Sperm-specific protein ACTL7A as a biomarker for fertilization outcomes of assisted reproductive technology.

Tian-ying Yang; Ying Chen; Guo-wu Chen; Yi-si Sun; Zhi-chao LI; Xiao-rong Shen; Yi-ni Zhang; Wen HE; Dan Zhou; Hui-juan Shi; Ai-jie Xin; Xiao-xi Sun

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Sperm-specific protein ACTL7A as a biomarker for fertilization outcomes of assisted reproductive technology.

Author: Tian-Ying YANG ¹ ; Ying CHEN ¹ ; Guo-Wu CHEN ¹ ; Yi-Si SUN ² ; Zhi-Chao LI ¹ ; Xiao-Rong SHEN ² ; Yi-Ni ZHANG ¹ ; Wen HE ¹ ; Dan ZHOU ¹ ; Hui-Juan SHI ² ; Ai-Jie XIN ² ; Xiao-Xi SUN ¹
Author Information

1. Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
2. NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: actin-like 7A; assisted reproductive technology; biomarker; embryo quality; fertilization outcomes; in-vitro
MeSH: Biomarkers/metabolism*; Female; Fertilization; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Rate; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Spermatozoa/metabolism*
From: Asian Journal of Andrology 2022;24(3):260-265
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract: Obtaining high-quality embryos is one of the key factors to improve the clinical pregnancy rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). So far, the clinical evaluation of embryo quality depends on embryo morphology. However, the clinical pregnancy rate is still low. Therefore, new indicators are needed to further improve the evaluation of embryo quality. Several studies have shown that the decrease of sperm-specific protein actin-like 7A (ACTL7A) leaded to low fertilization rate, poor embryo development, and even infertility. The aim of this study was to study whether the different expression levels of ACTL7A on sperm can be used as a biomarker for predicting embryo quality. In this study, excluding the factors of severe female infertility, a total of 281 sperm samples were collected to compare the ACTL7A expression levels of sperms with high and low effective embryo rates and analyze the correlation between protein levels and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory outcomes. Our results indicated that the ACTL7A levels were significantly reduced in sperm samples presenting poor embryo quality. Furthermore, the protein levels showed a significant correlation with fertilization outcomes of ART. ACTL7A has the potential to be a biomarker for predicting success rate of fertilization and effective embryo and the possibility of embryo arrest. In conclusion, sperm-specific protein ACTL7A has a strong correlation with IVF laboratory outcomes and plays important roles in fertilization and embryo development.