1
|
Gül S, Vloeberghs V, Gies I, Goossens E. Testicular mosaicism in non-mosaic postpubertal Klinefelter patients with focal spermatogenesis and in non-mosaic prepubertal Klinefelter boys. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:2210-2220. [PMID: 39198007 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do testis-specific cells have a normal karyotype in non-mosaic postpubertal Klinefelter syndrome (KS) patients with focal spermatogenesis and in non-mosaic prepubertal KS boys? SUMMARY ANSWER Spermatogonia have a 46, XY karyotype, and Sertoli cells surrounding these spermatogonia in postpubertal patients also have a 46, XY karyotype, whereas, in prepubertal KS boys, Sertoli cells surrounding the spermatogonia still have a 47, XXY karyotype. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A significant proportion of patients with non-mosaic KS can have children by using assisted reproductive techniques thanks to focal spermatogenesis. However, the karyotype of the cells that are able to support focal spermatogenesis has not been revealed. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Testicular biopsy samples from non-mosaic KS patients were included in the study. Karyotyping for sex chromosomes in testis-specific cells was performed by immunohistochemical analysis of inactive X (Xi) chromosome and/or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of chromosomes 18, X, and Y. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 22 KS patients (17 postpubertal and 5 prepubertal) who were non-mosaic according to lymphocyte karyotype analysis, were included in the study. After tissue processing, paraffin embedding, and sectioning, the following primary antibodies were used for cell-specific analysis and Xi detection; one section was stained with MAGE A4 for spermatogonia, SOX9 for Sertoli cells, and H3K27me3 for Xi; the other one was stained with CYP17A1 for Leydig cells, ACTA2 for peritubular myoid cells, and H3K27me3 for Xi. Xi negative (Xi-) somatic cells (i.e. Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and peritubular myoid cells) were evaluated as having the 46, XY karyotype; Xi positive (Xi+) somatic cells were evaluated as having the 47, XXY. FISH stain for chromosomes 18, X, and Y was performed on the same sections to investigate the karyotype of spermatogonia and to validate the immunohistochemistry results for somatic cells. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE According to our data, all spermatogonia in both postpubertal and prepubertal non-mosaic KS patients seem to have 46, XY karyotype. However, while the Sertoli cells surrounding spermatogonia in postpubertal samples also had a 46, XY karyotype, the Sertoli cells surrounding spermatogonia in prepubertal samples had a 47, XXY karyotype. In addition, while the Sertoli cells in some of the Sertoli cell-only tubules had 46, XY karyotype, the Sertoli cells in some of the other Sertoli cell-only tubules had 47, XXY karyotype in postpubertal samples. In contrast to the postpubertal samples, Sertoli cells in all tubules in the prepubertal samples had the 47, XXY karyotype. Our data also suggest that germ cells lose the extra X chromosome during embryonic, fetal, or neonatal life, while Sertoli cells lose it around puberty. Peritubular myoid cells and Leydig cells may also be mosaic in both postpubertal patients and prepubertal boys, but it requires further investigation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of prepubertal testicle samples containing spermatogonia is limited, so more samples are needed for a definitive conclusion. The fact that not all the cell nuclei coincide with the section plane limits the accurate detection of X chromosomes by immunohistochemistry and FISH in some cells. To overcome this limitation, X chromosome analysis could be performed by different techniques on intact cells isolated from fresh tissue. Additionally, there is no evidence that X chromosome inactivation reoccurs after activation of the Xi during germ cell migration during embryogenesis, limiting the prediction of X chromosome content in germ cells by H3K27me3. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings will lay the groundwork for new clinically important studies on exactly when and by which mechanism an extra X chromosome is lost in spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) (2219 - International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program for Turkish Citizens) and the Strategic Research Program (SRP89) from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Semir Gül
- Biology of the Testis Lab, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development (GRAD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine, Histology and Embryology Department, Malatya Turgut Özal University, Malatya, Turkey
- Faculty of Medicine, Histology and Embryology Department, , Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Türkiye
| | - Veerle Vloeberghs
- Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels IVF, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Gies
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis Lab, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development (GRAD), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Miao N, Zeng Z, Lee T, Guo Q, Zheng W, Cai W, Chen W, Wang J, Sun T. Integrative epigenome profiling of 47XXY provides insights into whole genomic DNA hypermethylation and active chromatin accessibility. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1128739. [PMID: 37051325 PMCID: PMC10083376 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1128739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS, 47XXY) is a disorder characterized by sex chromosomal aneuploidy, which may lead to changes in epigenetic regulations of gene expression. To define epigenetic architectures in 47XXY, we annotated DNA methylation in euploid males (46XY) and females (46XX), and 47XXY individuals using whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and integrated chromatin accessbilty, and detected abnormal hypermethylation in 47XXY. Furthermore, we detected altered chromatin accessibility in 47XXY, in particular in chromosome X, using Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) in cultured amniotic cells. Our results construct the whole genome-wide DNA methylation map in 47XXY, and provide new insights into the early epigenomic dysregulation resulting from an extra chromosome X in 47XXY.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Miao
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiwei Zeng
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Trevor Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Cornell University Weill Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Qiwei Guo
- United Diagnostic and Research Center for Clinical Genetics, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine & School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wenwei Zheng
- Quanzhou Women and Children’s Hospital, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wenjie Cai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Hospital of Quanzhou, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wanhua Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Hospital of Quanzhou, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Tao Sun,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Botman O, Hibaoui Y, Giudice MG, Ambroise J, Creppe C, Feki A, Wyns C. Modeling Klinefelter Syndrome Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Reveals Impaired Germ Cell Differentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:567454. [PMID: 33117798 PMCID: PMC7575714 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.567454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS), with an incidence between 1/600 and 1/1,000, is the main genetic cause of male infertility. Due to the lack of an accurate study model, the detailed pathogenic mechanisms by which this X chromosome aneuploidy leads to KS features remain unknown. Here, we report the generation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from a patient with KS: 47XXY-iPSCs. In order to compare the potentials of both 47XXY-iPSCs and 46XY-iPSCs to differentiate into the germ cell lineage, we developed a directed differentiation protocol by testing different combinations of factors including bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), retinoic acid (RA) and stem cell factor (SCF) for 42 days. Importantly, we found a reduced ability of 47XXY-iPSCs to differentiate into germ cells when compared to 46XY-iPSCs. In particular, upon germ cell differentiation of 47XXY-iPSCs, we found a reduced proportion of cells positive for BOLL, a protein required for germ cell development and spermatogenesis, as well as a reduced proportion of cells positive for MAGEA4, a spermatogonia marker. This reduced ability to generate germ cells was not associated with a decrease of proliferation of 47XXY-iPSC-derived cells but rather with an increase of cell death upon germ cell differentiation as revealed by an increase of LDH release and of capase-3 expression in 47XXY-iPSC-derived cells. Our study supports the idea that 47XXY-iPSCs provides an excellent in vitro model to unravel the pathophysiology and to design potential treatments for KS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Botman
- Gynecology Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Youssef Hibaoui
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Fribourgeois (HFR) Fribourg, Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Maria G Giudice
- Gynecology Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Ambroise
- Center for Applied Molecular Technologies (CTMA), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catherine Creppe
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-Signal Transduction, C.H.U. Sart Tilman, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anis Feki
- Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hôpital Fribourgeois (HFR) Fribourg, Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Christine Wyns
- Gynecology Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Madian A, Eid MM, Shahin AAB, Mazen I, El-Bassyouni HT, Eid OM. Detection of low-grade mosaicism and its correlation with hormonal profile, testicular volume, and semen quality in a cohort of Egyptian Klinefelter and Klinefelter-like patients. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:259-263. [PMID: 32115387 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common chromosomal syndrome, causing infertility in men and leading to non-obstructive azoospermia. Previous studies on mosaicism have shown contradictory results on its correlation with both serum hormone levels and the presence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate of KS, KS-like, and non-KS-like infertile patients. So, the present study was designed to detect low-grade mosaicism in the peripheral blood lymphocytes and buccal mucosa cells of 14 KS and 8 KS-like patients by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and to investigate its correlation with luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone (T) levels, testicular volume, and semen analysis compared with 10 normal healthy fertile men. Our results indicated that mosaicism was only found in 42.9 % of the KS patients and completely absent in all KS-like patients. Moreover, mosaicism has led to complete azoospermia and non-significant differences in both hormone levels and testicular volume between mosaic and non-mosaic KS patients. All KS patients demonstrated significant differences in both hormone levels and testicular volume compared with normal men. Conversely, they revealed non-significant differences in hormone levels and significant differences in testicular volume compared with KS-like patients. Additionally, the KS-like patients exhibited non-significant variations in both LH and FSH levels and significant variations in T level and testicular volume compared with normal men. Moreover, all KS-like patients had azoospermia, except for one patient who showed oligozoospermia. Therefore, no correlations were found either between mosaicism and serum hormone levels or with testicular volume and semen analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maha M Eid
- Human Cytogenetics, National Research Center, 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Adel A B Shahin
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Minia University, 61519, El Minia, Egypt.
| | - Inas Mazen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, National Research Center, 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala T El-Bassyouni
- Department of Clinical Genetics, National Research Center, 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ola M Eid
- Human Cytogenetics, National Research Center, 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fainberg J, Hayden RP, Schlegel PN. Fertility management of Klinefelter syndrome. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2019; 14:369-380. [PMID: 31587581 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2019.1671821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) represents the most common chromosomal abnormality in the general population, and one of the most common genetic etiologies of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and in severe oligospermia. Once considered untreatable, men with KS and NOA now have a variety of treatment options to obtain paternity.Areas covered: The cornerstone of treatment for both KS and NOA patients remains the surgical retrieval of viable sperm, which can be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection to obtain pregnancy. Although the field has advanced significantly since the early 1990s, approximately half of men with KS will ultimately fail fertility treatments. Presented is a critical review of the available evidence that has attempted to identify predictive factors for successful sperm recovery. To optimize surgical success, a variety of treatment modalities have also been suggested and evaluated, including hormonal manipulation and timing of retrieval.Expert opinion: Individuals with KS have a relatively good prognosis for sperm recovery compared to other men with idiopathic NOA. Surgical success is heavily dependent upon surgical technique and the experience of the andrology/embryology team tasked with the identification and use of testicular sperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Russell P Hayden
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter N Schlegel
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nagamatsu G, Hayashi K. Stem cells, in vitro gametogenesis and male fertility. Reproduction 2017; 154:F79-F91. [PMID: 29133304 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reconstitution in culture of biological processes, such as differentiation and organization, is a key challenge in regenerative medicine, and one in which stem cell technology plays a central role. Pluripotent stem cells and spermatogonial stem cells are useful materials for reconstitution of germ cell development in vitro, as they are capable of differentiating into gametes. Reconstitution of germ cell development, termed in vitro gametogenesis, will provide an experimental platform for a better understanding of germ cell development, as well as an alternative source of gametes for reproduction, with the potential to cure infertility. Since germ cells are the cells for 'the next generation', both the culture system and its products must be carefully evaluated. In this issue, we summarize the progress in in vitro gametogenesis, most of which has been made using mouse models, as well as the future challenges in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Go Nagamatsu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and MedicineGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xie C, Chen X, Liu Y, Wu Z, Ping P. Multicenter study of genetic abnormalities associated with severe oligospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia. J Int Med Res 2017; 46:107-114. [PMID: 28730893 PMCID: PMC6011285 DOI: 10.1177/0300060517718771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Chong Xie, Xiangfeng Chen, and Yulin Liu contributed equally to this work. Genetic defects are identified in nearly 20% of infertile males. Determining the frequency and types of major genetic abnormalities in severe male infertility helps inform appropriate genetic counseling before assisted reproductive techniques.
Methods Cytogenetic results of 912 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and severe oligozoospermia (SOS) in Eastern China were reviewed in this multicenter study from January 2011 to December 2015. Controls were 215 normozoospermic men with offspring. Results Among all patients, 22.6% (206/912) had genetic abnormalities, including 27.3% (146/534) of NOA patients and 15.9% (60/378) of SOS patients. Chromosomal abnormalities (all autosomal) were detected in only 1.9% (4 /215) of controls. In NOA patients, sex chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 25.8% (138/534), of which 8% (43/534) had a 47,XXY karyotype or its mosaic; higher than the SOS group prevalence (1.1%; 4/378). The incidence of Y chromosome microdeletions was lower in the SOS group (13.2%; 50/378) than in the NOA group (17.8%; 95/534). Conclusions The high prevalence of genetic abnormalities in our study indicates the importance of routine genetic testing in severe male infertility diagnosis. This may help determine the choice of assisted reproductive technique and allow specific pre-implantation genetic testing to minimize the risk of transmitting genetic defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chong Xie
- 1 Assisted Reproductive Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- 2 Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulin Liu
- 3 Shanghai Ji Ai Genetic and IVF Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengmu Wu
- 1 Assisted Reproductive Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Ping
- 1 Assisted Reproductive Center, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bonomi M, Rochira V, Pasquali D, Balercia G, Jannini EA, Ferlin A. Klinefelter syndrome (KS): genetics, clinical phenotype and hypogonadism. J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:123-134. [PMID: 27644703 PMCID: PMC5269463 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-016-0541-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is characterized by an extreme heterogeneity in its clinical and genetic presentation. The relationship between clinical phenotype and genetic background has been partially disclosed; nevertheless, physicians are aware that several aspects concerning this issue are far to be fully understood. By improving our knowledge on the role of some genetic aspects as well as on the KS, patients' interindividual differences in terms of health status will result in a better management of this chromosomal disease. The aim of this review is to provide an update on both genetic and clinical phenotype and their interrelationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Bonomi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases & Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - V Rochira
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy.
- Azienda USL of Modena, NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy.
| | - D Pasquali
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Respiratory Science, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - G Balercia
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy
| | - E A Jannini
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sangrithi MN, Royo H, Mahadevaiah SK, Ojarikre O, Bhaw L, Sesay A, Peters AHFM, Stadler M, Turner JMA. Non-Canonical and Sexually Dimorphic X Dosage Compensation States in the Mouse and Human Germline. Dev Cell 2017; 40:289-301.e3. [PMID: 28132849 PMCID: PMC5300051 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Somatic X dosage compensation requires two mechanisms: X inactivation balances X gene output between males (XY) and females (XX), while X upregulation, hypothesized by Ohno and documented in vivo, balances X gene with autosomal gene output. Whether X dosage compensation occurs in germ cells is unclear. We show that mouse and human germ cells exhibit non-canonical X dosage states that differ from the soma and between the sexes. Prior to genome-wide reprogramming, X upregulation is present, consistent with Ohno's hypothesis. Subsequently, however, it is erased. In females, erasure follows loss of X inactivation, causing X dosage excess. Conversely, in males, erasure leads to permanent X dosage decompensation. Sex chromosomally abnormal models exhibit a “sex-reversed” X dosage state: XX males, like XX females, develop X dosage excess, while XO females, like XY males, develop X dosage decompensation. Thus, germline X dosage compensation states are determined by X chromosome number, not phenotypic sex. These unexpected differences in X dosage compensation states between germline and soma offer unique perspectives on sex chromosome infertility. X dosage compensation in germ cells is reset during GWR PGCs exhibit X upregulation before GWR, in keeping with Ohno's hypothesis X upregulation is lost during GWR Mouse and human germ cells exhibit X dosage states that are sexually dimorphic
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh N Sangrithi
- Mill Hill Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK; UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health UCL, Medical School Building, 74 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6AU, UK
| | - Helene Royo
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shantha K Mahadevaiah
- Mill Hill Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Obah Ojarikre
- Mill Hill Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Leena Bhaw
- Mill Hill Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Abdul Sesay
- Mill Hill Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Antoine H F M Peters
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Stadler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - James M A Turner
- Mill Hill Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Current knowledge on gonadal development and sex determination is the product of many decades of research involving a variety of scientific methods from different biological disciplines such as histology, genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology. The earliest embryological investigations, followed by the invention of microscopy and staining methods, were based on histological examinations. The most robust development of histological staining techniques occurred in the second half of the nineteenth century and resulted in structural descriptions of gonadogenesis. These first studies on gonadal development were conducted on domesticated animals; however, currently the mouse is the most extensively studied species. The next key point in the study of gonadogenesis was the advancement of methods allowing for the in vitro culture of fetal gonads. For instance, this led to the description of the origin of cell lines forming the gonads. Protein detection using antibodies and immunolabeling methods and the use of reporter genes were also invaluable for developmental studies, enabling the visualization of the formation of gonadal structure. Recently, genetic and molecular biology techniques, especially gene expression analysis, have revolutionized studies on gonadogenesis and have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms that govern this process. The successive invention of new methods is reflected in the progress of research on gonadal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafal P Piprek
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Raft S, Coate TM, Kelley MW, Crenshaw EB, Wu DK. Pou3f4-mediated regulation of ephrin-b2 controls temporal bone development in the mouse. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109043. [PMID: 25299585 PMCID: PMC4192298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The temporal bone encases conductive and sensorineural elements of the ear. Mutations of POU3F4 are associated with unique temporal bone abnormalities and X-linked mixed deafness (DFNX2/DFN3). However, the target genes and developmental processes controlled by POU3F4 transcription factor activity have remained largely uncharacterized. Ephrin-B2 (Efnb2) is a signaling molecule with well-documented effects on cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. Our analyses of targeted mouse mutants revealed that Efnb2 loss-of-function phenocopies temporal bone abnormalities of Pou3f4 hemizygous null neonates: qualitatively identical malformations of the stapes, styloid process, internal auditory canal, and cochlear capsule were present in both mutants. Using failed/insufficient separation of the stapes and styloid process as a quantitative trait, we found that single gene Efnb2 loss-of-function and compound Pou3f4/Efnb2 loss-of-function caused a more severe phenotype than single gene Pou3f4 loss-of-function. Pou3f4 and Efnb2 gene expression domains overlapped at the site of impending stapes-styloid process separation and at subcapsular mesenchyme surrounding the cochlea; at both these sites, Efnb2 expression was attenuated in Pou3f4 hemizygous null mutants relative to control. Results of immunoprecipitation experiments using chromatin isolated from nascent middle ear mesenchyme supported the hypothesis of a physical association between Pou3f4 and specific non-coding sequence of Efnb2. We propose that Efnb2 is a target of Pou3f4 transcription factor activity and an effector of mesenchymal patterning during temporal bone development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Raft
- Section on Sensory Cell Regeneration and Development, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thomas M. Coate
- Laboratory of Cochlear Development, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Matthew W. Kelley
- Laboratory of Cochlear Development, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - E. Bryan Crenshaw
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Doris K. Wu
- Section on Sensory Cell Regeneration and Development, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nieschlag E, Werler S, Wistuba J, Zitzmann M. New approaches to the Klinefelter syndrome. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2014; 75:88-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
13
|
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most frequent chromosomal abnormality with a prevalence of 150 per 100,000 males. It is now well known that the phenotype of Klinefelter adults varies from individual to individual and one registry study indicates that approximately 75% of KS subjects are not diagnosed probably because of very mild phenotypes. Due to seminiferous tubule fibrosis KS patients have small testes and are infertile because of azoospermia (>90%) or severe oligozoospermia (<10%). Adoption or heterologous insemination has been used in the past to achieve paternity. Currently it is well known that with TESE/micro-TESE (TESE = TEsticular Sperm Extraction) spermatozoa can be found in the testes of 28-67% of KS patients. Predictive factors of sperm retrieval success/failure, such as reproductive hormone plasma levels, testis volume and age, have been evaluated without any positive results. By combining TESE/micro-TESE with intracytoplasmic sperm injection an average of 50% of these patients have the possibility of fathering children and the birth of more than 150 children with normal karyotype has been reported in the last 20 years. However couples with a Klinefelter partner must be informed of the increased risk of autosomal/sex chromosomes aberrations in the sperm and embryos and of the possibility of preimplantation genetic diagnosis which is currently suggested by a minority of authors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Brilli
- a Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Andrology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianni Forti
- b Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Werler S, Demond H, Damm OS, Ehmcke J, Middendorff R, Gromoll J, Wistuba J. Germ cell loss is associated with fading Lin28a expression in a mouse model for Klinefelter's syndrome. Reproduction 2014; 147:253-64. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Klinefelter's syndrome is a male sex-chromosomal disorder (47,XXY), causing hypogonadism, cognitive and metabolic deficits. The majority of patients are infertile due to complete germ cell loss after puberty. As the depletion occurs during development, the possibilities to study the underlying causes in humans are limited. In this study, we used the 41,XXY* mouse model to characterise the germ line postnatally. We examined marker expression of testicular cells focusing on the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and found that the number of germ cells was approximately reduced fivefold at day 1pp in the 41,XXY* mice, indicating the loss to start prenatally. Concurrently, immunohistochemical SSC markers LIN28A and PGP9.5 also showed decreased expression on day 1pp in the 41,XXY* mice (48.5 and 38.9% of all germ cells were positive), which dropped to 7.8 and 7.3% on 3dpp, and were no longer detectable on days 5 and 10pp respectively. The differences in PCNA-positive proliferating cells in XY* and XXY* mice dramatically increased towards day 10pp. The mRNA expression of the germ cell markers Lin28a (Lin28), Pou5f1 (Oct4), Utf1, Ddx4 (Vasa), Dazl, and Fapb1 (Sycp3) was reduced and the Lin28a regulating miRNAs were deregulated in the 41,XXY* mice. We suggest a model for the course of germ cell loss starting during the intrauterine period. Neonatally, SSC marker expression by the already lowered number of spermatogonia is reduced and continues fading during the first postnatal week, indicating the surviving cells of the SSC population to be disturbed in their stem cell characteristics. Subsequently, the entire germ line is then generally lost when entering meiosis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Oates RD. The natural history of endocrine function and spermatogenesis in Klinefelter syndrome: what the data show. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:266-73. [PMID: 22846647 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Once thought to be a chromosomal aberration associated with absolute sterility, Klinefelter syndrome may now be potentially treatable by testicular sperm retrieval coupled with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. With these therapeutic advances, azoospermic 47,XXY men now may have an opportunity for biological paternity. However, our knowledge of the basic mechanisms underlying germ cell loss and Leydig cell compromise is lagging, and is just now beginning to evolve and provide answers to some of the field's most vexing questions: how to maximize and preserve fertility in Klinefelter males many years or even decades before they wish to actively pursue fatherhood. This article reviews the development of the androgenic and spermatogenic compartments of the Klinefelter testis through puberty, and recommends that it is only with a clear understanding of the basic facts that a rational, considered approach to fertility optimization and preservation can be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Oates
- School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Maiburg M, Repping S, Giltay J. The genetic origin of Klinefelter syndrome and its effect on spermatogenesis. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:253-60. [PMID: 22749222 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 06/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome is the most prevalent chromosome abnormality and genetic cause of azoospermia in males. The availability of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has allowed men with Klinefelter syndrome to father their own genetic offspring. When providing ART to men with Klinefelter syndrome, it is important to be able to counsel them properly on both the chance of finding sperm and the potential effects on their offspring. The aim of this review is twofold: [1] to describe the genetic etiology of Klinefelter syndrome and [2] to describe how spermatogenesis occurs in men with Klinefelter syndrome and the consequences this has for children born from men with Klinefelter syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merel Maiburg
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Orr ME, Pitstick R, Canine B, Ashe KH, Carlson GA. Genotype-specific differences between mouse CNS stem cell lines expressing frontotemporal dementia mutant or wild type human tau. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39328. [PMID: 22723997 PMCID: PMC3377636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell (SC) lines that capture the genetics of disease susceptibility provide new research tools. To assess the utility of mouse central nervous system (CNS) SC-containing neurosphere cultures for studying heritable neurodegenerative disease, we compared neurosphere cultures from transgenic mice that express human tau with the P301L familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD) mutation, rTg(tau(P301L))4510, with those expressing comparable levels of wild type human tau, rTg(tau(wt))21221. rTg(tau(P301L))4510 mice express the human tau(P301L) variant in their forebrains and display cellular, histological, biochemical and behavioral abnormalities similar to those in human FTD, including age-dependent differences in tau phosphorylation that distinguish them from rTg(tau(wt))21221 mice. We compared FTD-hallmark tau phosphorylation in neurospheres from rTg(tau(P301L))4510 mice and from rTg(tau(wt))21221 mice. The tau genotype-specific phosphorylation patterns in neurospheres mimicked those seen in mice, validating use of neurosphere cultures as models for studying tau phosphorylation. Genotype-specific tau phosphorylation was observed in 35 independent cell lines from individual fetuses; tau in rTg(tau(P301L))4510 cultures was hypophosphorylated in comparison with rTg(tau(wt))21221 as was seen in young adult mice. In addition, there were fewer human tau-expressing cells in rTg(tau(P301L))4510 than in rTg(tau(wt))21221 cultures. Following differentiation, neuronal filopodia-spine density was slightly greater in rTg(tau(P301L))4510 than rTg(tau(wt))21221 and control cultures. Together with the recapitulation of genotype-specific phosphorylation patterns, the observation that neurosphere lines maintained their cell line-specific-differences and retained SC characteristics over several passages supports the utility of SC cultures as surrogates for analysis of cellular disease mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miranda E. Orr
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Rose Pitstick
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America
| | - Brenda Canine
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America
| | - Karen H. Ashe
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - George A. Carlson
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jameson SA, Natarajan A, Cool J, DeFalco T, Maatouk DM, Mork L, Munger SC, Capel B. Temporal transcriptional profiling of somatic and germ cells reveals biased lineage priming of sexual fate in the fetal mouse gonad. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002575. [PMID: 22438826 PMCID: PMC3305395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The divergence of distinct cell populations from multipotent progenitors is poorly understood, particularly in vivo. The gonad is an ideal place to study this process, because it originates as a bipotential primordium where multiple distinct lineages acquire sex-specific fates as the organ differentiates as a testis or an ovary. To gain a more detailed understanding of the process of gonadal differentiation at the level of the individual cell populations, we conducted microarrays on sorted cells from XX and XY mouse gonads at three time points spanning the period when the gonadal cells transition from sexually undifferentiated progenitors to their respective sex-specific fates. We analyzed supporting cells, interstitial/stromal cells, germ cells, and endothelial cells. This work identified genes specifically depleted and enriched in each lineage as it underwent sex-specific differentiation. We determined that the sexually undifferentiated germ cell and supporting cell progenitors showed lineage priming. We found that germ cell progenitors were primed with a bias toward the male fate. In contrast, supporting cells were primed with a female bias, indicative of the robust repression program involved in the commitment to XY supporting cell fate. This study provides a molecular explanation reconciling the female default and balanced models of sex determination and represents a rich resource for the field. More importantly, it yields new insights into the mechanisms by which different cell types in a single organ adopt their respective fates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mouse germ cell clusters form by aggregation as well as clonal divisions. Mech Dev 2012; 128:591-6. [PMID: 22245112 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
After their arrival in the fetal gonad, mammalian germ cells express E-cadherin and are found in large clusters, similar to germ cell cysts in Drosophila. In Drosophila, germ cells in cysts are connected by ring canals. Several molecular components of intercellular bridges in mammalian cells have been identified, including TEX14, a protein required for the stabilization of intercellular bridges, and several associated proteins that are components of the cytokinesis complex. This has led to the hypothesis that germ cell clusters in the mammalian gonad arise through incomplete cell divisions. We tested this hypothesis by generating chimeras between GFP-positive and GFP-negative mice. We show that germ cell clusters in the fetal gonad arise through aggregation as well as cell division. Intercellular bridges, however, are likely restricted to cells of the same genotype.
Collapse
|
20
|
Heard E, Turner J. Function of the sex chromosomes in mammalian fertility. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2011; 3:a002675. [PMID: 21730045 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a002675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The sex chromosomes play a highly specialized role in germ cell development in mammals, being enriched in genes expressed in the testis and ovary. Sex chromosome abnormalities (e.g., Klinefelter [XXY] and Turner [XO] syndrome) constitute the largest class of chromosome abnormalities and the commonest genetic cause of infertility in humans. Understanding how sex-gene expression is regulated is therefore critical to our understanding of human reproduction. Here, we describe how the expression of sex-linked genes varies during germ cell development; in females, the inactive X chromosome is reactivated before meiosis, whereas in males the X and Y chromosomes are inactivated at this stage. We discuss the epigenetics of sex chromosome inactivation and how this process has influenced the gene content of the mammalian X and Y chromosomes. We also present working models for how perturbations in sex chromosome inactivation or reactivation result in subfertility in the major classes of sex chromosome abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edith Heard
- Mammalian Developmental Epigenetics Group, Institut Curie, CNRS UMR3215 INSERM U934, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Swerdloff RS, Lue Y, Liu PY, Erkkilä K, Wang C. Mouse model for men with klinefelter syndrome: a multifaceted fit for a complex disorder. Acta Paediatr 2011; 100:892-9. [PMID: 21226760 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02149.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED 41XXY mouse models share many characteristics of the human 47XXY Klinefelter syndrome (KS). This manuscript discusses the relative role of androgen deficiency and X chromosome genes resulting in the XXY mouse phenotype. The similarities in phenotype between 47XXY men and 41XXY mice suggest that the clinical manifestations in XXY men may be because of gene-dosage effect from genes that escape X inactivation in mouse. CONCLUSION The 41XXY mouse is an excellent model for KS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald S Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Torrance, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Trisomy-X with estrous cycle anomalies in two female dogs. Theriogenology 2011; 76:374-80. [PMID: 21550105 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Two female dogs were presented with a history of abnormal estrous cycles and infertility, despite multiple breedings. Medical therapy to correct the cycle anomalies did not result in pregnancy. Cytogenetic analysis of blood lymphocyte cultures in each dog revealed three copies of the X chromosome in each cell, constituting a 79,XXX karyotype (trisomy-X). Both dogs were eventually ovariohysterectomised and histological evaluation revealed hypoplastic ovaries and an absence of normal follicular structures. However, partial or immature follicles were noted, which may have been sufficient to cause both females to initiate cycling. The history and clinical characteristics found in these dogs were compared to those described in three other dogs reported with trisomy-X, as well as those reported in other species. These findings highlighted the importance of cytogenetic studies in fertility evaluation and achieving a definitive diagnosis for infertility in the bitch.
Collapse
|
23
|
Rocha PP, Bleiss W, Schrewe H. Mosaic expression of Med12 in female mice leads to exencephaly, spina bifida, and craniorachischisis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 88:626-32. [PMID: 20589884 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A precise temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression is necessary to achieve neural tube closure. Med12, a subunit of the mediator complex, can bind transcription factors and modulate expression of their target genes. Med12 is essential during early mouse development and is important for neural tube closure. METHODS We have made use of a mouse line carrying a conditional null allele of the X-linked Med12 gene to generate heterozygous female embryos that express Med12 in a mosaic fashion thus allowing the study of the role of Med12 during neural tube closure. RESULTS Mosaic expression of Med12 causes a wide variety of embryonic phenotypes. Some embryos were unable to complete turning and were found with arrested development at embryonic day (ED) 9.5. Others were able to pass ED 12.5 and displayed defects in neural tube closure. These defects included exencephaly, spina bifida, craniorachischisis, split face, and curly tail. Histologic and skeletal analyses of these mutant females show that the neural plate is unable to elevate and is completely flat in the regions of the body axis where neural tube closure fails. CONCLUSIONS We report examples of all known neural tube defects implying Med12 in the full process of neural tube closure along the complete body axis. Our work points to Med12 being an essential coregulator of transcription factors controlling neural tube closure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro P Rocha
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Charité University of Medicine-Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pinton A, Barasc H, Raymond Letron I, Bordedebat M, Mary N, Massip K, Bonnet N, Calgaro A, Dudez AM, Feve K, Riquet J, Yerle M, Ducos A. Meiotic studies of a 38,XY/39,XXY mosaic boar. Cytogenet Genome Res 2010; 133:202-8. [PMID: 21150170 DOI: 10.1159/000321794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome abnormality identified in human males. This syndrome is generally associated with infertility. Men with KS may have a 47,XXY or a 46,XY/47,XXY karyotype. Studies carried out in humans and mice suggest that only XY cells are able to enter and complete meiosis. These cells could originate from the XY cells present in mosaic patients or from XXY cells that have lost one X chromosome. In pig, only 3 cases of pure 39,XXY have been reported until now, and no meiotic analysis was carried out. For the first time in pig species we report the analysis of a 38,XY/39,XXY boar and describe the origin of the supplementary X chromosome and the chromosomal constitutions of the germ and Sertoli cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Pinton
- UMR 444 INRA-ENVT Génétique Cellulaire, Toulouse, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Regeling A, Armata HL, Gallant J, Jones SN, Sluss HK. Mice defective in p53 nuclear localization signal 1 exhibit exencephaly. Transgenic Res 2010; 20:899-912. [PMID: 21127973 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-010-9468-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
p53 is a major suppressor of human malignancy. The protein levels and activity are tightly regulated in cells. Early experiments identified nuclear localization signal 1 (NLS1) as a regulator of p53 localization. We have generated mice bearing a mutation in p53 ( NLS1 ), designated p53 ( NLS1 ). Our experiments confirm a role for NLS1 in regulating p53 function. Murine embryonic fibroblasts generated from homozygous p53 ( NLS1 ) animals are partially defective in cell cycle arrest and do not respond to inhibitory signals from oncogenic Ras. In addition, p53-dependent apoptosis is abrogated in thymocytes. Contrary to predicted results, fibroblasts from homozygous p53 ( NLS1 ) animals have a greater rate of proliferation than p53-null cells. In addition, p53 ( NLS1 ) cells are more resistant to UV-induced death. Surprisingly, the homozygous p53 ( NLS1 ) animals exhibit embryonic and peri-natal lethality, with a significant portion of the animals developing exencephaly. Thus, p53 ( NLS1/NLS1 ) embryos exhibit a reduced viability relative to p53-null mice. These studies indicate that the NLS1 is a major regulator of p53 activity in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Regeling
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Ave North, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
do Valle TZ, Billecocq A, Guillemot L, Alberts R, Gommet C, Geffers R, Calabrese K, Schughart K, Bouloy M, Montagutelli X, Panthier JJ. A New Mouse Model Reveals a Critical Role for Host Innate Immunity in Resistance to Rift Valley Fever. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:6146-56. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1000949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
27
|
First wild XXY house mice. Chromosome Res 2010; 18:599-604. [PMID: 20521165 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-010-9135-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Laboratory house mice (Mus musculus) with the XXY condition can be generated with ease and have been used as a biomedical model. However, although the XXY constitution has been described in humans and many domestic and wild mammal species, and a very large number of wild house mice have been karyotyped previously, no wild individuals of M. musculus with an XXY karyotype have ever been reported. Therefore, it is rather extraordinary that two wild XXY house mice were caught by us on two different farms in northern Italy in 2008. Except for the extra X chromosome, one male had a standard karyotype (2n = 40) and the other, the karyotype of the Cremona metacentric population (2n = 22). In this paper, the phenotype of these two individuals is described. Observations for both of these wild males agree with those of laboratory XXY mice, i.e., they had a normal body mass and appearance, but significantly smaller testes than normal, and no visible germ cells. The incidence of the XXY chromosome anomaly in wild mice (two among 5,123 wild mice surveyed by us and our colleagues, i.e., approximately 0.08% among wild-caught males) is intermediate between that found in male laboratory mice (approximately 0.04%) and that found in male humans (0.2%).
Collapse
|
28
|
Wistuba J. Animal models for Klinefelter's syndrome and their relevance for the clinic. Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:375-85. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
29
|
c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase is required for lineage-specific differentiation but not stem cell self-renewal. Mol Cell Biol 2010; 30:1329-40. [PMID: 20065035 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00795-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) is implicated in proliferation. Mice with a deficiency of either the Jnk1 or the Jnk2 genes are viable, but a compound deficiency of both Jnk1 and Jnk2 causes early embryonic lethality. Studies using conditional gene ablation and chemical genetic approaches demonstrate that the combined loss of JNK1 and JNK2 protein kinase function results in rapid senescence. To test whether this role of JNK was required for stem cell proliferation, we isolated embryonic stem (ES) cells from wild-type and JNK-deficient mice. We found that Jnk1(-/-) Jnk2(-/-) ES cells underwent self-renewal, but these cells proliferated more rapidly than wild-type ES cells and exhibited major defects in lineage-specific differentiation. Together, these data demonstrate that JNK is not required for proliferation or self-renewal of ES cells, but JNK plays a key role in the differentiation of ES cells.
Collapse
|
30
|
Cunningham D, Talabere T, Bir N, Kennedy M, McBride KL, Herman GE. Significant contributions of the extraembryonic membranes and maternal genotype to the placental pathology in heterozygous Nsdhl deficient female embryos. Hum Mol Genet 2009; 19:364-73. [PMID: 19880419 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddp502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the cholesterol biosynthetic enzyme NSDHL are associated with the X-linked male-lethal bare patches (Bpa) mouse. Mutant male embryos for several Nsdhl alleles die in midgestation with placental insufficiency. We examined here a possible role of the maternal genotype in such placental pathology. Pre-pregnancy plasma cholesterol levels were similar between wild-type (WT) and Bpa(1H)/+ dams fed a standard, cholesterol-free diet. However, there was a marked decrease in cholesterol levels between embryonic day (E)8.5 and E10.5 for both genotypes. Further, there was a significant lag between E11.5 and E13.5 (P = 0.0011) in the recovery of levels in Bpa(1H)/+ dams to their pre-pregnancy values. To investigate possible effects of the maternal genotype on fetal placentation, we generated transgenic mice that expressed human NSDHL and rescued the male lethality of the Bpa(1H) null allele. We then compared placenta area at E10.5 in WT and Bpa(1H)/+ female embryos where the mutant X chromosome was transmitted from a heterozygous mother or a rescued mutant father. In mutant conceptuses, placental areas were approximately 50% less than WT. Surprisingly, expression of Nsdhl in trophoblast lineages of the placenta and yolk sac endoderm, which occurs only from the maternally inherited allele in a female embryo, had the largest effect on placental area (-0.681 mm(2); P < 0.0001). The maternal genotype had a smaller effect, independent of the fetal genotype (-0.283 mm(2); P = 0.024). These data demonstrate significant effects of the mother and fetal membranes on pregnancy outcome, with possible implications for cholesterol homeostasis during human pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Cunningham
- Department of Pediatrics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lue Y, Liu PY, Erkkila K, Ma K, Schwarcz M, Wang C, Swerdloff RS. Transplanted XY germ cells produce spermatozoa in testes of XXY mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 33:581-7. [PMID: 19622086 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2009.00979.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
XXY mouse has been characterized as an experimental model for men with Klinefelter's syndrome (XXY male phenotype). To test whether donor XY germ cells could proliferate and differentiate in the XXY testicular environment, donor testicular cells from adult (2-3 months old) and immature (10 days old) XY green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic mice were transplanted into the seminiferous tubules of adult (4-7 months old) and young (6 weeks old) XXY recipient mice respectively. Twelve weeks after transplantation, GFP positive spermatogonia were found in 21.74% (five out of 23) of adult XXY recipients who received adult donor cells. The GFP positive segments of seminiferous tubules were observed in 44.44% (four out of nine) young XXY recipients who received donor cells from 10 days old GFP mice. We found using immunohistochemistry and cell morphology that donor-derived GFP positive germ cells were spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round spermatids and spermatozoa in some of the seminiferous tubules of young XXY recipient mice. The results demonstrated that the donor XY germ cells were able to qualitatively complete spermatogenesis in some of the seminiferous tubules of XXY mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Lue
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sciurano RB, Luna Hisano CV, Rahn MI, Brugo Olmedo S, Rey Valzacchi G, Coco R, Solari AJ. Focal spermatogenesis originates in euploid germ cells in classical Klinefelter patients. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:2353-60. [PMID: 19443454 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Klinefelter syndrome is the most frequent chromosome abnormality in human males. This paper aims to investigate the ploidy of meiotic and pre-meiotic germ cells found in spermatogenic foci, and furthermore, the sex chromosome constitution of Sertoli cells which surround these germ cells in non-mosaic Klinefelter patients. METHODS AND RESULTS A survey of 11 adult patients diagnosed with classical, non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome who underwent testicular biopsies, showed that six of them had spermatogenesis foci. The topographical study of the biopsies showed that tubuli with germ cells are a minor fraction (8-24%) of all tubuli, although the overwhelming majority is devoid of germ cells. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes for the X-centromere and immunolocalization of meiotic proteins, the present work shows that all the 92 meiotic spermatocytes analyzed with FISH were euploid, 46,XY, and thus can form normal, haploid gametes. On the other hand, Sertoli cells show two marks for the X chromosome, meaning that they are 47,XXY. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a rationale for the high rate of success in the testicular sperm extraction plus ICSI procedures when applied to Klinefelter patients. It is also in agreement with previous studies in the XXY-mouse model. These spermatogenic foci most probably originate from clones of spermatogonia that have randomly lost one of the X chromosomes, probably during periods of life when high spermatogonial mitotic activity occurs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R B Sciurano
- Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Paraguay 2155, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sparrow DB, Boyle SC, Sams RS, Mazuruk B, Zhang L, Moeckel GW, Dunwoodie SL, de Caestecker MP. Placental insufficiency associated with loss of Cited1 causes renal medullary dysplasia. J Am Soc Nephrol 2009; 20:777-86. [PMID: 19297558 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2008050547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have shown that placental insufficiency affects embryonic patterning of the kidney and leads to a decreased number of functioning nephrons in adulthood; however, there is circumstantial evidence that placental insufficiency may also affect renal medullary growth, which could account for cases of unexplained renal medullary dysplasia and for abnormalities in renal function among infants who had experienced intrauterine growth retardation. We observed that mice with late gestational placental insufficiency associated with genetic loss of Cited1 expression in the placenta had renal medullary dysplasia. This was not caused by lower urinary tract obstruction or by defects in branching of the ureteric bud during early nephrogenesis but was associated with decreased tissue oxygenation and increased apoptosis in the expanding renal medulla. Loss of placental Cited1 was required for Cited1 mutants to develop renal dysplasia, and this was not dependent on alterations in embryonic Cited1 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that renal medullary dysplasia in Cited1 mutant mice is a direct consequence of decreased tissue oxygenation resulting from placental insufficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan B Sparrow
- Developmental Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lewejohann L, Damm OS, Luetjens CM, Hämäläinen T, Simoni M, Nieschlag E, Gromoll J, Wistuba J. Impaired recognition memory in male mice with a supernumerary X chromosome. Physiol Behav 2009; 96:23-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2008] [Revised: 07/07/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
35
|
Transmission of Y chromosomes from XY female mice was made possible by the replacement of cytoplasm during oocyte maturation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:13918-23. [PMID: 18772381 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0802680105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The B6.Y(TIR) sex-reversed female mouse is anatomically normal at young ages but fails to produce offspring. We have previously shown that its oocytes go through the meiotic cell cycle up to the second metaphase; however, the meiotic spindle is not properly organized, the second meiotic division goes awry after activation or fertilization, and none of the oocytes initiate embryonic development. In the present study, we transferred the nuclei of GV-stage oocytes from XY females into the enucleated GV-stage oocytes from (B6.DBA)F1.XX females. The resultant reconstructed oocytes properly assembled second meiotic spindles after in vitro maturation and produced healthy offspring after in vitro fertilization. Some male pups inherited maternal Y chromosomes. We conclude that the cytoplasm of the XY oocyte is insufficient to support spindle formation at the second metaphase whereas its replacement with the cytoplasmic material from an XX oocyte allows normal development.
Collapse
|
36
|
Moore H, Udayashankar R, Aflatoonian B. Stem cells for reproductive medicine. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 288:104-10. [PMID: 18406514 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2007] [Revised: 02/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The generation of various pluripotent stem cell lines provides a new route to investigate developmental process of germ cell and embryo development, which until now was difficult to access in the human. In the future these cells may be used for new therapies in reproductive medicine. This brief review outlines the development of germ cells and their pluripotent capabilities, how embryonic and germline stem cells can mimic developmental processes in vitro and generate gamete and trophoblast phenotypes for research and potential treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Moore
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2UH, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
The mouse X chromosome is enriched for multicopy testis genes showing postmeiotic expression. Nat Genet 2008; 40:794-9. [PMID: 18454149 PMCID: PMC2740655 DOI: 10.1038/ng.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2007] [Accepted: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
According to the prevailing view, mammalian X chromosomes are enriched in spermatogenesis genes expressed before meiosis1–3 and deficient in spermatogenesis genes expressed after meiosis2,3. The paucity of post-meiotic genes on the X chromosome has been interpreted as a consequence of Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation (MSCI) – the complete silencing of genes on the XY bivalent at meiotic prophase4,5. Recent studies have concluded that MSCI-initiated silencing persists beyond meiosis6–8 and that most X-genes remain repressed in round spermatids7. We report here that 33 multi-copy gene families, representing ~273 mouse X-linked genes, are expressed in the testis and that this expression is predominantly in post-meiotic cells. RNA FISH and microarray analysis show that the maintenance of X chromosome post-meiotic repression is incomplete. Furthermore, X-linked multi-copy genes exhibit expression levels similar to those of autosomal genes. Thus, not only is the mouse X chromosome enriched for spermatogenesis genes functioning before meiosis, but in addition ~18% of mouse X-linked genes exhibit post-meiotic expression.
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Reduced androgen levels in aged men and women might be risk factors for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ongoing clinical trials are designed to evaluate the potential benefit of estrogen in women and of testosterone in men. In this review, we discuss the potential beneficial effects of androgens and androgen receptors (ARs) in males and females. In addition, we discuss the hypothesis that AR interacts with apolipoprotein (apoE)4, encoded by epsilon4 and a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline and AD, and the potential consequences of this interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Female mice are more susceptible to apolipoprotein E (apoE4)-induced cognitive deficits than male mice. These deficits can be antagonized by stimulating androgen receptors (ARs). To determine the role of AR in the cognitive effects of apoE4, we backcrossed mutant mice with a naturally occurring defect in the AR [testicular feminization mutant (tfm)] onto the Apoe-/- background to eliminate mouse apoE gene resulting in non-functional AR, and crossed the tfm/Apoe-/- female mice with apoE4 transgenic male mice. We behaviorally compared Apoe-/-, apoE4, tfm, and tfm/apoE4 male mice. Apoe-/-, apoE4, and tfm mice showed hippocampus-dependent novel location recognition but tfm/apoE4 mice did not. In contrast, all groups showed hippocampus-independent novel object recognition. Hippocampus-dependent learning and memory were also assessed in the water maze. In the water maze probe trial following the second day of hidden platform training, Apoe-/- and apoE4 mice showed spatial memory retention, but tfm and tfm/ApoE4 mice did not. In the water maze, probe trial following the third day of hidden platform training, Apoe-/-, apoE4, and tfm/Apoe-/- mice showed spatial memory retention, but tfm mice did not. These data support an important role for AR in protecting against the detrimental effects of apoE4 on hippocampus-dependent learning and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rizk-Jackson
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hughes ED, Qu YY, Genik SJ, Lyons RH, Pacheco CD, Lieberman AP, Samuelson LC, Nasonkin IO, Camper SA, Van Keuren ML, Saunders TL. Genetic variation in C57BL/6 ES cell lines and genetic instability in the Bruce4 C57BL/6 ES cell line. Mamm Genome 2007; 18:549-58. [PMID: 17828574 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-007-9054-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2007] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Genetically modified mouse strains derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells are powerful tools for gene function analysis. ES cells from the C57BL/6 mouse strain are not widely used to generate mouse models despite the advantage of a defined genetic background. We assessed genetic variation in six such ES cell lines with 275 SSLP markers. Compared to C57BL/6, Bruce4 differed at 34 SSLP markers and had significant heterozygosity on three chromosomes. BL/6#3 and Dale1 ES cell lines differed at only 3 SSLP makers. The C2 and WB6d ES cell lines differed at 6 SSLP markers. It is important to compare the efficiency of producing mouse models with available C57BL/6 ES cells relative to standard 129 mouse strain ES cells. We assessed genetic stability (the tendency of cells to become aneuploid) in 110 gene-targeted ES cell clones from the most widely used C57BL/6 ES cell line, Bruce4, and 710 targeted 129 ES cell clones. Bruce4 clones were more likely to be aneuploid and unsuitable for ES cell-mouse chimera production. Despite their tendency to aneuploidy and consequent inefficiency, use of Bruce4 ES cells can be valuable for models requiring behavioral studies and other mouse models that benefit from a defined C57BL/6 background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Hughes
- Transgenic Animal Model Core, Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ishii M, Tachiwana T, Hoshino A, Tsunekawa N, Hiramatsu R, Matoba S, Kanai-Azuma M, Kawakami H, Kurohmaru M, Kanai Y. Potency of testicular somatic environment to support spermatogenesis in XX/Sry transgenic male mice. Development 2006; 134:449-54. [PMID: 17185318 DOI: 10.1242/dev.02751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The sex-determining region of Chr Y (Sry) gene is sufficient to induce testis formation and the subsequent male development of internal and external genitalia in chromosomally female mice and humans. In XX sex-reversed males, such as XX/Sry-transgenic (XX/Sry) mice, however, testicular germ cells always disappear soon after birth because of germ cell-autonomous defects. Therefore, it remains unclear whether or not Sry alone is sufficient to induce a fully functional testicular soma capable of supporting complete spermatogenesis in the XX body. Here, we demonstrate that the testicular somatic environment of XX/Sry males is defective in supporting the later phases of spermatogenesis. Spermatogonial transplantation analyses using XX/Sry male mice revealed that donor XY spermatogonia are capable of proliferating, of entering meiosis and of differentiating to the round-spermatid stage. XY-donor-derived round spermatids, however, were frequently detached from the XX/Sry seminiferous epithelia and underwent cell death, resulting in severe deficiency of elongated spermatid stages. By contrast, immature XY seminiferous tubule segments transplanted under XX/Sry testis capsules clearly displayed proper differentiation into elongated spermatids in the transplanted XY-donor tubules. Microarray analysis of seminiferous tubules isolated from XX/Sry testes confirmed the missing expression of several Y-linked genes and the alterations in the expression profile of genes associated with spermiogenesis. Therefore, our findings indicate dysfunction of the somatic tubule components, probably Sertoli cells, of XX/Sry testes, highlighting the idea that Sry alone is insufficient to induce a fully functional Sertoli cell in XX mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Ishii
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Huang QY, Wei C, Yu L, Coelho JE, Shen HY, Kalda A, Linden J, Chen JF. Adenosine A2A receptors in bone marrow-derived cells but not in forebrain neurons are important contributors to 3-nitropropionic acid-induced striatal damage as revealed by cell-type-selective inactivation. J Neurosci 2006; 26:11371-8. [PMID: 17079665 PMCID: PMC6674538 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1907-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous adenosine acting at the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) can modify brain injury in a variety of neurological disorder models. However, both A2AR activation and inactivation have been shown to be neuroprotective in different situations, raising the intriguing possibility that A2ARs in distinct cellular elements may have different and even opposing effects. In this study, we developed three novel transgenic models to dissect out cell-type-specific actions of A2ARs on striatal damage by the mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). Whereas global inactivation of A2ARs exacerbated 3-NP-induced neurological deficit behaviors and striatal damage, selective inactivation of A2ARs in forebrain neurons (using the Cre/loxP strategy) did not affect neurological deficit or striatal damage after the acute systemic treatment of 3-NP and intrastriatal injection of malonate. However, selective inactivation of A2ARs in bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) by transplanting bone marrow cells from global A2AR knock-out (KO) mice into wild-type C57BL/6 mice produced a similar phenotype of global A2AR KO mice, i.e., exacerbation of 3-NP-induced striatal damage. Thus, cell-type-selective inactivation of A2ARs reveals that A2ARs in BMDCs but not in forebrain neurons are an important contributor to striatal damage induced by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, and
| | - Catherine Wei
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, and
| | - Liqun Yu
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, and
| | - Joana E. Coelho
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, and
| | - Hai-Ying Shen
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, and
| | - Anti Kalda
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, and
| | - Joel Linden
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, and
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chromosome abnormalities in one thousand infertile males with nonobstructive sperm disorders. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:1792-5. [PMID: 17056042 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2005] [Revised: 04/18/2006] [Accepted: 08/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
One hundred thirty-five in 1,000 (13.5%) Tunisian male infertile patients with nonobstructive spermatogenesis disorders were found to have chromosomal abnormalities.
Collapse
|
44
|
Jiang F, Herman GE. Analysis of Nsdhl-deficient embryos reveals a role for Hedgehog signaling in early placental development. Hum Mol Genet 2006; 15:3293-305. [PMID: 17028112 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddl405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The X-linked Nsdhl gene encodes a sterol dehydrogenase involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Mutations in this gene cause the male lethal phenotypes in human CHILD syndrome and bare patches (Bpa) mice. Affected male embryos for several mutant Nsdhl alleles die in mid-gestation with a thin and poorly vascularized placental labyrinth. The timing and specific abnormalities noted suggest a defect in one or more developmental signaling pathways as a possible mechanism. Here, we examined the possible involvement of the hedgehog signaling pathway in the placental pathology of Nsdhl mutants using a transgenic mouse line (Ptch1(tm1Mps)) that contains a lacZ reporter under the control of the promoter for Ptch1, the gene that encodes the major hedgehog receptor. We demonstrate expression of Ptch1 in allantoic mesoderm of the placenta from wild-type mid-gestation embryos. The evidence suggests that the signaling is induced by Indian hedgehog that is produced by distal (ectoplacental) visceral endoderm cells that migrate into the allantoic mesoderm before embryonic day 10.0. Using a ubiquitously expressed, X-linked lacZ transgene that undergoes normal X-inactivation, we demonstrate that the placental defects in Nsdhl/+ female embryos are non-cell autonomous. Further, affected placentas from mutant Nsdhl(Bpa-8H) male embryos demonstrate markedly decreased or no Ptch1-lacZ staining and no migration of Ihh expressing cells into the developing placenta. These data strongly implicate the hedgehog signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of the placental defects in NSDHL deficiency and provide evidence for a role for the hedgehog pathway in the development of a functional mammalian placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenglei Jiang
- Center for Molecular and Human Genetics, Columbus Children's Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Maatouk DM, Kellam LD, Mann MRW, Lei H, Li E, Bartolomei MS, Resnick JL. DNA methylation is a primary mechanism for silencing postmigratory primordial germ cell genes in both germ cell and somatic cell lineages. Development 2006; 133:3411-8. [PMID: 16887828 DOI: 10.1242/dev.02500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is necessary for the silencing of endogenous retrotransposons and the maintenance of monoallelic gene expression at imprinted loci and on the X chromosome. Dynamic changes in DNA methylation occur during the initial stages of primordial germ cell development; however, all consequences of this epigenetic reprogramming are not understood. DNA demethylation in postmigratory primordial germ cells coincides with erasure of genomic imprints and reactivation of the inactive X chromosome, as well as ongoing germ cell differentiation events. To investigate a possible role for DNA methylation changes in germ cell differentiation, we have studied several marker genes that initiate expression at this time. Here, we show that the postmigratory germ cell-specific genes Mvh, Dazl and Scp3 are demethylated in germ cells, but not in somatic cells. Premature loss of genomic methylation in Dnmt1 mutant embryos leads to early expression of these genes as well as GCNA1, a widely used germ cell marker. In addition, GCNA1 is ectopically expressed by somatic cells in Dnmt1 mutants. These results provide in vivo evidence that postmigratory germ cell-specific genes are silenced by DNA methylation in both premigratory germ cells and somatic cells. This is the first example of ectopic gene activation in Dnmt1 mutant mice and suggests that dynamic changes in DNA methylation regulate tissue-specific gene expression of a set of primordial germ cell-specific genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Maatouk
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, PO Box 100266, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0266, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chadwick LH, Pertz LM, Broman KW, Bartolomei MS, Willard HF. Genetic control of X chromosome inactivation in mice: definition of the Xce candidate interval. Genetics 2006; 173:2103-10. [PMID: 16582439 PMCID: PMC1569705 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.105.054882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2005] [Accepted: 03/30/2006] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In early mammalian development, one of the two X chromosomes is silenced in each female cell as a result of X chromosome inactivation, the mammalian dosage compensation mechanism. In the mouse epiblast, the choice of which chromosome is inactivated is essentially random, but can be biased by alleles at the X-linked X controlling element (Xce). Although this locus was first described nearly four decades ago, the identity and precise genomic localization of Xce remains elusive. Within the X inactivation center region of the X chromosome, previous linkage disequilibrium studies comparing strains of known Xce genotypes have suggested that Xce is physically distinct from Xist, although this has not yet been established by genetic mapping or progeny testing. In this report, we used quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping strategies to define the minimal Xce candidate interval. Subsequent analysis of recombinant chromosomes allowed for the establishment of a maximum 1.85-Mb candidate region for the Xce locus. Finally, we use QTL approaches in an effort to identify additional modifiers of the X chromosome choice, as we have previously demonstrated that choice in Xce heterozygous females is significantly influenced by genetic variation present on autosomes (Chadwick and Willard 2005). We did not identify any autosomal loci with significant associations and thus show conclusively that Xce is the only major locus to influence X inactivation patterns in the crosses analyzed. This study provides a foundation for future analyses into the genetic control of X chromosome inactivation and defines a 1.85-Mb interval encompassing all the major elements of the Xce locus.
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
Mammalian sex chromosomes are highly diverged and heteromorphic: a comparatively large and gene-rich X chromosome contrasting with a small, largely heterochromatic and degenerate Y chromosome. Both gonosomes are however uniquely important in male-specific functions such as spermatogenesis. In this review, we examine the evolutionary pressures that have driven the divergence of the sex chromosomes from their ancestral state, and show how these have shaped the gene content of both chromosomes. Their shared history of gene acquisition and loss, differentiation, degeneration and intragenomic warfare has far-reaching consequences for their functionality in spermatogenesis, and may also have potential clinical implications.
Collapse
|
48
|
Hall H, Hunt P, Hassold T. Meiosis and sex chromosome aneuploidy: how meiotic errors cause aneuploidy; how aneuploidy causes meiotic errors. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2006; 16:323-9. [PMID: 16647844 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2006.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2006] [Accepted: 04/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
As a group, sex chromosome aneuploidies - the 47,XXY, 47,XYY, 47,XXX and 45,X conditions - constitute the most common class of chromosome abnormality in human live-births. Considerable attention has been given to the somatic abnormalities associated with these conditions, but less is known about their meiotic phenotypes; that is, how does sex chromosome imbalance influence the meiotic process. This has become more important with the advent of assisted reproductive technologies, because individuals previously thought to be infertile can now become biological parents. Indeed, there are several recent reports of successful pregnancies involving 47,XXY fathers, and suggestions that cryopreservation of ovarian tissue might impart fertility to at least some Turner syndrome individuals. Thus, the possible consequences of sex chromosome aneuploidy on meiotic chromosome segregation need to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Hall
- School of Molecular Biosciences and the Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Turner JMA, Mahadevaiah SK, Ellis PJI, Mitchell MJ, Burgoyne PS. Pachytene Asynapsis Drives Meiotic Sex Chromosome Inactivation and Leads to Substantial Postmeiotic Repression in Spermatids. Dev Cell 2006; 10:521-9. [PMID: 16580996 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2006.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2005] [Revised: 02/02/2006] [Accepted: 02/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional silencing of the sex chromosomes during male meiosis (MSCI) is conserved among organisms with limited sex chromosome synapsis, including mammals. Since the 1990s the prevailing view has been that MSCI in mammals is transient, with sex chromosome reactivation occurring as cells exit meiosis. Recently, we found that any chromosome region unsynapsed during pachytene of male and female mouse meiosis is subject to transcriptional silencing (MSUC), and we hypothesized that MSCI is an inevitable consequence of this more general meiotic silencing mechanism. Here, we provide direct evidence that asynapsis does indeed drive MSCI. We also show that a substantial degree of transcriptional repression of the sex chromosomes is retained postmeiotically, and we provide evidence that this postmeiotic repression is a downstream consequence of MSCI/MSUC. While this postmeiotic repression occurs after the loss of MSUC-related proteins at the end of prophase, other histone modifications associated with transcriptional repression have by then become established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M A Turner
- Division of Developmental Genetics and Stem Cell Research, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chadwick LH, Willard HF. Genetic and parent-of-origin influences on X chromosome choice in Xce heterozygous mice. Mamm Genome 2005; 16:691-9. [PMID: 16245026 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-005-0059-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2005] [Accepted: 06/01/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation is unique among dosage compensation mechanisms in that the two X chromosomes in females are treated differently within the same cell; one X chromosome is stably silenced while the other remains active. It is widely believed that, when X inactivation is initiated, each cell makes a random choice of which X chromosome will be silenced. In mice, only one genetic locus, the X-linked X controlling element (X ce), is known to influence this choice, because animals that are heterozygous at X ce have X-inactivation patterns that differ markedly from a mean of 0.50. To document other genetic and epigenetic influences on choice, we have performed a population-based study of the effect of X ce genotype on X-inactivation patterns. In B 6 CAST F(1) females (X ce(b)/X ce(c)), the X-inactivation pattern followed a symmetric distribution with a mean of 0.29 (SD=0.08). Surprisingly, however, in a population of X ce(b)/X ce(c) heterozygous B 6 CAST F(2) females, we observed significant differences in both the mean (p=0.004) and variance (p=0.004) of the X-inactivation patterns. This finding is incompatible with a single-locus model and suggests that additional genetic factors also influence X chromosome choice. We show that both parent-of-origin and naturally occurring genetic variation at autosomal loci contribute to these differences. Taken together, these data reveal further genetic complexity in this epigenetic control pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Helbling Chadwick
- Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|