manipulation via CRISPR-Cas9 and mass spectrometry-based whole cell proteomics. The gene knock out in GC1 cell line clearly shows that Tex13b play an important role in germ cell growth and morphology. We demonstrate that Tex13b knockout or conditional overexpression in GC1 cells reprograms the metabolic status from an oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis state and vice versa. In conclusion, our study clearly showed the importance of Tex13b in germ cells development and Its association with male infertility.

The Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) is a dynamic cellular pathway that helps maintain proteostasis during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. One of the key UPR sensors is IRE1, which plays a central role in managing ER stress and interacts with other cellular pathways to regulate cell homeostasis. The Akt signalling pathway, on the other hand, is a crucial survival pathway involved in diverse cellular functions like growth, proliferation, glucose metabolism, and survival. This study explores the interplay between these two important cell signalling pathways. Specifically, our study revealed that IRE1 negatively regulates Akt through the protein phosphatase sMEK1. We identified sMEK1 and Akt as novel interacting partners of IRE1, which together form a ternary complex that helps coordinate the IRE1 and Akt signalling networks. The IRE1/sMEK1/Akt ternary complex results in the dephosphorylation of Akt by sMEK1 in the presence of activated IRE1. Together, this study sheds light on the molecular mechanism underlying the UPR/Akt link and provides valuable insights into the overall impact of their interaction.