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Liu W, Sun X, Li F, Jiang Q, An J, Wu Y, Yang J, Qin M, Zhao Y, Tang Y, Wu T, Yan Z, Jiang D, Liu R, Li W, Zhi X, Chen C. An essential role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF126 in ensuring meiosis I completion during spermatogenesis. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00333-3. [PMID: 39142440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Homologous recombination repair during meiosis is essential for the exchange of genetic information between sister chromosomes, underpinning spermatogenesis and, consequently, fertility. The disruption of this process can lead to infertility, highlighting the importance of identifying the molecular actors involved. OBJECTIVES This study aims to elucidate the role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Rnf126 in spermatogenesis and its impact on fertility, particularly through its involvement in meiotic homologous recombination repair. METHODS We used heterozygous and homozygous Rnf126 deletion models in mouse testes to examine the consequences on testicular health, sperm count, and the process of spermatogenesis. Additionally, we explored the association between RNF126 gene missense variants and nonobstructive male infertility in patients, with a focus on their functional impact on the protein's ubiquitin ligase activity. RESULTS Rnf126 deletion led to testicular atrophy, disrupted seminiferous tubule structure, reduced sperm count, and spermatogenesis arrest at meiotic prophase I. Furthermore, male mice exhibited impaired homologous recombination repair and increased apoptosis within the seminiferous tubules. We identified four missense variants of the RNF126 (V68M, R241H, E261A, D253N) associated with male infertility. Specifically, the E261A and D253N variants, located in the RING domain, directly compromised the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of RNF126. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the pivotal role of RNF126 in maintaining spermatogenesis and fertility, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying male infertility. The identified RNF126 variants present novel targets for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in treating nonobstructive male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Liu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China; Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China; Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Xiya Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Fubing Li
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Qiuyun Jiang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Jianting An
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yingying Wu
- Department of the Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Meng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Yongjia Tang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China; Hangzhou Institute of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310063, China
| | - Tingyue Wu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dewei Jiang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Xu Zhi
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China; Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
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Chang Q, Li J, Zhao Z, Zhu Q, Zhang Y, Sheng R, Yang Z, Dai M, Wang P, Fan X, He J. Elevated temperature affects the expression of signaling molecules in quail testes meiosis I prophase, but spermatogenesis remains normal. Theriogenology 2024; 229:16-22. [PMID: 39142066 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in eukaryotes is a process that occurs within a very narrow temperature threshold, typically not exceeding 36 °C. SPO11 was isolated from the temperature-sensitive mutant receptor of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is thought to be the only protein that functions during meiosis. This suggested that SPO11 may be the key protein that influenced the temperature of spermatogenesis not exceeding 36 °C. Elevated temperatures typically damage the spermatogenic cells. Birds have a core body temperature of 41-42 °C, and their testis are located inside their bodies, providing an alternative perspective to investigate the potential impact of temperature threshold on spermatogenesis. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether elevated ambient temperatures affect spermatogenesis in birds and whether SPO11 is the key gene affecting the temperature threshold for spermatogenesis. STRA8, SCP3, SPO11, γ-H2AX, and RAD51 were all crucial components in the process of meiotic initiation, synapsis, DNA double-strand break (DSB) induction, homologous chromosome crossover recombination, and repair of DSB. In this study, 39-day-old Japanese quail were subjected to heat stress (HS) at 38 °C for 8 h per day for 3 (3d HS) and 13 (13d HS) consecutive days and analyzed the expression of meiotic signaling molecules (STRA8, SCP3, SPO11, γ-H2AX, and RAD51) using molecular biology techniques, including Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western Blot (WB), and Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). We found that spermatogenesis was normal in both groups exposed to HS. Meiotic signaling molecules were expressed normally in the 3d HS group. All detected signaling molecules were normally expressed in the 13d HS group, except for SPO11, which showed a significant increase in expression, indicating that SPO11 was temperature-sensitive. We examined the localized expression of each meiotic signaling molecule in quail testis, explored the temperature sensitivity of SPO11, and determined that quail testis can undergo normal spermatogenesis at ambient temperatures exceeding 36 °C. This study concluded that SPO11 is not the key protein influencing spermatogenesis in birds. These findings enhance our understanding of avian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Jiarong Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Zihui Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Qi Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Yaning Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Ruimin Sheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Ziyin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Mingcheng Dai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Pengchao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Xiaorui Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
| | - Junping He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong, 030801, China.
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Chakraborty P, Magnuson T. INO80 regulates chromatin accessibility to facilitate suppression of sex-linked gene expression during mouse spermatogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.04.522761. [PMID: 36711658 PMCID: PMC9881943 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.04.522761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The INO80 protein is the main catalytic subunit of the INO80-chromatin remodeling complex, which is critical for DNA repair and transcription regulation in murine spermatocytes. In this study, we explored the role of INO80 in silencing genes on meiotic sex chromosomes in male mice. INO80 immunolocalization at the XY body in pachytene spermatocytes suggested a role for INO80 in the meiotic sex body. Subsequent deletion of Ino80 resulted in high expression of sex-linked genes. Furthermore, the active form of RNA polymerase II at the sex chromosomes of Ino80 -null pachytene spermatocytes indicates incomplete inactivation of sex-linked genes. A reduction in the recruitment of initiators of meiotic sex chromosome inhibition (MSCI) argues for INO80-facilitated recruitment of DNA repair factors required for silencing sex-linked genes. This role of INO80 is independent of a common INO80 target H2A.Z. Instead, in the absence of INO80, a reduction in chromatin accessibility at DNA repair sites occurs on the sex chromosomes. These data suggest a role for INO80 in DNA repair factor localization, thereby facilitating the silencing of sex-linked genes during the onset of pachynema. Summary Statement Chromatin accessibility and DNA repair factor localization at the sex chromosomes are facilitated by INO80, which regulates sex-linked gene silencing during meiotic progression in spermatocytes.
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Liu M, Wang L, Li Y, Zhi E, Shen G, Jiang X, Li D, Zhao X, Ruan T, Jiang C, Wang X, Zhang X, Zheng Y, Wu B, Ou N, Zhao G, Dai S, Zhou R, Yang L, Yang Y, Liu H, Shen Y. HSF5 Deficiency Causes Male Infertility Involving Spermatogenic Arrest at Meiotic Prophase I in Humans and Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402412. [PMID: 38958533 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized cell division process that generates gametes for sexual reproduction. However, the factors and underlying mechanisms involving meiotic progression remain largely unknown, especially in humans. Here, it is first showed that HSF5 is associated with human spermatogenesis. Patients with a pathogenic variant of HSF5 are completely infertile. Testicular histologic findings in the patients reveal rare postmeiotic germ cells resulting from meiotic prophase I arrest. Hsf5 knockout (KO) mice confirms that the loss of HSF5 causes defects in meiotic recombination, crossover formation, sex chromosome synapsis, and sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), which may contribute to spermatocyte arrest at the late pachytene stage. Importantly, spermatogenic arrest can be rescued by compensatory HSF5 adeno-associated virus injection into KO mouse testes. Mechanistically, integrated analysis of RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data revealed that HSF5 predominantly binds to promoters of key genes involved in crossover formation (e.g., HFM1, MSH5 and MLH3), synapsis (e.g., SYCP1, SYCP2 and SYCE3), recombination (TEX15), and MSCI (MDC1) and further regulates their transcription during meiotic progression. Taken together, the study demonstrates that HSF5 modulates the transcriptome to ensure meiotic progression in humans and mice. These findings will aid in genetic diagnosis of and potential treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Erlei Zhi
- Urology, Urologic Medical Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Gan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaohui Jiang
- Human Sperm Bank, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dingming Li
- Human Sperm Bank, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinya Zhao
- West China School of preclinical medicine and forensic medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tiechao Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanjiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ningjing Ou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guicheng Zhao
- Human Sperm Bank, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Siyu Dai
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Immunology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ruixi Zhou
- West China School of preclinical medicine and forensic medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hanmin Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Immunology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Ishiguro KI. Mechanisms of meiosis initiation and meiotic prophase progression during spermatogenesis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101282. [PMID: 38797021 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101282] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Meiosis is a critical step for spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Meiosis commences with pre-meiotic S phase that is subsequently followed by meiotic prophase. The meiotic prophase is characterized by the meiosis-specific chromosomal events such as chromosome recombination and homolog synapsis. Meiosis initiator (MEIOSIN) and stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8) initiate meiosis by activating the meiotic genes by installing the meiotic prophase program at pre-meiotic S phase. This review highlights the mechanisms of meiotic initiation and meiotic prophase progression from the point of the gene expression program and its relevance to infertility. Furthermore, upstream pathways that regulate meiotic initiation will be discussed in the context of spermatogenic development, indicating the sexual differences in the mode of meiotic entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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He Z, Yan RG, Shang QB, Yang QE. Elevated Id2 expression causes defective meiosis and spermatogenesis in mice. Dev Dyn 2024; 253:593-605. [PMID: 38063258 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibitors of DNA binding (ID) proteins mainly inhibit gene expression and regulate cell fate decisions by interacting with E-proteins. All four ID proteins (ID1-4) are present in the testis, and ID4 has a particularly important role in spermatogonial stem cell fate determination. Several lines of evidence indicate that ID proteins are involved in meiosis; however, functional experiments have not been conducted to validate this observation. RESULTS In this study, we report that ID2 is enriched in spermatocytes and that forced ID2 expression in germ cells causes defects in spermatogenesis. A detailed analysis demonstrated that Id2 overexpression (Id2 OE) decreased the total number of spermatogonia and changed the dynamics of meiosis progression. Specifically, spermatocytes were enriched in the zygotene stage, and the proportion of pachytene spermatocytes was significantly decreased, indicating defects in the zygotene-pachytene transition. The number of MLH1-positive foci per cell was decreased in pachytene spermatocytes from Id2 OE testes, suggesting abnormalities in recombination. Transcriptome analysis revealed that forced Id2 expression changed the expression of a list of genes mainly associated with meiosis and spermatid development. CONCLUSIONS ID2 protein is expressed in spermatocytes, and its genetic ablation in the germline does not affect spermatogenesis, likely due to genetic compensation of its family members. However, forced Id2 expression changes meiosis progression and causes defects in spermiogenesis. These data provide important evidence that ID proteins play pivotal roles in male meiosis and spermatid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen He
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Ge Yan
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qin-Bang Shang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Plateau Animal Breeding and Functional Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
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7
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Joseph J. Increased Positive Selection in Highly Recombining Genes Does not Necessarily Reflect an Evolutionary Advantage of Recombination. Mol Biol Evol 2024; 41:msae107. [PMID: 38829800 PMCID: PMC11173204 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msae107] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
It is commonly thought that the long-term advantage of meiotic recombination is to dissipate genetic linkage, allowing natural selection to act independently on different loci. It is thus theoretically expected that genes with higher recombination rates evolve under more effective selection. On the other hand, recombination is often associated with GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC), which theoretically interferes with selection by promoting the fixation of deleterious GC alleles. To test these predictions, several studies assessed whether selection was more effective in highly recombining genes (due to dissipation of genetic linkage) or less effective (due to gBGC), assuming a fixed distribution of fitness effects (DFE) for all genes. In this study, I directly derive the DFE from a gene's evolutionary history (shaped by mutation, selection, drift, and gBGC) under empirical fitness landscapes. I show that genes that have experienced high levels of gBGC are less fit and thus have more opportunities for beneficial mutations. Only a small decrease in the genome-wide intensity of gBGC leads to the fixation of these beneficial mutations, particularly in highly recombining genes. This results in increased positive selection in highly recombining genes that is not caused by more effective selection. Additionally, I show that the death of a recombination hotspot can lead to a higher dN/dS than its birth, but with substitution patterns biased towards AT, and only at selected positions. This shows that controlling for a substitution bias towards GC is therefore not sufficient to rule out the contribution of gBGC to signatures of accelerated evolution. Finally, although gBGC does not affect the fixation probability of GC-conservative mutations, I show that by altering the DFE, gBGC can also significantly affect nonsynonymous GC-conservative substitution patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Joseph
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
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Chen HW, Yeh HY, Chang CC, Kuo WC, Lin SW, Vrielynck N, Grelon M, Chan NL, Chi P. Biochemical characterization of the meiosis-essential yet evolutionarily divergent topoisomerase VIB-like protein MTOPVIB from Arabidopsis thaliana. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4541-4555. [PMID: 38499490 PMCID: PMC11077084 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Formation of programmed DNA double-strand breaks is essential for initiating meiotic recombination. Genetic studies on Arabidopsis thaliana and Mus musculus have revealed that assembly of a type IIB topoisomerase VI (Topo VI)-like complex, composed of SPO11 and MTOPVIB, is a prerequisite for generating DNA breaks. However, it remains enigmatic if MTOPVIB resembles its Topo VI subunit B (VIB) ortholog in possessing robust ATPase activity, ability to undergo ATP-dependent dimerization, and activation of SPO11-mediated DNA cleavage. Here, we successfully prepared highly pure A. thaliana MTOPVIB and MTOPVIB-SPO11 complex. Contrary to expectations, our findings highlight that MTOPVIB differs from orthologous Topo VIB by lacking ATP-binding activity and independently forming dimers without ATP. Most significantly, our study reveals that while MTOPVIB lacks the capability to stimulate SPO11-mediated DNA cleavage, it functions as a bona fide DNA-binding protein and plays a substantial role in facilitating the dsDNA binding capacity of the MOTOVIB-SPO11 complex. Thus, we illustrate mechanistic divergence between the MTOPVIB-SPO11 complex and classical type IIB topoisomerases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Wen Chen
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, 10617 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Yeh
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, 10617 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chiang Chang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 100233 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chen Kuo
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 100233 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Wei Lin
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, 11529 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nathalie Vrielynck
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000,Versailles, France
| | - Mathilde Grelon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), 78000,Versailles, France
| | - Nei-Li Chan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 100233 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Peter Chi
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, 10617 Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, 11529 Taipei, Taiwan
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Yoshimura S, Shimada R, Kikuchi K, Kawagoe S, Abe H, Iisaka S, Fujimura S, Yasunaga KI, Usuki S, Tani N, Ohba T, Kondoh E, Saio T, Araki K, Ishiguro KI. Atypical heat shock transcription factor HSF5 is critical for male meiotic prophase under non-stress conditions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3330. [PMID: 38684656 PMCID: PMC11059408 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47601-0] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiotic prophase progression is differently regulated in males and females. In males, pachytene transition during meiotic prophase is accompanied by robust alteration in gene expression. However, how gene expression is regulated differently to ensure meiotic prophase completion in males remains elusive. Herein, we identify HSF5 as a male germ cell-specific heat shock transcription factor (HSF) for meiotic prophase progression. Genetic analyzes and single-cell RNA-sequencing demonstrate that HSF5 is essential for progression beyond the pachytene stage under non-stress conditions rather than heat stress. Chromatin binding analysis in vivo and DNA-binding assays in vitro suggest that HSF5 binds to promoters in a subset of genes associated with chromatin organization. HSF5 recognizes a DNA motif different from typical heat shock elements recognized by other canonical HSFs. This study suggests that HSF5 is an atypical HSF that is required for the gene expression program for pachytene transition during meiotic prophase in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Yoshimura
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Ryuki Shimada
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Koji Kikuchi
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Soichiro Kawagoe
- Division of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Hironori Abe
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Sakie Iisaka
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Sayoko Fujimura
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Yasunaga
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Shingo Usuki
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Naoki Tani
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Eiji Kondoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Tomohide Saio
- Division of Molecular Life Science, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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10
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van Heyningen V. Stochasticity in genetics and gene regulation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230476. [PMID: 38432316 PMCID: PMC10909507 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0476] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Development from fertilized egg to functioning multi-cellular organism requires precision. There is no precision, and often no survival, without plasticity. Plasticity is conferred partly by stochastic variation, present inherently in all biological systems. Gene expression levels fluctuate ubiquitously through transcription, alternative splicing, translation and turnover. Small differences in gene expression are exploited to trigger early differentiation, conferring distinct function on selected individual cells and setting in motion regulatory interactions. Non-selected cells then acquire new functions along the spatio-temporal developmental trajectory. The differentiation process has many stochastic components. Meiotic segregation, mitochondrial partitioning, X-inactivation and the dynamic DNA binding of transcription factor assemblies-all exhibit randomness. Non-random X-inactivation generally signals deleterious X-linked mutations. Correct neural wiring, such as retina to brain, arises through repeated confirmatory activity of connections made randomly. In immune system development, both B-cell antibody generation and the emergence of balanced T-cell categories begin through stochastic trial and error followed by functional selection. Aberrant selection processes lead to immune dysfunction. DNA sequence variants also arise through stochastic events: some involving environmental fluctuation (radiation or presence of pollutants), or genetic repair system malfunction. The phenotypic outcome of mutations is also fluid. Mutations may be advantageous in some circumstances, deleterious in others. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Causes and consequences of stochastic processes in development and disease'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica van Heyningen
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
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11
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Liu Y, Lin Z, Yan J, Zhang X, Tong MH. A Rad50-null mutation in mouse germ cells causes reduced DSB formation, abnormal DSB end resection and complete loss of germ cells. Development 2024; 151:dev202312. [PMID: 38512324 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202312] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The conserved MRE11-RAD50-NBS1/Xrs2 complex is crucial for DNA break metabolism and genome maintenance. Although hypomorphic Rad50 mutation mice showed normal meiosis, both null and hypomorphic rad50 mutation yeast displayed impaired meiosis recombination. However, the in vivo function of Rad50 in mammalian germ cells, particularly its in vivo role in the resection of meiotic double strand break (DSB) ends at the molecular level remains elusive. Here, we have established germ cell-specific Rad50 knockout mouse models to determine the role of Rad50 in mitosis and meiosis of mammalian germ cells. We find that Rad50-deficient spermatocytes exhibit defective meiotic recombination and abnormal synapsis. Mechanistically, using END-seq, we demonstrate reduced DSB formation and abnormal DSB end resection occurs in mutant spermatocytes. We further identify that deletion of Rad50 in gonocytes leads to complete loss of spermatogonial stem cells due to genotoxic stress. Taken together, our results reveal the essential role of Rad50 in mammalian germ cell meiosis and mitosis, and provide in vivo views of RAD50 function in meiotic DSB formation and end resection at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuefang Liu
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Junyi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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12
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Du H, Liu Z, Lu SY, Jiang L, Zhou L, Liu JF. Genomic evidence for human-mediated introgressive hybridization and selection in the developed breed. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:331. [PMID: 38565992 PMCID: PMC10986048 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10259-5] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pig (Sus Scrofa) is one of the oldest domesticated livestock species that has undergone extensive improvement through modern breeding. European breeds have advantages in lean meat development and highly-productive body type, whereas Asian breeds possess extraordinary fat deposition and reproductive performance. Consequently, Eurasian breeds have been extensively used to develop modern commercial breeds for fast-growing and high prolificacy. However, limited by the sequencing technology, the genome architecture of some nascent developed breeds and the human-mediated impact on their genomes are still unknown. RESULTS Through whole-genome analysis of 178 individuals from an Asian locally developed pig breed, Beijing Black pig, and its two ancestors from two different continents, we found the pervasive inconsistent gene trees and species trees across the genome of Beijing Black pig, which suggests its introgressive hybrid origin. Interestingly, we discovered that this developed breed has more genetic relationships with European pigs and an unexpected introgression from Asian pigs to this breed, which indicated that human-mediated introgression could form the porcine genome architecture in a completely different type compared to native introgression. We identified 554 genomic regions occupied 63.30 Mb with signals of introgression from the Asian ancestry to Beijing Black pig, and the genes in these regions enriched in pathways associated with meat quality, fertility, and disease-resistant. Additionally, a proportion of 7.77% of genomic regions were recognized as regions that have been under selection. Moreover, combined with the results of a genome-wide association study for meat quality traits in the 1537 Beijing Black pig population, two important candidate genes related to meat quality traits were identified. DNAJC6 is related to intramuscular fat content and fat deposition, and RUFY4 is related to meat pH and tenderness. CONCLUSIONS Our research provides insight for analyzing the origins of nascent developed breeds and genome-wide selection remaining in the developed breeds mediated by humans during modern breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Du
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University (West District), No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University (West District), No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Yu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University (West District), No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Li Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University (West District), No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University (West District), No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193, Beijing, China.
| | - Jian-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University (West District), No.2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, 100193, Beijing, China.
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13
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Zhang JL, Xu MF, Chen J, Wei YL, She ZY. Kinesin-7 CENP-E mediates chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint in meiosis I. Chromosoma 2024; 133:149-168. [PMID: 38456964 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-024-00818-w] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotes, meiosis is the genetic basis for sexual reproduction, which is important for chromosome stability and species evolution. The defects in meiosis usually lead to chromosome aneuploidy, reduced gamete number, and genetic diseases, but the pathogenic mechanisms are not well clarified. Kinesin-7 CENP-E is a key regulator in chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint in cell division. However, the functions and mechanisms of CENP-E in male meiosis remain largely unknown. In this study, we have revealed that the CENP-E gene was highly expressed in the rat testis. CENP-E inhibition influences chromosome alignment and spindle organization in metaphase I spermatocytes. We have found that a portion of misaligned homologous chromosomes is located at the spindle poles after CENP-E inhibition, which further activates the spindle assembly checkpoint during the metaphase-to-anaphase transition in rat spermatocytes. Furthermore, CENP-E depletion leads to abnormal spermatogenesis, reduced sperm count, and abnormal sperm head structure. Our findings have elucidated that CENP-E is essential for homologous chromosome alignment and spindle assembly checkpoint in spermatocytes, which further contribute to chromosome stability and sperm cell quality during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Lian Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Meng-Fei Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Ya-Lan Wei
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Zhen-Yu She
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
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14
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Zhang J, Ruiz M, Bergh PO, Henricsson M, Stojanović N, Devkota R, Henn M, Bohlooly-Y M, Hernández-Hernández A, Alsheimer M, Borén J, Pilon M, Shibuya H. Regulation of meiotic telomere dynamics through membrane fluidity promoted by AdipoR2-ELOVL2. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2315. [PMID: 38485951 PMCID: PMC10940294 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46718-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The cellular membrane in male meiotic germ cells contains a unique class of phospholipids and sphingolipids that is required for male reproduction. Here, we show that a conserved membrane fluidity sensor, AdipoR2, regulates the meiosis-specific lipidome in mouse testes by promoting the synthesis of sphingolipids containing very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs). AdipoR2 upregulates the expression of a fatty acid elongase, ELOVL2, both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, to synthesize VLC-PUFA. The depletion of VLC-PUFAs and subsequent accumulation of palmitic acid in AdipoR2 knockout testes stiffens the cellular membrane and causes the invagination of the nuclear envelope. This condition impairs the nuclear peripheral distribution of meiotic telomeres, leading to errors in homologous synapsis and recombination. Further, the stiffened membrane impairs the formation of intercellular bridges and the germ cell syncytium, which disrupts the orderly arrangement of cell types within the seminiferous tubules. According to our findings we propose a framework in which the highly-fluid membrane microenvironment shaped by AdipoR2-ELOVL2 underpins meiosis-specific chromosome dynamics in testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mario Ruiz
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Bergh
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41467, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Henricsson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41467, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nena Stojanović
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ranjan Devkota
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marius Henn
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Abrahan Hernández-Hernández
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- National Genomics Infrastructure, Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manfred Alsheimer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Borén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41467, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marc Pilon
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Hiroki Shibuya
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Laboratory for Gametogenesis, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan.
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15
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Suzuki A, Uranishi K, Nishimoto M, Mizuno Y, Mizuno S, Takahashi S, Eisenman RN, Okuda A. MAX controls meiotic entry in sexually undifferentiated germ cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5236. [PMID: 38433229 PMCID: PMC10909893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55506-7] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs physiologically only in germ cells. We previously demonstrated that MYC-associated factor X (MAX) blocks the ectopic onset of meiosis in embryonic and germline stem cells in culture systems. Here, we investigated the Max gene's role in mouse primordial germ cells. Although Max is generally ubiquitously expressed, we revealed that sexually undifferentiated male and female germ cells had abundant MAX protein because of their higher Max gene expression than somatic cells. Moreover, our data revealed that this high MAX protein level in female germ cells declined significantly around physiological meiotic onset. Max disruption in sexually undifferentiated germ cells led to ectopic and precocious expression of meiosis-related genes, including Meiosin, the gatekeeper of meiotic onset, in both male and female germ cells. However, Max-null male and female germ cells did not complete the entire meiotic process, but stalled during its early stages and were eventually eliminated by apoptosis. Additionally, our meta-analyses identified a regulatory region that supports the high Max expression in sexually undifferentiated male and female germ cells. These results indicate the strong connection between the Max gene and physiological onset of meiosis in vivo through dynamic alteration of its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Suzuki
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Kousuke Uranishi
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Masazumi Nishimoto
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan
| | - Yosuke Mizuno
- Division of Morphological Science, Biomedical Research Center, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Robert N Eisenman
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Akihiko Okuda
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama, 350-1241, Japan.
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16
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Ascenção C, Sims JR, Dziubek A, Comstock W, Fogarty EA, Badar J, Freire R, Grimson A, Weiss RS, Cohen PE, Smolka MB. A TOPBP1 allele causing male infertility uncouples XY silencing dynamics from sex body formation. eLife 2024; 12:RP90887. [PMID: 38391183 PMCID: PMC10942628 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90887] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is a critical feature of meiotic prophase I progression in males. While the ATR kinase and its activator TOPBP1 are key drivers of MSCI within the specialized sex body (SB) domain of the nucleus, how they promote silencing remains unclear given their multifaceted meiotic functions that also include DNA repair, chromosome synapsis, and SB formation. Here we report a novel mutant mouse harboring mutations in the TOPBP1-BRCT5 domain. Topbp1B5/B5 males are infertile, with impaired MSCI despite displaying grossly normal events of early prophase I, including synapsis and SB formation. Specific ATR-dependent events are disrupted, including phosphorylation and localization of the RNA:DNA helicase Senataxin. Topbp1B5/B5 spermatocytes initiate, but cannot maintain ongoing, MSCI. These findings reveal a non-canonical role for the ATR-TOPBP1 signaling axis in MSCI dynamics at advanced stages in pachynema and establish the first mouse mutant that separates ATR signaling and MSCI from SB formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolline Ascenção
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Jennie R Sims
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Alexis Dziubek
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - William Comstock
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Elizabeth A Fogarty
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Jumana Badar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Raimundo Freire
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de CanariasSanta Cruz de TenerifeSpain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La LagunaLa LagunaSpain
- Universidad Fernando Pessoa CanariasLas Palmas de Gran CanariaSpain
| | - Andrew Grimson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Robert S Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Paula E Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
| | - Marcus B Smolka
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell UniversityIthacaUnited States
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17
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Song Y, Guo J, Zhou Y, Wei X, Li J, Zhang G, Wang H. A loss-of-function variant in ZCWPW1 causes human male infertility with sperm head defect and high DNA fragmentation. Reprod Health 2024; 21:18. [PMID: 38310235 PMCID: PMC10837985 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01746-9] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a global health issue. The more causative genes related to human male infertility should be further explored. The essential role of Zcwpw1 in male mouse fertility has been established and the role of ZCWPW1 in human reproduction needs further investigation to verify. METHODS An infertile man with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia phenotype and his parents were recruited from West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. A total of 200 healthy Han Chinese volunteers without any evidence of infertility were recruited as normal controls, while an additional 150 infertile individuals were included to assess the prevalence of ZCWPW1 variants in a sporadic male sterile population. The causative gene variant was identified by Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. The phenotype of the oligoasthenoteratozoospermia was determined by Papanicolaou staining, immunofluorescence staining and electron microscope. In-vitro experiments, western blot and in-silicon analysis were applied to assess the pathogenicity of the identified variant. Additionally, we examined the influence of the variant on the DNA fragmentation and DNA repair capability by Sperm Chromatin Dispersion and Neutral Comet Assay. RESULTS The proband exhibits a phenotype of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, his spermatozoa show head defects by semen examination, Papanicolaou staining and electron microscope assays. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing found the proband carries a homozygous ZCWPW1 variant (c.1064C > T, p. P355L). Immunofluorescence analysis shows a significant decrease in ZCWPW1 expression in the proband's sperm. By exogenous expression with ZCWPW1 mutant plasmid in vitro, the obvious declined expression of ZCWPW1 with the mutation is validated in HEK293T. After being treated by hydroxyurea, MUT-ZCWPW1 transfected cells and empty vector transfected cells have a higher level of γ-H2AX, increased tail DNA and reduced H3K9ac level than WT-ZCWPW1 transfected cells. Furthermore, the Sperm Chromatin Dispersion assay revealed the proband's spermatozoa have high DNA fragmentation. CONCLUSIONS It is the first report that a novel homozygous missense mutation in ZCWPW1 caused human male infertility with sperm head defects and high DNA fragmentation. This finding enriches the gene variant spectrum and etiology of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Juncen Guo
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- SCU-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanling Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- SCU-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingjian Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jianlan Li
- Child Healthcare Department, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China.
| | - Hongjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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18
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Zhang X, Liu Y, Wang N. Multifaceted Roles of Histone Lysine Lactylation in Meiotic Gene Dynamics and Recombination. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.25.576681. [PMID: 38328171 PMCID: PMC10849708 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.25.576681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Male germ cells, which are responsible for producing millions of genetically diverse sperm through meiosis in the testis, rely on lactate as their central energy metabolite. Recent study has revealed that lactate induces epigenetic modification in cells through histone lactylation, a post-translational modification involving the addition of lactyl groups to lysine residues on histones. Here we report dynamic histone lactylation at histone H4-lysine 5 (K5), -K8, and -K12 during meiosis prophase I in mouse spermatogenesis. By profiling genome-wide occupancy of histone H4-K8 lactylation (H4K8la), which peaks at zygotene, our data show that H4K8la mark is observed at the promoters of genes exhibiting active expression with Gene Ontology (GO) functions enriched for meiosis. Notably, our data also demonstrate that H4K8la is closely associated with recombination hotspots, where machinery involved in the processing DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs), such as SPO11, DMC1, RAD51, and RPA2, is engaged. In addition, H4K8la was also detected at the meiosis-specific cohesion sites (marked by RAD21L and REC8) flanking the recombination hotspots. Collectively, our findings suggest that histone lactylation serves as a novel mechanism through which lactate regulates germ cell meiosis.
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19
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Guo J, He WB, Dai L, Tian F, Luo Z, Shen F, Tu M, Zheng Y, Zhao L, Tan C, Guo Y, Meng LL, Liu W, Deng M, Wu X, Peng Y, Zhang S, Lu GX, Lin G, Wang H, Tan YQ, Yang Y. Mosaic variegated aneuploidy syndrome with tetraploid, and predisposition to male infertility triggered by mutant CEP192. HGG ADVANCES 2024; 5:100256. [PMID: 37981762 PMCID: PMC10716027 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2023.100256] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we report on mosaic variegated aneuploidy (MVA) syndrome with tetraploidy and predisposition to infertility in a family. Sequencing analysis identified that the CEP192 biallelic variants (c.1912C>T, p.His638Tyr and c.5750A>G, p.Asn1917Ser) segregated with microcephaly, short stature, limb-extremity dysplasia, and reduced testicular size, while CEP192 monoallelic variants segregated with infertility and/or reduced testicular size in the family. In 1,264 unrelated patients, variant screening for CEP192 identified a same variant (c.5750A>G, p.Asn1917Ser) and other variants significantly associated with infertility. Two lines of Cep192 mice model that are equivalent to human variants were generated. Embryos with Cep192 biallelic variants arrested at E7 because of cell apoptosis mediated by MVA/tetraploidy cell acumination. Mice with heterozygous variants replicated the predisposition to male infertility. Mouse primary embryonic fibroblasts with Cep192 biallelic variants cultured in vitro showed abnormal morphology, mitotic arresting, and disruption of spindle formation. In patient epithelial cells with biallelic variants cultured in vitro, the number of cells arrested during the prophase increased because of the failure of spindle formation. Accordingly, we present mutant CEP192, which is a link for the MVA syndrome with tetraploidy and the predisposition to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Bin He
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Dai
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fen Tian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenqing Luo
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Shen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming Tu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liu Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongteng Guo
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lan-Lan Meng
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mei Deng
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinghan Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuju Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China; Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Yongjia Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hunan Children's Hospital, Xiangya Medical School & Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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20
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López-Jiménez P, Berenguer I, Pérez-Moreno I, de Aledo JG, Parra MT, Page J, Gómez R. The Organotypic Culture of Mouse Seminiferous Tubules as a Reliable Methodology for the Study of Meiosis In Vitro. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2818:147-160. [PMID: 39126472 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3906-1_9] [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] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Male mouse meiosis has been traditionally studied using descriptive methods like histological sections and spreading or squashing techniques, which allow the observation of fixed meiocytes in either wildtype or genetically modified mice. For these studies, the sacrifice of the males and the extraction of the testicles are required to obtain the material of study. Other functional in vivo studies include the administration of intravenous or intraperitoneal drugs, or the exposure to mutagenic agents or generators of DNA damage, in order to study their impact on meiosis progression. However, in these studies, the exposure times or drug concentration are important limitations to consider when acknowledging animal welfare. Recently, several approaches have been proposed to offer alternative methodologies that allow the in vitro study of spermatocytes with a considerable reduction in the use of animals. Here we revisit and validate an optimal technique of organotypic culture of fragments of seminiferous tubules for meiotic studies. This technique is a trustable methodology to develop functional studies that preserve the histological configuration of the seminiferous tubule, aim homogeneity of the procedures (the use of the same animal for different study conditions), and allow procedures that would compromise the animal welfare. Therefore, this methodology is highly recommendable for the study of meiosis and spermatogenesis, while it supports the principle of 3R's for animal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo López-Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Meiosis group, MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences, London, UK
| | - Inés Berenguer
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Pérez-Moreno
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Teresa Parra
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Page
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rocío Gómez
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Wood BW, Shi X, Weil TT. F-actin coordinates spindle morphology and function in Drosophila meiosis. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011111. [PMID: 38206959 PMCID: PMC10807755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is a highly conserved feature of sexual reproduction that ensures germ cells have the correct number of chromosomes prior to fertilization. A subset of microtubules, known as the spindle, are essential for accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis. Building evidence in mammalian systems has recently highlighted the unexpected requirement of the actin cytoskeleton in chromosome segregation; a network of spindle actin filaments appear to regulate many aspects of this process. Here we show that Drosophila oocytes also have a spindle population of actin that appears to regulate the formation of the microtubule spindle and chromosomal movements throughout meiosis. We demonstrate that genetic and pharmacological disruption of the actin cytoskeleton has a significant impact on spindle morphology, dynamics, and chromosome alignment and segregation during maturation and the metaphase-anaphase transition. We further reveal a role for calcium in maintaining the microtubule spindle and spindle actin. Together, our data highlights potential conservation of morphology and mechanism of the spindle actin during meiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin W. Wood
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xingzhu Shi
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy T. Weil
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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22
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Marinaro C, Lettieri G, Chianese T, Bianchi AR, Zarrelli A, Palatucci D, Scudiero R, Rosati L, De Maio A, Piscopo M. Exploring the molecular and toxicological mechanism associated with interactions between heavy metals and the reproductive system of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 275:109778. [PMID: 37866452 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
A large number of heavy metals resulted toxic to the reproductive system, but invertebrate infertility has been poorly explored, and above all, there are limited molecular, cellular and toxicological studies. In the present work, we exposed Mytilus galloprovincialis to three individual metal chlorides (CuCl2 15 μM, CdCl2 1.5 μM, NiCl2 15 μM) and their mixture for 24 h, to evaluate the effects on the protamine-like proteins (PLs), sperm DNA and on their interaction in the formation of sperm chromatin. Under all exposure conditions, but particularly after exposure to the metals mix, relevant changes in the electrophoretic pattern, by AU-PAGE and SDS-PAGE, and in fluorescence spectroscopy measurements of PLs were shown. In addition, alterations in DNA binding of these proteins were observed by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) and through their release from sperm nuclei. Moreover, there was evidence of increased accessibility of micrococcal nuclease to sperm chromatin, which was also confirmed by toluidine blue staining. Furthermore, morphological analyses indicated severe gonadal impairments which was also corroborated by increased PARP expression, by Western blotting, and sperm DNA fragmentation, by comet assay. Finally, we investigated the expression of stress genes, gst, hsp70 and mt10, in gonadal tissue. The latter investigations also showed that exposure to this metals mix was more harmful than exposure to the individual metals tested. The present results suggest that these metals and in particular their mixture could have a negative impact on the reproductive fitness of M. galloprovincialis. Based on these evidences, we propose a molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chianese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Bianchi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Armando Zarrelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Palatucci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna De Maio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy.
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23
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Zhang X, Wang N. Induction of Meiotic Initiation in Long-Term Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells Under Retinoid Acid and Nutrient Restriction Conditions. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2770:113-121. [PMID: 38351450 PMCID: PMC11225876 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3698-5_9] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) produce haploid sperm via mitosis and meiosis in vivo. Although the technique to culture mouse SSCs has been well established, induction of meiosis in vitro has remained a challenge. Retinoic acid (RA) is required for meiosis in vivo; however, RA alone is not sufficient to induce meiosis in vitro. Here, we describe a method in which nutrient restriction and RA synergistically induce meiotic initiation into meiotic prophase I in cultured mouse SSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (IRDS), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (IRDS), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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24
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Säflund M, Özata DM. The MYBL1/TCFL5 transcription network: two collaborative factors with central role in male meiosis. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:2163-2172. [PMID: 38015556 PMCID: PMC10754281 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231007] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Male gametogenesis, spermatogenesis, is a stepwise developmental process to generate mature sperm. The most intricate process of spermatogenesis is meiosis during which two successive cell divisions ensue with dramatic cellular and molecular changes to produce haploid cells. After entry into meiosis, several forms of regulatory events control the orderly progression of meiosis and the timely entry into post-meiotic sperm differentiation. Among other mechanisms, changes to gene expression are controlled by key transcription factors. In this review, we will discuss the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying meiotic entry, meiotic progression, and post-meiotic differentiation with a particular emphasis on the MYBL1/TCFL5 regulatory architecture and how this architecture involves in various forms of transcription network motifs to regulate gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Säflund
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deniz M. Özata
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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Nickels L, Yan W. Nonhormonal Male Contraceptive Development-Strategies for Progress. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 76:37-48. [PMID: 38101934 PMCID: PMC10759220 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the widely demonstrated public health benefits of contraception, limited contraceptive options are available for men, placing both the contraceptive burden and opportunity solely on women. This review outlines the need for an increased focus on male contraceptive development and highlights several related topics, including the perspectives of women and men on male contraceptives, historical challenges, and reasons behind the persistent delays in male contraceptive development. It also discusses the importance of serendipitous observations in drug discovery and the limitations of depleting sperm or spermatogenic cells as a contraceptive approach. It further provides an overview of ongoing research and development on novel methods, with a goal to offer insights into the multifaceted aspects of nonhormonal male contraceptive development, addressing its implications for the health of men and women. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite well over half a century of effort in developing male contraceptives, there are no approved male contraceptive drugs on the market. This review aims to present strategies for progress in nonhormonal male contraception based on lessons learned from history, with the hope of expediting development and bringing a male contraceptive drug closer to reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Nickels
- Male Contraceptive Initiative, Durham, North Carolina (L.N.); The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California (W.Y.); and Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California (W.Y.)
| | - Wei Yan
- Male Contraceptive Initiative, Durham, North Carolina (L.N.); The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California (W.Y.); and Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California (W.Y.)
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26
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Chotiner JY, Leu NA, Yang F, Cossu IG, Guan Y, Lin H, Wang PJ. TRIP13 localizes to synapsed chromosomes and functions as a dosage-sensitive regulator of meiosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559355. [PMID: 37808842 PMCID: PMC10557606 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic progression requires coordinated assembly and disassembly of protein complexes involved in chromosome synapsis and meiotic recombination. The AAA+ ATPase TRIP13 and its orthologue Pch2 are instrumental in remodeling HORMA domain proteins. Meiosis-specific HORMAD proteins are associated with unsynapsed chromosome axes but depleted from the synaptonemal complex (SC) of synapsed chromosome homologues. Here we report that TRIP13 localizes to the synapsed SC in early pachytene spermatocytes and to telomeres throughout meiotic prophase I. Loss of TRIP13 leads to meiotic arrest and thus sterility in both sexes. Trip13-null meiocytes exhibit abnormal persistence of HORMAD1 and HOMRAD2 on synapsed SC and chromosome asynapsis that preferentially affects XY and centromeric ends. These findings confirm the previously reported phenotypes of the Trip13 hypomorph alleles. Trip13 heterozygous (Trip13+/-) mice also exhibit meiotic defects that are less severe than the Trip13-null mice, showing that TRIP13 is a dosage-sensitive regulator of meiosis. Localization of TRIP13 to the synapsed SC is independent of SC axial element proteins such as REC8 and SYCP2/SYCP3. The N- or C-terminal FLAG-tagged TRIP13 proteins are functional and recapitulate the localization of native TRIP13 to SC and telomeres in knockin mice. Therefore, the evolutionarily conserved localization of TRIP13/Pch2 to the synapsed chromosomes provides an explanation for dissociation of HORMA domain proteins upon chromosome synapsis in diverse organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y. Chotiner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - N. Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Isabella G. Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yongjuan Guan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Huijuan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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27
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Ascencao CFR, Sims JR, Dziubek A, Comstock W, Fogarty EA, Badar J, Freire R, Grimson A, Weiss RS, Cohen PE, Smolka M. A TOPBP1 Allele Causing Male Infertility Uncouples XY Silencing Dynamics From Sex Body Formation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.31.543071. [PMID: 37398453 PMCID: PMC10312512 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.31.543071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is a critical feature of meiotic prophase I progression in males. While the ATR kinase and its activator TOPBP1 are key drivers of MSCI within the specialized sex body (SB) domain of the nucleus, how they promote silencing remains unclear given their multifaceted meiotic functions that also include DNA repair, chromosome synapsis and SB formation. Here we report a novel mutant mouse harboring mutations in the TOPBP1-BRCT5 domain. Topbp1 B5/B5 males are infertile, with impaired MSCI despite displaying grossly normal events of early prophase I, including synapsis and SB formation. Specific ATR-dependent events are disrupted including phosphorylation and localization of the RNA:DNA helicase Senataxin. Topbp1 B5/B5 spermatocytes initiate, but cannot maintain ongoing, MSCI. These findings reveal a non-canonical role for the ATR-TOPBP1 signaling axis in MSCI dynamics at advanced stages in pachynema and establish the first mouse mutant that separates ATR signaling and MSCI from SB formation.
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28
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Shimada R, Kato Y, Takeda N, Fujimura S, Yasunaga KI, Usuki S, Niwa H, Araki K, Ishiguro KI. STRA8-RB interaction is required for timely entry of meiosis in mouse female germ cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6443. [PMID: 37880249 PMCID: PMC10600341 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42259-6] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is differently regulated in males and females. In females, germ cells initiate meiosis within a limited time period in the fetal ovary and undergo a prolonged meiotic arrest until puberty. However, how meiosis initiation is coordinated with the cell cycle to coincide with S phase remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that STRA8 binds to RB via the LXCXE motif. Mutation of the RB-binding site of STRA8 in female mice delays meiotic entry, which consequently delays progression of meiotic prophase and leads to precocious depletion of the oocyte pool. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis reveals that the STRA8-RB interaction is required for S phase entry and meiotic gene activation, ensuring precise timing of meiosis initiation in oocytes. Strikingly, the results suggest STRA8 could sequester RB from E2F during pre-meiotic G1/S transition. This study highlights the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying the female-specific mode of meiotic initiation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuki Shimada
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto university, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Kato
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Naoki Takeda
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Sayoko Fujimura
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Yasunaga
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Shingo Usuki
- Liaison Laboratory Research Promotion Center, IMEG, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Niwa
- Department of Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology, IMEG, Kumamoto university, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Kimi Araki
- Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
- Center for Metabolic Regulation of Healthy Aging, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1, Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Ishiguro
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto university, Honjo 2-2-1, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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29
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Billmyre KK, Kesler EA, Tsuchiya D, Corbin TJ, Weaver K, Moran A, Yu Z, Adams L, Delventhal K, Durnin M, Davies OR, Hawley RS. SYCP1 head-to-head assembly is required for chromosome synapsis in mouse meiosis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi1562. [PMID: 37862414 PMCID: PMC10588951 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
In almost all sexually reproducing organisms, meiotic recombination and cell division require the synapsis of homologous chromosomes by a large proteinaceous structure, the synaptonemal complex (SC). While the SC's overall structure is highly conserved across eukaryotes, its constituent proteins diverge between phyla. Transverse filament protein, SYCP1, spans the width of the SC and undergoes amino-terminal head-to-head self-assembly in vitro through a motif that is unusually highly conserved across kingdoms of life. Here, we report creation of mouse mutants, Sycp1L102E and Sycp1L106E, that target SYCP1's head-to-head interface. L106E resulted in a complete loss of synapsis, while L102E had no apparent effect on synapsis, in agreement with their differential effects on the SYCP1 head-to-head interface in molecular dynamics simulations. In Sycp1L106E mice, homologs aligned and recruited low levels of mutant SYCP1 and other SC proteins, but the absence of synapsis led to failure of crossover formation and meiotic arrest. We conclude that SYCP1's conserved head-to-head interface is essential for meiotic chromosome synapsis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily A. Kesler
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Dai Tsuchiya
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | | | - Kyle Weaver
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Andrea Moran
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Zulin Yu
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Lane Adams
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Kym Delventhal
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Michael Durnin
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Owen Richard Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - R. Scott Hawley
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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30
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Lu L, Abbott AL. Male gonad-enriched microRNAs function to control sperm production in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561762. [PMID: 37873419 PMCID: PMC10592766 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Germ cell development and gamete production in animals require small RNA pathways. While studies indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are necessary for normal sperm production and function, the specific roles for individual miRNAs are largely unknown. Here, we use small RNA sequencing of dissected gonads and functional analysis of new loss of function alleles to identify functions for miRNAs in the control of fecundity and sperm production in Caenorhabditis elegans males and hermaphrodites. We describe a set of 29 male gonad-enriched miRNAs and identify a set of 3 individual miRNAs (mir-58.1, mir-83, and mir-235) and a miRNA cluster (mir-4807-4810.1) that are required for optimal sperm production at 20°C and 5 additional miRNAs (mir-49, mir-57, mir-261, and mir-357/358) that are required for sperm production at 25°C. We observed defects in meiotic progression in mir-58.1, mir-83, mir-235, and mir-4807-4810.1 mutants that may contribute to the reduced number of sperm. Further, analysis of multiple mutants of these miRNAs suggested complex genetic interactions between these miRNAs for sperm production. This study provides insights on the regulatory roles of miRNAs that promote optimal sperm production and fecundity in males and hermaphrodites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53201 USA
| | - Allison L. Abbott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53201 USA
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31
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Huang Y, Li L, An G, Yang X, Cui M, Song X, Lin J, Zhang X, Yao Z, Wan C, Zhou C, Zhao J, Song K, Ren S, Xia X, Fu X, Lan Y, Hu X, Wang W, Wang M, Zheng Y, Miao K, Bai X, Hutchins AP, Chang G, Gao S, Zhao XY. Single-cell multi-omics sequencing of human spermatogenesis reveals a DNA demethylation event associated with male meiotic recombination. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1520-1534. [PMID: 37723297 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01232-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Human spermatogenesis is a highly ordered process; however, the roles of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility in this process remain largely unknown. Here by simultaneously investigating the chromatin accessibility, DNA methylome and transcriptome landscapes using the modified single-cell chromatin overall omic-scale landscape sequencing approach, we revealed that the transcriptional changes throughout human spermatogenesis were correlated with chromatin accessibility changes. In particular, we identified a set of transcription factors and cis elements with potential functions. A round of DNA demethylation was uncovered upon meiosis initiation in human spermatogenesis, which was associated with male meiotic recombination and conserved between human and mouse. Aberrant DNA hypermethylation could be detected in leptotene spermatocytes of certain nonobstructive azoospermia patients. Functionally, the intervention of DNA demethylation affected male meiotic recombination and fertility. Our work provides multi-omics landscapes of human spermatogenesis at single-cell resolution and offers insights into the association between DNA demethylation and male meiotic recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xinyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Manman Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiuling Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhaokai Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Cong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Cai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jiexiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ke Song
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shaofang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xin Fu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yu Lan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xuesong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Kai Miao
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, P. R. China
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Andrew P Hutchins
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Gang Chang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, P. R. China.
| | - Shuai Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the MARA, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- Department of Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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32
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Giannattasio T, Testa E, Faieta M, Lampitto M, Nardozi D, di Cecca S, Russo A, Barchi M. The proper interplay between the expression of Spo11 splice isoforms and the structure of the pseudoautosomal region promotes XY chromosomes recombination. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:279. [PMID: 37682311 PMCID: PMC10491539 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04912-7] [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: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
XY chromosome missegregation is relatively common in humans and can lead to sterility or the generation of aneuploid spermatozoa. A leading cause of XY missegregation in mammals is the lack of formation of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR), a defect that may occur in mice due to faulty expression of Spo11 splice isoforms. Using a knock-in (ki) mouse that expresses only the single Spo11β splice isoform, here we demonstrate that by varying the genetic background of mice, the length of chromatin loops extending from the PAR axis and the XY recombination proficiency varies. In spermatocytes of C57Spo11βki/- mice, in which loops are relatively short, recombination/synapsis between XY is fairly normal. In contrast, in cells of C57/129Spo11βki/- males where PAR loops are relatively long, formation of DSBs in the PAR (more frequently the Y-PAR) and XY synapsis fails at a high rate, and mice produce sperm with sex-chromosomal aneuploidy. However, if the entire set of Spo11 splicing isoforms is expressed by a wild type allele in the C57/129 background, XY recombination and synapsis is recovered. By generating a Spo11αki mouse model, we prove that concomitant expression of SPO11β and SPO11α isoforms, boosts DSB formation in the PAR. Based on these findings, we propose that SPO11 splice isoforms cooperate functionally in promoting recombination in the PAR, constraining XY asynapsis defects that may arise due to differences in the conformation of the PAR between mouse strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Giannattasio
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Anatomy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Testa
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Anatomy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Faieta
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Anatomy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Lampitto
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Anatomy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Anatomy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano di Cecca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Anatomy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Barchi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Anatomy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Science, Lady of Good Counsel University, Tirana, Albania.
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33
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Bui MD, Luong TLA, Tran HD, Duong TTH, Nguyen TN, Nguyen DT, Nguyen TD, Nong VH. A Novel Frameshift Microdeletion of the TEX12 Gene Caused Infertility in Two Brothers with Nonobstructive Azoospermia. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2876-2881. [PMID: 37012491 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01226-8] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is a growing health problem, which affects approximately 7% of the global male population. Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most severe forms of male infertility caused by genetic defects, including chromosome structural abnormalities, Y chromosome microdeletions, or single-gene alterations. However, the etiology of up to 40% of NOA cases is unidentified. By whole-exome sequencing, we detected a homozygous 5-bp-deletion variant in exon 4 of the TEX12 gene (c.196-200del, p.L66fs, NM_031275.4) in two brothers with NOA of a nonconsanguineous Vietnamese family. This deletion variant of 5 nucleotides (ATTAG) results in a premature stop codon in exon 4 and truncation of the C-terminal. Segregation analysis by Sanger sequencing confirmed that the deletion variant was inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. The 1st and 3rd infertile sons were homozygous for the deletion, whereas the 2nd fertile son and both parents were heterozygous. The new deletion mutation identified in TEX12 gene caused loss of function of TEX12 gene. The loss of TEX12 function has already caused infertility in male mice. Therefore, we concluded that the loss of TEX12 function may cause infertility in men. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported so far indicating disruption of human TEX12, which leads to infertility in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Duc Bui
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Huu Dinh Tran
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thu Ha Duong
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thy Ngoc Nguyen
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dang Ton Nguyen
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thuy Duong Nguyen
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Van Hai Nong
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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34
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Zhang X, Liu Y, Sosa F, Gunewardena S, Crawford PA, Zielen AC, Orwig KE, Wang N. Transcriptional metabolic reprogramming implements meiotic fate decision in mouse testicular germ cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112749. [PMID: 37405912 PMCID: PMC10529640 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrient starvation drives yeast meiosis, whereas retinoic acid (RA) is required for mammalian meiosis through its germline target Stra8. Here, by using single-cell transcriptomic analysis of wild-type and Stra8-deficient juvenile mouse germ cells, our data show that the expression of nutrient transporter genes, including Slc7a5, Slc38a2, and Slc2a1, is downregulated in germ cells during meiotic initiation, and this process requires Stra8, which binds to these genes and induces their H3K27 deacetylation. Consequently, Stra8-deficient germ cells sustain glutamine and glucose uptake in response to RA and exhibit hyperactive mTORC1/protein kinase A (PKA) activities. Importantly, expression of Slc38a2, a glutamine importer, is negatively correlated with meiotic genes in the GTEx dataset, and Slc38a2 knockdown downregulates mTORC1/PKA activities and induces meiotic gene expression. Thus, our study indicates that RA via Stra8, a chordate morphogen pathway, induces meiosis partially by generating a conserved nutrient restriction signal in mammalian germ cells by downregulating their nutrient transporter expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (IRDS), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (IRDS), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Froylan Sosa
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (IRDS), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Peter A Crawford
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Amanda C Zielen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA; Center for Reproductive Sciences, Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences (IRDS), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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35
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Llano E, Pendás AM. Synaptonemal Complex in Human Biology and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1718. [PMID: 37443752 PMCID: PMC10341275 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131718] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific multiprotein complex that forms between homologous chromosomes during prophase of meiosis I. Upon assembly, the SC mediates the synapses of the homologous chromosomes, leading to the formation of bivalents, and physically supports the formation of programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their subsequent repair and maturation into crossovers (COs), which are essential for genome haploidization. Defects in the assembly of the SC or in the function of the associated meiotic recombination machinery can lead to meiotic arrest and human infertility. The majority of proteins and complexes involved in these processes are exclusively expressed during meiosis or harbor meiosis-specific subunits, although some have dual functions in somatic DNA repair and meiosis. Consistent with their functions, aberrant expression and malfunctioning of these genes have been associated with cancer development. In this review, we focus on the significance of the SC and their meiotic-associated proteins in human fertility, as well as how human genetic variants encoding for these proteins affect the meiotic process and contribute to infertility and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Llano
- Departamento Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Alberto M. Pendás
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
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36
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Costa J, Braga PC, Rebelo I, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Mitochondria Quality Control and Male Fertility. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:827. [PMID: 37372112 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are pivotal to cellular homeostasis, performing vital functions such as bioenergetics, biosynthesis, and cell signalling. Proper maintenance of these processes is crucial to prevent disease development and ensure optimal cell function. Mitochondrial dynamics, including fission, fusion, biogenesis, mitophagy, and apoptosis, maintain mitochondrial quality control, which is essential for overall cell health. In male reproduction, mitochondria play a pivotal role in germ cell development and any defects in mitochondrial quality can have serious consequences on male fertility. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) also play a crucial role in sperm capacitation, but excessive ROS levels can trigger oxidative damage. Any imbalance between ROS and sperm quality control, caused by non-communicable diseases or environmental factors, can lead to an increase in oxidative stress, cell damage, and apoptosis, which in turn affect sperm concentration, quality, and motility. Therefore, assessing mitochondrial functionality and quality control is essential to gain valuable insights into male infertility. In sum, proper mitochondrial functionality is essential for overall health, and particularly important for male fertility. The assessment of mitochondrial functionality and quality control can provide crucial information for the study and management of male infertility and may lead to the development of new strategies for its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Costa
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia C Braga
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene Rebelo
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biologic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Faculty, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biologic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Faculty, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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37
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Chen J, Han C. In vivo functions of miRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1154938. [PMID: 37215089 PMCID: PMC10196063 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1154938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are believed to play important roles in mammalian spermatogenesis mainly because spermatogenesis is more or less disrupted when genes encoding key enzymes for miRNA biogenesis are mutated. However, it is challenging to study the functions of individual miRNAs due to their family-wise high sequence similarities and the clustered genomic distributions of their genes, both of which expose difficulties in using genetic methods. Accumulating evidence shows that a number of miRNAs indeed play important roles in mammalian spermatogenesis and the underlying mechanisms start to be understood. In this mini review, we focus on highlighting the roles of miRNAs in mammalian spermatogenesis elucidated mainly by using in vivo genetic methods and on discussing the underlying mechanisms. We propose that studies on the roles of miRNAs in spermatogenesis should and can be conducted in a more fruitful way given the progress in traditional methods and the birth of new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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38
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Krajnik K, Mietkiewska K, Skowronska A, Kordowitzki P, Skowronski MT. Oogenesis in Women: From Molecular Regulatory Pathways and Maternal Age to Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076837. [PMID: 37047809 PMCID: PMC10095116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is a well-known fact that the reproductive organs in women, especially oocytes, are exposed to numerous regulatory pathways and environmental stimuli. The maternal age is one cornerstone that influences the process of oocyte fertilization. More precisely, the longer a given oocyte is in the waiting-line to be ovulated from menarche to menopause, the longer the duration from oogenesis to fertilization, and therefore, the lower the chances of success to form a viable embryo. The age of menarche in girls ranges from 10 to 16 years, and the age of menopause in women ranges from approximately 45 to 55 years. Researchers are paying attention to the regulatory pathways that are impacting the oocyte at the very beginning during oogenesis in fetal life to discover genes and proteins that could be crucial for the oocyte’s lifespan. Due to the general trend in industrialized countries in the last three decades, women are giving birth to their first child in their thirties. Therefore, maternal age has become an important factor impacting oocytes developmental competence, since the higher a woman’s age, the higher the chances of miscarriage due to several causes, such as aneuploidy. Meiotic failures during oogenesis, such as, for instance, chromosome segregation failures or chromosomal non-disjunction, are influencing the latter-mentioned aging-related phenomenon too. These errors early in life of women can lead to sub- or infertility. It cannot be neglected that oogenesis is a precisely orchestrated process, during which the oogonia and primary oocytes are formed, and RNA synthesis takes place. These RNAs are crucial for oocyte growth and maturation. In this review, we intend to describe the relevance of regulatory pathways during the oogenesis in women. Furthermore, we focus on molecular pathways of oocyte developmental competence with regard to maternal effects during embryogenesis. On the background of transcriptional mechanisms that enable the transition from a silenced oocyte to a transcriptionally active embryo, we will briefly discuss the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Krajnik
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Klaudia Mietkiewska
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Skowronska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Pawel Kordowitzki
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Mariusz T. Skowronski
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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Tan X, Zheng C, Zhuang Y, Jin P, Wang F. The m6A reader PRRC2A is essential for meiosis I completion during spermatogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1636. [PMID: 36964127 PMCID: PMC10039029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37252-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and its reader proteins YTHDC1, YTHDC2, and YTHDF2 have been shown to exert essential functions during spermatogenesis. However, much remains unknown about m6A regulation mechanisms and the functions of specific readers during the meiotic cell cycle. Here, we show that the m6A reader Proline rich coiled-coil 2A (PRRC2A) is essential for male fertility. Germ cell-specific knockout of Prrc2a causes XY asynapsis and impaired meiotic sex chromosome inactivation in late-prophase spermatocytes. Moreover, PRRC2A-null spermatocytes exhibit delayed metaphase entry, chromosome misalignment, and spindle disorganization at metaphase I and are finally arrested at this stage. Sequencing data reveal that PRRC2A decreases the RNA abundance or improves the translation efficiency of targeting transcripts. Specifically, PRRC2A recognizes spermatogonia-specific transcripts and downregulates their RNA abundance to maintain the spermatocyte expression pattern during the meiosis prophase. For genes involved in meiotic cell division, PRRC2A improves the translation efficiency of their transcripts. Further, co-immunoprecipitation data show that PRRC2A interacts with several proteins regulating mRNA metabolism or translation (YBX1, YBX2, PABPC1, FXR1, and EIF4G3). Our study reveals post-transcriptional functions of PRRC2A and demonstrates its critical role in the completion of meiosis I in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinshui Tan
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yinghua Zhuang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pengpeng Jin
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Rockenbach MK, Fraga LR, Kowalski TW, Sanseverino MTV. Expression profiles of meiotic genes in male vs. female gonads and gametes: Insights into fertility issues. Front Genet 2023; 14:1125097. [PMID: 36999055 PMCID: PMC10045993 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1125097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gametes are specialized cells that, at fertilization, give rise to a totipotent zygote capable of generating an entire organism. Female and male germ cells undergo meiosis to produce mature gametes; however, sex-specific events of oogenesis and spermatogenesis contribute to specific roles of gametes in reproductive issues. We investigate the differential gene expression (DGE) of meiosis-related genes in human female and male gonads and gametes in normal and pathological conditions. The transcriptome data for the DGE analysis was obtained through the Gene Expression Omnibus repository, comprising human ovary and testicle samples of the prenatal period and adulthood, additionally to male (non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and teratozoospermia), and female (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and advanced maternal age) reproductive conditions. Gene ontology terms related to meiosis were associated with 678 genes, of which 17 genes in common were differentially expressed between the testicle and ovary during the prenatal period and adulthood. Except for SERPINA5 and SOX9, the 17 meiosis-related genes were downregulated in the testicle during the prenatal period and upregulated in adulthood compared to the ovary. No differences were observed in the oocytes of PCOS patients; however, meiosis-related genes were differentially expressed according to the patient’s age and maturity of the oocyte. In NOA and teratozoospermia, 145 meiosis-related genes were differentially expressed in comparison to the control, including OOEP; despite no recognized role in male reproduction, OOEP was co-expressed with genes related to male fertility. Taking together, these results shed light on potential genes that might be relevant to comprehend human fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Körbes Rockenbach
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rosa Fraga
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thayne Woycinck Kowalski
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Core, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro Universitário CESUCA, Cachoeirinha, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Thayne Woycinck Kowalski, ,
| | - Maria Teresa Vieira Sanseverino
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Bi-allelic MEI1 variants cause meiosis arrest and non-obstructive azoospermia. J Hum Genet 2023; 68:383-392. [PMID: 36759719 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-023-01119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is characterized by the failure of sperm production due to testicular disorders and represents the most severe form of male infertility. Growing evidences have indicated that gene defects could be the potential cause of NOA via genome-wide sequencing approaches. Here, bi-allelic deleterious variants in meiosis inhibitor protein 1 (MEI1) were identified by whole-exome sequencing in four Chinese patients with NOA. Testicular pathologic analysis and immunohistochemical staining revealed that spermatogenesis is arrested at spermatocyte stage, with defective programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) homoeostasis and meiotic chromosome synapsis in patients carrying the variants. In addition, our results showed that one missense variant (c.G186C) reduced the expression of MEI1 and one frameshift variant (c.251delT) led to truncated proteins of MEI1 in in vitro. Furthermore, the missense variant (c.T1585A) was assumed to affect the interaction between MEI1 and its partners via bioinformatic analysis. Collectively, our findings provide direct genetic and functional evidences that bi-allelic variants in MEI1 could cause defective DSBs homoeostasis and meiotic chromosome synapsis, which subsequently lead to meiosis arrest and male infertility. Thus, our study deepens our knowledge of the role of MEI1 in male fertility and provides a novel insight to understand the genetic aetiology of NOA.
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Li Y, Wu Y, Khan I, Zhou J, Lu Y, Ye J, Liu J, Xie X, Hu C, Jiang H, Fan S, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Jiang X, Xu B, Ma H, Shi Q. M1AP interacts with the mammalian ZZS complex and promotes male meiotic recombination. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55778. [PMID: 36440627 PMCID: PMC9900333 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Following meiotic recombination, each pair of homologous chromosomes acquires at least one crossover, which ensures accurate chromosome segregation and allows reciprocal exchange of genetic information. Recombination failure often leads to meiotic arrest, impairing fertility, but the molecular basis of recombination remains elusive. Here, we report a homozygous M1AP splicing mutation (c.1074 + 2T > C) in patients with severe oligozoospermia owing to meiotic metaphase I arrest. The mutation abolishes M1AP foci on the chromosome axes, resulting in decreased recombination intermediates and crossovers in male mouse models. M1AP interacts with the mammalian ZZS (an acronym for yeast proteins Zip2-Zip4-Spo16) complex components, SHOC1, TEX11, and SPO16. M1AP localizes to chromosomal axes in a SPO16-dependent manner and colocalizes with TEX11. Ablation of M1AP does not alter SHOC1 localization but reduces the recruitment of TEX11 to recombination intermediates. M1AP shows cytoplasmic localization in fetal oocytes and is dispensable for fertility and crossover formation in female mice. Our study provides the first evidence that M1AP acts as a copartner of the ZZS complex to promote crossover formation and meiotic progression in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Yufan Wu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Ihsan Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Yue Lu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Jingwei Ye
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Junyan Liu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Xuefeng Xie
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Congyuan Hu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Hanwei Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Suixing Fan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Bo Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui ProvinceUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
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Cecchini K, Biasini A, Yu T, Säflund M, Mou H, Arif A, Eghbali A, Colpan C, Gainetdinov I, de Rooij DG, Weng Z, Zamore PD, Özata DM. The transcription factor TCFL5 responds to A-MYB to elaborate the male meiotic program in mice. Reproduction 2023; 165:183-196. [PMID: 36395073 PMCID: PMC9812935 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In brief The testis-specific transcription factor, TCFL5, expressed in pachytene spermatocytes regulates the meiotic gene expression program in collaboration with the transcription factor A-MYB. Abstract In male mice, the transcription factors STRA8 and MEISON initiate meiosis I. We report that STRA8/MEISON activates the transcription factors A-MYB and TCFL5, which together reprogram gene expression after spermatogonia enter into meiosis. TCFL5 promotes the transcription of genes required for meiosis, mRNA turnover, miR-34/449 production, meiotic exit, and spermiogenesis. This transcriptional architecture is conserved in rhesus macaque, suggesting TCFL5 plays a central role in meiosis and spermiogenesis in placental mammals. Tcfl5em1/em1 mutants are sterile, and spermatogenesis arrests at the mid- or late-pachytene stage of meiosis. Moreover, Tcfl5+/em1 mutants produce fewer motile sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Cecchini
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Adriano Biasini
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Tianxiong Yu
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Martin Säflund
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Haiwei Mou
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Amena Arif
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Present address: Beam Therapeutics, 238 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Atiyeh Eghbali
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cansu Colpan
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Present address: Voyager Therapeutics, 75 Sidney St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ildar Gainetdinov
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Dirk G. de Rooij
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584, the Netherlands
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Phillip D. Zamore
- RNA Therapeutics Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Deniz M. Özata
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Lead contact
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Soriano J, Belmonte-Tebar A, de la Casa-Esperon E. Synaptonemal & CO analyzer: A tool for synaptonemal complex and crossover analysis in immunofluorescence images. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1005145. [PMID: 36743415 PMCID: PMC9894712 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1005145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
During the formation of ova and sperm, homologous chromosomes get physically attached through the synaptonemal complex and exchange DNA at crossover sites by a process known as meiotic recombination. Chromosomes that do not recombine or have anomalous crossover distributions often separate poorly during the subsequent cell division and end up in abnormal numbers in ova or sperm, which can lead to miscarriage or developmental defects. Crossover numbers and distribution along the synaptonemal complex can be visualized by immunofluorescent microscopy. However, manual analysis of large numbers of cells is very time-consuming and a major bottleneck for recombination studies. Some image analysis tools have been created to overcome this situation, but they are not readily available, do not provide synaptonemal complex data, or do not tackle common experimental difficulties, such as overlapping chromosomes. To overcome these limitations, we have created and validated an open-source ImageJ macro routine that facilitates and speeds up the crossover and synaptonemal complex analyses in mouse chromosome spreads, as well as in other vertebrate species. It is free, easy to use and fulfills the recommendations for enhancing rigor and reproducibility in biomedical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Soriano
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Angela Belmonte-Tebar
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Elena de la Casa-Esperon
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain,Biology of Cell Growth, Differentiation and Activation Group, Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain,*Correspondence: Elena de la Casa-Esperon,
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Gómez R, Viera A, Moreno-Mármol T, Berenguer I, Guajardo-Grence A, Tóth A, Parra MT, Suja JA. Kinase PLK1 regulates the disassembly of the lateral elements and the assembly of the inner centromere during the diakinesis/metaphase I transition in male mouse meiosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1069946. [PMID: 36733339 PMCID: PMC9887526 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1069946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PLK1 is a serine/threonine kinase with crucial roles during mitosis. However, its involvement during mammalian male meiosis remains largely unexplored. By inhibiting the kinase activity of PLK1 using BI 2536 on organotypic cultures of seminiferous tubules, we found that the disassembly of SYCP3 and HORMAD1 from the lateral elements of the synaptonemal complex during diakinesis is impeded. We also found that the normal recruitment of SYCP3 and HORMAD1 to the inner centromere in prometaphase I spermatocytes did not occur. Additionally, we analyzed the participation of PLK1 in the assembly of the inner centromere by studying its implication in the Bub1-H2AT120ph-dependent recruitment of shugoshin SGO2, and the Haspin-H3T3ph-dependent recruitment of Aurora B/C and Borealin. Our results indicated that both pathways are regulated by PLK1. Altogether, our results demonstrate that PLK1 is a master regulator of the late prophase I/metaphase I transition in mouse spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Gómez
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Rocío Gómez, ; José A. Suja,
| | - Alberto Viera
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Moreno-Mármol
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Berenguer
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Campus de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Guajardo-Grence
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Attila Tóth
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - María Teresa Parra
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Suja
- Unidad de Biología Celular, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Rocío Gómez, ; José A. Suja,
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Bruggeman JW, Koster J, van Pelt AMM, Speijer D, Hamer G. How germline genes promote malignancy in cancer cells. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200112. [PMID: 36300921 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancers often express hundreds of genes otherwise specific to germ cells, the germline/cancer (GC) genes. Here, we present and discuss the hypothesis that activation of a "germline program" promotes cancer cell malignancy. We do so by proposing four hallmark processes of the germline: meiosis, epigenetic plasticity, migration, and metabolic plasticity. Together, these hallmarks enable replicative immortality of germ cells as well as cancer cells. Especially meiotic genes are frequently expressed in cancer, implying that genes unique to meiosis may play a role in oncogenesis. Because GC genes are not expressed in healthy somatic tissues, they form an appealing source of specific treatment targets with limited side effects besides infertility. Although it is still unclear why germ cell specific genes are so abundantly expressed in cancer, from our hypothesis it follows that the germline's reproductive program is intrinsic to cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Willem Bruggeman
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dave Speijer
- Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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47
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Moura MT. Cloning by SCNT: Integrating Technical and Biology-Driven Advances. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2647:1-35. [PMID: 37041327 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3064-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) into enucleated oocytes initiates nuclear reprogramming of lineage-committed cells to totipotency. Pioneer SCNT work culminated with cloned amphibians from tadpoles, while technical and biology-driven advances led to cloned mammals from adult animals. Cloning technology has been addressing fundamental questions in biology, propagating desired genomes, and contributing to the generation of transgenic animals or patient-specific stem cells. Nonetheless, SCNT remains technically complex and cloning efficiency relatively low. Genome-wide technologies revealed barriers to nuclear reprogramming, such as persistent epigenetic marks of somatic origin and reprogramming resistant regions of the genome. To decipher the rare reprogramming events that are compatible with full-term cloned development, it will likely require technical advances for large-scale production of SCNT embryos alongside extensive profiling by single-cell multi-omics. Altogether, cloning by SCNT remains a versatile technology, while further advances should continuously refresh the excitement of its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Tigre Moura
- Chemical Biology Graduate Program, Federal University of São Paulo - UNIFESP, Campus Diadema, Diadema - SP, Brazil
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48
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Li M. Sex body: A nest of protein mixture. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1165745. [PMID: 37123420 PMCID: PMC10140345 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1165745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During the pachytene stage in mammalian meiosis, the X and Y chromosomes remain largely unsynapsed outside the pseudoautosomal region, while autosomes are fully synapsed. Then, the sex chromosomes are compartmentalized into a "sex body" in the nucleus and are subjected to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). For decades, the formation and functioning of the sex body and MSCI have been subjects worth exploring. Notably, a series of proteins have been reported to be located on the sex body area and inferred to play an essential role in MSCI; however, the proteins that are actually located in this area and how these proteins promote sex body formation and establish MSCI remain unclear. Collectively, the DNA damage response factors, downstream fanconi anemia proteins, and other canonical repressive histone modifications have been reported to be associated with the sex body. Here, this study reviews the factors located on the sex body area and tries to provide new insights into studying this mysterious domain.
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49
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The Male Mouse Meiotic Cilium Emanates from the Mother Centriole at Zygotene Prior to Centrosome Duplication. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010142. [PMID: 36611937 PMCID: PMC9818220 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia are hair-like projections of the plasma membrane with an inner microtubule skeleton known as axoneme. Motile cilia and flagella beat to displace extracellular fluids, playing important roles in the airways and reproductive system. On the contrary, primary cilia function as cell-type-dependent sensory organelles, detecting chemical, mechanical, or optical signals from the extracellular environment. Cilia dysfunction is associated with genetic diseases called ciliopathies and with some types of cancer. Cilia have been recently identified in zebrafish gametogenesis as an important regulator of bouquet conformation and recombination. However, there is little information about the structure and functions of cilia in mammalian meiosis. Here we describe the presence of cilia in male mouse meiotic cells. These solitary cilia formed transiently in 20% of zygotene spermatocytes and reached considerable lengths (up to 15-23 µm). CEP164 and CETN3 localization studies indicated that these cilia emanate from the mother centriole prior to centrosome duplication. In addition, the study of telomeric TFR2 suggested that cilia are not directly related to the bouquet conformation during early male mouse meiosis. Instead, based on TEX14 labeling of intercellular bridges in spermatocyte cysts, we suggest that mouse meiotic cilia may have sensory roles affecting cyst function during prophase I.
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50
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Chan SY, Wan CWT, Law TYS, Chan DYL, Fok EKL. The Sperm Small RNA Transcriptome: Implications beyond Reproductive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415716. [PMID: 36555356 PMCID: PMC9779749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415716] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from the paternal half of the genetic material, the male gamete carries assorted epigenetic marks for optimal fertilization and the developmental trajectory for the early embryo. Recent works showed dynamic changes in small noncoding RNA (sncRNA) in spermatozoa as they transit through the testicular environment to the epididymal segments. Studies demonstrated the changes to be mediated by epididymosomes during the transit through the adluminal duct in the epididymis, and the changes in sperm sncRNA content stemmed from environmental insults significantly altering the early embryo development and predisposing the offspring to metabolic disorders. Here, we review the current knowledge on the establishment of the sperm sncRNA transcriptome and their role in male-factor infertility, evidence of altered offspring health in response to the paternal life experiences through sperm sncRNA species and, finally, their implications in assisted reproductive technology in terms of epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Yan Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Crystal Wing Tung Wan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tin Yu Samuel Law
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence: (D.Y.L.C.); (E.K.L.F.)
| | - Ellis Kin Lam Fok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610017, China
- Correspondence: (D.Y.L.C.); (E.K.L.F.)
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