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Derakhshan Z, Bahmanpour S, Alaee S, Fallahi J, Tabei SMB. The Role of Circular RNAs in Male Infertility and Reproductive Cancers: A Narrative Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:527-541. [PMID: 38094281 PMCID: PMC10715113 DOI: 10.30476/ijms.2022.95302.2661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a global health problem affecting about 15% of all couples, of which 50% are due to male infertility. Although the etiology of infertility is known in most infertile men, idiopathic male infertility remains a challenge. Therefore, there is a need for novel diagnostic methods to detect the underlying mechanisms and develop appropriate therapies. Recent studies have focused on the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in male infertility. Circular RNAs (CircRNAs), a type of ncRNAs, are found to play a key role in the development of some pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, autoimmune diseases, etc. Several studies have reported the presence of CircRNAs and their target genes in the human reproductive system. In addition, their expression in testicular tissues, sperm cells, and seminal fluid has been identified. Abnormal expression of CircRNAs has been associated with azoospermia and asthenozoospermia in infertile men. The present narrative review provides a brief description of the role of CircRNAs in spermatogenic cells, male infertility, and reproductive cancers. In addition, some CircRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for disease detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Derakhshan
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soghra Bahmanpour
- Department of Anatomy and Reproductive Biology, School of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sanaz Alaee
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Bagher Tabei
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Batool SM, Yekula A, Khanna P, Hsia T, Gamblin AS, Ekanayake E, Escobedo AK, You DG, Castro CM, Im H, Kilic T, Garlin MA, Skog J, Dinulescu DM, Dudley J, Agrawal N, Cheng J, Abtin F, Aberle DR, Chia D, Elashoff D, Grognan T, Krysan K, Oh SS, Strom C, Tu M, Wei F, Xian RR, Skates SJ, Zhang DY, Trinh T, Watson M, Aft R, Rawal S, Agarwal A, Kesmodel SB, Yang C, Shen C, Hochberg FH, Wong DTW, Patel AA, Papadopoulos N, Bettegowda C, Cote RJ, Srivastava S, Lee H, Carter BS, Balaj L. The Liquid Biopsy Consortium: Challenges and opportunities for early cancer detection and monitoring. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101198. [PMID: 37716353 PMCID: PMC10591039 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The emerging field of liquid biopsy stands at the forefront of novel diagnostic strategies for cancer and other diseases. Liquid biopsy allows minimally invasive molecular characterization of cancers for diagnosis, patient stratification to therapy, and longitudinal monitoring. Liquid biopsy strategies include detection and monitoring of circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and extracellular vesicles. In this review, we address the current understanding and the role of existing liquid-biopsy-based modalities in cancer diagnostics and monitoring. We specifically focus on the technical and clinical challenges associated with liquid biopsy and biomarker development being addressed by the Liquid Biopsy Consortium, established through the National Cancer Institute. The Liquid Biopsy Consortium has developed new methods/assays and validated existing methods/technologies to capture and characterize tumor-derived circulating cargo, as well as addressed existing challenges and provided recommendations for advancing biomarker assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anudeep Yekula
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prerna Khanna
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tiffaney Hsia
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Austin S Gamblin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emil Ekanayake
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana K Escobedo
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dong Gil You
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cesar M Castro
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyungsoon Im
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tugba Kilic
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Johan Skog
- Exosome Diagnostics Inc., Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Dudley
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jordan Cheng
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - David Chia
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Elashoff
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Scott S Oh
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Charles Strom
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Tu
- Liquid Diagnostics LLC., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fang Wei
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rena R Xian
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Steven J Skates
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Thi Trinh
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mark Watson
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca Aft
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Siddarth Rawal
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Circulogix Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Cheng Shen
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | | | - David T W Wong
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Richard J Cote
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Circulogix Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sudhir Srivastava
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hakho Lee
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bob S Carter
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leonora Balaj
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Shi X, Liao S, Bi Z, Liu J, Li H, Feng C. Newly discovered circRNAs encoding proteins: recent progress. Front Genet 2023; 14:1264606. [PMID: 37829278 PMCID: PMC10565661 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1264606] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is a special class of noncoding RNA molecules and the latest research hotspot in the field of RNA. CircRNA molecules have a closed loop structure, which is not affected by RNA exonuclease and has the characteristics of more stable expression. Previous studies have shown that circRNA molecules are rich in microRNA (miRNA) binding sites and act as miRNA sponges in cells. By interacting with miRNAs associated with tumors and other diseases, circRNAs play an important regulatory role. However, circRNAs have recently been found to have small open reading frames that enable them to encode peptides/proteins. These proteins have been reported to play an important role in the mechanism of regulation of a variety of diseases and have great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of action of the newly discovered circRNA-coding proteins since 2022 and briefly describe their research process. In addition, we also discuss the prediction model of the functional sites and encoded proteins of circRNAs, which provides a potential idea for future research on circRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shiyu Liao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhiguo Bi
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyang Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Kyrgiafini MA, Mamuris Z. Circular RNAs and Their Role in Male Infertility: A Systematic Review. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1046. [PMID: 37509082 PMCID: PMC10377305 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071046] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global health problem that is on the rise. Today, many noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are associated with male infertility. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently drawn attention, but a comprehensive understanding of the role of circRNAs in male infertility is limited. This systematic review investigates the differential expression of circRNAs in male infertility or circRNAs that could serve as candidate biomarkers. The PRISMA guidelines were used to search PubMed and Web of Science on 11 January 2023. Inclusion criteria were human participants, experimental studies aiming to associate circRNAs with male infertility reporting differentially expressed circRNAs, and the English language. A total of 156 articles were found, and after the screening and eligibility stages, 13 studies were included in the final sample. Many circRNAs are deregulated in male infertility, and their interactions with miRNAs play an important role in affecting cellular processes and pathways. CircRNAs could also be used as biomarkers to screen patients before sperm retrieval. However, most studies focus on the role of circRNAs in azoospermia, and there is a knowledge gap regarding other subtypes of male infertility. Future research is needed to explore the exact mechanism of action of circRNAs and investigate their use as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Anna Kyrgiafini
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Zissis Mamuris
- Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Viopolis Mezourlo, 41500 Larissa, Greece
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Avgoulas DI, Tasioulis KS, Papi RM, Pantazaki AA. Therapeutic and Diagnostic Potential of Exosomes as Drug Delivery Systems in Brain Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051439. [PMID: 37242681 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is designated as one of the principal causes of mortality universally. Among different types of cancer, brain cancer remains the most challenging one due to its aggressiveness, the ineffective permeation ability of drugs through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and drug resistance. To overcome the aforementioned issues in fighting brain cancer, there is an imperative need for designing novel therapeutic approaches. Exosomes have been proposed as prospective "Trojan horse" nanocarriers of anticancer theranostics owing to their biocompatibility, increased stability, permeability, negligible immunogenicity, prolonged circulation time, and high loading capacity. This review provides a comprehensive discussion on the biological properties, physicochemical characteristics, isolation methods, biogenesis and internalization of exosomes, while it emphasizes their therapeutic and diagnostic potential as drug vehicle systems in brain cancer, highlighting recent advances in the research field. A comparison of the biological activity and therapeutic effectiveness of several exosome-encapsulated cargo including drugs and biomacromolecules underlines their great supremacy over the non-exosomal encapsulated cargo in the delivery, accumulation, and biological potency. Various studies on cell lines and animals give prominence to exosome-based nanoparticles (NPs) as a promising and alternative approach in the management of brain cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios I Avgoulas
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos S Tasioulis
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Rigini M Papi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia A Pantazaki
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Oluwayiose OA, Houle E, Whitcomb BW, Suvorov A, Rahil T, Sites CK, Krawetz SA, Visconti P, Pilsner JR. Altered non-coding RNA profiles of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles of men with poor semen quality undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. Andrology 2023; 11:677-686. [PMID: 36111950 PMCID: PMC10017372 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the precise mechanisms that underline male infertility are still unclear. Accumulating data implicate non-coding RNA cargo of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles due to their association with poor semen quality and higher expression levels relative to vesicle-free seminal plasma. METHOD We assessed sperm-free seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non-coding RNA profiles from 91 semen samples collected from male participants of couples seeking infertility treatment. Men were classified into two groups (poor, n = 32; normal, n = 59) based on World Health Organization semen cutoffs. Small RNA sequencing reads were mapped to standard biotype-specific transcriptomes in the order micro RNA > transfer RNA > piwi-interacting RNA > ribosomal RNA > ribosomal RNA > circular RNA > long non-coding RNA using STAR. Differential expression of normalized non-coding RNA read counts between the two groups was conducted by EdgeR (Fold change ≥1.5 and (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05). RESULT Small RNA sequencing identified a wide variety of seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non-coding RNA biotypes including micro RNA, ribosomal RNAs, piwi-interacting RNAs, transfer RNA, long non-coding RNAs as well as circular RNAs, and fragments associated with pseudogenes, and nonsense-mediated decay. The expression levels of 57 seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non-coding RNAs (micro RNA: 6, piwi-interacting RNA: 4, ribosomal RNA: 6, circular RNA: 34, and long non-coding RNA: 7) were altered in men with poor semen quality relative to normal semen parameters, many (60%) of which were circular RNA species. Ontology analysis of differentially expressed micro RNAs and circular RNAs showed enrichment in functional terms related to cellular communication and early development. CONCLUSION This is the first study to generate comprehensive seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non-coding RNA profiles in a clinical setting and to determine the differences between men with normal and abnormal semen parameters. Thus, our study suggests that seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non-coding RNAs may represent novel biomarkers of male reproductive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A. Oluwayiose
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Brian W. Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Amherst, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Tayyab Rahil
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan--Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Cynthia K. Sites
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan--Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State School of Medicine
| | - Pablo Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 N. Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - J. Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Zhang S, Wang C, Wang Y, Zhang H, Xu C, Cheng Y, Yuan Y, Sha J, Guo X, Cui Y. A novel protein encoded by circRsrc1 regulates mitochondrial ribosome assembly and translation during spermatogenesis. BMC Biol 2023; 21:94. [PMID: 37095490 PMCID: PMC10127071 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01597-z] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of mammalian RNAs. Several protein products translated by circRNAs have been reported to be involved in the development of various tissues and systems; however, their physiological functions in male reproduction have yet not been explored. RESULTS Here, we report an endogenous circRNA (circRsrc1) that encodes a novel 161-amino-acid protein which we named Rsrc1-161aa through circRNA sequencing coupled with mass spectrometry analysis on mouse testicular tissues. Deletion of Rsrc1-161aa in mice impaired male fertility with a significant decrease in sperm count and motility due to dysfunctions of mitochondrial energy metabolism. A series of in vitro rescue experiments revealed that circRsrc1 regulates mitochondrial functions via its encoded protein Rsrc1-161aa. Mechanistically, Rsrc1-161aa directly interacts with mitochondrial protein C1qbp and enhances its binding activity to mitochondrial mRNAs, thereby regulating the assembly of mitochondrial ribosomes and affecting the translation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) proteins and mitochondrial energy metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Our studies reveal that Rsrc1-161aa protein encoded by circRsrc1 regulates mitochondrial ribosome assembly and translation during spermatogenesis, thereby affecting male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yiwei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Li J, Yang F, Dong L, Chang D, Yu X. Seminal plasma biomarkers for predicting successful sperm retrieval in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia: a narrative review of human studies. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:9. [PMID: 37076787 PMCID: PMC10116801 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00184-0] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is considered to be the most severe form of male infertility. Before the emergence of surgical testicular sperm extraction and assisted reproductive technology, NOA patients could hardly become biological fathers of their children. However, failure of the surgery could cause physical and psychological harm to patients such as testicular damage, pain, hopeless of fertility and additional cost. Therefore, predicting the successful sperm retrieval (SSR) is so important for NOA patients to make their choice whether to do the surgery or not. Because seminal plasma is secreted by the testes and accessory gonads, it can reflect the spermatogenic environment, making it a preferential choice for SSR valuation. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the available evidence and provide the reader with a broad overview of biomarkers in seminal plasma for SSR prediction. RESULTS A total of 15,390 studies were searched from PUBMED, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Web of Science, but only 6615 studies were evaluated after duplications were removed. The abstracts of 6513 articles were excluded because they were irrelevant to the topic. The full texts of 102 articles were obtained, with 21 of them being included in this review. The included studies range in quality from medium to high. In the included articles, surgical sperm extraction methods included conventional testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). Currently, the biomarkers in seminal plasma used to predict SSR are primarily RNAs, metabolites, AMH, inhibin B, leptin, survivin, clusterin, LGALS3BP, ESX1, TEX101, TNP1, DAZ, PRM1 and PRM2. CONCLUSION The evidence does not conclusively indicate that AMH and INHB in seminal plasma are valuable to predict the SSR. It is worth noting that RNAs, metabolites and other biomarkers in seminal plasma have shown great potential in predicting SSR. However, existing evidence is insufficient to provide clinicians with adequate decision support, and more prospective, large sample size, and multicenter trials are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Li
- Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, The Fifth People's Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611130, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Yang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Dong
- The Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Degui Chang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Xujun Yu
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
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Manfrevola F, Chioccarelli T, Mele VG, Porreca V, Mattia M, Cimini D, D'Agostino A, Cobellis G, Fasano S, Schiraldi C, Chianese R, Pierantoni R. Novel Insights into circRNA Saga Coming from Spermatozoa and Epididymis of HFD Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076865. [PMID: 37047838 PMCID: PMC10095261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a pathophysiological disorder associated with adiposity accumulation, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation state that is progressively increasing in younger population worldwide, negatively affecting male reproductive skills. An emerging topic in the field of male reproduction is circRNAs, covalently closed RNA molecules produced by backsplicing, actively involved in a successful spermatogenesis and in establishing high-quality sperm parameters. However, a direct correlation between obesity and impaired circRNA cargo in spermatozoa (SPZ) remains unclear. In the current work, using C57BL6/J male mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat) as experimental model of oxidative stress, we investigated the impact of HFD on sperm morphology and motility as well as on spermatic circRNAs. We performed a complete dataset of spermatic circRNA content by a microarray strategy, and differentially expressed (DE)-circRNAs were identified. Using a circRNA/miRNA/target network (ceRNET) analysis, we identified circRNAs potentially involved in oxidative stress and sperm motility pathways. Interestingly, we demonstrated an enhanced skill of HFD sperm in backsplicing activity together with an inefficient epididymal circRNA biogenesis. Fused protein in sarcoma (FUS) and its ability to recruit quaking (QKI) could be involved in orchestrating such mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Mattia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Donatella Cimini
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonella D'Agostino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Schiraldi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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Li C, Yan Y, Pan C, Adjei M, Shahzad K, Wang P, Pan M, Li K, Wang Y, Zhao W. Identification and analysis of differentially expressed (DE) circRNA in epididymis of yak and cattleyak. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1040419. [PMID: 36825227 PMCID: PMC9941329 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1040419] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as endogenous non-coding RNA with unique closed ring structure, is closely related to animal reproduction, and understanding the expression of circRNA in yak and cattleyak epididymal tissues is of great significance for understanding cattleyak sterility. Based on this, we screened and identified the differentially expressed circRNA in the epididymis of three yaks and two cattleyak. A total of 1,298 circRNAs were identified in the epididymis of yak and cattleyak, of which 137 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and the functions of some of them were elucidated in this research, as well as qPCR verification to 6 circRNAs from the 137 DE circRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that DE circRNAs were mainly related to metabolic process, development process, immune system process, reproductive process, reproduction, biological adhesion and growth. COG classification analysis showed that the DE circRNAs derived genes were mainly related to replication, recombination and repair. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that DE circRNAs were mainly involved in RNA degradation. In addition, we also screened Bta-mir-103, which is a circRNA binding miRNA related to sperm activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhai Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Yan
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'An, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cheng Pan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Michael Adjei
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Khuram Shahzad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Meilan Pan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Kerui Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Ye Wang ✉
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China,Wangsheng Zhao ✉
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11
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Saberiyan M, Karimi E, Safi A, Movahhed P, Dehdehi L, Haririan N, Mirfakhraie R. Circular RNAs: Novel Biomarkers in Spermatogenesis Defects and Male Infertility. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:62-71. [PMID: 35178677 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00885-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of endogenous non-coding RNAs involved in several cellular and biological processes, including gene expression regulation, microRNA function, transcription regulation, and translation modification. Therefore, these non-coding RNAs have important roles in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Male infertility is mainly due to abnormal sperm parameters such as motility, morphology, and concentration. Recent studies have confirmed the role of circRNAs in spermatogenesis, and the expression of several circRNAs is confirmed in seminal plasma, spermatozoa, and testicular tissue. It is suggested that deregulation of circRNAs is involved in different types of male infertility, including azoospermia, oligozoospermia, and asthenozoospermia. In the present review, we aimed to discuss the potential roles of circRNAs in spermatogenesis failure, sperm defects, and male infertility. Due to their conserved and special structure and tissue-specific expression pattern, circRNAs can be applied as reliable noninvasive molecular biomarkers, therapeutic and pharmaceutical targets in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Saberiyan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Elham Karimi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amir Safi
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch, , Najafabad, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Movahhed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dehdehi
- Clinical Research Developmental Unit, Hajar Hospital, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nazanin Haririan
- Biology Department, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirfakhraie
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Koodakyar St, Velenjak Ave, Chamran highway, 19395-4719, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Xu C, Yang H, Li C, Wu Z, Ma Y. Melatonin Increases Proliferation and Decreases Apoptosis of GC-1 spg Cells by Upregulating the Expression of circTec. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:135-144. [PMID: 35426037 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00937-8] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin has been shown to be beneficial for the motility of human sperm, although its mechanism remains to be uncovered. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to regulate cellular function in many diseases. However, there has been no relevant research on the effect of melatonin on sperm circRNAs. In this study, we aimed to explore the changes in circRNAs after melatonin treatment of GC-1 spg cells and identify key functional circRNAs. The results showed that melatonin enhanced the proliferation and reduced the apoptosis of GC-1 spg cells. A total of 1423 circRNAs were found to be significantly differentially expressed between groups with and without melatonin treatment. Of these circRNAs, 702 were upregulated and 721 were downregulated. circTec was one of the upregulated circRNAs. Suppressing the expression of circTec significantly reduced cell proliferation and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway activation but promoted melatonin-treated GC-1 spg cell apoptosis. In conclusion, melatonin increased the expression of circTec to exert its physiological effects on GC-1 spg cells, possibly by activating the mTOR signaling pathway. These results enhance our understanding of the biological function of circTec and its regulation by melatonin in spermatogenesis and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changlong Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, the Second Nanning People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning, 530031, China.
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, the Second Nanning People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning, 530031, China
| | - Chunyuan Li
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, the Second Nanning People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning, 530031, China
| | - Zhuo Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medical Center, the Second Nanning People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning, 530031, China
| | - Yafeng Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wuxiang Hospital of Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, 530031, China
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13
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Li HM, Wan XY, Zhao JY, Liang XM, Dai Y, Li HG. Promising novel biomarkers and therapy targets: The application of cell-free seminal nucleotides in male reproduction research. Transl Res 2022; 256:73-86. [PMID: 36586533 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy has the advantage of diagnosing diseases in a non-invasive manner. Seminal plasma contains secretions from the bilateral testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands, and the prostate. These organs are relatively small and contain delicate tubes that are prone to damage by invasive diagnosis. Cell-free seminal nucleic acids test is a newly emerged item in liquid biopsy. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of all known cell-free DNA and cell-free RNAs (mRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, piRNA, YRNA, tsRNA, etc.) and discuss their roles as biomarker candidates in liquid biopsy. With great advantages, including high stability, sensitivity, representability, and non-invasiveness, cell-free DNA/RNAs may be developed as promising biomarkers for the screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of diseases in semen-secreting organs. Moreover, RNAs in semen may participate in important processes, including sperm maturation, early embryo development, and transgenerational disease inheritance, which may be developed as potential treatment targets for future clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Li
- Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Yan Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510620, P. R. China
| | - Jie-Yi Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xu-Ming Liang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, P. R. China
| | - Yun Dai
- Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Gang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, P. R. China; Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, 430030, P. R. China.
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14
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Identification of Circular RNAs of Testis and Caput Epididymis and Prediction of Their Potential Functional Roles in Donkeys. Genes (Basel) 2022; 14:genes14010066. [PMID: 36672807 PMCID: PMC9858477 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010066] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs with a covalently closed loop. Studies have demonstrated that circRNA can function as microRNA (miRNA) sponges or competing endogenous RNAs. Although circRNA has been explored in some species and tissues, the genetic basis of testis development and spermatogenesis in donkeys remain unknown. We performed RNA-seq to detect circRNA expression profiles of adult donkey testes. Length distribution and other characteristics were shown a total of 1971 circRNAs were differentially expressed and 12,648 and 6261 circRNAs were detected from the testis and caput epididymis, respectively. Among these circRNAs, 1472 circRNAs were downregulated and 499 circRNAs were upregulated in the testis. Moreover, KEGG pathway analyses and Gene Ontology were performed for host genes of circRNAs. A total of 39 upregulated circRNA host genes were annotated in spermatogenesis terms, including PIWIL2, CATSPERD, CATSPERB, SPATA6, and SYCP1. Other host genes were annotated in the focal adhesion, Rap1 signaling pathway. Downregulated expressed circRNA host genes participated in the TGF-β signaling pathway, GnRH signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway. Our discoveries provide a solid foundation for identifying and characterizing critical circRNAs involved in testis development or spermatogenesis.
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15
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Circ-CREBBP inhibits sperm apoptosis via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway by sponging miR-10384 and miR-143-3p. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1339. [PMID: 36476986 PMCID: PMC9729231 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04263-2] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive diseases are becoming increasingly prominent, and sperm quality is an important indicator to reflect these diseases. Seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SPEVs) are involved in sperm motility. However, their effects on sperm remain unclear. Here, we identified 222 differentially expressed circRNAs in SPEVs between boars with high or low sperm motility. We found that circ-CREBBP promoted sperm motility and inhibited sperm apoptosis by sponging miR-10384 and miR-143-3p. In addition, miR-10384 and miR-143-3p can regulate the expression of MCL1, CREB1 and CREBBP. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MCL1 interacted directly with BAX and that CREBBP interacted with CREB1 in sperm. We showed that inhibition of circ-CREBBP can reduce the expression of MCL1, CREB1 and CREBBP and increase the expression of BAX and CASP3, thus promoting sperm apoptosis. Our results suggest that circ-CREBBP may be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for male reproductive diseases.
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16
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Exploring the physiological roles of circular RNAs in livestock animals. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:726-735. [PMID: 36270182 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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17
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Deng J, Wang Q, Zhang J, Ma Y, Qi Y, Liu Z, Li Y, Ruan Q, Huang Y. Identification and characterization of human cytomegalovirus-encoded circular RNAs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:980974. [PMID: 36452301 PMCID: PMC9702070 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.980974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) exists extensively and plays essential roles in serving as microRNA (miRNA) or protein sponges and protein scaffolding in many organisms. However, the profiles and potential functions of the virus-encoded circRNA, including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-encoded circular RNAs, remain unclear. In the present study, HCMV-encoded circRNAs profile in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) with lytic infection was investigated using RNA deep sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. In total, 629 HCMV-encoded circRNAs were identified with various expression patterns in our results. The full sequences and alternative splicings of circUS12, circUL55, and circUL89 were verified by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) with divergent primers followed and Sanger sequencing. Transcription of circUL89 was validated by Northern blot. The HCMV-encoded circRNA-miRNA network analyses revealed the potential function of HCMV-encoded circRNAs during HCMV infection in HELFs. Collectively, HCMV infection deduced abundant HCMV-associated circRNAs during infection, and the HCMV-encoded circRNAs might play important roles in benefiting HCMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingui Deng
- Department of Microorganism Laboratory, Shenyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenyang, China
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Qi
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongyang Liu
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yibo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Ruan
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yujing Huang
- Virology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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18
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Manfrevola F, Potenza N, Chioccarelli T, Di Palo A, Siniscalchi C, Porreca V, Scialla A, Mele VG, Petito G, Russo A, Lanni A, Senese R, Ricci G, Pierantoni R, Chianese R, Cobellis G. Actin remodeling driven by circLIMA1: sperm cell as an intriguing cellular model. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5136-5153. [PMID: 35982890 PMCID: PMC9379403 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CircRNA cargo in spermatozoa (SPZ) participates in setting cell quality, in terms of morphology and motility. Cannabinoid receptor CB1 activity is correlated with a proper spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation. Despite CB1 promotes endogenous skill to circularize mRNAs in SPZ, few notions are reported regarding the functional link between endocannabinoids and spermatic circRNA cargo. In CB1 knock-out male mice, we performed a complete dataset of spermatic circRNA content by microarray strategy. Differentially expressed (DE)-circRNAs, as a function of genotype, were identified. Within DE-circRNAs, we focused the attention on circLIMA1, as putative actin-cytoskeleton architecture regulator. The validation of circLIMA1 dependent-competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network (ceRNET) in in vitro cell line confirmed its activity in the regulation of the cytoskeletal actin. Interestingly, a dynamic actin regulation in SPZ nuclei was found during their epididymal maturation. In this scenario, we showed for the first time an intriguing sperm nuclear actin remodeling, regulated via a ceRNET-independent pathway, consisting in the nuclear shuttling of circLIMA1-QKI interactome and downstream in Gelsolin regulation. In particular, the increased levels of circLIMA1 in CB1 knock-out SPZ, associated with an inefficient depolymerization of nuclear actin, specifically illustrate how endocannabinoids, by regulating circRNA cargo, may contribute to sperm morpho-cellular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Armando Di Palo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Chiara Siniscalchi
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Scialla
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Petito
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonia Lanni
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosalba Senese
- Department of Environmental, Biological, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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He Z, Ma Z, Yang D, Chen Q, He Z, Hu J, Deng F, Zhang Q, He J, Ye L, Chen H, He L, Huang X, Luo W, Yang S, Gu X, Zhang M, Yan T. Circular RNA expression profiles and CircSnd1-miR-135b/c-foxl2 axis analysis in gonadal differentiation of protogynous hermaphroditic ricefield eel Monopterus albus. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:552. [PMID: 35922747 PMCID: PMC9347082 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08783-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression and biological functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in reproductive organs have been extensively reported. However, it is still unclear whether circRNAs are involved in sex change. To this end, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed in gonads at 5 sexual stages (ovary, early intersexual stage gonad, middle intersexual stage gonad, late intersexual stage gonad, and testis) of ricefield eel, and the expression profiles and potential functions of circRNAs were studied. RESULTS Seven hundred twenty-one circRNAs were identified, and the expression levels of 10 circRNAs were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and found to be in accordance with the RNA-seq data, suggesting that the RNA-seq data were reliable. Then, the sequence length, category, sequence composition and the relationship between the parent genes of the circRNAs were explored. A total of 147 circRNAs were differentially expressed in the sex change process, and GO and KEGG analyses revealed that some differentially expressed (such as novel_circ_0000659, novel_circ_0004005 and novel_circ_0005865) circRNAs were closely involved in sex change. Furthermore, expression pattern analysis demonstrated that both circSnd1 and foxl2 were downregulated in the process of sex change, which was contrary to mal-miR-135b. Finally, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation showed that circSnd1 and foxl2 can combine with mal-miR-135b and mal-miR-135c. These data revealed that circSnd1 regulates foxl2 expression in the sex change of ricefield eel by acting as a sponge of mal-miR-135b/c. CONCLUSION Our results are the first to demonstrate that circRNAs have potential effects on sex change in ricefield eel; and circSnd1 could regulate foxl2 expression in the sex change of ricefield eel by acting as a sponge of mal-miR-135b/c. These data will be useful for enhancing our understanding of sequential hermaphroditism and sex change in ricefield eel or other teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhijun Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Deying Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiqi Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhide He
- Luzhou City Department of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxiang Hu
- Sichuan Water Conservancy Vocational College, Chengdu, 611231, Sichuan, China
| | - Faqiang Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiayang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Lijuan Ye
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongjun Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiyong Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingwang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Taiming Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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20
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Wei Y, Wang J, Wang Q, Cong B, Li S. The estimation of bloodstain age utilizing circRNAs and mRNAs biomarkers. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 338:111408. [PMID: 35901585 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111408] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Determining the time since deposition (TsD) of bloodstains can provide forensic investigators with additional clues, as it can corroborate eyewitness accounts, limit the number of suspects, and help confirm alibis. Bloodstains are the most common bodily fluid stains at crime scenes. In this study, we examined the relative expression levels (REs) of circRNAs and mRNAs data in bloodstains over ten time points by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), to determine the utility of the relative expression levels of RNA markers for TsD estimation. Forensic samples more than just appear in indoor settings, we also evaluated the use of RNA degradation rate to indicate the age of bloodstains in different environments including indoor and outdoor conditions. The expression levels of six blood-specific mRNA markers (GYPA, CD93, ALAS2, SPTB, HBB, HBA), three highly expressed circRNAs in human peripheral blood (hsa_circ_0001445, hsa_circ_0000972, hsa_circ_0000095) and three reference genes (18 S, ACTB and U6) were analyzed across numerous ageing time points. Analysis of the degradation rates of individual RNAs under indoor and outdoor conditions showed that they exhibited a unique degradation profile during the four-month storage interval, with both circRNAs and mRNAs linearly showing continuous degradation, while U6 is more stable than other reference gene markers. In the current study, we firstly used circRNAs as additional novel biomarkers for bloodstain age estimation, and at the same time proved that different environments had a significant impact on the REs of certain blood biomarkers, and sex differences did not affect the age estimation of bloodstains. The REs of the selected RNA molecules in this study showed a non-linear relationship with bloodstain age and the mathematical formula for estimating the bloodstain age based on the relative expression levels of hsa_circ_0001445, ALAS2 and HBB can be used to estimate the TsD of bloodstains from the REs of bloodstains of unknown age, which represent a potentially effective approach to looking for time-dependent changes and TsD estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyan Wei
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Junyan Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Qian Wang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Bin Cong
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Shujin Li
- College of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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21
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Wang D, Gao Y, Sun S, Li L, Wang K. Expression Characteristics in Roots, Phloem, Leaves, Flowers and Fruits of Apple circRNA. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040712. [PMID: 35456518 PMCID: PMC9030095 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed non-coding RNAs that play pivotal roles in various biological processes. However, circRNAs' roles in different tissues of apple are currently unknown. A total of 6495 unique circRNAs were identified from roots, phloem, leaves, flowers and fruits; 65.99% of them were intergenic circRNAs. Similar to other plants, tissue-specific expression was also observed for apple circRNAs; only 175 (2.69%) circRNAs were prevalently expressed in all five different tissues, while 1256, 1064, 912, 904 and 1080 circRNAs were expressed only in roots, phloem, leaves, flowers and fruit, respectively. The hosting-genes of circRNAs showed significant differences enriched in COG, GO terms or KEGG pathways in five tissues, suggesting the special functions of circRNAs in different tissues. Potential binding interactions between circRNAs and miRNAs were investigated using TargetFinder; 2989 interactions between 647 circRNAs and 192 miRNA were predicated in the present study. It also predicted that Chr00:18744403|18744580-mdm-miR160 might play an important role in the formation of flowers or in regulating the coloration of flowers, Chr10:6857496|6858910-mdm-miR168 might be involved in response to drought stress in roots, and Chr03:1226434|1277176 may absorb mdm-miR482a-3p and play a major role in disease resistance. Two circRNAs were experimentally analyzed by qRT-PCR with divergent primers, the expression levels were consistent with RNA-seq, which indicates that the RNA-seq datasets were reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kun Wang
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-429-3598120
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22
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Li M, Ding W, Liu G, Wang J. Extracellular Circular RNAs Act as Novel First Messengers Mediating Cell Cross-Talk in Ischemic Cardiac Injury and Myocardial Remodeling. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2022; 15:444-455. [PMID: 35182317 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-022-10219-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) causes most of the mortality worldwide. Coronary obstruction-caused myocardial ischemic injury leads to permanent loss of the myocardium. Subsequent compensatory myocardial remodeling and heart failure would result in arrhythmia and even sudden death. The molecular mechanisms of these pathological processes remain to be thoroughly revealed. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are special types of non-coding RNAs which can durably regulate gene expression and modulate cell fate. They had been reported to mediate ischemic myocardial injury and myocardial remodeling. circRNAs can be loaded into extracellular vesicles and released into extracellular space. More recently, it was uncovered that the extracellular circRNAs can regulate intercellular communications, similar to "first messengers." The cross-talk mediated by extracellular circRNAs had been demonstrated to play important roles in pathological processes. Here, we would like to review the modulation of extracellular circRNAs in ischemic myocardial injury and myocardial remodeling. We believe the extracellular circRNAs can bring new strategies of MI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyang Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Wei Ding
- Department of Comprehensive Internal Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Gaoli Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266510, China
| | - Jianxun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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23
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Zhang Z, Wu H, Zheng L, Zhang HT, Yang YZ, Mao JM, Liu DF, Zhao LM, Liang H, Jiang H. Identification and characterization of circular RNAs in the testicular tissue of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. Asian J Androl 2022; 24:660-665. [PMID: 35229760 PMCID: PMC9809480 DOI: 10.4103/aja2021131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed noncoding RNAs that participate in multiple reproduction-related diseases. However, the expression pattern and potential functions of circRNAs in the testes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) remain elusive. In this study, according to a circRNA array, a total of 37 881 circRNAs were identified that were differentially expressed in the testes of NOA patients compared with normal controls, including 19 874 upregulated circRNAs and 18 007 downregulated circRNAs. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, we confirmed that the change tendency of some specific circRNAs, including hsa_circ_0137890, hsa_circ_0136298, and hsa_circ_0007273, was consistent with the microarray data in another larger sample. The structures and characteristics of these circRNAs were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that these circRNAs were primarily expressed in the cytoplasm. Bioinformatics analysis was used to construct the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, and numerous miRNAs that could be paired with circRNAs validated in this study were reported to be vital for spermatogenesis regulation. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses indicated that genes involved in axoneme assembly, microtubule-based processes, and cell proliferation were significantly enriched. Our data suggest that there are aberrantly expressed circRNA profiles in patients with NOA and that these circRNAs may help identify key diagnostic and therapeutic molecular biomarkers for NOA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hai-Tao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yu-Zhuo Yang
- Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jia-Ming Mao
- Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - De-Feng Liu
- Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lian-Ming Zhao
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China,
Correspondence: Dr. H Jiang () or Dr. H Liang ()
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,
Correspondence: Dr. H Jiang () or Dr. H Liang ()
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24
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Wang J, Wang C, Wei Y, Zhao Y, Wang C, Lu C, Feng J, Li S, Cong B. Circular RNA as a Potential Biomarker for Forensic Age Prediction. Front Genet 2022; 13:825443. [PMID: 35198010 PMCID: PMC8858837 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.825443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In forensic science, accurate estimation of the age of a victim or suspect can facilitate the investigators to narrow a search and aid in solving a crime. Aging is a complex process associated with various molecular regulations on DNA or RNA levels. Recent studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) upregulate globally during aging in multiple organisms such as mice and C.elegans because of their ability to resist degradation by exoribonucleases. In the current study, we attempted to investigate circRNAs’ potential capability of age prediction. Here, we identified more than 40,000 circRNAs in the blood of thirteen Chinese unrelated healthy individuals with ages of 20–62 years according to their circRNA-seq profiles. Three methods were applied to select age-related circRNA candidates including the false discovery rate, lasso regression, and support vector machine. The analysis uncovered a strong bias for circRNA upregulation during aging in human blood. A total of 28 circRNAs were chosen for further validation in 30 healthy unrelated subjects by RT-qPCR, and finally, 5 age-related circRNAs were chosen for final age prediction models using 100 samples of 19–73 years old. Several different algorithms including multivariate linear regression (MLR), regression tree, bagging regression, random forest regression (RFR), and support vector regression (SVR) were compared based on root mean square error (RMSE) and mean average error (MAE) values. Among five modeling methods, regression tree and RFR performed better than the others with MAE values of 8.767 years (S.rho = 0.6983) and 9.126 years (S.rho = 0.660), respectively. Sex effect analysis showed age prediction models significantly yielded smaller prediction MAE values for males than females (MAE = 6.133 years for males, while 10.923 years for females in the regression tree model). In the current study, we first used circRNAs as additional novel age-related biomarkers for developing forensic age estimation models. We propose that the use of circRNAs to obtain additional clues for forensic investigations and serve as aging indicators for age prediction would become a promising field of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Physical Examination Center of Shijiazhuang First Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yangyan Wei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanhao Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Can Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chaolong Lu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jin Feng
- Physical Examination Center of Shijiazhuang First Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shujin Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Shujin Li, , ; Bin Cong,
| | - Bin Cong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Forensic Medical Molecular Identification, Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Forensic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Shujin Li, , ; Bin Cong,
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25
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Li P, Xu Z, Liu T, Liu Q, Zhou H, Meng S, Feng Z, Tang Y, Liu C, Feng J, Fu H, Liu Q, Wu M. Circular RNA Sequencing Reveals Serum Exosome Circular RNA Panel for High-Grade Astrocytoma Diagnosis. Clin Chem 2021; 68:332-343. [PMID: 34942001 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvab254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although major advances have been made in the histopathological diagnosis of high-grade astrocytoma (HGA), methods for effective and noninvasive diagnosis remain largely unknown. Exosomes can cross the blood-brain barrier and are readily accessible in human biofluids, making them promising biomarkers for HGA. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have potential as tumor biomarkers owing to their stability, conservation, and tissue specificity. However, the landscape and characteristics of exosome circRNAs in HGA remain to be studied. METHODS CircRNA deep sequencing and bioinformatics approaches were used to generate a circRNA profiling database and analyze the features of HGA cell circRNAs and HGA cell-derived exosome circRNAs. Exosome circRNA expression in the serum and tissues of healthy individuals and patients with HGA was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic curve and overall survival curves were analyzed. RESULTS By investigating the characteristics of HGA cell-derived exosome circRNAs and HGA cell circRNAs, we observed that exosomes were more likely to enrich short-exon and suppressor circRNAs than HGA cells. Moreover, a serum exosome circRNA panel including hsa_circ_0075828, hsa_circ_0003828, and hsa_circ_0002976 could be used to screen for HGA, whereas a good prognosis panel comprised high concentrations of hsa_circ_0005019, hsa_circ_0000880, hsa_circ_0051680, and hsa_circ_0006365. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a comprehensive circRNA landscape in HGA exosomes and cells. The serum exosome circexosome circRNA panel and tissue circRNAs are potentially useful for HGA liquid biopsy and prognosis monitoring. Exosome circRNAs as novel targets should facilitate further biomarker discovery and aid in HGA diagnosis and therapy monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyao Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zihao Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Tao Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qing Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hecheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shujuan Meng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Ziyang Feng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Changhong Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Institute of Medical Sciences, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandon 250033, China
| | - Jianbo Feng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Haijuan Fu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, China, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
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26
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Chioccarelli T, Falco G, Cappetta D, De Angelis A, Roberto L, Addeo M, Ragusa M, Barbagallo D, Berrino L, Purrello M, Ambrosino C, Cobellis G, Pierantoni R, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. FUS driven circCNOT6L biogenesis in mouse and human spermatozoa supports zygote development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:50. [PMID: 34936029 PMCID: PMC8739325 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04054-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) biogenesis requires a backsplicing reaction, promoted by inverted repeats in cis-flanking sequences and trans factors, such as RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Among these, FUS plays a key role. During spermatogenesis and sperm maturation along the epididymis such a molecular mechanism has been poorly explored. With this in mind, we chose circCNOT6L as a study case and wild-type (WT) as well as cannabinoid receptor type-1 knock-out (Cb1−/−) male mice as animal models to analyze backsplicing mechanisms. Our results suggest that spermatozoa (SPZ) have an endogenous skill to circularize mRNAs, choosing FUS as modulator of backsplicing and under CB1 stimulation. A physical interaction between FUS and CNOT6L as well as a cooperation among FUS, RNA Polymerase II (RNApol2) and Quaking (QKI) take place in SPZ. Finally, to gain insight into FUS involvement in circCNOT6L biogenesis, FUS expression was reduced through RNA interference approach. Paternal transmission of FUS and CNOT6L to oocytes during fertilization was then assessed by using murine unfertilized oocytes (NF), one-cell zygotes (F) and murine oocytes undergoing parthenogenetic activation (PA) to exclude a maternal contribution. The role of circCNOT6L as an active regulator of zygote transition toward the 2-cell-like state was suggested using the Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC) system. Intriguingly, human SPZ exactly mirror murine SPZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Geppino Falco
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore, Biogem scarl, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Donato Cappetta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca Roberto
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore, Biogem scarl, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Martina Addeo
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Liberato Berrino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Michele Purrello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Biotecnologiche, Università di Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- Istituto di Ricerche Genetiche Gaetano Salvatore, Biogem scarl, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Università del Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Napoli, Italy
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27
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Small Noncoding RNAs in Reproduction and Infertility. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121884. [PMID: 34944700 PMCID: PMC8698561 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility has been reported as one of the most common reproductive impairments, affecting nearly one in six couples worldwide. A large proportion of infertility cases are diagnosed as idiopathic, signifying a deficit in information surrounding the pathology of infertility and necessity of medical intervention such as assisted reproductive therapy. Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) are well-established regulators of mammalian reproduction. Advanced technologies have revealed the dynamic expression and diverse functions of sncRNAs during mammalian germ cell development. Mounting evidence indicates sncRNAs in sperm, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and transfer RNA (tRNA)-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), are sensitive to environmental changes and mediate the inheritance of paternally acquired metabolic and mental traits. Here, we review the critical roles of sncRNAs in mammalian germ cell development. Furthermore, we highlight the functions of sperm-borne sncRNAs in epigenetic inheritance. We also discuss evidence supporting sncRNAs as promising biomarkers for fertility and embryo quality in addition to the present limitations of using sncRNAs for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
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28
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Khan IM, Liu H, Zhuang J, Khan NM, Zhang D, Chen J, Xu T, Avalos LFC, Zhou X, Zhang Y. Circular RNA Expression and Regulation Profiling in Testicular Tissues of Immature and Mature Wandong Cattle ( Bos taurus). Front Genet 2021; 12:685541. [PMID: 34880896 PMCID: PMC8647812 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.685541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wandong cattle are an autochthonous Chinese breed used extensively for beef production. The breed tolerates extreme weather conditions and raw feed and is resistant to tick-borne diseases. However, the genetic basis of testis development and sperm production as well as breeding management is not well established in local cattle. Therefore, improving the reproductive efficiency of bulls via genetic selection is crucial as a single bull can breed thousands of cows through artificial insemination (AI). Testis development and spermatogenesis are regulated by hundreds of genes and transcriptomes. However, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are the key players in many biological developmental processes that have not been methodically described and compared between immature and mature stages in Bovine testes. In this study, we performed total RNA-seq and comprehensively analyzed the circRNA expression profiling of the testis samples of six bulls at 3 years and 3 months of developmental age. In total, 17,013 circRNAs were identified, of which 681 circRNAs (p-adjust < 0.05) were differentially expressed (DE). Among these DE circRNAs, 579 were upregulated and 103 were downregulated in calf and bull testes. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the identified target genes were classified into three broad functional categories, including biological process, cellular component, and molecular function, and were enriched in the lysine degradation, cell cycle, and cell adhesion molecule pathways. The binding interactions between DE circRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) were subsequently constructed using bioinformatics approaches. The source genes ATM, CCNA1, GSK3B, KMT2C, KMT2E, NSD2, SUCLG2, QKI, HOMER1, and SNAP91 were found to be actively associated with bull sexual maturity and spermatogenesis. In addition, a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis showed a strong correlation with the sequencing data. Moreover, the developed model of Bovine testes in the current study provides a suitable framework for understanding the mechanism of circRNAs in the development of testes and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrar Muhammad Khan
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingyi Zhuang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Nazir Muhammad Khan
- Department of Zoology, University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Pakistan
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingmeng Chen
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Tengteng Xu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Lourdes Felicidad Córdova Avalos
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xinqi Zhou
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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Ji C, Wang Y, Wei X, Zhang X, Cong R, Yao L, Qin C, Song N. Potential of testis-derived circular RNAs in seminal plasma to predict the outcome of microdissection testicular sperm extraction in patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2649-2660. [PMID: 34477868 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do testis-derived circular RNAs (circRNAs) in seminal plasma have potential as biomarkers to predict the outcome of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA)? SUMMARY ANSWER Testis-derived circRNAs in the seminal plasma can indeed be used for predicting the outcome of micro-TESE in patients with idiopathic NOA. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Micro-TESE is an effective method to obtain sperm samples from patients with idiopathic NOA. However, its success rate is only 40-50% in such patients. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Six idiopathic NOA patients with different micro-TESE results were included as the discovery cohort. Their testicular tissues were used for extracting and sequencing circRNAs. Five circRNAs with the most significantly different expression levels were selected for further verification. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Fifty-two patients with idiopathic NOA were included as the validation cohort. Preoperative seminal plasma samples of 52 patients with idiopathic NOA and 25 intraoperative testicular tissues were collected and divided into 'success' and 'failure' groups according to the results of micro-TESE. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to verify differences in the expression levels of the selected circRNAs between the two groups in the testicular tissues and seminal plasma. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Whether at the seminal plasma or testicular tissue level, the differences in the expression levels of the three circRNAs (hsa_circ_0000277, hsa_circ_0060394 and hsa_circ_0007773) between the success and failure groups were consistent with the sequencing results. A diagnostic receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis of the AUC indicated excellent diagnostic performance of these circRNAs in seminal plasma in predicting the outcome of micro-TESE (AUC values: 0.920, 0.928 and 0.891, respectively). On the basis of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, the three circRNAs were combined to construct a new prediction model. The diagnostic ROC curve analysis of the model showed an AUC value of 0.958. The expression levels of these circRNAs in seminal plasma using three normospermic volunteer samples remained stable after 48 h at room temperature. LARGE SCALE DATA NA. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was a single-center retrospective study with relatively few cases. The functions of these circRNAs, as well as their relationship with spermatogenesis, have not yet been established. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Testis-derived circRNAs in seminal plasma can reflect the microenvironment of the testis and can be used as reliable biomarkers to screen patients with idiopathic NOA who might be suitable for micro-TESE. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This article was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant no. 81871151). There were no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjian Ji
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yichun Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiyi Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Cong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liangyu Yao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chao Qin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ninghong Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.,Department of Urology, The Affiliated Kezhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Xinjiang, China
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Comprehensive CircRNA Profiling and Selection of Key CircRNAs Reveal the Potential Regulatory Roles of CircRNAs throughout Ovarian Development and Maturation in Cynoglossus semilaevis. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10090830. [PMID: 34571707 PMCID: PMC8468179 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary CircRNAs: as molecules involved in gene regulation, have become a new research hotspot in the non-coding RNA field. CircRNAs show tissue- or developmental stage-specific patterns of expression and can influence the expression levels of their parental genes. Recent studies have documented the potential biological roles of circRNAs in the growth, development, reproduction and health of humans and animals. Tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) is a marine flatfish that is an economically important farmed species in China. The commercial aquaculture of tongue sole has developed in the last few years because wild resources have decreased. Reproduction is regulated by brain-pituitary-gonad-liver axis which limits the development of artificial tongue sole culture. However, the roles of circRNAs in the ovarian development and maturation of tongue sole has never been reported. The identification of the potential functions of circRNAs provides a foundation for understanding the genetic mechanisms that regulate oocyte growth and maturation, which will allow the efficiency of tongue sole reproduction to be improved. Moreover, our findings extend the knowledge about a new type of endogenous RNA involved in regulating the ovarian development and maturation of tongue sole. Abstract CircRNAs are novel endogenous non-coding small RNAs involved in the regulation of multiple biological processes. However, little is known regarding circRNAs in ovarian development and maturation of fish. Our study, for the first time, provides the genome-wide overview of the types and relative abundances of circRNAs in tongue sole tissues during three ovarian developmental stages. We detected 6790 circRNAs in the brain, 5712 in the pituitary gland, 4937 in the ovary and 4160 in the liver. Some circRNAs exhibit tissue-specific expression, and qRT-PCR largely confirmed 6 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses of DE mRNAs were performed. Some DE circRNA parental genes were closely associated with biological processes in key signalling pathways and may play essential roles in ovarian development and maturation. We found that the selected circRNAs were involved in 10 pathways. RNase R digestion experiment and Sanger sequencing verified that the circRNA had a ring structure and was RNase R resistant. qRT-PCR results largely confirmed differential circRNA expression patterns from the RNA-seq data. These findings indicate that circRNAs are widespread in terms of present in production-related tissues of tongue sole with potentially important regulatory roles in ovarian development and maturation.
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CRISP2, CATSPER1 and PATE1 Expression in Human Asthenozoospermic Semen. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081956. [PMID: 34440724 PMCID: PMC8391270 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of human asthenozoospermia is multifactorial. The need to unveil molecular mechanisms underlying this state of infertility is, thus, impelling. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in microRNA (miRNA) inhibition by a sponge activity to protect mRNA targets. All together they form the competitive endogenous RNA network (ceRNET). Recently, we have identified differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic patients, associated with high-quality (A-spermatozoa) and low-quality (B-spermatozoa) sperm. Here, we carried out a differential analysis of CRISP2, CATSPER1 and PATE1 mRNA expression in good quality (A-spermatozoa) and low quality (B-spermatozoa) sperm fractions collected from both normozoospermic volunteers and asthenozoospermic patients. These sperm fractions are usually separated on the basis of morphology and motility parameters by a density gradient centrifugation. B-spermatozoa showed low levels of mRNAs. Thus, we identified the possible ceRNET responsible for regulating their expression by focusing on circTRIM2, circEPS15 and circRERE. With the idea that motility perturbations could be rooted in quantitative changes of transcripts in sperm, we evaluated circRNA and mRNA modulation in A-spermatozoa and B-spermatozoa after an oral amino acid supplementation known to improve sperm motility. The profiles of CRISP2, CATSPER1 and PATE1 proteins in the same fractions of sperm well matched with the transcript levels. Our data may strengthen the role of circRNAs in asthenozoospermia and shed light on the molecular pathways linked to sperm motility regulation.
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Ju X, Tang Y, Qu R, Hao S. The Emerging Role of Circ-SHPRH in Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:4177-4188. [PMID: 34285509 PMCID: PMC8286153 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s317403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Circ-SHPRH is a circular RNA that can regulate the expression of target genes by sponging microRNAs (miRNAs) or translating tumor suppressor proteins. Recent studies have suggested that circ-SHPRH may play a role in the development of tumors and cancers. Hence, this paper aimed to review the biological characteristics, molecular mechanisms, and potential clinical significance of circ-SHPRH in a variety of tumors and to evaluate its potential as a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. METHODS Numerous experiments were performed regarding the abnormal expression of circ-SHPRH in a variety of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, osteosarcoma, colorectal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, retinoblastoma, and glioblastoma. RESULTS Upregulation of circ-SHPRH reportedly inhibits tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, leading to the inhibition of tumor development. The clinicopathological parameters and the functional characteristics of circ-SHPRH in multiple human tumors and cancers were summarized. Circ-SHPRH functions as a tumor suppressor gene and has great potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Ju
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Second Bethune Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Tang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Second Bethune Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongfeng Qu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Second Bethune Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuhong Hao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Second Bethune Clinical Medical College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
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Ma X, Wang G, Wu L, Liu H, Jiang H, Wang L, Liu Q, Wu Q, Tian X, Li X. Dynamic expression and functional analysis of circular RNA in the gonads of Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 39:100863. [PMID: 34237608 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is a noncoding RNA that can regulate a variety of biological processes. CircRNAs can regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally by acting as microRNA sponges. Many turtle species are remarkable organisms due to their reproductive processes. However, information on circRNA in the gonads of turtles is limited. In this study, 6, 121 circRNAs were identified in the testes and ovaries of Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) using the Illumina platform, and 710 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed (DE). The DE circRNAs included 541 upregulated and 169 downregulated circRNAs in the testes. GO and KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the DE circRNAs were enriched in several signaling pathways, including GnRH, Wnt, FoxO, Progesterone mediated oocyte maturation, and mTOR signaling pathways. Five DE circRNAs were randomly selected, and their relative expression levels in ovaries and testes were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. All of these circRNAs were differentially expressed. In addition, 9, 883 interactions between circRNAs and miRNAs were predicted in the turtles. Target genes of the miRNAs include a range of genes regulating gonadal development. Seven ceRNA networks (DE circRNAs-DE miRNAs-DE mRNAs), including 7 DE circRNAs, 11 DE miRNAs and 20 DE mRNAs, were constructed. The networks included Cdc6, the miR-1 family, the miR-203 family, and the miR-302 family. The expression profile of gonadal circRNAs might help to elucidate the roles of nonprotein coding RNAs in turtle gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guiyu Wang
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China.
| | - Limin Wu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huifen Liu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongxia Jiang
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China.
| | - Luming Wang
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qian Liu
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qisheng Wu
- Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian, Xiamen 361000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xue Tian
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuejun Li
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, People's Republic of China.
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Liu W, Wang Z, Hu X. Identification of Competing Endogenous RNA and Micro-RNA Profiles and Regulatory Networks in 4-Nonylphenol-induced Impairment of Sertoli Cells. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:644204. [PMID: 34084133 PMCID: PMC8167654 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.644204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The xenoestrogens nonylphenols (NPs), which are materials used in the plastic polymer industry, are considered endocrine disruptors in a wide range of organisms. Studies have shown that human health problems, such as infertility and reproductive toxicology, are linked with NPs. However, the mechanism by which NPs interfere with male reproduction is not fully elucidated. Here, we found that 4-NP can result in male reproductive impairment and reduce androgen receptor (AR) protein levels in rat sertoli cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we performed RNA sequencing to assess the differential expression of ceRNAs in rat primary sertoli cells treated with 4-NP. Bioinformatics methods, such as Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and ceRNA functional network analyses, were used to investigate the sequencing data and gain further understanding of the biological processes. Our analysis revealed a core set of mRNAs (Ar, Atf6 and Cbp), and circRNAs (circ673, circ1377, circ1789, and circPTEN) that were selected and validated by RT-qPCR. In addition, the head-to-tail splicing of circ673, circ1377, circ1789, and circPTEN was identified by Sanger sequencing. These findings provide the first insight into the ceRNA expression profiles of rat sertoli cells and reveal that ceRNAs participate in 4-NP-induced impairment of sertoli cell function, thereby indicating potential therapies for both reproductive toxicology and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhaokai Wang
- Technical Innovation Center for Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaopeng Hu
- Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Expression Analysis of Circular RNAs in Young and Sexually Mature Boar Testes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051430. [PMID: 34067577 PMCID: PMC8156704 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Circular RNAs are novel long non-coding RNA involved in the regulation of gene expression. Recently, the expression of circRNAs was characterized in testes of humans and bulls. However, the profiling of circRNAs and their potential biological functions in boar testicular development are yet to be known. In this study we characterized expression and biological roles of circRNAs in piglet (30 d) and adult (210 d) boar testes by high-throughput sequencing. We identified a large number of circRNAs during testicular development, of which 2326 circRNAs exhibited a significantly differential expression. Gene ontology analysis revealed that these differential expressed circRNAs might be involved in regulating spermatogenesis and hormone biosynthesis. Overall, the results indicate that circRNAs are abundantly expressed in boar testes and exhibit dynamic changes during testicular development. These findings will enable the provision of potential molecular markers for both breeding of elite boars and evaluating developmental status of boar testes. Abstract Testicular development is critical for male animals’ reproduction and is tightly regulated by epigenetic factors. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were recently identified in the testes of humans and bulls. However, the expression profile of circRNAs and their potential biological functions in boar testicular development remain unclear. We identified 34,521 and 31,803 circRNAs in piglet (30 d) and adult (210 d) boar testes by high-throughput sequencing, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these circRNAs are widely distributed on autosomes and sex chromosomes. Some of the host genes can generate multiple circRNAs. A total of 2326 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) derived from 1526 host genes was found in testicular development, of which 1003 circRNAs were up-regulated in adult boar testes and 1323 circRNAs were down-regulated. Furthermore, gene ontology analysis of host genes of DECs revealed that these circRNAs are mainly involved in regulating spermatogenesis, cilia motility, and hormone biosynthesis. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the DECs are markedly enriched to stem cell pluripotency regulation, tight junctions, adhesion junctions, and cAMP signaling pathway. These results indicate that circRNAs are abundantly expressed in boar testes and exhibit dynamic changes during testicular development.
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Manterola M, Palominos MF, Calixto A. The Heritability of Behaviors Associated With the Host Gut Microbiota. Front Immunol 2021; 12:658551. [PMID: 34054822 PMCID: PMC8155505 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.658551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
What defines whether the interaction between environment and organism creates a genetic memory able to be transferred to subsequent generations? Bacteria and the products of their metabolism are the most ubiquitous biotic environments to which every living organism is exposed. Both microbiota and host establish a framework where environmental and genetic factors are integrated to produce adaptive life traits, some of which can be inherited. Thus, the interplay between host and microbe is a powerful model to study how phenotypic plasticity is inherited. Communication between host and microbe can occur through diverse molecules such as small RNAs (sRNAs) and the RNA interference machinery, which have emerged as mediators and carriers of heritable environmentally induced responses. Notwithstanding, it is still unclear how the organism integrates sRNA signaling between different tissues to orchestrate a systemic bacterially induced response that can be inherited. Here we discuss current evidence of heritability produced by the intestinal microbiota from several species. Neurons and gut are the sensing systems involved in transmitting changes through transcriptional and post-transcriptional modifications to the gonads. Germ cells express inflammatory receptors, and their development and function are regulated by host and bacterial metabolites and sRNAs thus suggesting that the dynamic interplay between host and microbe underlies the host's capacity to transmit heritable behaviors. We discuss how the host detects changes in the microbiota that can modulate germ cells genomic functions. We also explore the nature of the interactions that leave permanent or long-term memory in the host and propose mechanisms by which the microbiota can regulate the development and epigenetic reprogramming of germ cells, thus influencing the inheritance of the host. We highlight the vast contribution of the bacterivore nematode C. elegans and its commensal and pathogenic bacteria to the understanding on how behavioral adaptations can be inter and transgenerational inherited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Manterola
- Programa de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - M. Fernanda Palominos
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias, mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Andrea Calixto
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
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Gao Q, Wang T, Pan L, Qian C, Wang J, Xin Q, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Xu Y, He X, Cao Y. Circular RNAs: Novel potential regulators in embryogenesis, female infertility, and pregnancy-related diseases. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7223-7241. [PMID: 33876837 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs with unique cyclic structures. Although they were previously considered as nonfunctional transcription byproducts, numerous studies have demonstrated that circRNAs regulate gene transcription and expression via different mechanisms. Reproductive health influences the quality of life and affects offspring propagation in women. CircRNAs have been found to modify pregnancy-related diseases, gynecologic cancers, polycystic ovary syndrome, aging, gamete, and embryo development. It's promising for circRNAs to be the novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for multiple reproductive diseases. With the widespread application of assisted reproduction technology (ART), it has been revealed that circRNA identification contributes to estimating the quality of gametes and embryos, reflecting the success rate of ART. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology has enabled the discovery of new roles of circRNAs. So far, the roles of circRNAs in the reproductive system remain poorly defined. In this review, we describe the classification and functions of circRNAs in embryogenesis and the female reproductive system diseases, revealing potential roles of circRNAs physiologically and pathologically. In so-doing, we provide ideas for developing circRNA-based therapeutic treatment and clinical application of various female reproductive system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyu Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Linxin Pan
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Center for Scientific Research, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiong Xin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Trace the profile and function of circular RNAs in Sertoli cell only syndrome. Genomics 2021; 113:1845-1854. [PMID: 33865957 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies increasingly show the involvement of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in several diseases. This study aims to explore the circRNA expression pattern in the testicular tissues of patients with Sertoli only cell syndrome (SCOS) and their potential functions. High throughput circRNA microarray analysis indicated that 399 circRNAs were upregulated and 1195 were down-regulated (fold change >2, P < 0.05) in SCOS relative to obstructive azoospermia (OA). The hsa_circRNA_101222, hsa_circRNA_001387, hsa_circRNA_001153, hsa_circRNA_101373 and hsa_circRNA_103864 were validated by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, the hosting genes of the differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) were enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle and intercellular communication. Also, the overlapping genes between the hosting genes of SCOS-related DEcircRNAs and those highly expressed in Sertoli cells of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) were enriched in immune cell development and cell communication. Taken together, aberrantly expressed circRNAs likely mediate SCOS development by regulating the function of Sertoli cells and the spermatogenic microenvironment.
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Zhang Y, Zhong Y, Guo S, Zhu Y, Guo J, Fu Y, Li M. CircRNA profiling reveals circ880 functions as miR-375-3p sponge in medaka gonads. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 38:100797. [PMID: 33714082 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been regarded as regulators in the biological processes of various species. However, there is no report about circRNAs in the gonads of model fish medaka (Oryzias latipes). In this study, 1157 and 1570 circRNAs were obtained in the ovary and testis by RNA-sequencing. The characteristics of circRNAs were explored in sequence length, exon composition, and chromosome position. 24 circRNAs were significantly up or down-regulated in the testis compared to the ovary, 9 of which were verified by qRT-PCR. Interestingly, circ452 was highly expressed in the testis while circ880 expression exhibited sexual dimorphism. In situ hybridization (ISH) revealed that circ452 and circ880 were expressed in meiotic germ cells, and circ880 was also abundant in spermatogonia. In addition, dual-luciferase reporter assay manifested that circ880 and Oldnd can combine with miR-375-3p. Overall, these results provide emerging circRNA libraries and open new avenues for future investigation of circRNAs in medaka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Shaoyu Guo
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yefei Zhu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jing Guo
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yuanshuai Fu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Mingyou Li
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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40
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Wang S, Dong Y, Gong A, Kong H, Gao J, Hao X, Liu Y, Wang Z, Fan Y, Liu C, Xu W. Exosomal circRNAs as novel cancer biomarkers: Challenges and opportunities. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:562-573. [PMID: 33613113 PMCID: PMC7893596 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.48782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying high specificity and sensitivity biomarkers has always been the focus of research in the field of non-invasive cancer diagnosis. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles with a lipid bilayer membrane that can be released by all types of cells, which contain a variety of proteins, lipids, and a variety of non-coding RNAs. Increasing research has shown that the lipid bilayer can effectively protect the nucleic acid in exosomes. In cancers, tumor cell-derived exosomal circRNAs can act on target cells or organs through the transport of exosomes, and then participate in the regulation of tumor development and metastasis. Since exosomes exist in various body fluids and circRNAs in exosomes exhibit high stability, exosomal circRNAs have the potential as biomarkers for early and minimally invasive cancer diagnosis and prognosis judgment. In this review, we summarized circRNAs and their biological roles in cancers, with the emerging value biomarkers in cancer diagnosis, disease judgment, and prognosis observation. In addition, we briefly compared the advantages of exosomal circRNAs as biomarkers and the current obstacles in the exosome isolation technology, shed light to the future development of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yanhan Dong
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Anjing Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The affiliated hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Huimin Kong
- School Hospital, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jinning Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xiaodan Hao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yongmei Liu
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zibo Wang
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yuqiao Fan
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Chengyu Liu
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wenhua Xu
- Department of Inspection, The medical faculty of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
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41
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Jia M, Li X, Jiang C, Wang K, Zuo T, He G, Qin L, Xu W. Testis-enriched circular RNA circ-Bbs9 plays an important role in Leydig cell proliferation by regulating a CyclinD2-dependent pathway. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:355-362. [PMID: 31708014 DOI: 10.1071/rd18474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs belong to a new category of non-coding RNAs, characterised by a circular structure, conservation, stability and high expression in eukaryotes. They often show tissue- or cell-specific expression. Here, we identified a testis-enriched circular RNA (circRNA), circular Bbs9 (circ-Bbs9) that is highly expressed in mouse testis. An RNase R treatment experiment confirmed that circ-Bbs9 is indeed a circRNA. In situ hybridisation experiments showed that circ-Bbs9 is expressed in Leydig cells along seminiferous tubules and in the cytoplasm of the TM3 Leydig cell line. Knocking down the circ-Bbs9 in TM3 cells by lentivirus vectors arrested cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of circ-Bbs9 induced cell proliferation significantly. Knocking down circ-Bbs9 inhibited the protein level of cyclin D2 (Ccnd2) and RNA immunoprecipitation results showed that circ-Bbs9 interacts with Ccnd2. Our results show that use of the Hedgehog pathway Smoothened Agonist (SAG) HCl and antagonists cyclopamine and gant6 affects the expression levels of Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog 1 (Gli1), Ccnd2 and other genes in this pathway. Our research reveals that a Leydig cell-specific circRNA, circ-Bbs9, plays a critical role in Leydig cell proliferation through regulating the levels of cell cycle-related Ccnd2. Thus, our results emphasise the important role of circRNA in the male reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Jia
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Ke Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Tao Zuo
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Guolin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Lang Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China; and Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; and Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China; and Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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42
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Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production Alters Sperm Quality. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010092. [PMID: 33440836 PMCID: PMC7827812 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides ATP production, mitochondria are key organelles in several cellular functions, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, calcium homoeostasis, intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite the loss of the majority of the cytoplasm occurring during spermiogenesis, mammalian sperm preserves a number of mitochondria that rearrange in a tubular structure at the level of the sperm flagellum midpiece. Although sperm mitochondria are destroyed inside the zygote, the integrity and the functionality of these organelles seem to be critical for fertilization and embryo development. The aim of this review was to discuss the impact of mitochondria-produced ROS at multiple levels in sperm: the genome, proteome, lipidome, epigenome. How diet, aging and environmental pollution may affect sperm quality and offspring health—by exacerbating oxidative stress—will be also described.
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43
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Wang W, Zhou L, Wang J, Zhang X, Liu G. Circular RNA expression profiling identifies novel biomarkers in uterine leiomyoma. Cell Signal 2020; 76:109784. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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44
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Gao L, Chang S, Xia W, Wang X, Zhang C, Cheng L, Liu X, Chen L, Shi Q, Huang J, Xu EY, Shan G. Circular RNAs from BOULE play conserved roles in protection against stress-induced fertility decline. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/46/eabb7426. [PMID: 33177084 PMCID: PMC7673749 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb7426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large family of newly identified transcripts, and their physiological roles and evolutionary significance require further characterization. Here, we identify circRNAs generated from a conserved reproductive gene, Boule, in species from Drosophila to humans. Flies missing circular Boule (circBoule) RNAs display decreased male fertility, and sperm of circBoule knockout mice exhibit decreased fertilization capacity, when under heat stress conditions. During spermatogenesis, fly circBoule RNAs interact with heat shock proteins (HSPs) Hsc4 and Hsp60C, and mouse circBoule RNAs in sperm interact with HSPA2. circBoule RNAs regulate levels of HSPs by promoting their ubiquitination. The interaction between HSPA2 and circBoule RNAs is conserved in human sperm, and lower levels of the human circBoule RNAs circEx3-6 and circEx2-7 are found in asthenozoospermic sperm. Our findings reveal conserved physiological functions of circBoule RNAs in metazoans and suggest that specific circRNAs may be critical modulators of male reproductive function against stresses in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuze Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Shuhui Chang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wenjuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Chenwang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Liping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences) Centre for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Juan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.
| | - Eugene Yujun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.
- Department of Neurology, and Center for Reproductive Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ge Shan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
- CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences) Centre for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai 200031, China
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45
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Xie S, Li M, Chen Y, Liu Y, Ma L, Sun X, Sun Y, Gao R, Huang T. Identification of circular RNAs in the ovarian follicles of Meishan and Duroc sows during the follicular phase. J Ovarian Res 2020; 13:104. [PMID: 32917247 PMCID: PMC7488758 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-020-00709-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly discovered class of endogenous non-coding RNAs that play an important role in growth and development by regulating gene expression and participating in a variety of biological processes. However, the role of circRNAs in porcine follicles remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined middle-sized ovarian follicles obtained from Meishan and Duroc sows at day 4 of the follicular phase. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was utilized to construct circRNAs, and differential expression was identified. The findings were validated using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and DNA sequencing, GO and KEGG analyses were performed, and potential miRNA targets were identified. The RNA-seq identified a total of 15,866 circRNAs, with 244 differentially expressed in the Meishan relative to the Duroc (111 up-regulated and 133 down-regulated). The RT-PCR finding confirmed the RNA-seq results, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis examining a subset of the circRNAs showed that they are resistant to RNase R digestion. Bioinformatics analysis (GO and KEGG) showed that the host genes associated with the differentially expressed circRNAs are involved in reproduction and follicular development signaling pathways. Furthermore, many of the circRNAs were found to interact with miRNAs that are associated with follicular development. This study presents a new perspective for studying circRNAs and provides a valuable resource for further examination into the potential roles of circRNAs in porcine follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Xie
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, 221 North Fourth Road, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Mengxun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, 221 North Fourth Road, Shihezi, 832000, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction of Minstry of Education,College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yansen Chen
- University of Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (ULiège-GxABT), Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Yi Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, 221 North Fourth Road, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Lipeng Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, 221 North Fourth Road, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Xiaomei Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, 221 North Fourth Road, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Yishan Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, 221 North Fourth Road, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Ruonan Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, 221 North Fourth Road, Shihezi, 832000, China
| | - Tao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, 221 North Fourth Road, Shihezi, 832000, China.
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Liu L, Li F, Wen Z, Li T, Lv M, Zhao X, Zhang W, Liu J, Wang L, Ma X. Preliminary investigation of the function of hsa_circ_0049356 in nonobstructive azoospermia patients. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13814. [PMID: 32894622 DOI: 10.1111/and.13814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), which is considered the most severe form of male infertility, has placed a heavy burden on families and society. As vital regulators of transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are closely related to all the pathophysiological processes involved in infertility in males, especially spermatogenesis. Our study explored the expression levels of circ_0049356 in both the whole blood and seminal plasma samples of idiopathic NOA patients via quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, the relative expression of its host gene (CARM1) was also determined using the same methods. In addition, as circRNAs have been demonstrated to regulate gene expression as miRNAs sponge, we predicted a total of five miRNAs and 101 mRNAs as putative downstream targets and constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Based on the predictions, Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses were performed for further bioinformatics analysis to explore the potential function and investigate the circ_0049356-miRNA-mRNA interactions. Our results show target mRNAs that have been predicted to regulate guanyl-nucleotide exchange factor activity to mediate the GTP/GDP exchange, and downstream targets possibly involved in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, which play a significant role in cytoskeleton rearrangement of germ cells during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Zhen Wen
- Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Li
- Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Meng Lv
- Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- The Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
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Lv MQ, Zhou L, Ge P, Li YX, Zhang J, Zhou DX. Over-expression of hsa_circ_0000116 in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and its predictive value in testicular sperm retrieval. Andrology 2020; 8:1834-1843. [PMID: 32735753 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), identified in approximately 10% of infertile males, is a multifactorial disease whose molecular mechanisms remain unknown. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to identify the role of hsa_circ_0000116 in NOA and illustrate its predictive value in testicular sperm retrieval. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 78 individuals, 58 with NOA and 20 with obstructive azoospermia (OA). Serum hormones including testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and estradiol II (E2) were measured. Testicular histopathology was analyzed by at least two pathologists. The expression of hsa_circ_0000116 in testicular tissue samples was detected using real-time PCR, and the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were predicted using bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS Our study illustrated that the expression of hsa_circ_0000116 was significantly higher in testicular tissue samples of NOA patients than in that of OA patients. Moreover, hsa_circ_0000116 was aberrantly expressed in three different pathological types of NOA: It was significantly up-regulated in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) when compared to patients with hypospermatogenesis (HS). In addition, the expression of hsa_circ_0000116 was negatively correlated with Johnsen score, while it was positively correlated with serum FSH level. A multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that a high level of hsa_circ_0000116 was associated with a low rate of successful testicular sperm retrieval. Bioinformatics analysis and verification experiments showed that one of the most probable potential target miRNA for hsa_circ_0000116 was hsa-miR-449a. Further analysis indicated that hsa_circ_0000116 may be affecting the fertility function through a hsa_circ_0000116-miR-449-autophagy-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We report for the first time that hsa_circ_0000116 may play pivotal roles in regulating spermatogenesis and may also be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of NOA, while acting as a predictive tool for the rate of successful testicular sperm retrieval in NOA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo-Qi Lv
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Reproductive Center Medicine, Maternal and Child Care Hospital of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, China
| | - Pan Ge
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi-Xin Li
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dang-Xia Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China
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Environmental Impact on Male (In)Fertility via Epigenetic Route. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082520. [PMID: 32764255 PMCID: PMC7463911 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 40 years, male reproductive health-which is very sensitive to both environmental exposure and metabolic status-has deteriorated and the poor sperm quality observed has been suggested to affect offspring development and its health in adult life. In this scenario, evidence now suggests that epigenetics shapes endocrine functions, linking genetics and environment. During fertilization, spermatozoa share with the oocyte their epigenome, along with their haploid genome, in order to orchestrate embryo development. The epigenetic signature of spermatozoa is the result of a dynamic modulation of the epigenetic marks occurring, firstly, in the testis-during germ cell progression-then, along the epididymis, where spermatozoa still receive molecules, conveyed by epididymosomes. Paternal lifestyle, including nutrition and exposure to hazardous substances, alters the phenotype of the next generations, through the remodeling of a sperm epigenetic blueprint that dynamically reacts to a wide range of environmental and lifestyle stressors. With that in mind, this review will summarize and discuss insights into germline epigenetic plasticity caused by environmental stimuli and diet and how spermatozoa may be carriers of induced epimutations across generations through a mechanism known as paternal transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
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Wu Z, Sun H, Li J, Jin H. Circular RNAs in leukemia. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:4757-4771. [PMID: 31306100 PMCID: PMC6660040 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In pace with the development of gene sequencing technology and transcriptome research, it has been found that 70 to 90% of the human genome is transcribed into RNAs, while only 2% of RNAs encode proteins. This implies that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may exert vital biological functions and a full analysis of non-coding transcriptomes is needed. Over the past decade, the advance in high-throughput sequencing and transcriptome profiling has enabled the identification of circular RNAs (circRNAs) involved in many biological processes and the occurrence and development of diseases. Accumulating evidence has revealed that circRNAs may serve as new biomarkers for diagnosis as well as provide promising therapeutic approaches and novel drug screening strategies for leukemia. A comprehensive understanding of circRNAs in leukemia is a prerequisite for the development of clinical translational research. In this review, we will discuss the general information of circRNAs and focus on the current advances in understanding the association between dysregulated circRNAs and leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijuan Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Handong Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jianyong Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
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Yang Z, Yang Z, Xie Y, Liu Q, Mei Y, Wu Y. Systematic Identification and Analysis of Light-Responsive Circular RNA and Co-expression Networks in Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa). G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:2397-2410. [PMID: 32398233 PMCID: PMC7341150 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is a covalently-closed single-stranded RNA molecule that plays an important role in transcriptional regulation of gene expression in a variety of species. Light intensity is a pivotal environmental factor affecting plant growth and development. However, little is known regarding photoresponsive plant circRNAs. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression and function of circRNAs in lettuce leaves in response to different light intensity treatments. We performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) on leaves of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) to determine circRNA expression profiles and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to validate the candidate circRNA molecules. We then combined bioinformatics approach to explore the function of the parental genes of circRNA, including network, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. We identified 1650 circRNAs in lettuce, of which 1508 (86.40%) were derived from exons. Using real-time PCR, we characterized 10 validated differentially expressed circRNAs and their parental genes, all of which showed expression patterns consistent with RNA-Seq data. Interestingly, the expression of circRNA was, in some cases, inversely correlated with the expression of the parental gene. Furthermore, analysis of the circRNA-microRNA-mRNA network suggests that circRNAs may be involved in plant hormone signaling and chlorophyll metabolism during photoreactivity. These findings provide an essential reference basis for studying circRNAs' biological mechanisms in light-treated plants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Sciences, and
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, Shaan Xi, China
| | - Yingge Xie
- College of Science, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, Shaan Xi, China
- College of Life Sciences, and
| | | | - Yanhao Mei
- College of Horticulture
- College of Horticulture
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