Abstract
Cation channel of sperm 1 (CATSPER1) is a unique sperm cation channel protein, and essential for sperm function and male fertility. CATSPER1 exclusively expresses in meiotic and postmeiotic spermatogenic cells, thus belongs to the spermatogenesis-specific antigen that escape central tolerance. We have previously demonstrated the immunocontraceptive potential of its transmembrane domains and pore region, and reported the antifertility effects of its B-cell epitopes on male mice. Aiming to develop DNA vaccine targeting CATSPER1 for male contraception, here the whole open reading frame of mouse Catsper1 was cloned into the plasmid pEGFP-N1 to obtain a DNA vaccine pEGFP-N1-Catsper1. The vaccine was confirmed to be transcribed and translated in mouse N2a cell in vitro and mouse muscle tissue in vivo. Intramuscular injection with the vaccine on male mice induced specific immune reaction and caused significant inhibition on sperm hyperactivated motility and progressive motility (P<0.001 for both), and consequently reduced male fertility. The fertility rate of experimental group was 40.9%, which was significant lower (P=0.012) than control group (81.8%). No significant change in mating behavior, sperm production and histology of testis/epididymis was observed. Given that Catsper1 exhibits a high degree of homology among different species, Catsper1 DNA vaccine might be a good strategy for developing an immunocontraceptive vaccine for human and animal use.
Highlights
The world population is still growing, even though the present contraceptives have made some contributions to controlling the growth rate
Two bands approximately 1.1 kb were detected in the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products, which were consistent with the fragment size of the former half of the Catsper1 open reading frame (ORF) plus restriction enzyme site (Segment 1, 1107 bp) and latter half of the Catsper1 ORF plus restriction enzyme site (Segment 2, 1106 bp)
A band approximately 2.1 kb was detected in the PCR product, which was consistent with the fragment size of the whole Catsper1 ORF plus restriction enzyme sites (Fig 1C)
Summary
The world population is still growing, even though the present contraceptives have made some contributions to controlling the growth rate. It is predicted that the total world population will reach 8 billion by 2020 and 8.9 billion by 2050 [1]. The effective contraceptive methods for men are limited to condoms and vasectomy [2], which apparently cannot meet the different preferences of people. Most men express their willingness to carry. Male Antifertility Effect of Catsper DNA Vaccine contraceptive responsibility if there were more available contraceptives for men [3]. In this sense, it is a world-wide mission to develop new male contraceptives
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